Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien last year asked local authorities to stop enforcing the “local connection” rule. But now it’s back, says one charity CEO.
The Department of Social Protection sometimes pays for burials but not for cremations. For one Lithuanian family, that almost meant they were unable to get a loved-one’s remains home to rest.
“The importance of play to children is clear and is protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of Children via Article 31,” says Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon.
Dublin Region Homeless Executive did not record interactions with homeless people judged not to be from Dublin for much of last year, leaving them invisible.
Lower social welfare payments for people aged 18–24 mean it’s even more of a struggle for them to gather the resources to move out of a hostel and into a home.
The report lays out serious problems with how councils handle claims from people without Irish citizenship, and Travellers, that stops them from accessing shelter even when they are entitled to it.
Finding providers of homeless accommodation is complex, says a council spokesperson. It’s looking for a consultant to advise on how to source it in line with procurement rules.
Talk of publishing inspection reports has been welcomed by those working in the sector, but using a private company to do the inspections has also raised questions.
