Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
867. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of investigations of homeless hostels carried out by local authorities, by county, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37758/23]
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 local 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.
The operation of homeless accommodation services are a matter for individual local authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum, performed in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009.
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. 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. This regime operates in parallel with the NQSF arrangements.
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. Details regarding the inspection of homeless emergency accommodation are not held in my Department, nor does my Department report on these inspections.
