Free travel for 2,000 people in emergency accommodation

Homeless parents and children living in emergency accommodation will be given free public transport to remove the cost of travelling to school, visiting family and other journeys.

The move from Minister for Children Katherine Zappone is expected to be included in the Government's Action Plan for Housing, its flagship policy document to tackle the crisis. It is one of a number of measures to support families.

The plan, being launched tomorrow, says: “It is widely acknowledged that any medium to long term period living in a hotel seriously impacts on normal family life and is particularly detrimental to children.”

Ms Zappone met various groups working with homeless families in recent weeks. The Minister sought their input into the policy and this has been fed into the final plan to be announced by Minister for Housing Simon Coveney.

One issue raised with Ms Zappone was the cost of public transport for those in emergency accommodation, such as hotels and bed and breakfasts. The concerns raised centred around parents having to bring children to school, on playdates or to visit family.

School journeys

The free travel pass will apply to 2,000 children and adults across the country. The plan says “access to free public transport will be provided for school journeys and outings away from the emergency accommodation”.

“Transport costs have been identified as a significant barrier to normal family life and a burden on parents and children alike.”

Another issue identified is the food available to those in emergency accommodation and an audit of such facilities will be carried out.

While many of those in such accommodation are given meals, concerns have been raised that families are not able to prepare fresh meals themselves.

The availability of alternative venues to prepare meals in, such as nearby schools or family resource centres, will be examined.

Possible venues for laundry will also be examined to allow for as normal a family life as possible. Homeless families will also be given access to crèches and pre-school facilities.

The plan says “the nutritional needs of families and children will be addressed”.

“Some homeless families do not have access to cooking facilities or regular nutritional food, depending on the location of the emergency accommodation.

Family support

“A pilot project to support the family functioning of homeless families currently in emergency accommodation by providing off-site or near-site family time including play, homework, cooking and washing facilities, family support and parental support will be funded by the

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

. ”