The criteria used to calculate homelessness figures

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Housing; Planning and Local Government the criteria used to calculate homelessness figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

My Department currently publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities.  These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).  The reports are collated on a regional basis, are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.

As the Deputy will be aware, during the compilation of the March Homeless Report, in the course of examining data from local authorities, my Department established that a number of local authorities had miscategorised individuals accommodated in houses and apartments, owned or leased by the local authorities, including in some instances people renting in the private rented sector but in receipt of social housing supports, as being in emergency accommodation.  As these issues have not yet been fully addressed, I am not in position to provide a complete account of the extent of such practices. My Department is writing to local authorities as part of its continuing examination of the matter.