Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On targets, I will assess what Focus Ireland is looking for. We have made a very significant step forward in committing to eradicating homelessness by 2030. That is significant and, in fairness to the Deputy, I think he recognises that.

In relation to private emergency accommodation, I am bringing forward new standards in coming weeks. These providers have operated under a type of standards in parallel with the national quality standards framework. New standards will be brought forward as well. The Deputy should recognise that the wrap-around services and supports in private emergency accommodation have greatly improved over the past 12 months. He has been told that directly in his interaction with those services and it needs to be acknowledged.

On Garda vetting of people who operate in emergency services, particularly around what An Garda Síochána does with complaints it receives, as housing Minister, I will not stretch into what An Garda Síochána does. However, we need to look very seriously at what happened in the recent controversies with the individual in question in Inner City Helping Homeless, learn lessons from that and listen to what people were saying at the time. That applies to all parties and housing spokespersons.

We will shortly bring forward the revised standards. I intend to do so in this session. I know the Deputy has an interest in this matter. We will get to discuss the standards in the joint committee and the House.

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