Children and families finally recognised in new Housing Plan – this must be a turning point says the Ombudsman for Children

Statement from the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon:

“The new Government Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities published today (Thursday 13^th November) finally includes a commitment to develop a cross departmental and agency led Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan in relation to all aspects of child and family homelessness, guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The recognition of the individual circumstances of children and families in this plan, albeit very much overdue, is extremely significant and must be a turning point for children and families in homelessness, or at risk of homelessness.

“Since 2012 the Ombudsman for Children’s Office has been highlighting the impact that homelessness and insecure housing has on children. Earlier this year the OCO came together with organisations that work directly with children experiencing homelessness, including Focus Ireland, Crosscare, Simon Communities of Ireland, SVP, Threshold, Respond, Depaul Ireland and Clúid Housing calling on the Government to prioritise child homelessness, with a focus on prevention. We appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing and met with the Minister for Housing, James Browne outlining the need for robust oversight in relation to Ireland’s commitment under the Lisbon Declaration to end child homelessness by 2030.

“I am very pleased to see that the plan will have particular emphasis on prevention measures, enhanced supports for children experiencing homelessness, as well as measures to accelerate exits and reduce the time spent by children and their families in homeless emergency accommodation. This includes through the provision of tenancy supports. While actions on prevention and exits will be prioritised, the Plan will also address issues currently experienced by children in emergency accommodation including education and nutrition. The Plan will also put in place additional supports for parents and expectant mothers who are experiencing homelessness in order to support the whole family. It is also very positive to see that key stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that the plan will be robust and impactful.

“I have always asked why can’t we start with those who are longest on the list, and try to regain some kind of equilibrium in a system under pressure. I very much hope that the €100million capital funding designated to support the exit of families longest in homeless emergency accommodation is the first step in this journey.

“Other specific measures including amending the Housing legislation to recognise and acknowledge that the best interest of children must be key to decision making, have the potential to make a real impact.

“We are hopeful that now there is a specific plan for children and families in place, we can soon see real change for children who are waking up in hotel rooms, sharing beds with siblings and hiding from their friends that they are homeless.”

Ends

• 13 Samhna 2025
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint
• Ábhar: Tithíocht