Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
404. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the caravan loan scheme will re-open again for applications in view of the fact that many Travellers are still living in poor caravans that have passed their useful life, whether it is intended to revise the conditions of future schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19112/24]
View answerThe 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.
My Department is preparing a comprehensive review of the pilot Caravan Loan Scheme upon conclusion of the 2023/2024 nationwide pilot. The review includes engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders to inform the evaluation of the pilot scheme. A comprehensive report will be prepared in Q2 2024 with options for a national scheme to be brought forward this year.
