Dáil Question on supports for under 25s at risk of homelessness

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if she will advise on her Department’s strategy for reducing the rate of homelessness; the additional supports in place for someone under the age of 25 years who is at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply from Minister of State at Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Jan O’Sullivan

I recently published a Homelessness Policy Statement in which I outlined the Government’s aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016. The statement emphasises a housing-led approach which is about accessing permanent housing as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness.

When I published the statement I announced a set of indicators which will be used to demonstrate the dynamics of homelessness as it is addressed. These indicators will give a clearer picture of homelessness in Ireland and, in quantifying its on-going extent, will support the bringing forward of realistic and practical solutions.

While it is clear that a proportion of funding must be used to provide sufficient bed capa city to accommodate those in need of emergency accommodation, it is equally important that resources are channelled to deliver more permanent responses in a more focused and strategic way. The arrangements for devolving homelessness funding to the lead housing authority in each of the 9 regions in 2013 will seek to ensure that the measures being pursued by housing authorities reflect the housing-led approach, that actions are in place towards achieving the target of ending long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 and that evidence to support progress will be presented through the reports on the indicators.

While the Homelessness Policy Statement I published is focussed on adult homelessness, that is individuals of 18 years of age or older, my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is currently overseeing a review of the Youth Homelessness Strategy. T he Health Service Executive leads on the implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy and is also responsible for the provision of health related and social care services for homeless individuals, including some services oriented specially at individuals in the under 25 age group.