Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

114. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the breakdown of Covid-19 related homeless services expenditure in 2020 by each local authority that will be reimbursed; when these reimbursements will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31931/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level.   

In the context of the current response to COVID-19, my Department is working closely with Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive (DRHE), local authorities and the HSE to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place to protect individuals and families accessing emergency accommodation. Significant additional emergency accommodation has been introduced to meet the social distancing requirements advised by the HSE, and to provide capacity for homeless households to self-isolate when required.  

Exchequer funding for homeless accommodation services is provided through my Department to housing authorities on a regional basis.  My Department is examining details of expenditure of approximately €15 million incurred by housing authorities on homeless related Covid-19 measures for the period to end-June 2020 in order to recoup eligible expenditure.