Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2017
610. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken to ascertain the level of LGBT youth homelessness; his plans to produce a targeted response to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29716/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficial homeless reports are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.
These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities and produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS), the single integrated national data information system on State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements overseen by housing authorities. These reports are published on a monthly basis capturing details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. They include a breakdown by age category for male and female individuals, but not LGBT status.
The Programme for Government committed to developing a LGBT Youth Strategy and I understand that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has already commenced work in this regard. Furthermore, I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality will shortly commence work on a national LGBT Inclusion Strategy, a process which will include identifying specific areas of Irish society and policy in which difficulties are still seen as presenting for LGBT people. In the event of any issues emerging in that context in relation to homeless policy and management, I will consider any implications arising.
