Written Answers Nos. 494-513
494. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1056 of 20 March 2024, to outline the progress made by his Department in presenting the ash dieback action plan for Cabinet approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17899/24]
View answerA detailed Ash Dieback action plan is being prepared by Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett and is due to be submitted to Cabinet over the coming weeks. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response.
As part of the Forest Strategy Implementation plan, the Minister has established a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to support this work. Members of the FSCC have been selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee have established a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard will convene a specific subgroup which will work as a task force to ensure a greater level of engagement and action on ash dieback and other forest health matters.
In July 2023 my Department launched the Reconstitution scheme for Ash Dieback under the new Programme 2023-27 with the following enhanced features:
- 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate, from €1,000 to €2,000.
- Enhanced replanting grant rates under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
- Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
- In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
My Department continues to issue approvals under the Reconstitution scheme. Reconstitution Scheme approvals have issued for circa 2,000 ha in the past six months and applications for a further 1,500 ha are currently being processed demonstrating increased demand for this scheme.
I would urge ash forest owners who have not yet availed of the scheme to assist them in clearing their sites and replanting, to do so now. They will not be disadvantaged in relation to any further initiatives under the action plan.
495. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made in relation to a felling licence application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway, given observations from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland were submitted to his Department over a month and a half ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17901/24]
View answerAs per the answer provided to Dáil question 931 on 9 April 2024, as regards the felling license application referred to (TFL00162718), my Department continues to engage proactively with the applicant and his representatives. This is a very complex location with a number of ecological concerns which must be carefully considered. There have been a number of changes made to the initial application on foot of environmental concerns raised by my Department and an updated Natura Impact Statement (NIS), Harvest Plan and other documents were submitted at the end of December 2023.
Upon receipt of these documents, they were issued to both National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for consideration. Observations were received from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on the 12/02/2024, while Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) issued their observations on the 01/03/2024.
The observations received from National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are currently being considered. It is expected that the required Appropriate Assessment report and determination will be complete this week. The application in its totality, along with the ecological assessments, can then be considered and a final decision on the application made in the coming weeks
496. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Department can provide a table of afforestation applications received in January 2024 and every month since; if they could send it monthly excluding NTA and felling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17989/24]
View answerAfforestation applications received by my Department are reviewed for completeness to ensure they are a valid application which can be progressed to licence decision stage. Incomplete applications can be received but are not counted as valid until they are reviewed for completeness and registered.
My Department publishes weekly statistics of all licences issued, including valid applications received, on our weekly Forestry Dashboard, which can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/abb8d-2024-forestry-weekly-dashboard/
The table below provides details of valid applications received in the months requested:
Valid Afforestation applications received 2024:
|
|
No. received |
Area |
|
January 2024 |
55 |
561 ha |
|
February 2024 |
66 |
580 ha |
|
March 2024 |
61 |
531 ha |
497. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, due to the collapse in the number of new afforestation enquiries that the industry is receiving from landowners and farmers, if he will now meet with stakeholders to make the necessary changes to the forestry programme to better suit Ireland and promote industry expansion. [17990/24]
View answerThe new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 aims to encourage a substantial increase in afforestation by offering attractive and diverse options for planting, especially for farmers. This government has committed €1.3 billion to the Programme in order to support our national ambition of 8,000 hectares of afforestation per year.
The new Afforestation Scheme offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options including Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry and Emergent Forests. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular, to re-engage with forestry. These include increases in premium rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premium term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types.
An amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare and to remove any barriers for such small-scale planting. This resulted in the launch of the new Native Tree Area (NTA) Scheme in 2023 to incentivise small-scale tree planting. This Scheme is aimed at re-engaging farmers with afforestation.
In order to encourage uptake of both the Afforestation and NTA Schemes, we have engaged in extensive promotion of the forestry options available including funding 42 stakeholder projects. These projects will promote the Forestry Programme through a wide variety of approaches and will engage with the wider community to highlight the benefits of forests as a source of biodiversity, enjoyment and inspiration.
