Tuesday, 20 Jan 2015

Written Answers Nos. 1 - 136

Child Protection Services Provision

Questions (115)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children that are currently waiting to be allocated a social worker; the number of these that are high priority and emergency; if he will provide a breakdown in tabular format of the number of each of these that have been waiting for less than six months, between six months and one year, between one year and 18 months, between 18 months and two years and longer than two years; the number of social workers that are employed at present; the number of these that are on maternity leave; his plans to address the shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2189/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As of November 2014, the Child and Family Agency has advised that a total of 19,988 children were in receipt of a dedicated social work service. A further 8,451 cases did not have an allocated social worker.

Of these 8,451 cases, 2,844 were deemed to be high priority. Of the 8,451 children who do not have an allocated social worker, 5,347 have been waiting longer than three months for a social worker to be allocated to them. Of these 1,774, are deemed to be high priority. These cases represent a mix of new referrals that need further assessment and social work input, as well as children known to the Agency who need a continuing social work service. I am assured by the Agency that emergency cases continue to be dealt with immediately, for instance a child who has been abandoned or is in immediate physical danger or at immediate risk of sexual abuse and that high priority cases are kept under review.

At the end of November, 2014 there were 1,403 whole time equivalent social workers employed by the Agency representing 40% of its overall workforce. A total of 84 social workers were on maternity leave. The impact of vacancies on service provision is risk-assessed on an on-going basis to ensure that social work team numbers do not fall below what is considered necessary to provide a safe service.

The Child and Family Agency is taking a number of initiatives to address staff shortfalls:

- Continuing recruitment, with 155 social workers recruited since the Agency was established, and a further 193 posts currently in the recruitment process;

- The introduction of a pilot Maternity Leave Scheme whereby temporary staff can be offered a 12 month contract to cover maternity leave;

- In recognition of the challenging nature of this work, new entrants and graduates have a reduced workload for their first year, with opportunities for regular supervision with experienced practitioners;

- The roll out of a caseload management system to ensure caseloads are manageable and prioritised appropriately.

For the Deputy's information, I have set out in tabular format, the total number of children in receipt of social work services broken down by those who have been allocated a social worker, those who are awaiting allocation to a social worker and their associated priority levels as at November 2014. Also included are details of the length of time children have been waiting for allocation to a social worker and their associated priority level.

The Agency has advised that it collects the relevant data in a standardised manner and not in the format as requested by the Deputy.

Breakdown of Allocation by Priority

Open Cases by Priority	Allocated	Unallocated	Total
High	8,767	2,844	11,611
Medium	6,852	3,977	10,829
Low	4,369	1,630	5,999
TOTAL	19,988	8,451	28,439

Breakdown of Unallocated cases by Length of time and Priority

Open Cases Unallocated at the end of the Month	High Priority	Medium Priority	Low Priority	Total
<1 week	103	91	17	211
1-2 weeks	129	127	44	300
2-3 weeks	174	199	64	437
3-4 weeks	179	296	83	558
1-2 months	272	483	127	882
2-3 months	213	303	200	716
>3 months	1,774	2,478	1,095	5,347
TOTAL	2,844	3,977	1,630	8,451

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (116)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

116. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason there is no provision for archaeological research to take place within the remit of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters. [2182/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides an effective, prompt and transparent mechanism to investigate complex and sensitive matters while also respecting fair procedures and natural justice. The 2004 Act gives the Commission robust powers to conduct investigations within its terms of reference in the manner it considers appropriate while adhering to the rules and procedures contained within the Act.

The primary focus of this investigation is on the experiences of women and children who lived in Mother and Baby Homes over the period 1922-1998. While the Terms of Reference provide for a comprehensive investigative framework, the Commission is independent in the performance of its investigations and in deciding how best to approach its work.

