New Government plan aims to end child and family homelessness in Ireland

A new “Action Plan” to end child and family homelessness has been launched by the Government, with implementation beginning immediately.

Titled Aire, the plan aims to bring together actions across health, housing, education, childcare, youth services and family support to make sure there is a coordinated response to child and family homelessness across these departments.

The Government say that there is an additional €20 million investment, with measures designed to improve outcomes for children and enhance the supports available to families experiencing homelessness.

The Government laid out the pillars of Aire: prevention, protection and progression.

Prevention will be the priority; the plan aims to help families avoid entering homelessness. The Government claim that homelessness cannot be prevented, but the plan will focus on protecting children's well-being in temporary accommodation.

Finally, the plan aims to support families to move into secure, long-term housing as quickly as possible.

Ber Grogan, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: "Communities of Ireland welcomes the publication of the Action Plan on Child and Family Homelessness, particularly the commitment to advance the 43 actions outlined within one year and the provision of an additional €20 million across Departments. This funding must be ring-fenced to ensure all relevant Departments are adequately resourced and accountable for delivering their commitments.

“It is essential that the Action Plan prioritises prevention and early intervention, with clear actions and measurable outcomes to ensure families receive the support they need before reaching crisis point.

We also welcome the Government’s ambition to end homelessness by 2030. However, this ambition must extend to everyone experiencing homelessness. While the needs of children and families require urgent action, we cannot lose sight of the many single adults experiencing homelessness. We are calling on Government to develop a dedicated Action Plan for single adults, with clear actions, timelines and accountability to ensure that nobody is left behind."

Taoiseach Michael Martin said: "Communities of Ireland welcomes the publication of the Action Plan on Child and Family Homelessness, particularly the commitment to advance the 43 actions outlined within one year and the provision of an additional €20 million across Departments. This funding must be ring-fenced to ensure all relevant Departments are adequately resourced and accountable for delivering their commitments.

It is essential that the Action Plan prioritises prevention and early intervention, with clear actions and measurable outcomes to ensure families receive the support they need before reaching crisis point.

“We also welcome the Government’s ambition to end homelessness by 2030. However, this ambition must extend to everyone experiencing homelessness. While the needs of children and families require urgent action, we cannot lose sight of the many single adults experiencing homelessness. We are calling on Government to develop a dedicated Action Plan for single adults, with clear actions, timelines and accountability to ensure that nobody is left behind."