James Browne
Wexford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I cannot accept amendments Nos. 10 and 11. The interpretation of "lawfully resident" and "habitually resident" is construed in accordance with section 20A, which sets out the new residency requirements for social housing applicants.”
“The safety net provision is to be provided by the local authority on a night-to-night basis, and this is to allow local authorities to reassess the circumstances each day to determine whether the safety net should still be provided.”
“I cannot accept amendment No. 21. This amendment proposes the introduction of a social housing passport allowing households to transfer between local authority areas while retaining their original waiting list or transfer list position. The amendment as it stands is well-intentioned.”
“No one factor is intended to be decisive and it is not necessary for a person to score strongly on all five factors outlined in section 20A(7) in order to get a positive decision. However, the local authority decision-maker must be confident that there is strong evidence that it is the applicant's main centre of interest.”
“In relation to Senator McCarthy’s amendment, while it was a very well intentioned and constructed amendment, it has been disallowed. It was not my decision on those matters. I am satisfied the safeguards and safety net are there for those who are not entitled by way of legal or habitual residence.”
“In practical terms, if an Irish citizen has severed ties abroad and has decided to return home, the process of establishing habitual residency could be determined from day one.”
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“The lowering of VAT on new apartments to 9% in budget 2026 will also assist in delivering new homes into the cost-rental sector at lower costs, meaning lower rents. Of course, we know the people suffering most are those who have found themselves in homelessness as a result of not being able to get homes to live in, or as a result of facing that notice to quit and being evicted. We have record levels of preventions, but where someone does become homeless we want to make sure they exit it as quickly as possible and, while they are homeless, they are provided with the supports they need. They need more supports than just of a roof over their heads. We know about the distressing impacts of homelessness; for example, it impacts on people's social lives and on their mental health. One person homeless is one too many.”
“This is the highest delivery on record since the foundation of the State and is an increase of 1,256, or 16%, compared with 2024. Over 42,000 new-build social homes were delivered between 2022 and 2025. I am also providing substantial funding to local authorities, the Land Development Agency and approved housing bodies to support increased delivery. The national development plan has committed record levels of funding for new social and affordable homes. A record level of investment is being provided for the delivery of housing in 2026. Since the launch of cost rental in 2021, approximately €2.25 billion in Exchequer funding has been approved for cost-rental projects. Beyond my Department, significant funding is also being provided from the State's Housing Finance Agency.”
“It will take time for a new supply to materialise, given the nature of investment decisions and large-scale residential development. Affordability is also at the heart of Government's housing policy as embodied within our housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, with the Government targeting delivery of over 300,000 homes by 2030, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable supports. The plan reinforces the range of existing measures implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and to rent. Record levels of social and affordable housing delivery have been achieved in recent years. In 2025, a total of 9,089 new-build social homes were constructed.”
“The Government has implemented a range of measures in recent years to ensure a balanced housing market across all tenures, including home ownership, social and affordable housing and private rental. The recently enacted Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 introduced a new national rent control for the first time across all tenancies, which limits rent increases to inflation as measured by the consumer price index up to a maximum of 2%. These changes were introduced to promote greater investment in the rental market and to increase the supply of rental properties, but also to give greater protection to tenants. Ireland is facing a shortage of rental homes, especially apartments. The reforms aim to encourage investment and development.”
“The 2026 capital funding will be supplemented by over €2 billion in current funding to address housing needs. Between July 2020 and the end of 2025, 58,816 social homes were added to the social housing stock and more than 15,271 homes were brought back into use under the voids programme. Local authorities are delivering affordable homes, with funding approved of almost €691 million from the Affordable Housing Fund to support the delivery of over 7,650 affordable purchase and cost-rental homes by 25 local authorities. Over the past five years, almost 149,000 new homes have been delivered. This is significant progress and that needs to be recognised, but we have an awful lot more to do.”
“While there is still much to do, the motion initiated by Sinn Féin Deputies does not fairly represent the efforts or progress made to date. It is important that I reiterate the real progress we have made in recent years, including that relating to social and affordable housing delivery, and to set out the key changes introduced and our plans ahead to scale up the supply of homes across all tenures. The record level of investment for the delivery of housing continues into 2026 with €5.2 billion in Exchequer capital funding complemented by investment through the LDA and lending from the Housing Finance Agency, bringing the total capital funding for housing in 2026 to over €9 billion. This record level of funding is supporting the delivery of social, affordable and cost-rental homes.”
