Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
347. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of action 13.2 of the national LGBTI+ inclusion strategy, for which his Department is responsible, to ensure that the rights and diversity of LGBTI+ service users are respected and promoted as part of the national quality standards framework for homeless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45171/20]
View answerThe 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.
Standard 1.1 of the Framework aims to ensure that the rights and diversity of each service user are respected and promoted. A key feature of this includes ensuring that service users are treated with dignity and respect, their equality is promoted and the service respects their age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, family status, civil status, race, religious beliefs or as a member of the Travelling Community.
An official from my Department who has responsibility for homelessness is a member of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy Committee which reviews implementation of the Strategy.
