Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
482. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the attention of his Department has been drawn to complaints in relation to a situation (details supplied) regarding housing; the steps that are being taken to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58714/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department treats all complaints about accommodation with the utmost seriousness and is committed to reviewing and acting on all complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
If a complaint requires an inspection, my Department will arrange for an inspection to be conducted by QTS Health and Safety Ltd on our behalf. If the inspection identifies any issues, my Department will ask the service provider to address them.
If issues of concern are not addressed, my Department has the authority to relocate people to a suitable alternative.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has agreed an inspection template for vacant pledged properties, which includes fire safety criteria. Inspections of suitable pledged vacant properties also take place prior to occupation.
The same criteria, (available to view on the gov.ie website), also applies to properties which a host shares with Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Applicants for the Government Accommodation Recognition Payment must declare that they meet this standard.
