Written Answers Nos. 686-707
686. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the spelling of a place name on signage (details supplied) in County Kerry will be corrected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27017/14]
View answerThe construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. More specifically, the NRA has responsibility for the provision of signage under Section 19 of the Act. Directional signage on national roads is provided in accordance with guidelines set out in the Traffic Signs Manual, published by my Department. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The improvement and maintenance (including signage) of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. The question regarding signage on regional/local roads should be taken up directly by the Deputy with Kerry County Council.
687. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding parking restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27021/14]
View answerAs Minister I have responsibility for determining the laws generally as they relate to parking on public roads. As part of the legislation, it is a matter for each local authority to decide the appropriate controls to apply to parking within their own areas of responsibility, including the location of signage. The matter is one for the Local Authority and I have no function therein.
688. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total funding for road repair delivered by central Government to each county in the State each year for the past five years. [27031/14]
View answerDetails of the regional and local road grant payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant payment booklets which are available in the Dáil Library. Details of the 2014 regional and local road grant allocations to each county council are also available in the Dáil library. With regard to national roads, details of the allocations to each local authority are also available in the Dáil library. However, details of the actual drawdown of funding for these roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
689. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position of the sports capital programme; if he will provide a breakdown of the applications that received the funding and the current status of applications that have yet to receive notification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27177/14]
View answerI was delighted to be able to launch the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme earlier this year. €40 million is available for allocation. The 2,036 applications received under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. Every application will be assessed by one official and reviewed by another. Given the number of applications received and the detail contained therein, this process takes a number of months to complete. I hope to announce allocations in the next number of weeks.
690. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the strategy for greenway development in Wicklow; if an implementation process has been put in place; if a time frame has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27178/14]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Wicklow County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Wicklow are contained in the National Transport Authority's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA. I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes. Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response. It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Wicklow County Council (WCC) as the competent authority.
Separately, my Department received two proposals from WCC under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Woodenbridge to Aughrim Greenway and the Blessington Greenway. While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, it was not possible to award funding on this occasion as the number of applications significantly outweighed the level of funding available at this time. While these proposals were not successful, I look forward to the participation of WCC in future funding initiatives. It is likely, given the popularity and success of the greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years.
It is also worth noting that the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014 to 2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development and promotion under the various sub programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities.
691. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current and future plans for the mountain rescue groups in County Wicklow; the provision of funding to assist these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/14]
View answerMy Department, through the Irish Coast Guard, is responsible for the initiation, control and coordination of maritime emergencies in Irish territorial waters, harbours and coastline. The Coast Guard carries out this function utilising its own assets and declared resources. Currently, mountain rescue teams (MRT) fall under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality and are co-ordinated and tasked by An Garda Síochána (AGS) in accordance Ireland's Framework for Major Emergency Management. While it is clear that MRTs are considered a resource of AGS, my Department administers a grant scheme to the mountain rescue teams and the Coast Guard also chair the National Co-ordinating Committee for Mountain and Cave Rescue (NCCMCR).
It is my view that a single lead Department could more effectively coordinate and manage the mountain rescue service and provide oversight of the service providers, i.e. volunteer mountain and cave rescue teams. I discussed this recently with the Minister for Justice and Equality with a view to exploring the options available. At the Mountain Rescue Ireland (MRI) AGM earlier this year I undertook to consider the possibility of providing a capital grant to assist mountain rescue services for the purchase of equipment. This matter is still under consideration but I hope to make a decision on this shortly.
692. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total visitor numbers to County Wicklow in the past 12 months; the approximate spend in the county per visitor; the length of time and the breakdown of overseas versus visitors from Ireland; the direct and indirect employment breakdown for County Wicklow in tabular form; the future incentives for the county to bring more employment for tourism in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27183/14]
View answerThe collection and publication of official statistics is a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which is under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. Not all of the figures sought by the Deputy are readily available. Official overseas visitor statistics can be found in the Tourism and Travel section of the CSO website but are not available at county-level. The Household Travel Survey contains county-level data on domestic trips and length of stay but revenue is only available at regional level.