The Deputy may wish to note that Section 8 of the 2004 Act provides that the Commission may, with the consent of the Minister, appoint persons with relevant qualifications to advise and assist the Commission. Given the range and scale of the discrete issues to be examined, it is anticipated that the Commission may require the assistance of additional professional expertise and specialists for particular tasks, and funding is available for this purpose. Therefore, it is ultimately a matter for the Commission to consider whether it requires archaeological research and there is ample discretion in the Commission of Investigations Act for the Commission to pursue such methods if it so determines.

Early Years Strategy Publication

Questions (117)

Robert Troy

Question:

117. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the early years strategy, originally promised for 2012, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The objective of Ireland's first Early Years Strategy is to create an innovative and dynamic blueprint for the future development of Ireland’s early years sector and a coherent approach to seeking to improve the lives of children from birth to 6 years.

The Early Years Strategy will address a range of issues affecting children in their first years of life such as child health and well-being, parenting and family support, learning and development and play.

Considerable work has been done on the development of the Early Years Strategy. The work of the Expert Advisory Group, Right from the Start, has greatly informed the work to date. I have signalled my intention to conduct focused consultations with relevant parties across the early childhood care and education sector before concluding my own deliberations on the Strategy. I am also mindful of the importance of other work which is being undertaken in parallel in respect of the future investment priorities in respect of childcare. Taking account of these developments, I expect to be in a position to publish the Strategy once my own consultations have concluded in the coming months.

Social Workers Recruitment

Questions (118)

Finian McGrath

Question:

118. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the major shortfall of social workers dealing with child support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2162/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Staffing vacancies arise for a variety of reasons, including retirements, career breaks, paid and unpaid leave (including maternity and other family related leave) and resignations. The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) has advised that there were 1,403.46 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of November 2014 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 193 social workers to meet existing vacancies. They have also advised that 155 social workers have already been recruited during 2014 and that 102 social workers left employment due to retirement and for other reasons.

There are currently 84 social workers on maternity leave and in order to address priority gaps in service resulting from maternity leave, a pilot Maternity Leave Cover scheme has been introduced whereby maternity related vacancies in each region can be filled by way of a temporary contracts. The Pilot Scheme involves the allocation of 100 posts between each region, 80 of which relate specifically to social workers.

The impact of vacancies on service provision is risk-assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that social work team members are never allowed to fall below what is considered necessary to provide a safe service. Such risk-assessments take account of issues such as case loads and referral numbers. Where necessary, temporary staff are brought in immediately to cover vacancies until such vacancies are filled on a permanent basis.

Child Poverty

Questions (119)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

119. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his Department's plans for measures to tackle child poverty here in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2180/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 (BOBF), which was published and launched by Government in 2014, provides the overarching framework for the development and implementation of policy and services for children and young people. As provided for in the Framework, the Department of Social Protection is the lead department on child poverty and has lead responsibility for the commitment to lift over 70,000 children out of consistent poverty by 2020, a reduction of at least two-thirds on the 2011 level. The Department of Social Protection also has lead responsibility for the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.

My Department is working on a number of initiatives which are relevant in addressing issues related to children poverty. For example, in terms of other provision, my Department is spending €260 million annually on childcare support programmes which provide childcare to 100,000 children. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on lowest incomes. The CCS programme provides subvention support to parents on low incomes and parents in receipt of certain social welfare payments, whose children are enrolled in community childcare facilities. Additionally, the 3 Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes - the Childcare Education and Training Programme, the Community Employment Childcare programme and the Afterschool Childcare Programme - provide childcare supports to eligible parents returning to work or to education.

It is leading the implementation of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme (2013-2016). The ABC Programme is being co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services.

My Department also provides targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people which are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects. In addition, some 31 national and major regional youth work organisations are supported under my Department's Youth Service Grant Scheme and other schemes include the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. In 2015, current funding of €49.93m will be provided to my Department for these schemes.

The outcomes of the recent European Commission/Departmental of Social Protection/Department of Children and Youth Affairs national seminar will inform the development of an implementation plan for tackling child poverty.

