Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
348. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is an inspection process into homeless services provided by private companies and non-governmental agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24416/21]
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. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities. Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 sets out the purposes for which costs may be incurred by housing authorities in respect of the provision of homeless accommodation and related services.
All emergency accommodation, whether provided by local authorities, NGOs, voluntary bodies or privately are required to comply with standards and these standards are monitored. The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO delivered services. The Framework was 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.
Local authorities also carry out inspections on facilities that are not covered under the Framework. This regime operates in parallel with, and is based on, the NQSF arrangements. 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. The DRHE has advised my Department that it has a thorough complaints procedure in place, and that each complaint is fully examined 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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, my Department has been advised that Dublin City Council and the DRHE have commissioned a comprehensive review of all properties/facilities being managed by both NGOs and by private operators. They have confirmed that this report, when complete, is to be published. They have advised my Department that they have also initiated a procurement process for the engagement of an external body or company to take on the permanent role of inspecting and reporting back on all properties being funded by the DRHE, with such reports to be published on the DRHE website.