Fáilte Ireland publishes its own estimates of overseas visitor numbers and revenue by county. The most recent published statistics go up to 2012 and are available in the Research section of the Fáilte Ireland website at www.failteireland.ie. However, it should be noted that, due to the small sample sizes which breaking out counties leads to, these figures are based on three-year rolling averages, not a given year. I understand that figures using 2013 survey results will be available later this summer.
Official employment statistics are available in the Labour Market section of the CSO website www.cso.ie. The CSO only monitors employment in the Accommodation and Food Services sector specifically, rather than all tourism-related jobs, and publishes figures at the national rather than county level. Fáilte Ireland produces a broader estimate of tourism and hospitality employment but again this is not broken down by county.
On the subject of tourism incentives for Wicklow, I have no direct role in this regard. This is a matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly I have referred the question to the agency for direct reply. I have also asked that Fáilte Ireland provide you with any further statistical information available to them regarding tourism in the county. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
693. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form the number, location, cost and type of work carried out under the community involvement in road works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27352/14]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to schemes completed under the Community Involvement Scheme in 2013. Please see attached summary table of schemes completed in 2013. The types of work include (but are not limited to) drainage works, strengthening works and surface dressing. Should the Deputy require more detailed information with regard to types of works carried out, the relevant local authority would be in a position to provide further details.
|
Local Authority |
No. of Schemes Completed |
Length of work completed(m) |
Overall Cost of work(EURO) |
Community Monetary Contribution |
Value of Community Work |
Grant Expenditure in 2013 |
|
Carlow County Council |
13 |
8107 |
€275,033.00 |
€29,887.00 |
€52,369.00 |
€191,930.00 |
|
Cavan County Council |
29 |
17776 |
€655,917.00 |
€131,034.00 |
€0.00 |
€524,412.00 |
|
Clare County Council |
26 |
17305 |
€685,295.00 |
€137,064.00 |
€0.00 |
€551,072.00 |
|
Cork County Council |
30 |
14510 |
€763,510.00 |
€152,702.00 |
€0.00 |
€610,808.00 |
|
Donegal County Council |
10 |
4974 |
€522,214.00 |
€42,000.00 |
€84,000.00 |
€367,220.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
14 |
3295 |
€331,922.00 |
€781.00 |
€165,190.00 |
€160,221.00 |
|
Kerry County Council |
7 |
5884 |
€262,680.00 |
€50,725.00 |
€0.00 |
€211,891.00 |
|
Kildare County Council |
2 |
1550 |
€50,675.00 |
€10,135.00 |
€0.00 |
€40,540.00 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
7 |
4225 |
€443,637.00 |
€58,984.00 |
€40,000.00 |
€335,966.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
9 |
1286 |
€136,527.00 |
€27,305.00 |
€0.00 |
€109,221.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
13 |
15647 |
€435,460.00 |
€87,208.00 |
€0.00 |
€348,370.00 |
|
Limerick County Council |
13 |
5420 |
€186,500.00 |
€37,050.00 |
€1,000.00 |
€146,728.00 |
|
Longford County Council |
1 |
146 |
€21,326.00 |
€5,200.00 |
€0.00 |
€15,531.00 |
|
Louth County Council |
16 |
7111 |
€473,984.00 |
€94,797.00 |
€0.00 |
€379,187.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
14 |
5280 |
€203,380.00 |
€0.00 |
€101,690.00 |
€115,022.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
19 |
10965 |
€781,502.00 |
€156,300.00 |
€0.00 |
€625,202.00 |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
17 |
7111 |
€320,512.00 |
€71,795.00 |
€0.00 |
€256,410.00 |
|
Offaly County Council |
13 |
15569 |
€360,140.00 |
€5,600.00 |
€106,295.00 |
€202,624.00 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
10 |
3026 |
€140,380.00 |
€28,501.00 |
€0.00 |
€111,879.00 |
|
Sligo County Council |
3 |
1426 |
€293,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€80,000.00 |
€213,000.00 |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
11 |
7820 |
€382,047.00 |
€63,295.00 |
€27,900.00 |
€357,268.00 |
|
Waterford City |
1 |
160 |
€14,850.00 |
€2,370.00 |
€0.00 |
€12,480.00 |
|
Waterford County Council |
1 |
2000 |
€68,822.00 |
€10,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€58,822.00 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
10 |
9655 |
€301,100.00 |
€40,820.00 |
€48,500.00 |
€211,780.00 |
|
Wexford County Council |
9 |
7500 |
€654,092.00 |
€47,861.00 |
€207,419.00 |
€398,813.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
1 |
1142 |
€160,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€80,000.00 |
