Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
344. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps taken by his Department to promote and fund dedicated LGBTQI+ emergency accommodation within homelessness services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4565/22]
View answerSupporting individuals and families at risk of homelessness is a key Government priority. ‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’, sets an ambitious objective of working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and outlines details on how the Government is approaching this challenge.
It specifically provides for the establishment of a National Homeless Action Committee. The primary objective of the Committee is to bring together key Government Departments, agencies and stakeholders to oversee the implementation of the homeless inter-agency measures committed to under Housing for All and to ensure coherence and co-ordination of homeless-related services in delivering policy measures and actions. The first meeting took place on 20 December 2021 with the second meeting due to be held this month.
The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO-delivered services. It 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.
My Department directly supports implementation of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy and an official from my Department who has responsibility for homelessness is a member of the Committee which reviews implementation of this Strategy.
