Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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197. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to suspend the local connection criteria for accessing emergency accommodation as the cold weather period approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51747/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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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 local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level.  Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities. 

Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard.  When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. 

Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise.  

In terms of preparations for the cold weather period, my Department is working with local authorities to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. These arrangements involve the introduction of additional bed capacity to ensure that there is shelter available for individuals experiencing homelessness who may be at risk of rough sleeping.  Depending on the particular local requirements, local authorities may also introduce additional measures such as extended opening hours of homeless facilities and extended outreach services.

The cold weather arrangements are typically introduced in November and additional funding is provided by my Department to meet the costs associated with these measures.  Since my appointment, I have been working closely with the local authorities, including the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), on a range of homeless issues including the arrangements for the winter period.  I understand that the DRHE is currently preparing its cold weather response which will be activated shortly.  From my engagement with local authorities, it is my understanding that they can and do exercise discretion in ensuring that the most vulnerable on our streets do not end up sleeping without shelter due to a lack of a local connection to the area, particularly during cold weather periods.