€80,000.00 |
|
Total |
299 |
178890 |
€8,924,505.00 |
€1,291,414.00 |
€994,363.00 |
€6,636,397.00 |
694. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding an IASS issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27385/14]
View answerI refer to my previous reply to the Deputy in relation to similar correspondence on this matter from the same individual (PQ 25150 /12 Jun). A brief update of that previous response is provided below. The Expert Panel established to find a solution to the industrial relations issues relating to the IASS presented its final report on 16 June last.
Now that the Panel's work is complete, I have urged all the parties to give the report very careful consideration, use its recommendations as the basis for timely constructive engagement, and achieve a resolution in the best interests of all. In this regard, the Panel has recommended that the IASS trustee should meet with the employers to discuss and agree how funding for deferred members of the scheme is to be made available to alleviate, as much as possible, the impact of the trustee's proposals, while recognising the overall affordability to the employers of the proposals. This represents the best chance to resolve this long-standing problem, and give the members of the scheme some certainty about their future pension entitlements.
I have no concerns about the constitutionality of the legislation mentioned and powers of the Pensions Authority to wind-up pension schemes where deficits cannot be resolves is well known. The Deputy's constituent seems to suggest that Aer Lingus is solely responsible for resolving the deficit in the scheme. This is very much a minority view and is not supported by legal advice.
695. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will ensure that international best practice requirements are implemented in the proposed commission of investigation, requirements as informed by the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and principles established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; if he is willing to include the Magdalen laundries and county homes together with all mother and baby homes as part of the investigation's terms of reference; and if he will be open to the investigation being carried out by an independent commission with the inclusion of an international observer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/14]
View answer696. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will ensure that international best practice requirements are implemented in the proposed commission of investigation, requirements as informed by the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and principles established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; if he is willing to include the Magdalen laundries and county homes together with all mother and baby homes as part of the investigations terms of reference; and if he will be open to the investigation being carried out by an independent commission with the inclusion of an international observer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26818/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 695 and 696 together.
The Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation into the issues relating to the recent revelations and public controversy on conditions in Mother and Baby Homes. I have also confirmed that the intended scope of this investigation will go beyond the home operated by the Sisters of Bon Secours in Tuam, Co. Galway and these announcements have been widely welcomed.
The Commission will be statutory and independent and will operate under the Commission of Investigations Act, 2004. The process of developing a detailed terms of reference for the Commission is being supported by a high level Cross Departmental Review Committee. The Committee continues to meet and is collecting a range of information in preparation for further detailed consideration by Government. The inclusion of a range of institutions and related concerns, including the implementation of best practice considerations as raised by the Deputy, are being given consideration as part of the process underway. Government will also decide upon the composition of the Commission, which can be made up of one or more members.
A dedicated email address (motherandbabyhomes@dcya.gov.ie) has been created to facilitate submissions from organisations and individuals in relation to this proposed Commission of Investigation. Submissions are invited with information on the institutions or locations which should be considered for inclusion or the general matters which the Terms of Reference should require the Commission to examine. I encourage those who wish to make submissions to act without delay in availing of this opportunity to inform the considerations now underway.
