Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2018
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the degree to which regulations are in place to ensure the protection of children who themselves or whose parents may be in emergency housing accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38269/18]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. The provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. This includes operational issues such as ensuring that contracted services are delivered and that arrangements are in place to ensure the welfare of families and their children staying in emergency accommodation.
My Department is currently working with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive to finalise a quality standards framework to be adopted by all housing authorities. The framework is already in operation in the Dublin region.
I liaise on a regular basis with my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, and with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive to ensure that robust child protection measures, inspection arrangements and health supports are in place in emergency accommodation for families. I have also met both the Ombudsman for Children and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commissioner to discuss issues in relation to homeless families. I will continue to work with these stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate arrangements are in place for the protection of families and children who are experiencing homelessness.