“We must ensure that we enhance supply as much as possible. Supply is a means to an end so that people have the home they need in their own local community. An eviction ban and a rent freeze would have a significant impact in deterring medium- and longer-term supply of rental accommodation. It would act as a disincentive to landlords who are considering entering the rental market and as a spur for existing landlords to leave. As previously stated, the latest data published by the RTB shows continued resilience in the Irish rental sector with ongoing growth in tenancies and the number of landlords. We need a supply of homes of all types and tenures in every place. We are working tirelessly to address these challenges and to implement policies that make a positive difference.”
“However, in the meantime we have to do everything we can while supply is being driven to ensure those who find themselves in a very difficult situation, whether it is paying high rent, not being able to find somewhere to rent, facing a notice to quit or finding themselves in a homeless situation, that we can help them as much as possible. I reassert the Government's commitment and determination to tackle the challenges in the housing sector. The Government's goal remains a housing system that meets the needs of everybody on the housing spectrum, whether it is with regard to a social house, affordable purchase, cost-rental, to be able to rent or to be able to purchase their own home with or without Government support. No one in government underestimates the scale of the housing challenge.”
“It is the single greatest issue facing so many families and working people who aspire to a secure home of their own, be it to own or to rent or a social home. I recognise the strain that can be caused by the scarcity of rental accommodation and the rent pressures that accompany this. It is for this reason that the Government is laser-focused on increasing the supply of all types of homes, including social homes, rental homes and homes to purchase. Only a sustained increase in the supply of homes of all tenures can solve this problem.”
“I thank the Sinn Féin Deputies for initiating the motion and I thank colleagues for their contributions to this very important debate. I acknowledge that I could not be here earlier but I was meeting Oliver Bond House residents at the Custom House, which had been arranged before this Private Members' debate. Of course I will get the transcript and read back over everything to have full knowledge of everything that has been said. I have previously acknowledged to the House that housing is the defining social and economic challenge of our time, which affects almost every family throughout the country. It has been my absolute focus since I became Minister for housing to address this crisis.”
“I wish Deputy Ó Broin would stop putting out misinformation that the funding for regeneration has been withdrawn. The funding remains available. Dublin City Council knows full well that we will support regeneration, just as we did with Pearse House where a solution was found. What we will not do is fund a reduction in the number of homes available to people.”
“Since 2015, the Department has spent over €500 million on regeneration projects across Limerick, Cork and Dublin, as well as providing additional funding for planned maintenance, voids programmes, energy efficiency upgrades and refurbishment works. The Government has made available substantial funding. In terms of how we govern in this country, we govern in a way that we ensure we have a strong economy that benefits local communities. We have to have both. We have to have the money to be able to spend it. That happens through the good management of the economy. As I have highlighted, Montpelier, Donore, An Droichead Órga, Dorset Street and St. Mary's have all been significantly redeveloped. The pipeline for regeneration is extremely strong.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. The funding stands available for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House. What the Department cannot stand over is a reduction in the number of homes. We will not fund a reduction in the number of homes.”
“-----including for funding to support refit, retrofit and remedial works programmes. In the case of Oliver Bond flats, funding has not been withdrawn. Let us be very clear. There is plenty of funding available for the regeneration of Oliver Bond flats.”
“The commitment is further evidenced in the Dublin city task force and implementation plan to prioritise the total regeneration of social housing complexes within the city centre as well as the ambition shown by Dublin City Council in the recently launched Dublin home building programme. There is concrete evidence of the Government's commitment to regeneration at complexes within Dublin city. In the past ten years or so in Dublin city alone, there has been significant spending on regeneration projects, including the demolition and rebuilding of homes at St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, St. Teresa's Gardens, Dominick Street and Dolphin House. Those are just examples.”