Illegal Adoptions

Questions (120)

Clare Daly

Question:

120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the Adoption Authority's recent acknowledgement that thousands of illegal adoptions took place here, the steps he will take to have these matters investigated, and-or prosecuted criminally. [2127/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Adoption Act 1952 provided a legal basis for adoption in Ireland and for the establishment of the Adoption Board. This brought order to what had been the system of ad-hoc arrangements in lieu of formal adoption procedures up to this point. Prior to the commencement of the 1952 Adoption Act it would be inaccurate to describe these informal adoptions as illegal. However, it is recognised that many adoptions were never formalised even under the transitional arrangement available for some such informal adoptions following the commencement of the Act. Historic private arrangements operated in conditions of great secrecy and in many cases there are no written records of these events.

Post 1952, there is some evidence that such ad-hoc arrangements may have continued. It should be noted that there was no barrier to the private placement of a child until the Act of 1998, although such adoptions were required to be legally formalised. In addition, there is some evidence that such private placements may have concealed the true parentage of the child and been registered as a child born to persons with whom the child was placed. Any such registration is a breach of the Civil Registration Acts. Those affected by illegal registrations, are now unable to access personal records and information.

While my Department is not in a position to confirm the actual extent of such registrations, I am advised by the Adoption Authority that a review of the National Adoption Contact Preference Register in 2010 found that there were 100 cases and a further 20 since then, where no adoption took place. The Authority has advised me that, in the first instance, any person seeking information on adoption, or an illegal registration of a birth, should contact the Authority or the Child and Family Agency’s Community Services. They are also advised that if any person believes that their birth was illegally registered they should inform the General Registrations Office (GRO) as the body responsible for registration of births, who in turn may refer cases of illegal registrations to the Garda Síochána for investigation of criminal wrongdoing.

The Deputy will be aware that the proposed Terms of Reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes were announced recently and Article 1(VII) specifically requires the Commission to investigate the nature of the relationship between Mother and Baby Homes and other key institutions including children’s homes; orphanages; and adoption societies. The Commission will investigate evidence relating to patterns of referral, relationships and cooperation with other entities and intermediary organisations, and any systematic arrangements for the placement of children. I believe that this will allow the Commission sufficient scope to examine both the issue of placing such children for adoption abroad, as well as to examine situations in which the child’s parentage was concealed, either by omission or sometimes, by illegal means. If the Commission's reports reveal issues of concern which are potentially criminal in nature, these will be referred to the appropriate investigative and prosecution authorities.

My Department is continuing to work on the Heads of Bill for the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill and I hope to be in a position to seek Government approval to publish the Heads of Bill as soon as possible. I can say that, the issues in relation to illegal registrations are being considered as part of the drafting process.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (121)

Joan Collins

Question:

121. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the inquiry into the mother and baby homes does not include Westbank Orphanage, County Wicklow. [46774/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

In developing the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters, due regard has been given to the clear emphasis on “Mother and Baby Homes” in the motion approved by Dáil Éireann on the 11th June 2014. The investigation will thoroughly examine a broad range of matters in relation to the experience of mothers and children who were resident in a Mother and Baby Home over the period 1922-1998. As the Deputy will be aware these Homes have not been the central focus of previous statutory investigations.

The approach taken to ensure the requisite level of specificity has been to identify Mother and Baby Homes for the purposes of this investigation. The criteria used include having the main function of providing sheltered and supervised ante- and post-natal facilities to single mothers and their children, including both board and lodgings; and an ethos which those running the institutions considered to promote a regime of work, training or education as part of an overall approach to either rehabilitating single mothers, or to give them training for living independently. On the basis of the available information, the institution raised by the Deputy did not provide this type of service for mothers and babies.

