Written answers
Thursday, 1 February 2024
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Homeless Persons Supports
Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
279. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the drafting of an updated housing circular 46/2014, as committed to in the Youth Homelessness Strategy; if his Department will consult with the youth services sector on its provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4755/24]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
In line with commitments made in both the Programme for Government and Housing for All, a national Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in November 2022. The Strategy aims to help young people aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It sets out 27 key actions to prevent youth homelessness; improve the experiences of young people accessing emergency accommodation; and assist young people in exiting homelessness.
A Steering Group has been established under the auspices of the National Homeless Action Committee to drive the delivery of all actions within the Strategy and ensure that an integrated, whole-of-Government approach will be taken when implementing the Strategy’s actions. A representative of the Irish Coalition to End Youth Homelessness sits on this Steering Group.
The Strategy recognises that there are certain cohorts of young people who face additional challenges as a result of their background or personal circumstances. These cohorts are particularly at risk of becoming homeless and are disproportionately represented in the young homeless population. Informed by research and recommendations received during consultation undertaken during the development of the Strategy, six vulnerable cohorts were identified and specific actions provided for each vulnerable cohort. Young people leaving state care are identified as one of these vulnerable cohorts.
Action 7 in the Youth Homeless Strategy is to review and update Housing Circular 46/2014 on the Protocol on Young People Leaving State Care. Representatives from Tusla, DCEDIY and my Department are currently in the process of drafting an updated version of the Circular 46/2014. Once drafted in it intended to consult with members of the National Homeless Action Committee. It is expected that the updated Circular will be issued in Q2 2024.
A copy of the Youth Homelessness Strategy 2023-2025 can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/69597-youth-homelessness-strategy/
No comments