“I thank the Deputies for the opportunity to clarify the situation in relation to Oliver Bond flats and regeneration right across the country. I highlight that in 2026 alone, there will be just over €9 billion in capital invested in housing in this country as a result of Government policies. Some €50 million per year is set aside specifically for regeneration projects that require refurbishment and remediation works. That is only one part of the funding that there is for regeneration in this country. Funding for projects is at record levels that have never been seen previously in the history of the State. That must be acknowledged.”
“I thank all Members for their valuable contributions. I welcome the support for the designation of parts of Fingal and County Wexford. I will work with all sides of the House to ensure this decision is now acted on promptly, if supported. I commend the motion to the House and look forward to further engagement on this issue.”
“I believe today’s motion is another key step in further assisting homeowners and, with the support of the Houses, I hope to have this progressed very shortly. I look forward to hearing the contributions from Deputies on this matter.”
“I have met with various stakeholders throughout my time as Minister, including representatives from action groups, along with a large number of county councillors, from all parties and none, and senior management of local authorities. Each group raised important matters including the need to extend the eligibility of the scheme to more administrative areas. I know that many adjustments, such as this designation, are essential interventions. I place on record my appreciation for the collaboration we have had to this stage with members of the local authorities in assisting us in progressing this as it is urgently required. I want to ensure that homeowners receive the help that they need.”
“I will conclude for now by saying that while I am satisfied that the scheme is delivering for many homeowners in affected counties, with more than €235 million spent on the scheme to date, I remain acutely aware that it needs be closely monitored and changed as our experience and knowledge of this complex issue develops. The motion to extend the scheme to more affected areas is reflective of this commitment. This motion, if passed, will bring the total number of counties designated under the scheme to seven. It builds on the Government funding for DCB work that continues to be provided as and when required on an annual basis, with a record €175 million allocated to fund the scheme in 2026.”
“However, based on the average cost of remediation under the scheme currently - albeit in different and lower-cost areas of the country - and the likely number of dwellings affected, an approximate cost of €15.5 million is predicted. It is important to note that this will be incurred over a number of years so the cost in any one year will, in the context of the overall scheme cost, be minimal and will not involve any additional requests for funding from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation at this time.”
“Given the possibility that the spread of impacted homes could be wider than these six counties ,and to be prudent, an additional 1,100 homes are included in the overall 7,500 estimate of the number of homes expected to be eligible for grant assistance, which informs the estimate. My Department keeps all aspects of the scheme under continuous review and I am conscious that since this estimate was made, new information has come to light from the local authority sector and others that means this costing has to be looked at again. This process is in progress now within the Department. The cost implications of the inclusion of Fingal and Wexford is based on the reports I have received and is difficult to estimate with a high degree of accuracy.”
“These necessary changes were as a direct result of the continuous engagement by my Department and the local authority sector with homeowners. It illustrates our commitment to continuous engagement and improvement when it comes to this significant scheme. The memo for Government on the general scheme for the DCB Bill in June 2022 noted the cost estimate for the scheme as €2.2 billion, excluding inflation. Provision was made within the cost estimate for the homes thought to be impacted and eligible for grant assistance within the counties of Donegal and Mayo and the likely number of impacted homes if the scheme were to be extended to counties Clare, Limerick, Sligo and Tipperary.”
“The designation brought forward today aims to further improve access to the grant scheme for impacted homeowners in these areas. I believe the designation will go a long way to address the needs raised by the homeowners in their correspondence with my Department. The draft motion today follows on from the recent DCB amendment Act 2025, which was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in December last. Deputies will recall some of the main provisions of that Act which will also assist homeowners in the newly designated areas of Fingal and Wexford. The Act widened the group of relevant owners who can avail of the recent increases in the grant scheme cap and rates. It also extended the time within which homeowners can complete the works to their houses.”
“Changes introduced by the original legislation include a Government guarantee in regard to remediation works other than full demolition and rebuild through eligibility for a second grant, if required, for a period of 40 years; provision of alternative accommodation costs, storage costs and immediate repairs; a key role for the Housing Agency; the extension of the scheme to Clare and Limerick; the introduction of an appeals panel; and the increased scheme cap and grant rates. In 2024, the grant scheme cap was increased again by the maximum permitted of 10% to €462,000, along with an increase in the scheme grants rates. Sligo County Council also became the fifth area to be designated under the scheme in 2024. I now propose to add parts of the administrative areas of Fingal and Wexford local authorities under the scheme.”
