Good afternoon everyone.
Today’s launch reflects our priority in tackling the scourge of homelessness.
The fact I am joined by three Cabinet Ministers, Coveney, Zappone and Harris, in addition to three Ministers of State, English, McEntee, and Byrne, is an indication of the scale of work ongoing right across Government.
When we were putting together the Programme for Government, Housing and Homelessness was the number one issue.
All members of this Partnership Government, whether they be Fine Gael, Independent Alliance or Independent Ministers, are fully committed to making a real difference to people’s lives who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
As Taoiseach I have said consistently that it is not tolerable that in Ireland today we have families and children living long term in emergency accommodation.
The shortage of an adequate supply of housing, and its consequences for many thousands of families, is one of the most difficult legacies of the economic crash. Then, the collapse of the housing bubble caused the near collapse of the home construction sector. Rebuilding that sector is a key priority of this Government.
In response I established a new cabinet Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government along with a reformed Department to take on these challenges and deliver real change.
The first action of Minister Coveney was to develop and launch a new Action Plan for Housing within 100 days of the new Government forming.
That Action Plan is setting the agenda and is being implemented across Government. New initiatives related to boosting private and social housing supply have already been launched.
I have said that the upcoming Budget next month will have two aims, to protect the economy and to make targeted investments to improve the lives of our people. Housing will be a feature of that Budget.
Today the Ministers are outlining further details to tackle homelessness.
Our first priority is to move homeless families out of inappropriate hotel and B&B arrangements. In order to do this we need alternative accommodation as quickly as possible.
Minister Coveney will outline the immediate and medium term plans in relation to the Housing Assistance Payment for homeless households, the provision of Rapid Delivery Homes, and the Housing First options for individuals with intensive support needs.
In the meantime, we will address some of the immediate issues impacting on the lives of families and children in emergency accommodation. Minister Zappone will outline a number of important initiatives in relation to families in emergency accommodation.
The most visible face of homelessness is those who find themselves rough sleeping in our cities and towns.
Rough sleeping often results from very difficult personal circumstances and can be compounded and tied in with mental health and addiction issues.
It’s a complex area that requires close co-operation across housing, health and social care providers in order to resolve it.
For that reason, we will be trebling the funding for mental health and primary care services for homeless persons from €2 million to €6 million. Minister Harris will outline what this will mean in terms of services.
Another crucial area we need to tackle is the prevention of homelessness. Keeping people in their homes is a more preferable and better solution than supporting people after they have become homeless.
We are therefore targeting families and individuals worried about, or at risk of, homelessness.
Now that we have this Action Plan, the focus is on quick implementation, monitoring and regular reporting on results. The Government has established a Cabinet Committee for Housing and I will ensure that all Departments and Ministers will continue to prioritise their work on this important agenda to keep up the momentum.
Housing and homelessness problems cannot be solved overnight but they do require a sustained and dedicated effort to deliver lasting solutions.
I am determined that this Government will bring that resolve.
Thank you.