Housing Policy

Thursday, 30 May 2024

Ceisteanna (113)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider emergency housing measures to increase the supply of housing to those counties particularly affected by the threat of homelessness; if he will take steps to address these increasing housing needs in order to ensure that homelessness does not become an endemic and that families including parents and children have an option to avail of in the event of finding themselves homeless arising from eviction, or through the ongoing increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a priority for Government. Critical to supporting households to exit homelessness and prevent homelessness in the first instance, is increasing the supply of housing. Almost 12,000 new social homes were delivered in 2023, through Build, Acquisition and Leasing, including 8,110 new build homes, the highest level of new build social homes in nearly 50 years. Including HAP and RAS, 21,733 social housing solutions were delivered throughout 2023.

Record state investment of over €5bn has been made available this year to support the largest State home building programme ever, including 9,300 new build social homes. This funding will also support the Tenant in Situ scheme, with provision to acquire 1,500 homes where a social housing tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. This scheme delivered 1,830 acquisitions in 2023 and was a key prevention measure. For private tenants at risk of homelessness who are not in receipt of social housing supports, the ‘Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ’ scheme has also been introduced.

Budget 2024 allocated funding of over €242 million for the delivery of homeless services. This funding will support the provision of emergency accommodation and related supports, including increased prevention activity. Housing for All also includes measures to enhance family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multi-agency and coordinated response. Local authorities and their service delivery partners will work closely with all households in emergency accommodation to support them to secure an exit to a tenancy.

I am continuing to work closely with the National Homeless Action Committee, which I chair, to ensure that there is a continued focus across Government to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and to ensure that we address both prevention of entries into homelessness and exits from homelessness as a matter of urgency.