“Building on the work of that scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June. The Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on 23 July 2022. This current scheme included an unprecedented suite of improvements and I believe it still represents the largest state intervention in addressing defective concrete buildings anywhere in the world, with the scheme estimated to cost approximately €2.2 billion, excluding inflation.”
“The areas covered in Wexford cover Bunclody and Enniscorthy, with one dwelling in each location. Damage to dwellings within both administrative areas confirms there are dwellings exhibiting the typical defects as identified in the standard that underpins the DCB scheme, IS 465. Some of the typical defects encountered include disintegrated blocks and pattern-like cracking. The damage is evident to dwellings at various different locations across the local authority areas. Looking briefly to the past, Deputies will recall that the first defective concrete blocks grant scheme, often referred to as the 90-10 scheme, came into effect in January 2020 and included counties Donegal and Mayo.”
“As soon as practicable after the completion of any testing, the Housing Agency makes a recommendation to me as Minister on whether an order to designate the whole or part of a local authority's administrative area should or should not be made by the Government. Both Fingal County Council and Wexford County Council, along with the Housing Agency, have now completed this process. The Housing Agency provided me with detailed reports and laboratory test results confirming the Housing Agency’s recommendation to me that an order be made under section 5(9) of the Act designating a part of Fingal County Council's and Wexford County Council's administrative areas as being covered by the DCB scheme. The areas covered in Fingal are Ballyboughal, Lusk, Rush and Skerries and total 39 dwellings.”
“While mindful of the cost involved and our responsibility to ensure taxpayer funding is appropriately spent, this Government remains committed to flexibility and fairness when it comes to dealing with the situation faced by those affected by defective concrete blocks. Section 5 of the 2022 defective concrete blocks Act provides a mechanism whereby if additional local authorities believe homes in their functional area have been damaged by defective concrete blocks, they can request inclusion in the scheme via the established mechanisms. This statutory designation process can commence following a request by a local authority, or by me as the Minister, to the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency then conducts technical testing of dwellings in each local authority administrative area.”
“I have listened to their concerns directly, as well as to the issues raised by local representatives and advocacy groups on this matter. I am very much aware that while the nexus of the DCB issue is concentrated in the north west of the country, it also affects, unfortunately, numbers of houses in other parts of Ireland. Wherever it does, the Government stands ready to offer financial assistance to help people fix their homes and help them move on with their lives. It is for that reason that I am here this evening to put forward this motion which will extend the hand of assistance under the defective concrete blocks scheme to parts of two more local authorities, namely, Fingal and Wexford. The number of homes affected in both administrative areas is thankfully relatively low.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Designation of Fingal and Wexford County Councils) (Parts of Administrative Areas) Order 2026, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 12th March, 2026. I welcome the opportunity today to outline for Members the motion to designate parts of the administrative areas of Fingal County Council and Wexford County Council under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022. During my time as Minister, I have had the opportunity to meet with many people whom the defective concrete blocks, DCB, issue affects.”
“I thank the Senators for all their contributions. This is a very serious issue and it greatly affects those families concerned. The scheme is very effective. Almost a €250 million has been drawn down already, and that is very much reflective of how effective it is. I support the motion to designate additional areas in Fingal and Wexford.”
“Many adjustments, such as the designation, are essential interventions and I place on record my appreciation for the collaboration we have had up to this stage with members of local authorities in assisting us in progressing this, as it is urgently required. I want to ensure that homeowners receive the help they need and I believe today's motion is another key step in further assisting homeowners. With the support of the Houses, I hope to have this progressed shortly. I look forward to hearing the contribution of our Senators.”
“The motion to extend the scheme to more affected areas is reflective of this commitment. If passed, it will bring the total number of counties designated under the scheme to seven and it builds on the Government funding for DCB work that continues to be provided as and when required on an annual basis, with a record €175 million allocated to fund the scheme in 2026. I have met with various stakeholders throughout my time as Minister, including representatives from action groups, along with a large number of county councillors, Senators, TDs and MEPs from all parties and none and senior management of local authorities. Each group raised important matters, including the need to extend the eligibility of the scheme to more administrative areas.”