A targeted media campaign was rolled out across all media and will continue throughout 2024. More than 1,000 people attended 20 Teagasc-led in-person meetings for the public on the new Afforestation Scheme throughout the country and Teagasc will continue to promote forestry. In addition, my officials are meeting regularly with professional foresters to provide information and any training needed.
Minister of State Hackett has established a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC) to support this work. Members of the FSCC have been selected from a broad range of relevant stakeholders. This Committee will establish a range of sub-groups to inform its activities, and in this regard an Afforestation Technical Working Group has been established which will meet regularly to address any issues with the Afforestation and NTA Schemes as they arise.
I recognise that planting at the scale required is a challenge but believe that it is in all our interests to work towards this target. It will require a concerted and united effort from all those interested in forestry across communities, public bodies, the forestry sector and farmers to make this a reality.
Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners and building confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry will be key to increasing afforestation rates on recent low trends. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to facilitate further momentum towards increased planting.
498. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what research has been carried out on the link between the decline in the sea trout population and sprat fishing in south Kerry; what the allowable by-catch is as a percentage of the total sprat catch in south Kerry; the volume of the total sprat for each of the years since 2007 in south Kerry, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18010/24]
View answerThe responsibility for sea trout conservation comes within the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council (as amended) on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures (the Technical Measures Regulation) sets out the rules on how, where and when fishers may fish and also includes rules on gear, catch composition and ways to deal with accidental catches.
Under the Technical Measures Regulation, it is prohibited to fish for, retain on board, tranship, land, store, sell, display or offer for sale sea trout when fishing with any towed net within the waters outside the six-mile limit measured from Member States’ baselines in ICES sub-areas 1, 2 and 4-10 (Union waters). This would include the waters around South Kerry that are outside the six nautical mile limit as measured from the baselines.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the single legal competent authority responsible for the collection and reporting of fish landings into Ireland. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question on the total volume of landings of sprat in South Kerry for each of the years since 2007 in tabular form to the SFPA and have asked them to revert directly to the Deputy with the figures requested.
499. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the current law regarding mesh size in the brailers for use in the south Kerry region; if the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency monitor the use of brailers to ensure mesh size requirements are being adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18011/24]
View answerThe minimum mesh size requirements for different gear types are set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council (as amended) on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures, also known as the Technical Measures Regulation. Technical measures are rules on how, where and when fishers may fish and also include gear, catch composition and ways to deal with accidental catches. Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 sets out the technical measures for the North Western Waters area, which includes the waters around Ireland.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service.
As Minister, I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to law enforcement. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s query to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
500. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 541, 542 and 543 of 16 April 2024, the annual cost of staffing of the forestry division, forest sector development and forestry inspectorate division for 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, by each respective grade/role, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18063/24]
View answerThe table below provides an overview on the yearly pay costs, based on the midpoints of individual salary scales, including travel and subsistence and overtime, of the three forestry divisions in my Department for the years in question. For this reason, the total yearly cost for 2022 and 2023 as well as the cost up to 31 March 2024 is as follows:
|
Year |
Overall total cost of Salaries, Travel & subsistence and Overtime |
|
2022 |
€ 8,984,199 |
|
2023 |
€ 10,259,177 |
|
To 31 March 2024 |
€ 2,513,318 |
The table below shows the current FTE staff working across the three forestry divisions. This provides a snapshot of the staff complement at a point in time. As explained, these figures are not static and fluctuate due to staff movements, promotions and transfers during the year.
|
Grade/Role |
Admin* |
FSD |
Inspectorate |
Total |
|
Director of Forestry |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
|
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1 |
|
3 |
8 |
11 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 2 |
|
2 |
12 |
14 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 3 |
|
4 |
32 |
36 |
|
Forest Insp G3 (archaeologist) |
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
Forest Insp G3 (ecologist) |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
Forest Isp G3 (engineer) |
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
AAI (ecologist) |
|
|
6 |
6 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4.8 |
1 |
|
5.8 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
14.4 |
1 |
|
15.4 |
|
Executive Officer |
31.19 |
1 |
4 |
36.19 |
|
Clerical Officer |
40.45 |
|
|
40.45 |
|
Total |
92.84 |
13 |
69 |
174.84 |
*Please note, as not all staff in the Admin Division are working full time, the figures listed in the table represent the number of hours a staff member works, rather than the number of staff in the Division. Figures presented therefore show the number of permanent full-time equivalent staff.
501. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will refer matters raised in an email (details supplied) to the HSE estate management team for a review (details supplied); and if he will provide an update. [17490/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
502. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is considering filling vacancies as notified by the owners for an accommodation establishment in County Leitrim (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/24]
View answerThe efforts and contributions of individuals, volunteers, communities, local authorities and NGOs across the country in welcoming and supporting those fleeing the war in Ukraine have been truly remarkable. The standard and scale of the humanitarian response is due to such efforts and is to be commended. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.
Each accommodation provider who has a contract with my Department to provide accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) is required to notify my officials of any vacancies at the accommodation regularly by sending a weekly register via email to a designated mailbox. The accommodation provider for which details have been supplied is one of our contracted providers and has notified my Department of vacancies at that accommodation by sending a weekly vacancies register.
There are a number of circumstances, however, under which vacancies cannot be used in the short term and must be paused. Where an issue has been raised with my Department such that the provider’s offering is under review, vacancies notified by that accommodation provider will not be filled until these matters are resolved to ensure the safety and security of BOTPs. My Department’s Compliance team continues to engage with the provider to which the Deputy refers, and will complete their review once all relevant documentation has been received and fully assessed for compliance with contractual terms.
Vacancies can only be fully validated and determined suitable for use, however, when moves into the vacancies are imminent. Due to varying room configurations and geographical location, some vacancies may take longer to fill then others given they are utilised to meet the specific requirements of individuals and family groups of BOTPs.
503. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in privately residential care for unaccompanied minors; the number that have not been visited by a social worker since their initial assessment; the number that have been visited by a social worker only once since their initial assessment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/24]
View answerStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
504. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action his Department is taking to safeguard children in privately residential care for unaccompanied minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/24]
View answerStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
505. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action he will take on foot of reports of children being discharged at Tusla headquarters from privately residential care for unaccompanied minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17329/24]
View answerStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
506. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of survivors estimated to be eligible for the mother and baby institute redress scheme; his Department's work in reaching out to survivors to make them aware of the scheme; and the number of applications submitted to date. [17354/24]
View answerThe Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, which opened on 20 March, will benefit an estimated 34,000 people who spent time in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions and is projected to cost approximately €800 million over its full lifetime.
As at Sunday, 14 April, 1,345 complete applications have been received and are being processed. This is in addition to a number of incomplete applications where applicants may have, for example, submitted their application online but chosen to send in their certified ID by post or may be getting some support from the Payment Scheme Office where they have forgotten to complete a field or attach supporting documents.
The easiest way to apply to the Scheme is using the online application portal. Hard copy applications forms are available from the Payment Scheme Office, all Citizens Information Centres and all local libraries. Survivors outside Ireland can download a copy of the application form from www.gov.ie/paymentscheme, or get one from their local Irish Embassy or Consulate.
All information on the Scheme, and how to apply, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and straightforward information and videos on the application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice if they need it.
An extensive information awareness campaign is underway both in Ireland and abroad. Here in Ireland, a number of channels are being employed, including national radio and print ads, local radio and print ads, paid social media activity, digital ads as well as on-the-ground elements such as poster drops to libraries and community centres. Similar activity, apart from radio advertising, is also underway in Britain, USA and Australia, including in-person events led by my officials in England last week.
507. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of youth workers per education and training board area and youth worker vacancies per ETB area. [17369/24]
View answerMy Department does not collate the information requested by the Deputy.
