To ask the Minister for Communities what plans his Department has to address the issue of rural youth homelessness.

The Housing Executive has statutory responsibility for responding to homelessness, including provision of homelessness accommodation, as such I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:

“The Homelessness Strategy 2022-27 supports the Housing Executive in taking a local approach to service delivery. Homelessness Local Area Groups play a key role in the delivery of the aims and objectives of the Homelessness Strategy at a local level and this in turn assists the Housing Executive in addressing the issue of rural youth homelessness.

Local Action Plans have been developed using homelessness data and evidence from members to devise responses to the local issues identified, including rural youth homelessness where appropriate. Key members for most groups include housing, health, justice and support partners working together.

Building on the work of the Local Area Groups in addressing rural youth homelessness and supporting the delivery of the Homelessness Strategy, the Housing Executive has developed a Youth Homelessness Action Plan.

The Youth Homelessness Action Plan aims to provide a coordinated response to ensure the Housing Executive addresses the challenges posed by youth homelessness with a focus on prevention, support and accommodation options.

Addressing homelessness and housing need amongst young people and families with children is a distinct priority for the Housing Executive and it is wholly committed to achieving better outcomes for these cohorts.

Subject to approval, the Youth Homelessness Action Plan will be published in May 2024. The Youth Homelessness Action Plan will consider any needs identified by the Local Area Groups in respect of youth homelessness and the Housing Executive will seek to develop actions accordingly.”