However, it is not accurate to describe these institutions as being excluded from the Commission's work. During the course of consultations, it became clear to me that the issue of entry and exit pathways of both women and children to these Homes raised further questions which needed to be examined. For this reason, the Commission is tasked with examining the extent to which other entities, including children’s homes, orphanages and adoption societies, were part of these pathways. This examination will identify patterns of referral, and the practices and arrangements for placing children, including where an intermediary organisation was involved in arranging a subsequent placement. It is certainly open to the Commission to examine the role played by the institution raised by the Deputy in this strand of its investigations. Issues to be examined by the social history module also include the role and interrelationships of a range of institutions, including homes for infants or children.

I do appreciate that since the decision to establish this investigation was announced there have been calls for the inclusion of a broad range of matters. At least some of these issues are unrelated to the intended remit of this investigation. In addition, and in the interests of maintaining the required focus and specificity on Mother and Baby Homes, it must be recognised that previous inquiries have already examined some related issues. This includes the comprehensive investigation into historical child abuse already conducted by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. Its remit was to inquire into the abuse of children in a broad range of care settings, including children's homes, during the period 1940 to 1999.

The Government is satisfied that the proposed Terms of Reference provide an ambitious and appropriately focused set of tasks which can be accomplished by this Commission within a realistic timeframe.

Child Care Law Reporting Project

Questions (122)

Clare Daly

Question:

122. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if changes have been made, or are planned, as a result of the findings to date of the Child Care Law Reporting Project, including an indicative timeframe of when any changes might be implemented. [2128/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Child Care Law Reporting Project (CCLRP) is an independent project established with the support of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the One Foundation and Atlantic Philanthropies.

The aims and objectives of the project are to:

- Provide information to the public on child care proceedings in the courts;

- Conduct research on these proceedings in order to promote debate and inform policy-makers;

- Make recommendations to address any short-comings in the child care system identified by the research;

- Assist in the implementation of these recommendations;

- Promote confidence in the child care system.

The project pursues its aims and objectives by attending the courts where child care cases are heard in order to report on those proceedings while protecting the anonymity of the children and their families.

The project provides a measure of the effectiveness of current systems and policies in the area of child protection and of court administration. Ultimately it is assisting the Department in gaining a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of child care cases and is increasing the evidence base on which future policy formulation is based.

The Child Care Law Reporting Project publishes reports of child care cases before the courts. It collects and analyses data from the proceedings on the nature and outcomes of the child care proceedings and seeks to promote a public debate on the issues raised through seminars and conferences. This includes small round-table sessions with key policy makers and practitioners. To date, the project has published four volumes of case reports each year in 2013 and 2014 as well as two interim reports, published in November 2013 and October 2014. This work informs Tusla practice and policy on an ongoing basis. Issues raised are also informing the Department's policy and legislative programme. This includes a proposed review of the Child Care Act 1991 which is currently being scoped.

Youth Justice Strategy

Questions (123)

Mick Wallace

Question:

123. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has had any discussion with the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to the use of detention on remand for child offenders, in view of statistics from the Irish Penal Reform Trust which found that only approximately 45% of children detained on remand actually go on to receive a detaining order indicating a possible overuse of detention on remand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2192/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

There is ongoing cooperation between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to all aspects of the youth justice system. The Irish Youth Justice Service is based in my Department and has responsibility for leading and driving reform in the area of youth justice.

The focus of the Youth Justice Action Plan 2014-2018, which was launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on 3 February 2014 is to achieve better outcomes for children who get into trouble with the law, to reduce crime leading to safer communities and to use detention only as a last resort. The issue of the nature and pattern of remands in custody for children has recently been the subject of discussions involving the Irish Youth Justice Service and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency which will feed into the development of policy priorities for the Youth Justice Action Plan for 2015.

