Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1721. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the estimated costs of establishing an independent Traveller-specific housing agency to oversee the delivery of culturally appropriate Traveller accommodation nationwide; and the estimated costs of delivering housing for all Travellers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. [44348/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, published in July 2019, reviewed the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, and other legislation that impacts on the provision and delivery of accommodation for Travellers.

The Expert Review report, has 32 recommendations across 4 categories, one of which is strengthening governance arrangements. A Programme Board was established to drive implementation of the recommendations from the Expert Group report. The Programme Board has agreed a work programme which includes ongoing consideration of the recommendation regarding a Traveller accommodation authority.

Accommodation for Travellers is provided across a range of options, including standard local authority housing and Traveller-specific accommodation, such Group Housing Schemes and Halting Sites. Costs depend on multiple factors, such as housing type, size, location, as well as individual needs. As such it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate for the delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation.

Addressing homelessness is a priority for Government and increasing overall supply is critical.