Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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306. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the progress on the investigation his Department is conducting into the rise in deaths among homeless persons in Dublin in 2020 (details supplied). [40276/20]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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307. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider introducing a system whereby the number of homeless deaths in each county are documented and published monthly given that statistics on deaths are currently only available for Dublin. [40277/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

There have been a number of deaths, in recent months, of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned.

In order to provide a better understanding on this matter, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. It is important that we establish the facts that we can, and that we base our response as policy makers and elected representatives on the best knowledge and evidence available.

It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit homelessness into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.

The Programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. The provision of addiction and mental health supports has featured prominently in meetings of the High Level Homelessness Task Force and in my regular interactions with the Minister for Health.

Engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.

As we move further into the winter months, cold weather arrangements are in place nationally. My Department is providing funding to allow for an increase in the overall bed capacity, the provision of 24 hour services in facilities with meals provided, and enhancements to outreach operations. The DRHE, which has responsibility for over 70% of all homeless persons nationally, has assured me that sufficient capacity exists in services to ensure that no person should sleep outside for the need of an emergency bed.

My Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The information requested by the Deputy is not collated by my Department.