Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
592. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that children in emergency accommodation have timely access to a child support worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2161/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at the local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities with additional supports, including the provision of family supports, provided to families by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland commits to working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and provides detail on how the Government is approaching this as a priority. It includes eighteen distinct actions on homelessness. Two of these actions relate specifically to the provision of supports for families and children and in enabling their exit from homelessness. There is a commitment to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multi-agency and coordinated response, and the dissimenation of innovative practice. There is a commitment to identify and provide enhanced tenancy sustainment supports to families experiencing long-term homelessness to help them exit from homelessness and maintain their homes. These actions are being delivered with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla.
The Government will continue to prioritise responses for families experiencing homelessness and this is being reflected in both strategic policy and in specific actions.
