Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing First approach to addressing homelessness places direct access to housing first and foremost for vulnerable individuals using homeless services consistently or intermittently over long periods of time, and those unable or resistant to accessing homeless services and who may then become habitual rough sleepers. These individuals often have complex high support needs such as mental or physical health problems, addiction issues or dual diagnosis (the presence of mental ill health and a substance addiction).

Housing for All committed to the further expansion of Housing First. A new National Implementation Plan, which provides for a further 1,319 tenancies covering the period 2022-2026, was published in December 2021. To date, 446 tenancies have been established under the current National Implementation Plan.

The acquisition fund of €35m announced in Budget 2024 which will be administered by the Housing Agency, will support the continued expansion of the programme by supporting local authorities in acquiring one-beds properties. In 2024 there is a target of 261 Housing First tenancies.

As with the first National Implementation Plan 2018-2021, which exceeded its targets, it is important to note that the targets in the current plan are not a ceiling and do not represent limits to the expansion of Housing First. 945 individuals are currently in a Housing First tenancy, and Housing First remains a vital tool in combatting long term homelessness.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the composite reply given to Questions Nos. 319, 325, 327, 329, 330 and 331 on 17 October 2023 which sets out the position in relation to the matters raised. This remains the up-to-date position.