Funding provided by my Department to the Education and Training Boards does not directly fund youth worker posts or salaries; rather, it is allocated on a 'provision of service' basis to meet the needs of the youth population in an area. The recruitment and employment of staff including youth workers is a matter for the youth organisations and services in receipt of funding.
508. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to reports (details supplied) whereby a child with complex needs was placed in a special emergency arrangement, despite concerns that this setting may exacerbate their self-harming behaviours; the steps being taken by his Department to ensure children with complex needs have a stable, appropriate and regulated placement, particularly in relation to increasing the number of special care placements available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/24]
View answerBoth Tusla and I are concerned about that Agency’s reliance on Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs), and share a common aim to meet the needs of these children in mainstream alternative care placements. I am advised by Tusla that its procedures ensure SEAs are only utilised in exceptional circumstances where no alternative care placement is available. This can occur in circumstances where a child requires a place of immediate safety, including as a result of a placement breakdown, and where no mainstream alternative care placement is available for the child in the short term, either alone or with their sibling group.
Every effort is being made by Tusla, supported by my Department, to ensure the availability of suitable alternative care placements for children in care, which will in turn reduce Tusla’s reliance on SEAs. In this regard, an increase to the Foster Care Allowance in 2024 was secured in Budget 2024 in order to support the recruitment and retention of foster carers. That Budget also provided for the largest year on year increase to Tusla’s allocation, since the establishment of that Agency. Tusla’s budget in 2024 will exceed €1.1bn. This increase includes additional funding for Tusla in 2024 in relation to residential care. In addition, Tusla’s Strategic Plan on Residential Care outlines plans for increased residential care capacity over the 2022-2025.
With specific regard to capacity in the special care service, Tusla has statutory responsibility for the operation of special care, and for the provision of special care beds. Tusla have advised that the total combined capacity of Special Care Units is 26, and that at present the current maximum occupancy in these Units is 15. Every effort is being made by Tusla to support the provision of appropriate care to vulnerable children, including special care where appropriate, and to support access to and egress from the special care service. Tusla is progressing a number of initiatives to support the recruitment and retention of staff in special care, which is currently a primary limiting factor on the maximum number of beds that may be occupied in these units.
Tusla has advised that there is a dedicated recruitment team responsible for bespoke and rolling recruitment campaigns for special care on the Tusla website, and a graduate recruitment program to attract Social Care Workers to the service. Tusla has also progressed a number of initiatives focussed on workforce stabilisation, including allowing for the permanent placement of staff in temporary higher appointments, and the conversion of agency staff to become permanent employees of Tusla. Special care services are also involved in a group which is investigating the potential recruitment of social care workers through an apprenticeship model programme. Tusla has also made extensive efforts to address the challenge of staff retention, in the challenging working environment that is special care. It has advised that a Violence Harassment and Aggression Working Group was established in 2023, and that this Group has identified several initiatives that are being implemented in 2024.
While the operation of special care and the provision of special care beds is the statutory responsibility of Tusla, my Department is actively engaging with Tusla in relation to the issues impacting on special care, and will continue to provide whatever support to Tusla that is necessary to address the current very significant challenges impacting on this service, within the two organisations’ respective roles. In this regard, my Department and Tusla have established a Special Care Planning Group to support Tusla’s consideration of the future configuration of the special care service in Ireland.
Both Tusla and my Department are well aware of the challenges in special care. My Department and Tusla share the Deputy’s concern that children in the care of the State, of whom those requiring special care are perhaps the most vulnerable, should have access to a special care place when they need it.
509. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to statements attributed to Tusla’s acting head of practice assurance reported in the media (details supplied) of “immediate safeguarding concerns” within special emergency arrangements; to respond to Tusla audit reports outlining a “lack of recording of child protection matters” by one provider of these arrangements; the interventions his Department has made to ensure the welfare and protection of these children is upheld; if his Department believes children in these placements should have their own bedroom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17398/24]
View answerTusla are working to reduce reliance on Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs). In the interim, specific measures are being taken by Tusla, supported by the Department, to promote and support the quality and safety of these placements.