As well as working closely with my own officials, I am arranging to meet a number of key advocacy groups and will continue further discussions with spokespersons of other political parties. I am confident that an inclusive approach will assist in establishing an inquiry which is capable of addressing these important matters in a sensitive and timely manner.
697. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if all staff employed by Tusla, at both principal social worker grade and social work team leader grade, meet the requirements for social work registration. [26611/14]
View answerThe HSE HR Circular 008/2013 sets out the policy on Annual Certification of Registration of Social Workers with the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU. This policy places a requirement on each staff member who is employed to work as a social worker by the Child & Family Agency (TUSLA) to certify annually the following:-
- That they are appropriately registered on the register maintained by the Registration Board.
- That they will advise the Child & Family Agency without delay if there is any change in their registration status by way of restrictions or conditions placed on their practice or through erasure from the register or any other change to their status
- The name under which they are registered with the Registration Board.
The Child and Family Agency have confirmed that this has been implemented in full. The Deputy will be aware from previous responses that a small number of applications are awaiting determination pending the completion of paperwork. Furthermore, it is the policy of the Child & Family Agency to suspend from employment any Social Worker who does not provide a Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC) by 31 August annually to their head of discipline or service manager. A register of all social workers is available at www.coru.ie should any person wish to verify the registration status of a social worker employed by the Child & Family Agency.
698. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of administrative overheads for the compilation and development of the Better Outcomes: Brighter Futures national policy framework for children and young persons 2014-2020. [26616/14]
View answerBetter Outcomes: Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 builds on Our Children — Their Lives, the first National Children's Strategy (2000). It is a whole-of-Government approach to policies for children and young people. The development of a new policy framework meets one of the key recommendations of the implementation plan for the Ryan Report.
This Framework is based on a clear vision of what we want for children and young people in Ireland. This vision is for:
Ireland to be one of the best small countries in which to grow up. Where the rights of all children and young people are respected, protected and fulfilled; where their voices are heard and where they are supported to realise their maximum potential now and in the future.
The Policy Framework comprehends the continuum from infancy through early and middle childhood to adolescence and early adulthood. It provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people. The Framework brings together key policies instanced in the Programme for Government including those relating to prevention and early intervention initiatives, early childhood education, breaking the cycle of disadvantage, through area based approaches to address child poverty, aftercare provision and addressing issues around anti-social behaviour.
The Policy Framework provides a means for cross departmental collaboration to promote the well-being of children and young people and a fresh impetus to a whole-of-government approach to current and emerging issues, including childhood obesity, healthy lifestyles, the impact of media and new technologies, the sexualisation of children and promoting pro-social behaviour. It accommodates a number of constituent strategies which focus in greater detail on the areas of Participation, Early Years, and Youth, which be developed in 2014.
The views of a wide range of interests including children themselves have shaped the development of the Policy Framework and it was informed by the following inputs:
- the results of a consultation in 2011, which focussed on children and young people, in which almost 67,000 people throughout the country participated and the results of the analysis of the consultation were published last November;
- a public consultation of the general public conducted during in 2012. Over 1,000 submissions were received as part of that consultation. An analysis of the submissions was completed in April 2013 and
- the advice of the National Children’s Advisory Council which represented a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations working with children and young people.
Since 2011 €431,246.70 has been spent on the development and publication of Better Outcomes: Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 -2020. This expenditure includes the cost of the public consultation, the children and young people consultation and the publication of the Policy Framework.
699. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in relation to policy underlining his Department's remit to develop policy in relation to mainstream pre-school and after-school care for children, any research or studies have been conducted to establish the effects of transferring children with special needs from ABA environments to mainstream non-ABA environments; if any policy guidelines have been developed to cover such transfers or if not, if guidelines are currently being developed; if he is aware of any desire among parents generally to retain State support for continuing ABA where it is shown to be beneficial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26618/14]
View answerA number of support programmes are implemented by my Department to assist parents in accessing pre-school and after- school services. For example the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides one free pre-school year to qualifying children before they commence primary school. The ECCE programme is a free and universal programme to which all children have access.
