Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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306. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a campaign by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the over 2,500 children who are currently homeless with their families which outlines ways of supporting children living in emergency accommodation. [3467/22]

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 housing authorities in addressing homelessness at the local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities, with additional supports, including the provision of family supports, provided to families by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Irelandcommits to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this as a priority. It includes eighteen distinct actions on homelessness. Two of these actions relate specifically to the provision of supports for families and children and in enabling their exit from homelessness. There is a commitment to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multi-agency and coordinated response, and the dissemination of innovative practice. There is also a commitment to identify and provide enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to families experiencing long-term homelessness to help them exit from homelessness and maintain their homes. These actions are being delivered with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla.

In relation to the housing insecurity experienced by lone parents, in should be noted that local authorities are independent in the exercise of their functions and, as such, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. Lone parents are entitled to access all of the housing support delivery mechanisms on an equal basis with all other citizens.

However, the Government is determined to ensure that housing policy addresses the needs of those who experience social exclusion in our society by taking firm action. Housing for Allcontains a specific commitment to a Fresh Start principle which will be of assistance to lone parents who may wish to apply for affordable housing or a local authority home loan.

The increases in family homelessness seen in recent months are a serious concern for my Department and for the Government. We are acting to address this – in the short term and strategically over the months and years ahead. Appreciable improvements have been made on the situation we were facing two years ago when homelessness was at its highest. Over 4,000 adults and their dependant children exited homelessness in the first 9 months of 2021, with data for the full year to be available at the end of January. All of these exits were to homes with tenancies.

The Government will continue to prioritise responses for all families, including lone parents, experiencing homelessness and this is being reflected in both strategic policy and in specific actions.