Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if homeless accommodation is required to allow residents to remain for the entirety of the day given the pandemic situation. [42446/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level.  Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.

The functioning of homeless accommodation is an operational issue for the relevant housing authorities in consultation with the HSE.

From a strategic perspective, within the context of COVID-19, my Department is in regular contact with local authorities and the HSE to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place to protect individuals and families accessing emergency accommodation. Significant additional accommodation is also in place to support the appropriate levels of social distancing in emergency accommodation and to facilitate the isolation of suspected cases. Placements have been long-term and operated on a 24 hours’ basis, with food being provided on site.  This has minimised the need for people to be outdoors and potentially in contact with others.

My Department, local authorities and partners from the NGO sector will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that the arrangements in place for those experiencing homelessness are adequate and consistent with the medical and health and safety advice that is being provided.