To make the ECCE programme more accessible to children with special needs a number of additional provisions are in place. These include an exemption from the upper age limit for qualification under the programme where a child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from starting primary school at a later age. In addition, children with special needs can apply to have the pre-school year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the programme for 2 days a week in the first year and for 3 days a week in the second year.
My Department has been actively working with the Department of Health, specifically the Office of Disability and Mental Health, in the context of building better supports to facilitate the inclusion of special needs children in mainstream pre-school settings. However the issue of supports for children with special needs availing of services in mainstream childcare settings remains a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE and the specific issue outlined by the Deputy should be raised with the Minister for Health.
700. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has concerns regarding figures from Focus Ireland showing that up to 40% of young persons leaving the care of the State that engage with the service are homeless; the steps that are being taken to ensure that young persons leaving the care of the State are supported to find suitable accommodation; if he will ensure that the recommendations in relation to after care as outlined in the Ryan report implementation plan will be fully applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26741/14]
View answerYoung people who leave State care are entitled to advice, guidance and practical support. This is delivered in partnership with the young person, his or her family, foster carers, social workers, key residential social care workers and other statutory, community and voluntary agencies. Approximately 450 children leave care annually.
Aftercare is the planning and support put in place to meet the needs of a young person who is leaving statutory care at 18 years of age, to assist him/her in making the transition to independent living. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for continuity of relationships; secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training. The core eligible age range for aftercare is from 18 years up to 21 years. This can be extended until the completion of a course of education and training in which a young person who has left care, or is leaving care, is engaged in. The Child and Family Agency has advised that as at the end of March 2014, 1,539 young people are in receipt of an aftercare service.
Many young people remain in their foster care placement after 18 – in the region of 45%. The assistance they need may be a continuation of the fostering arrangements and support in accessing educational opportunities. The Agency has advised that as at the end of March 2014, some 60% of care leavers are engaged in some form of education or training. Young people who do not have family support from a foster carer or family base are assisted in finding accommodation in either supported lodgings, sheltered housing or independent accommodation and encouraged and supported financially in furthering their training and education.
The most vulnerable group of young people are those leaving residential care or short term foster care placements. Children, who come into care late, in their mid to late teens, may not have developed the relationships with staff or aftercare workers that helps them achieve positive outcomes. It is essential that these young people have an opportunity to develop a relationship with a dedicated aftercare worker who will work with them to identify their needs and ensure that services are in place to help provide them with the stability and support they need.
The Agency has advised that they are in the process of establishing interagency aftercare committees at local level bringing together Local Authorities, HSE and other statutory and voluntary agencies. These committees will develop interagency wrap around aftercare plans for young people, particularly for those with complex needs, including housing requirements.
A protocol, developed by the Child and Family Agency and the County and City Managers' Association, in relation to dealing with accommodation issues of young people leaving care, is nearing completion. The protocol has been developed in response to the Ryan Report recommendation that the "HSE and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will review the approach to prioritising identified "at risk" young people leaving care and requiring local authority housing". When agreed and implemented, the protocol will see the relevant local authority housing representative attend aftercare planning meetings with social workers of the Agency in relation to those young people for whom social housing has been identified as the most appropriate form of accommodation support. This, it is hoped, will facilitate a more efficient service for those leaving care in obtaining social housing suitable to their needs.
As the Deputy will be aware, it has been decided to strengthen the legislative provisions regarding aftercare. This is in response to concerns, including those raised in the Ryan Report, that there was insufficient focus in this area and that such planning was not taking place on a properly structured and consistent basis.
