Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1574. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the awarding of the Housing First tender in Dublin; and to provide an explanation for the delay in the awarding of this tender. [42753/25]

James Browne (Wexford, 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. These targets are based on an analysis of need, which involved all key stakeholders and was supported by The Housing Agency. The implementation of the Plan is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), the criminal justice sector (the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service) and Local Authorities, in conjunction with NGO partners.

In Quarter 1 2025, 42 new Housing First tenancies commenced. A total of 866 tenancies have been established under the current National Implementation Plan and 1,060 individuals are currently in a Housing First tenancy. Both 2023 and 2024 saw the tenancy targets being met and the programme remains on course to meet its overall target of 1,319 tenancies by the end of 2026.

The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, commits to creating 2,000 Housing First tenancies to help eliminate long term homelessness.

The Housing First National Office, based in The Housing Agency, manages programme delivery. The Housing First National Office has supported local authorities, the HSE and Specialist Homeless Providers in designing a new Housing First tender. The tender follows a negotiated process procurement format which allows for a fair and transparent tender format while also understanding the service provision requirements to meet the quality of service to maximise the positive outcomes for Housing First tenants. Ensuring the provision of supports to existing and new Housing First Tenants has been the priority throughout the tender process.

The tender and awarding of a contract for the vital Wrap Around Health Supports in the Dublin Region has been completed and the existing resources will be significantly bolstered within the new contract. The Intensive Case Manager lots are in the final stage of award and the DRHE will soon move to the contract awarding phase of the tender for these lots. The exiting service provider has availed of additional support from other organisations to underpin the support offered to tenants.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1575. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the interim fire safety defects scheme, the pilot retrospective building defects scheme and the legislation to underpin the wider building defects redress scheme. [42754/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) was opened in December 2023 for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.

The Scheme provides for the full funding of eligible interim measures in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works under the forthcoming Statutory Scheme. In light of their existing legal responsibilities and ownership of common areas, Owners’ Management Companies will be funded to carry out the works.

As of 30 June 2025, a total of 210 applications are being progressed across 29 local authority areas, representing a total of 19,751 residential units. Circa 76% of units affected are located in the four Dublin local authority areas.

To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Interim Remediation Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway. The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units. The pathfinder process, which will also inform the development of the Statutory Scheme, is facilitating the design of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by Competent Professionals, including procurement arrangements, proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures, remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork.

Grant agreements for the funding of the Competent Professionals engaged by the four pathfinder OMCs are being progressed. One contract has been executed and funding has issued in the amount of €200,000.

Upon execution of a grant agreement, a Competent Builder may be procured by the Competent Professional using the eTenders public procurement platform. The appointed Competent Builder will be required to carry out the necessary eligible interim remediation fire safety works under a Public Works Contract.On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder exercise from a representative sample of multi-unit developments. The purpose of the exercise is to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed. The exercise should also inform the drafting of the statutory scheme. It was agreed that Cabinet would be briefed on the outcome of the exercise before any retrospective payments are made.

On 28 March 2025 application documentation was sent to eight OMCs, for return to The Housing Agency by 2 May 2025. At the request of the OMCs, this return date was extended to Friday 16 May 2025. The Housing Agency is currently reviewing the documentation received.

My Department is progressing the drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. Various issues requiring legal advice are currently under consideration. The General Scheme will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dail's Autumn term.