Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
163. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the recently published report into LGBTQ+ youth homelessness (details supplied); if he will implement the recommendations as set out in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29879/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. The Programme for Government "Our Shared Future" commits to reducing and preventing homelessness and provides detail on how the Government will approach this challenge.
Upon my appointment as Minister, I established a High Level Homelessness Taskforce, to provide a forum for engagement with key organisations working to address homelessness. The Taskforce will input on the implementation of the commitments on homelessness in the Programme for Government. The membership of the taskforce consists of the Chief Executives of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, Crosscare, Depaul, Focus Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, Dublin Simon Community and Threshold. Youth homelessness is one of the issues which is being discussed by the Task Force. I will also be consulting with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on this matter and will announce further details on the development of a National Youth Homelessness Strategy in due course.
The report referred to is a report on LGBTQI+ Youth Homelessness in Ireland by Focus Ireland. My Department is currently undertaking a detailed examination of the report's recommendations.