The approach adopted is to impose a statutory duty on the Agency to prepare an aftercare plan for an eligible child or eligible young person. The aim is to create an explicit, as opposed to implicit, statement of the Agency's duty to satisfy itself as to the child's or young person's need for assistance by preparing a plan that identifies those needs for aftercare supports. The draft provisions also clarify the range of agencies providing relevant services with which the Agency will cooperate in the development of the plan. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, at its sitting on 1 April, considered the draft aftercare provisions. I understand that following this meeting a report is being prepared, which will be forwarded to me in due course. I will consider its content prior to refining the text of the provisions in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
701. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with regard to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and its establishment, the cost of re-branding, new stationery and facilities and refurbishment of offices for the organisation; the cost of overall website design and re-branding; if an external PR or design company was employed to develop or undertake the re-branding; the cost of any such external companies employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27236/14]
View answerMy Department has asked the Child and Family Agency for the information requested. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible on this matter.
702. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 599 of 4 February 2014, if the information in respect of children in care in 2013, which his predecessor had indicated would be available in May 2014, is now to hand. [27287/14]
View answerI have been advised by the Agency that at the end of December 2013 there were 6,462 children in care. A breakdown of the care orders which underpinned the first placement of these children is currently been collated. I will revert to the Deputy when this information becomes available.
703. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 660, 661 and 663 of 18 February 2014, if the information which his predecessor undertook to supply is now to hand. [27288/14]
View answerI apologise for the delay in providing this information. The Agency has advised that retainer fees are not paid to secure a placement for a child in private residential centres. I am advised by the Agency that the cost of placing children in private child care residential centres in the years 2012 - 2013 is as follows:
Private Residential Care Expenditure
|
Child & Family Agency |
2012 |
2013 |
|
DML |
€27.938m |
€25.955m |
|
DNE |
€3.390m |
€4.930m |
|
South |
€12.980m |
€11.101m |
|
West |
€5.015m |
€6.986m |
|
Total |
€49.323m |
€48.972m |
A list of Private Residential Child Care Centres including the names of the providers and owners of the centres, the number of staff in each centre and the level of training and qualifications attained by each member of staff in these centres, issued to the Deputy on 9 February 2014. I have asked the Agency for an update on this position for 2013 and I will forward this to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
704. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of early child care providers that have closed due to financial constraints in each of the past five years and to date in 2014; the number of child care places this represents; and if he will provide a tabular breakdown of these details by area and date of closure. [27300/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. However, Pobal administers the Childcare Capital Programmes and the Community Childcare Subvention Programme on behalf of the Department that requires them to collect certain financial data from participating service providers. This data does not relate to all childcare service providers.
According to the information provided by Pobal, of the childcare services about which they collect data, a total of 165 services were reported to them as having closed during the period 2009 to date. 16 of the services who provided a reason for closure cited financial reasons. Details of the closed services are attached. I would like to advise the Deputy that more than 4,200 childcare providers participated in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme during the pre-school year 2013/2014. More than 220 new providers have applied to participate in the programme from September 2014.
|
DCYA Ref No. |
Pobal App ID/ URN |
Facility Name |
Facility Address |
County |
Comm or Priv |
Date of Closure |
Reason |
Actual Overall Places Lost |
|
10DS0272 |
507665G |
BARNARDOS MACULLIAM |
BARNARDOS, 30 Maculliam Crescent, Fortunestown, Dublin 24 |
Dublin South |
Comm |
Aug-10 |
Financial Issues |
14 |
|
10DS0285 |
507665G |
Deerpark Child and Family Centre |
Barnardo's Child and Family Services, Millbrook Lawns Health Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
Dublin South |
Comm |
Jun-11 |
Financial Issues |
12 |
|
10FL0369 |
2801A |
Busy Lizzies |
