New report recommends staff training to protect LGBT+ international protection applicants

A report recommending new ways to support LGBTI+ people living in International Protection accommodation has been launched. 

The report - produced by LGBT Ireland - was commissioned in September 2022 to help guide the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in ensuring LGBTI+ residents in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation are supported and treated sensitively. 

Researchers conducted focus groups with LGBTI+ living in IPAS-provided accommodation to collect information for the report. 

Policy recommendations include updating house rules "as a matter of urgency" to include explicit statements that discrimination and harassment of LGBTI+ individuals are not accepted, and the provision of trauma-informed training for accommodation centre staff and management, and IPAS officials. 

It also recommends the provision of training for accommodation staff and management on issues pertaining to the LGBTI+ community, and the facilitation of opportunities that would foster solidarity between LGBTI+ residents. 

Commenting on the report, Minister Roderic O’Gorman called it "an important piece of research". 

He said, "Government recognises that LGBTI+ International Protection Applicants need support and measures in place to allow them to feel recognised, protected and safe. 

"While our focus remains on providing accommodation to increased numbers seeking International Protection, this report highlights how it is also imperative that we ensure that accommodation is safe and welcoming and that all staff and residents are aware that discrimination against LGBTI+ residents is not tolerated.

"The report outlines the detail of the lived experiences of some of our LGBTI+ residents and I would like to thank them for sharing these with us. The results of this research provide very valuable input to my Department’s policy in this area."