“However, based on the average cost of remediation under the scheme currently and the likely number of dwellings affected, an approximate cost of €15.5 million is predicted. It is important to note this will be incurred over a number of years so the cost in any one year will, in the context of the overall scheme's costs, be minimal and will not involve any additional requests for funding from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation at this time. I am satisfied the scheme is delivering for many homeowners in affected counties, with more than €235 million spent on the scheme to date. I remain acutely aware that it needs to be closely monitored and changed as our experience and knowledge of this complex issue develops.”
“Given the possibility that the spread of impacted homes could be wider than these six counties, and to be prudent, an additional 1,100 homes are included in the overall 7,500 estimate of the number of homes expected to be eligible for the grant assistance, which informed the estimate. My Department keeps all aspects of the scheme under continuous review and I am conscious that since the estimate was made, new information has come to light from the local authority sector and others that means this costing has to be looked at again. This process is now in progress with my Department. The cost implications of the inclusion of Fingal and Wexford is based on the reports I have received and it is difficult to estimate with a high degree of accuracy.”
“It also extended the time within which homeowners can complete the works to their homes. These necessary changes were as a direct result of the continuous engagement by my Department and the local authority sector with homeowners. It illustrates our commitment to continuous engagement and improvement when it comes to this significant scheme. The memo for Government on the general scheme for DCB in June 2022 noted the cost estimate for the scheme as €2.2 billion, excluding inflation. Provision was made within the cost estimate for the homes thought to be impacted and eligible for the grant assistance within the counties of Donegal and Mayo, and the likely number of impacted homes if the scheme were to be extended to the counties of Clare, Limerick, Sligo and Tipperary.”
“I now propose to add parts of the administrative areas of Fingal and Wexford local authorities under the scheme. The designation brought forward today aims to further improve access to the grant scheme for impacted homeowners in these areas and I believe the designation will go a long way to address the needs raised by the homeowners in their correspondence with my Department. The draft motion today follows on from the recent DCB amendment Act 2025, which was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in December last. Senators will recall some of the main provisions of the Act, which will also assist homeowners in the newly designated areas. The Act widened the group of relevant owners that can avail of the recent increases in the grant scheme caps and rates.”
“A number of changes were introduced by the original legislation, which included a Government guarantee in regard to remediation works, other than full demolition and rebuild, through eligibility, if required, for a second grant for a period of 40 years; provision of alternative accommodation costs, storage costs and costs for immediate repairs; a key role for the Housing Agency; the extension of the scheme to Clare and Limerick; the introduction of an appeals panel; and increased scheme caps and grant rates. In 2024, the grant scheme cap was increased again by the maximum permitted, 10%, to €462,000, along with an increase in the scheme grant rates. Sligo County Council also became the fifth area to be designated under the scheme in 2024.”
“The Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President on 23 July 2022. This current scheme included an unprecedented suite of improvements. The scheme still represents what I understand to be the largest State intervention in addressing defective buildings anywhere in the world. The scheme's estimated cost is approximately €2.2 billion excluding inflation.”
“Damage to dwellings within the administrative areas of both Fingal and Wexford county councils confirms there are dwellings exhibiting the typical defects as identified under the standard that underpins the DCB scheme, IS 465. Some of the typical defects encountered include disintegrated blocks and pattern-like cracking. The damage is evident at dwellings at various locations across the local authority areas. Looking briefly to the past, Senators will recall that the first defective concrete block grants scheme, often referred to as the 90:10 scheme, came into effect in January 2020 and includes counties Donegal and Mayo. Building on the work of that scheme, the Government approved a Remediation of Dwellings Damaged By the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June 2022.”
“Both Fingal and Wexford county councils, together with the Housing Agency, have now completed this process. The Housing Agency provided me with detailed reports and laboratory test results confirming the Housing Agency's recommendation to me that an order be made under section 5(9) of the Act, designating a part of the administrative areas of Fingal County Council and Wexford County Council as being covered by the defective concrete block, DCB, scheme. The areas covered in Fingal are Ballyboughal, Lusk, Rush and Skerries. This totals 39 dwellings, while the areas covered in Wexford cover Bunclody and Enniscorthy, with one dwelling in each location.”