5 Castle Lawns, Malahide, Co. Dublin |
Fingal |
Priv |
2012 |
Financial Issues |
10 |
|
- |
2349a |
The Toddle Inn at Hurley Burly |
Unit 6, North Park Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
Dublin County Borough |
Priv |
Dec-10 |
Financial Issues |
20 |
|
- |
564A |
Cork Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten / NCIP Cork Steiner Kindergarten |
1 Glentrasna Ave, Glentrasna Drive, The Glen, Cork |
Cork City |
Comm |
Jun-11 |
Financial Issues |
12 |
|
- |
858A |
Carlow VEC Childcare Centre |
Athy Road, Carlow |
Carlow |
Comm |
May-12 |
Financial Issues |
42 |
|
09DY0123 |
Kilmacow Community Pre-School Active Learning Ltd |
Scoil Colmcille, National School Newbrook Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 5 |
Dublin City |
Priv |
Jun-11 |
Financial Issues |
||
|
10FL0366 |
181678F/ 813355V |
Blanchardstown Youth Reach |
County Dublin VEC, The Brace Centre, Main Street, Blanchardstown Dublin 15 |
Fingal |
Comm |
Nov-11 |
Financial Issues |
7 |
|
09FL0041 |
785350K |
Lá Go Bhrí |
41 Mourne View, Skerries, Co. Dublin |
Fingal |
Comm |
Nov-11 |
Financial Issues |
14 |
|
09LK0124 |
243444T |
Shanagolden Education Resource Centre Creche |
Shanagolden Education Resource Centre Creche, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick |
Limerick County |
Comm |
Dec-11 |
Financial Issues |
38 |
|
09DS0077 |
Humpty Dumpty Junior Learning Centre Ltd |
Dublin South |
Priv |
Jun-12 |
Financial Issues |
|||
|
- |
1303A |
County Dublin VEC / Dundrum |
County Dublin V.E.C., 1 Tuansgate, Belgard Square East, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
Comm |
Jul-12 |
Financial Issues |
17 |
|
- |
1967A |
Open Heart House / NCIP Open Heart House |
2 St. Mary's Place, Dublin 7 |
Dublin County Borough |
Comm |
Apr-09 |
Financial Issues |
6 |
|
- |
360 |
Little Friars Preschool |
6 Maglin Grove, Deanrock Estate, Togher, Cork City |
Cork City |
Comm |
Jun-12 |
Financial Issues |
30 |
|
- |
1778a |
Shel-Bar Ltd. / NCIP Shel-bar |
Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford |
Wexford |
Comm |
Mar-11 |
Financial Issues |
80 |
|
- |
556A |
Community Womens Education Initiative / NCIP Community Women's Education Initiatives Ltd. |
19 Lower John Street, Cork |
Cork City |
Comm |
Sep-09 |
Financial Issues |
18 |
|
- |
Total |
320 |
705. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the ceasing of provision of high support services for young persons aged between 12-17 years of age in Crannóg Nua, Portrane and the re-designation of this service to special care; if funding has been identified; and the way previous commitments that the centre will reopen in January 2015 as special care will happen as a builder has not been identified to complete the project. [27325/14]
View answer706. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fact that the purpose of the re-designation of Crannóg Nua in Portrane from high support to special care was as a result of the immediate demand for special care beds here, the reason there are no plans for move on or refit of Crannóg Nua which would deliver these beds far more efficiently. [27326/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 705 and 706 together.
As part of the Child and Family Agency's commitment to develop a comprehensive continuum of care services to meet the divergent and complex needs of all children in care, Crannóg Nua High Support Unit is to be redesignated to function as a Special Care Unit. An upgrade of current buildings, with an additional new build residential unit, will be required to provide secure care. In excess of €1m has been allocated to progress national special care development projects for 2014 and discussions are underway regarding further significant amounts required in 2015 and future years.
The Agency has advised that it is proposed that eight special care beds will be provided at Crannóg Nua by the end of June 2015 and a further four beds will be provided by the end of October 2015. These timescales refer to the current indicated Building Programme and may be subject to change.
707. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a list of child care providers who are in receipt of a grant under the early childhood care and education scheme from his Department; the amount paid to each of them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27395/14]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education programme was introduced in January 2010, and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children before commencing primary school. Approximately 68,000 children are availing of the provision in the current pre-school year. The programme is expected to cost about €175m in the current year, including the cost of administration.
A table that lists the service providers participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education programme in the current pre-school year, and the total amount of funding each one has received to date is being forwarded directly to the Deputy. The funding represents capitation payments for each eligible child enrolled in the service during the period September 2013 to June 2014.
