Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

A number of young people experiencing homelessness have come forward and reported that after seeking help from a homelessness organisation, they were subjected to serious sexual assault. This highlights how crucial it is that everyone working with vulnerable people on our streets and in emergency accommodation be Garda vetted. It is also critical that the national quality standards framework for homelessness services be applied to all services and emergency accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and not just some providers, as is currently the case. In addition, services and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness must be inspected regularly to ensure compliance with these standards.

Will the Government commit to ensuring that everyone working with people experiencing homelessness is properly Garda vetted? Will it further ensure that the national quality standards framework is applied to all providers of services and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness?

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