Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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281. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when funding for the caravan loan scheme for 2024 will be allocated to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23776/24]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.

The Act 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.

The 2023/2024 nationwide pilot Caravan Loan Scheme concluded at the end of Quarter 1 2024, with approval for 80 caravan loans provided. My Department is preparing a comprehensive review of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme following the conclusion of the pilot. The review includes engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders to inform the evaluation of the pilot scheme. A comprehensive report is currently being prepared and will be completed in Q2 2024 with options for a national scheme to be brought forward later this year.