Child homelessness legislation
Deputy Wynne backed calls to reintroduce legislation on child homelessness and said emergency accommodation was at capacity in Clare. Harris said homelessness and child homelessness were major priorities, promised ministerial follow-up on the legislation, and assured her resources would be made available.
I want to speak in support of Focus Ireland's recommendations for the previous Labour Party Bill to address child homelessness, which received cross-party support in this House, to be reintroduced. Emergency accommodation in Clare, for example, has been at full capacity since at least last June. We have a very limited definition of homelessness. That means our figures do not truly reflect the real situation on the ground. The Government said it will increase funding, which is always welcome, but one cannot always just throw money at the local authority and expect it to sort it out. The action teams are expressing that they are doing their very best but we are not seeing increased capacity in a timely manner. The lack of availability of properties is diminishing hope and confidence in people, especially young people and anyone in insecure housing. A direct intervention from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is needed. A good starting point would be for the Government to take these recommendations on board and put the needs of children at the centre of this issue. Will the Government commit to reintroducing the Bill in its summer legislative programme?
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne for raising this important issue. Homelessness is a major issue that we are all working to challenge. Child homelessness is an issue that we all want to see real progress on. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to respond directly to the Deputy on that legislation but I assure her that every resource that is required to help ensure that we address child homelessness will be forthcoming.
Comment on this
This is one of the first occasions on which we have completed Questions on Promised Legislation within the allocated time. Congratulations to everybody involved. Just for the information of the House, I have decided that from now on, I will not pick Members to ask questions who will not stick within the allocated one minute anymore. Bear that in mind, please.