In this regard, Tusla have developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for these placements, which detail extensive checks that any prospective SEA provider must adhere to, including in relation to records management and staff vetting. As outlined in the SOP for SEAs, upon the establishment of an SEA a provider is issued with a guidance document from Tusla which outlines their obligations under data protection and the nature of records held. In addition to this each SEA provider is given instruction as to the types of records to be collected or processed by it when providing the service.
Tusla have also introduced a Central Compliance Unit with specific regard to monitoring SEAs, and have implemented a national approval process for new providers. All providers are required to have completed training in relation to the Children First Act (2015), which provides clear statutory obligations on relevant services. Through contracts between Tusla and commissioned services, compliance with Garda vetting and child safeguarding statements is reviewed and monitored by Tusla on a going basis.
In addition, Tusla’s Practice Assurance and Service Management (PASM) team alongside the Alternative Care Inspection Monitoring Service (ACIMS), which support Tulsa’s local social work and regional teams through a schedule of intelligence-led monitoring visits to individual private providers. Young people in special emergency arrangements are visited weekly by a social worker or delegated person to have their voice heard and check on the care being provided.
Where any safeguarding concerns are identified within an SEA, Tusla takes immediate and swift action to address them directly with the provider in order to come to a resolution that is in the best interest of the children and young people in care.
Tusla has, in the past year, identified private providers who have not met our standards with respect to validated staff training, qualifications, references and vetting and the Agency subsequently ceased engaging with them as providers. Where we have significant cause for concern, such as a case of suspected fraud or serious wrongdoing, Tusla will refer it to An Garda Síochána (AGS).
I am informed by Tusla that, based on assessed needs of Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs) and Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) who have been accommodated in an SEA, it is often the case that these young people will share a bedroom. However, I am assured that these children will have an individual bed.
Tusla has indicated that it is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children in the care of the State. I and my Department are aware of these challenges, and those outlined in recent media articles, and are committed to continuing to provide whatever support to Tusla is necessary to address them. Both Tusla and my Department share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in appropriate mainstream alternative care placements.
510. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to statements attributed to Tusla’s acting head of practice assurance reported in the media (details supplied) that some providers of special emergency arrangements do not have plans in place for when a child goes missing from their accommodation; if his Department will investigate if safeguarding procedures outlined in the Joint Protocol between An Garda Síochána and Tusla and the Children’s First Act 2015 are being adhered to by private providers of special emergency arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17399/24]
View answerTusla prepares an Absence Management Plan for each child in care. In the case of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIPs) and Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs), absence management plans are completed on the day of placement by the Tusla SCSIP Intake and Assessment Team.
The Joint Protocol between An Garda Síochána and Tusla sets out how social workers and social care workers should make a report of a missing child in care. The Gardaí have primary responsibility for investigating once a child is reported missing. Throughout the Garda investigation, Tusla staff and carers maintain regular contact with the Gardaí, pass on all relevant information and assist in the safe return of the child. The Joint Protocol is currently being reviewed and updated.
I understand that most of the children and young people reported missing return to their placement after a brief period of time. It is important to note that where a child is absent from their residential care placement for more than 15 minutes they may be reported as ‘missing’ from care under the Joint Protocol. This could be for a range of reasons, such as missing their curfew or not returning to their placement at an agreed time. In addition, some UAMs who go missing from care communicate their intention to travel on to other countries to join family members, and some indicate that it was never their intention to remain in Ireland and leave soon after they arrive in the country. Nonetheless, for those who do not subsequently make Tusla aware of their whereabouts, these young people are counted as missing and Tusla notifies AGS accordingly.
