Family homelessness action plan delayed until September

The deadline for the plan’s completion has already been missed, with housing minister James Browne previously promising it would be completed by June. Picture: Jason Clarke

The Government has delayed a major action plan on child and family homelessness until the autumn.

Multiple government sources have confirmed the plan has been pushed back to September, despite a previous indication that it was going to Cabinet last week.

The deadline for the plan’s completion has already been missed, with housing minister James Browne previously promising it would be completed by June.

“The plan is being drafted,” Mr Browne told the Seanad in April. “It is anticipated that it will be published by the end of Quarter 2 of this year.”

It is now expected that the action plan will be published following the Dáil’s summer recess, with the decision being criticised by the Simon Communities of Ireland.

Government sources have indicated the report is all but complete, with no major sections of the plan expected to be revised before it is published.

One government source said Micheál Martin wanted to “guarantee that it has the funding in the budget”.

The proposed budget is between €15m and €20m, but will require some negotiation during the annual budget process.

The Irish Examiner previously reported that the proposal would contain measures to ensure victims and survivors of domestic violence would be supported to remain in their own homes, alongside new “tenancy sustainment services” in each local authority.

It commits to exploring a new early identification and referral system for families who are considered at risk of homelessness and recommendations for stronger co-operation between the departments of housing, health, and education, as well as with wider family support services.

There has been a significant increase in family homelessness between May 2025 and May 2026, with the number of families in emergency accommodation rising by 18.1% in that time.

Delays to the plan have been criticised by Ber Grogan, executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland.

“It’s a pity that the child and family homeless action plan has been delayed, as it would have provided families with children with clearer timeframes for when the trauma of homelessness would finally end,” said Ms Grogan. 

“I hope this delay means ringfenced funding will be announced in Budget 2027, because the action plan will be worthless unless it is resourced.

“The summer months and school holidays can be especially difficult for parents. Children are missing out on school meals, routine, and structure, and it can be more stressful for parents trying to fill the days.”

• Tadgh McNally is Political Reporter.