Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
348. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections of homeless services that have been completed under the national quality standards framework by local authority area; if the inspections included private operators of emergency accommodation; the outcomes of the inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38372/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of contracts for new hostel accommodation for persons who become homeless from 1 January 2019 to date that have been awarded to private providers; the number awarded to not-for-profit NGO providers; the criteria used for selecting operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of inspections that have been carried out to ensure compliance with the national quality standards framework in emergency accommodation in 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of full-time staff dedicated to inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38515/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 348, 355 and 356 together.
The National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for homeless services is in place nationally for local authority and NGO delivered services.
The NQSF 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 emergency accommodation facilities is contracted out by local authorities, under service level agreements, to NGOs involved in the delivery of homeless services.
Monitoring of services and the undertaking of site visits under the NQSF are a matter for the individual local authorities. Negotiation of contracts is likewise a matter between the local authority and the accommodation provider. My Department does not hold the details requested by the Deputy.
