Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Renua Ireland)
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567. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter regarding the provision of housing (details supplied) under the national housing strategy for people with a disability; the progress made in achieving these priorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32744/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Statutory responsibility for the provision of housing in individual cases is a matter for the relevant Housing Authority, in this case Dublin City Council, and I have no function in the particular case referred to. The contact point in Dublin City Council is the Housing Allocations Section, which can be contacted on 01 222 2203.

The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011–2016 was jointly published by my Department and the Department of Health, and sets out the Government’s broad framework for the delivery of housing for people with disabilities through mainstream housing policy.

Implementation of the Strategy is being driven primarily by the Housing Agency, which has a key role in ensuring uniformity of approach at local level. A dedicated Housing Subgroup, chaired by the Housing Agency, is in place to oversee and drive implementation. The Subgroup includes representatives from my Department, the HSE, Department of Health, local authorities, the Irish Council for Social Housing and various disability organisations.

In order to achieve a coordinated approach to service delivery, housing authorities are required to establish Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) in each of their areas to facilitate integrated and timely responses to the housing needs of people with disabilities. The Steering Groups are chaired by Directors of Housing Services and include representation from the HSE and the key disability organisations. The majority of housing authorities have now established HDSGs, with support and guidance provided by the Housing Agency.

The preparation and delivery of a 5-year Strategic Plan in each county/city area is a key task for the Steering Groups. The Strategic Plans are informed by the identified housing needs and by broader formalised consultation with relevant statutory agencies, service user groups and disability organisations. The Plans will form an integral part of the local authority Housing Service Plans and will promote and support the delivery of accommodation for people with disabilities using all appropriate housing supply mechanisms. Strategic Plans received to date are currently being collated by the Housing Agency into a draft National Plan.