Joint Statement from Crosscare, Depaul, Dublin Simon & Focus Ireland Welcoming the Submission of the Section 10 Review Working Group Report to the CCMA Housing Committee
Crosscare, Depaul, Dublin Simon & Focus Ireland warmly welcome the publication of the Section 10 Review Working Group Report to the City and County Managers Association (CCMA) Housing Committee. We commend the Working Group for its thorough and collaborative approach in examining the current operation of Section 10 funding and for producing a report that reflects the complexity and urgency of addressing homelessness in Ireland.
This report represents a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between local authorities, Government, and the voluntary sector. It provides a timely and constructive framework to ensure that Section 10 funding is used more effectively, transparently, and sustainably to support those most in need.
As four of Ireland’s leading homelessness organisations, we particularly welcome the report’s emphasis on:
- Improved governance and accountability mechanisms
- Enhanced clarity and consistency in funding arrangements
- A renewed focus on outcomes for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “We believe that the recommendations outlined in this report, if implemented in full, will lead to more responsive and person-centred services, better value for public investment, and ultimately, a reduction in homelessness across the country.
“We look forward to working closely with the CCMA Housing Committee, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and our partners in the NGO sector to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations. Together, we can build a more effective and compassionate homelessness response system.”
David Carroll, CEO of Depaul noted: “We welcome this important milestone and are now keen to see the full implementation of the report. A next important step will be the establishment of the mechanisms and agreement with the Department of Health and the HSE on their future role in funding homeless services. This will be critical to obtain a strong and responsive sector that can play its full part in ending this homelessness crisis.”
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community commented: “These recommendations, including the requirement of a homeless plan within a new national housing plan and commitments to fund such recommendations in Budget 2026 is imperative to addressing homeless and housing needs.”
Conor Hickey, CEO of Crosscare said “The commitment to full cost recovery for essential services is most welcome.”
Notes to editor:
Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 sets out the purposes for which costs can be incurred by local authorities in providing homeless accommodation and services. Under the current arrangements, the Department of Housing and Local Government covers up to 90% of the costs of these services, and local authorities are responsible for providing at least 10% of the costs from their own resources. In March this year the City and County Managers Association (CCMA) presented a review of Section 10 funding to the Minister for Housing comprising a range of recommendations aimed at improving the consistency in use of this funding by local authorities and addressing concerns set out by NGOs and charities working in the sector.