Under Section 88 of the Children Act 2001, a court may remand a child in custody who is charged with or found guilty of an offence, who is being sent forward for trial, or in respect of whom the court has postponed a decision. The judiciary are independent in the performance of their functions and the discretion as to whether or not to remand a child in custody is solely for the judge to decide. The figure of 45% of children quoted by the Deputy is contained in the 2013 annual report of the Irish Penal Reform Trust. The methodology for this figure is not stated and this may relate to both the detention schools and also 17 year old boys who are currently detained in the adult prison system. I am advised that in 2013, there were 96 individuals remanded in custody to the children detention schools of whom 26 received a detention order, which equates to 27% of the children concerned. The comparable figures for 2011 and 2012 were 35% and 31% respectively.

In many cases, there may be a range of factors affecting the decision of a court on the remand of a child in custody. As well as a pattern of criminal behaviour, this may also include identified service needs in areas such as mental health supports, substance abuse or educational welfare. Section 88(10) of the Children Act states that the court shall not remand a child in custody if the only reason for so doing is that the child is in need of care or protection or the court wishes Tusla to assist it in dealing with the case. The court may also request Tusla to be represented in the proceedings under section 76B of the Children Act. Children are legally represented in court and the courts also have the authority to require the attendance of parents or guardians to assist the court in dealing with any individual case involving a child.

Youth Services

Questions (124)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

124. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding his Department's national youth strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2194/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The National Youth Strategy will focus on the youth-related policy commitments outlined in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. It will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24. It will have a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged or at risk and who have the poorest outcomes and therefore in most need of support.

A National Youth Strategy Task Group, convened by my Department, is overseeing the development of the new Strategy. This Task Group comprises statutory youth interests and voluntary agencies and organisations working with young people.

I am keen that all stakeholders have a role to play in the development of the new National Youth Strategy and a comprehensive consultation process is underway at present. This consultation process includes online surveys of young people and those working with young people and three major stakeholder events planned for later this month. These events are for young people, the youth sector, NGOs working for and with young people, Education and Training Boards, Government departments, agencies, business and academia and other youth interests. The events will also include consultation on the new Strategy and the findings of the recently completed Value for Money and Policy Review of Youth Programmes. The Review makes recommendations for the future operation of youth funding schemes and their development in the years ahead to ensure effective, value for money services that will be evidence based and improve outcomes for young people.

The consultation will run into February 2015 and I anticipate that the Strategy will be completed promptly thereafter.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (125)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

125. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the Magdalen laundries are not included in the Commission of investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Certain Related Matters. [2183/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I announced the proposed Terms of Reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters on Friday, 9th January. While due regard has been given to the emphasis on “Mother and Baby Homes” in the motion approved by Dáil Éireann on the 11th June 2014, the terms of reference also reflect a much wider agenda of directly related matters than was evident at the initiation of this process.

The approach taken provides a clear and deliberate emphasis on the experiences of women and children who spent time in Mother and Baby Homes over the period 1922-1998. As we know these institutions have not been the central focus of previous investigations. Clear criteria have been used to identify Mother and Baby Homes for the purpose of this investigation, including having the main function of providing sheltered and supervised ante and post-natal facilities to single mothers and their children. The Terms of Reference do include the former Magdalen Home at 8 Lower lesson Street, Dublin 2, as a Mother and Baby Home, although the information available indicates that the Magdalen Laundries did not provide this specific type of service.

During the course of my consultations with advocacy groups and political colleagues across the spectrum, it became clear to me that the issue of entry and exit pathways of both women and children raised further questions which needed to be examined. In this regard, the Deputy may wish to note that the Commission is tasked with examining the extent to which other entities were part of the entry or exit pathways for single mothers and children into or leaving these specified Homes. It is certainly open to the Commission to give consideration to the Magdalen Laundries in this significant strand of its investigations. The issues to be examined by the social history module also explicitly cite the Magdalen Laundries in this regard.

I believe that both the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, and the Terms of Reference themselves, provide adequate opportunity for the Commission to take an independent view of the adequacy of scope, given its task. The Deputy may also wish to note that the proposed arrangements, in particular Article 6 of the Terms of Reference, require the Commission to make recommendations in respect of any matters which is not covered by the existing scope, but which it considers may warrant investigation in the public interest.

