Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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222. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing issues of lack of water and adequate sanitation at a site (details supplied); the steps his Department will take to ensure that the budget allocated to Traveller accommodation in the area will be utilised to resolve this health and safety matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61000/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.

My officials understand from Mayo County Council that the site in question is unauthorised and that the Council has been engaging with the families in offers of accommodation over the years. The Council will continue to work with the families to meet their housing needs.