Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
282. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a regional breakdown of the inspections carried out to date under the national quality standards framework on homeless services in private and voluntary emergency accommodation in tabular form; and his plans for local authorities to publish these reports detailing compliance levels within the framework. [39617/20]
View answer283. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details on the level of training given to persons conducting inspections in private and voluntary emergency accommodation under the national quality standards framework on homeless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39618/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO delivered services.
The Framework has been developed to ensure a consistent approach in how local authorities and service providers respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and to improve the quality of services provided. In general, the operation of these emergency accommodation facilities is contracted out by local authorities, under service level agreements, to NGOs involved in the delivery of homeless services.
Local authorities also carry out inspections on facilities that are not covered under the Framework, as they determine to be appropriate. The Standards and Facilities Teams in the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) oversee all emergency accommodation in the region and seek to ensure that all relevant guidelines, policies and procedures are complied with in order to deliver a safe and comfortable place to stay for service users. The DRHE has an inspection regime in place to deal with complaints and to ensure accommodation is appropriate and safe. This includes engaging with homeless families and individuals on issues arising in their accommodation.
This monitoring work is ongoing to ensure the health and safety of the clients who are using the facilities. Guidelines for Service Users in Emergency Accommodation were recently reviewed by the DRHE and issued to clients in private emergency accommodation. The DRHE has assured me that it has a thorough complaints procedure in place, and that each complaint is fully investigated and addressed in a timely manner.
Separate to the service standards expected of providers via service level agreements, all homeless service providers must meet the requirements of statutory codes, in particular the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Fire Services Acts.
Monitoring of services and the undertaking of site visits under the Framework and for other facilities are a matter for the individual local authorities. My Department does not hold details regarding the regional breakdown of inspections carried out or details of the level of training involved in conducting these inspections.