Details in respect of the Commission are available on my Department’s website including a number of explanatory documents.

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (126)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

126. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the high turnover of social workers employed by Tusla, in view of the fact that they are more than twice as likely to resign their positions when compared to other employments in the health and social services generally; the actions being taken to ensure that this does not occur; the further action being taken to ensure that any child at risk and not currently under the care of a social worker will be catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2197/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

There have been some recent media reports around HSE data which shows a social work turnover rate of 15% from 2010 to 2013. I understand that this relates to social work across all services including Primary Care, Disabilities, Mental Health, Older Persons and Children and Families. While the Agency is experiencing some staff retention issues, the turnover of social workers in the Agency’s first year of operation (2014) was 6.7% – less than that experienced in many neighbouring countries. At the end of November 2014, there were 1,403.46 whole time equivalent social workers and the Agency is currently recruiting an additional 193 posts to meet existing vacancies.

The area of child protection and welfare social work is one of the most challenging areas of work for any professional and involves working closely with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups in society. The Agency is committed to producing a Workforce Development Plan by the end of June 2015, which will provide an opportunity to improve resource deployment and take account of the need to support and develop staff who work in this critical area.

The impact of vacancies on service provision is risk-assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that social work team members are never allowed to fall below what is considered necessary to provide a safe service. Such risk-assessments take account of issues such as case loads and referral numbers. Where necessary, temporary staff are brought in immediately to cover vacancies until such vacancies are filled on a permanent basis. The Deputy should note that if a child does not have an allocated social worker it does not mean that there is no oversight from social work professionals. Cases awaiting allocation are reviewed regularly by the principal social worker/team leaders and are managed by duty social work teams. Depending on the circumstances and priority level, the child could be visited regularly by the social worker on duty and/or other professionals, such as teachers, may be contacted daily if necessary. The purpose of the oversight is to establish if the child’s circumstances have changed and to monitor the risk to their well-being. An example could be where an initial assessment has established a child is at high risk due to their parent’s abuse of alcohol, however, the child then goes to live with their grandparents, and so immediate risk decreases although the case will require further attention.

Child Poverty

Questions (127)

Finian McGrath

Question:

127. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the supports for children living in disadvantaged communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Responsibility for addressing disadvantage is a matter for all Departments and Ministers and indeed for wider society. The provision of intervention and supports to target the particular needs of children will be dependent on the type of disadvantage, be it social, financial, educational, health etc. Responsibility for the identification and provision of those interventions will fall to my Ministerial colleagues as appropriate to the type of disadvantage. For example, the Department of Education and Skills have lead responsibility for issues concerning educational disadvantage, the Department of Social Protection has lead responsibility for addressing child poverty.

Notwithstanding this, I am fully convinced of the need for a whole-of-government approach in addressing such issues. Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020) takes such an approach in addressing disadvantage for children, emphasising an integrated and evidence informed approach to working across government, on horizontal and vertical levels, which transfers to all sectors and settings working with children and young people.

While my Department has overall responsibility for the framework, individual Departments will continue to take lead roles on matters within their remit.

My Department has lead responsibility for a range of funding schemes which target disadvantage across the areas of services and supports for children and young people.

My Department supports a range of education support services for children in disadvantaged communities. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has a statutory remit to support children and young people to participate in and benefit from the education system. Tusla has responsibility to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education

Tusla delivers an integrated approach to educational welfare services through the continued reform of work practices to provide an enhanced response to the needs of children, families and schools. Three service strands – the statutory Educational Welfare Service and the School Support Programme services under the Department of Education's DEIS Action Plan (namely, the Home-School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion Programme) collectively form the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Agency.

