Focus Ireland Raises Alarm Over New Homelessness Bill

Focus Ireland has reiterated its significant concerns regarding the Housing and Residential Tenancies Bill, set to pass its final stages in the Dáil. This legislation marks the first substantial change to Ireland's homelessness laws since 1988, and charities argue it will fundamentally shift homeless policy.

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Miscellaneous Bill which had been published included so many ill-considered measures, it is impossible to detail them all in one press statement.

Director of Advocacy at Focus Ireland, Mike Allen, described the bill as a "Miscellaneous Bill" containing "so many ill-considered measures." A key point of contention is the new requirement for homeless individuals to prove they are "habitually resident" in Ireland to access shelter. Focus Ireland contends that individuals fleeing domestic violence, those recently evicted, or people experiencing mental health crises are unlikely to possess the detailed paperwork needed to meet this criterion.

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This requires detailed paperwork which people are unlikely to have if fleeing domestic violence, have been evicted or are going through a mental health crisis.

Under the previous legislation, local authorities had the discretion to provide ongoing shelter on humanitarian grounds. However, the new bill, influenced by government amendments, removes this legal basis for a "humanitarian safety net." It is being replaced by a restricted "safety net" offering only night-time shelter for a maximum of two nights. The bill also specifies access to shelter from 8 pm and requires individuals to leave by 8 am.

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Instead, it creates a range of new uncertainties about access to emergency accommodation and how vulnerable people will be treated.

Allen criticized the government's justification of "clarity" for the "rushed legislation," stating it instead creates "new uncertainties" for emergency accommodation access and the treatment of vulnerable people. He called for the bill to be paused for "detailed consideration" or for the Seanad to fulfill its constitutional role. Focus Ireland warns that if passed unaltered, the bill will lead to "on-going tensions between homeless NGOs and local government" regarding its implementation and monitoring.

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on-going tensions between homeless NGOs and local government about how its provision are implemented and monitored.