Government to restrict access to homeless services under new residency rules

Plans will introduce lawful and habitual residency tests for access, with a limited safety net of emergency accommodation available in strictly defined circumstances

Junior housing minister John Cummins told the Dáil the move would introduce lawful and habitual residency as eligibility criteria, saying it would ensure a 'harmonised and consistent approach' to State supports. File picture: Gareth Chaney

The Government is preparing to restrict access to homeless services for people who are not long-term residents of Ireland.

Junior housing minister John Cummins told the Dáil the move would introduce lawful and habitual residency as eligibility criteria, saying it would ensure a “harmonised and consistent approach” to State supports.

New laws being brought forward by the Department of Housing will provide for a limited safety net for those who do not meet either residency test.

Mr Cummins said while the criteria will be introduced, a safety net will remain.

“A safety net service will allow local authorities to provide emergency accommodation to that person in strictly limited circumstances and on a night-to-night basis,” he said.

Mr Cummins said the measures would extend the circumstances in which emergency accommodation could be withdrawn, but said this would be accompanied by an appeals mechanism.

Last July, the Irish Examiner reported there were calls from the City and County Managers Association for councils to receive powers to withdraw offers of accommodation under certain circumstances.

This included for individuals or households who repeatedly rejected offers of social housing or if an individual in emergency accommodation threatens the safety of staff or other residents.

While appeals could be made if accommodation is withdrawn, there is no appeal available if someone has their accommodation refused outright.

Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin raised concerns about the proposed changes, telling the Dáil: “Here’s one of the challenges: I could be somebody who does have an entitlement to access emergency accommodation, but a local authority makes the wrong decision.

“Not only will I be denied access to emergency accommodation and left sleeping on the streets, I won’t have the right to appeal.”

Mr Ó Broin described this lack of appeal as being “fundamentally unfair and unjust”.

Meanwhile, Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said it was an attempt by the Government to “massage” the number of people in emergency accommodation.

“What is very clear is that the Government is introducing a very significant change to access emergency accommodation in the middle of the worst homelessness crisis in this state. It is moving to remove access to homeless accommodation,” said Mr Hearne.

Mr Cummins confirmed the changes would be introduced as part of laws to require social housing applicants prove they are both lawfully and habitually resident in the State.

These requirements have already been in place in practice, but the move is being made to enshrine them directly into law.

• Tadgh McNally is Political Reporter.