For those children who are in the care of Tusla regardless of whether the setting is privately run, there are safeguarding measures in place. These include Tusla’s Practice Assurance and Service Management (PASM) team alongside the Alternative Care Inspection Monitoring Service (ACIMS), which support Tulsa’s local social work and regional teams through a schedule of intelligence-led monitoring visits to individual private providers. Tusla completes monitoring visits to SEAs in each of the six Tusla regions and to the National Service for SCSIPs. The purpose of these visits is to provide an assurance that an acceptable temporary arrangement is in place. A particular emphasis of these visits is to meet and consult with the young people in these arrangements to ensure their views are gathered and considered, to assess if there are any safety concerns for the children and young people, and to advise where service improvement is required.
Tusla has advised that, where any concerns are identified, the Agency takes immediate and swift action to address them directly with the provider in order to come to a resolution that is in the best interest of the children and young people in care. Where issues and concerns have been identified, service improvement measures have, and continue to be, put in place. Where any safeguarding concerns are identified on a PASM monitoring visit, these are escalated to operational teams for immediate action, and identified significant risks are escalated to the relevant regional management, and/or the Agency’s Executive Management Team for follow-up as appropriate.
Tusla has, in the past year, identified private providers who have not met its standards with respect to validated staff training, qualifications, references and vetting and the Agency subsequently ceased engaging with them as providers. Where Tusla has a significant cause for concern, such as a case of suspected fraud or serious wrongdoing, Tusla will refer it to An Garda Síochána (AGS).
Finally, Tusla has informed me that it is currently finalising a Standard Operating Procedure for SEAs for SCSIPs.
511. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to public health concerns raised by Tusla’s acting head of practice assurance and reported in the media (details supplied) of “high occupancy rates” in special emergency arrangements, reports of bed bugs and scabies infestations in some settings and findings of “obvious health and safety hazards” at one special emergency setting; the plans his Department has taken or intend to take to ensure these health risks are not repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17400/24]
View answerThe Deputy raises a number of issues relating to quality in Special Emergency Arrangements [SEAs].
In relation to the matter of “high occupancy rates” in such arrangements, as referenced by the Deputy, I understand that, based on assessed needs of Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) who have been accommodated in an SEA, it is often the case that these young people will share a bedroom. However, I am assured that these children will have an individual bed. I have also been informed by Tusla that where concerns were raised in this regard, Tusla’s SCSIP service were requested to review capacity levels in each SEA premises in line with good practice, health and safety considerations, and young people’s rights.
I would share the Deputy’s concern that vulnerable children accommodated by Tusla would have the best possible care, and that the types of issues raised by the Deputy are not repeated. In this regard, I and my officials continue to prioritise supporting Tusla to reduce its reliance on SEAs and ensure the needs of children can be met in mainstream alternative care placements. In the interim, specific measures are being taken by Tusla to promote and support the quality and safety of these placements including ongoing monitoring and oversight.
I am advised by Tusla that where infectious skin conditions were present on monitoring visits to the SEAs in question, Tusla confirmed through case records and interviews that the young people involved were in receipt of medical intervention. The SEA coordinators within Tusla are alerted to all such incidents in these placements, and that all HSE protocols are followed if bed bugs or scabies are identified within an SEA.
I am also advised that, in such circumstances, if the young person is registered with a GP, they are treated by the GP, and if not the young person is seen by Safetynet primary care services. All young people in the SEA are referred to the GP or Safetynet Primary Care Services for assessment and treatment and all medical advice is followed. I also understand that following the identification of these concerns, the Tusla SCSIP service was requested to ensure that all young people concerned were to be visited by a Tusla social worker as a priority.
The care and welfare of children in care, including in SEAs, is a priority for Government, and the issues raised by the Deputy continue to be the subject of focussed and continuous engagement between my officials and Tusla at every level.
512. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proportion of disabled people in residential care in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 who were categorised as having low to medium support needs; and the proportion of disabled people in residential care in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 who were categorised as having high to intensive support needs, in tabular form. [17451/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs.
513. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capital costs of providing a four-bedroom residential centre for disabled people; the first-year current costs of providing a four-bedroom residential centre for disabled people; and the full year current cost of providing a four-bedroom residential centre for disabled people, in tabular form. [17452/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs.