I am advised by Tusla that the statutory Educational Welfare Services worked with over 20,000 children in 2013. Some 2,434 cases involved intensive intervention and a multidisciplinary approach and the provision of sustained support by an Education Welfare Officer to address the child's needs and support school attendance. During this period the School Completion Programme provided targeted support to approximately 36,000 children and young people at risk of early school leaving across 124 community based programmes.

Tusla also provides a range of services that offer advice and support to families. This includes over 100 family resource centres. The aim of the Family Resource Centre Programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit. The Programme emphasises involving local communities in tackling the problems they face, and creating successful partnerships between voluntary and statutory agencies at community level.

The main focus of these services is on early intervention aiming to promote and protect the health and well-being and rights of all children, young people and their families. At the same time particular attention is given to those who are vulnerable or at risk.

I recently issued the Performance Statement 2015 to the Tusla. This Performance Statement provides Tusla with specific policy guidance, direction, and prioritisation and resource parameters to inform the preparation of its Business Plan for 2015.

As part of the Performance Statement, I have asked that in the area of family support, Tusla should provide a clear framework for action to expedite and enhance their capabilities in the area of early intervention and protection through supporting parents and families in accordance with relevant Government policy. Key elements of this framework are to be developed during 2015.

My Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country, including those from disadvantaged communities. Targeted support for disadvantaged, marginalised and at risk young people are provided through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drugs Task Force Projects. In addition, some 31 national and major regional youth work organisations are supported under my Department's Youth Service Grant Scheme and other schemes include the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people and involve approximately, 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and 40,000 volunteers working in youth work services and communities throughout the country. In 2015, current funding of €49.93m will be provided to my Department for these schemes.

My Department also assists children experiencing deprivation by taking the lead in implementing the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme. The ABC Programme is being co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and will have a total funding allocation of up to €29.7 million. The ABC Programme draws on best international practice to break the cycle of child poverty in communities where it is most deeply entrenched, and improve the outcomes for children and young people and existing services.

Child Abuse Prevention

Questions (128)

Robert Troy

Question:

128. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the role his Department is playing in combating online child grooming, cyber bullying and abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Combatting online child grooming is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. As part of a wide-ranging package of measures aimed at the reform of Ireland’s criminal law on sexual offences, including online grooming, child abuse, child exploitation and child pornography, Minister Fitzgerald recently published the General Scheme to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill.

The Office for Internet Safety, an executive office of the Department of Justice and Equality, has previously published guidance related to cyber bullying and filtering technologies for parents.

My Department has actively engaged with the Department of Education and Skills on the dangers associated with bullying, including online activity. The anti-bullying agenda has been a recurring element in my Department’s consultations with young people. Notably, the majority of the 34 Comhairle na nÓg initiatives funded by my Department have identified mental health services, cyber bullying and homophobic bullying as priority issues for young people. This has led a number of targeted measures being adopted by service providers across the country.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, produced a Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook, intended for social workers and other professionals who refer child welfare and protection cases. The Handbook contains advice in respect of online safety and online child sexual abuse in order to heighten awareness of same.

It is my view that each Government Department is responsible for how child protection obligations should be met in its own sector, reflecting the Government’s position that best safeguarding practice should become a cultural norm. My Department is represented on an Implementation Team formed in response to the 2014 report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group, commissioned by the previous Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Implementation Team is considering the report's recommendations and how best to address them.

I would encourage any individual who has concerns about activities that may constitute grooming, to make contact directly with An Garda Síochána.

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (129)

Denis Naughten

Question:

129. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he is taking to address the number of resignations of social workers within Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2186/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

There has been some recent media reports of a social worker turnover rate of 15%. I understand that this relates to HSE figures for the period 2010 to 2013 and relates to social work across all services including Primary Care, Disabilities, Mental Health, Older Persons and Children and Families. While the Child and Family Agency is experiencing some staff retention issues, the turnover of social workers in the Agency’s first year of operation (2014) was 6.7% – less than that experienced in many neighbouring countries.

