Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The increase in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation is a serious concern for me and for the Government. Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Increasing the supply of housing is critical to address homelessness and record levels of investment are being provided under Housing for All to support the delivery of housing. In 2024, over €5bn in investment is available to support the delivery of housing.

Budget 2024 allocated funding of over €242 million for the delivery of homelessness services. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and related supports, including increased prevention activity. Local authorities and their service delivery partners will work closely with all households in emergency accommodation to support them to secure an exit to a tenancy.

Local authorities have been sanctioned to acquire at least 1,500 social homes, mainly focused on acquiring properties where a social housing tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. For private tenants at risk of homelessness who are not in receipt of social housing supports, the ‘Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ’ scheme has also been introduced.

I have also established the National Homeless Action Committee (NHAC). The overarching objective of the Committee is to ensure that a renewed emphasis is brought to collaborating across Government to implement actions in Housing for All, along with bringing better coherence and coordination of homeless-related services in delivering policy measures and actions to address homelessness.