“Section 5 of the 2022 defective concrete block Act provides a mechanism whereby additional local authorities that believe homes in their functional area have been damaged by defective concrete blocks can request inclusion in the scheme via the established mechanisms. This statutory designation process can commence following a request by a local authority or by me as the Minister to the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency then conducts technical testing of dwellings in each local authority administrative area. As soon as practicable after the completion of any testing, the Housing Agency makes a recommendation to me as Minister on whether an order to designate the whole or part of a local authority's administrative area should be made by the Government.”
“Wherever it does, the Government stands ready to offer financial assistance to help people fix their homes and move on with their lives. It is for that reason that I am before Senators in the House to put forward the motion, which will extend the hand of assistance under the defective concrete blocks schemes to parts of two more local authorities, those of Fingal and Wexford. The number of homes affected in both administrative areas is, thankfully, relatively low. While mindful of the cost involved and our responsibility to ensure taxpayer funding is appropriately spent, the Government remains committed to flexibility and fairness when it comes to dealing with the situation faced by those affected by defective concrete blocks.”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Senators. I welcome the opportunity today to outline for the House the motion to designate parts of the administrative areas of Fingal and Wexford County Councils under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022. During my time as Minister, I have had the opportunity to meet many people affected by defective concrete blocks. I have listened to their concerns directly, as well as the issues raised by local representatives and advocacy groups on this matter, as well as many in this Chamber. I am aware that while the nexus of the defective concrete blocks issue is concentrated in the north west, it does, unfortunately, affect a small number of homeowners in other parts of Ireland.”
“We have to work together to support the co-ordination of the response to homeless issues by Government and the national homeless action committee, which I chair, and which was established in 2021. The overarching objective of the committee is to ensure that a renewed emphasis is brought to collaborating across government. I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge in front of us. I will call out where work is not happening. However, we will engage deliberately where alignment goes off course to ensure it is back on course. In short, I will not accept a lack of ambition or stasis in decision-making in get things moving. Tackling this crisis demands new ways of working, with faster but always transparent decision-making and a relentless focus on delivery to deliver the homes we need.”
“This includes €513.5 million in current funding to ensure local authorities can provide sufficient emergency accommodation and essential related services, including housing first supports, homelessness prevention supports, day services, and tenancy sustainment measures. In addition, €50 million in capital funding will allow local authorities to invest in the provision of local authority or NGO-owned emergency accommodation facilities, developing a more sustainable approach to the delivery of emergency accommodation and ensuring that services are tailored for the needs of clients. The housing plan recognises that an all-of-government approach is required to tackle the issues in this space. It is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.”
“Under the plan, the Department of Health will provide increased health support to households experiencing homelessness by means of the implementation of the HSE national strategic plan to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness. We had a youth homelessness strategy in place for the past three years, which introduced a range of new measures to address homelessness among those aged 18 to 24, including supported housing for youth and shared accommodation schemes. There is more to do in this space, and our new housing plan contains a commitment in respect of a continued focus on youth homelessness. I will be establishing a subgroup under the auspices of my national homeless action committee to focus specifically on youth homelessness. Budget 2026 provides a total allocation of €563.5 million to address homelessness.”
“Housing first has been an important policy response in our efforts to reduce homelessness amongst our most vulnerable. By deliberately targeting those at the sharpest edge of homelessness, the programme demonstrates that homelessness is a problem that can be eradicated. The success of this programme is due in no small part to the partnerships that have been formed on an inter-departmental, inter-agency and local basis between housing and health services and service providers in the NGO sector. The plan also recognises that individuals experiencing homelessness with complex support-needs often become entrenched in emergency homeless services.”
“To further support this, funding of €150 million has been ring-fenced for acquisitions. In addition, recognising that domestic violence can lead to family homelessness, under the new plan, a protocol will be agreed with local authorities to provide that victims of domestic violence can transfer previous time spent on a social housing waiting list to another local authority, subject to meeting all social housing eligibility requirements. Housing first is another key policy response in our efforts to reduce homelessness among our most vulnerable individuals. A key initiative under this plan will be the further expansion of the housing first programme to create 2,000 tenancies. An updated implementation plan will specify targets for each local authority for housing first tenancies in the coming months.”