The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) have advised that there were 1,403.46 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of November 2014 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 193 social workers to meet existing vacancies. They have also advised that 155 social workers have already been recruited during 2014 and that 102 social workers left employment due to retirement and for other reasons.

Stability, experience and capacity of staff working in the area of child protection and child welfare is extremely important. The Agency is committed to producing a Workforce Development Strategy by end of second Quarter 2015. This is to ensure that strategic and operational workforce development plans and processes are established as key activities in the Agency. This development presents the Agency with a significant opportunity to improve resource deployment, skill and grade mix and staff motivation to the benefit of the children and families. The workforce development plan will consider issues around recruitment, retention and turnover of key staff. This will also include further developing supports through structured professional and career development.

Juvenile Offenders

Questions (130)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which juveniles have been incarcerated in adult prisons over the past three years; his plans to address this issue and where possible provide rehabilitative and custodial care in lieu of such practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

On a sample date of 30 October 2012, there were a total of 31 children detained in the adult prison system. The comparable figure for the same date in 2013 was 14 children and the same number also applied on 30 October 2014. The reduction of approximately 50% in the number of children detained in the adult prison system between 2012 and 2013 reflects the transfer of responsibility for 16 year old boys to the children detention schools, which was put in place in May 2012. On 16 January 2015, there were a total of 16 boys detained in the adult prison system, comprising 6 boys remanded in custody in St Patrick’s Institution and 10 boys serving a sentence of detention in Wheatfield Place of Detention.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities. Significant progress has been made and this commitment will be fully met when the extension of the Oberstown campus results in the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys from the adult prison system to the children detention schools. The Oberstown capital development project, which commenced on site in September 2013, will enable the extension of the child care model of detention, which focuses on education and rehabilitation in order to minimize re-offending, to all under 18 year olds ordered to be detained by the courts on criminal justice charges.

The first 3 units of residential accommodation, which will prioritise the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys from adult prison facilities, were formally handed over to the Oberstown campus on 27 November 2014, following the required inspection of works and technical approval of the Office of Public Works, managing the project on behalf of my Department. I am advised that, in order to ensure safe and secure custody of children in the new buildings and that the appropriate health and safety standards are met, a further period of training and orientation for staff and for the fitting out of the new units with furniture and equipment is required. This process is ongoing at present and will be completed in the first quarter of 2015.

Other issues impacting on the operational date for the transfer of responsibility for 17 year old boys are the recruitment of the required complement of new care staff to work in the expanded facilities, and the passage of necessary legislation to ensure that all legal issues relating to the detention of children up to the age of 18 are fully addressed. Following a recruitment programme carried out in 2014, 38 new care staff have commenced employment on the Oberstown campus and completed the training and orientation process. However, the recruitment programme had a target of 60 additional care staff and an additional process for a further phase of recruitment is currently underway. It is intended that the required staff complement will be reached in the second quarter of 2015 for the operation of all of the new residential units.

My Department is also progressing the necessary legal changes required in order to transfer responsibility for 17 year old boys from adult prison facilities. Heads of a Bill to amend the Children Act, 2001 were approved by Government in September 2014 and it is intended that the Bill will be published this quarter and enacted as soon as possible thereafter.

My Department is reviewing these matters on an ongoing basis and it is my intention that the practice of detaining children in adult prison facilities will cease as early as possible this year.

Child Care Services Funding

Questions (131)

Finian McGrath

Question:

131. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will support facilities for child care in the Darndale-Belcamp area, Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2163/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service continues to be in receipt of significant funding from a number of State bodies, including Tusla (the Child and Family Agency) and my Department. The centre also receives income by way of fees from parents. Tusla has worked closely with the centre last year in developing a sustainability plan. I am advised by Tusla that the centre is successfully implementing this plan. Tusla management in North Dublin will continue to meet on a monthly basis with the management of the centre to monitor progress in this regard. The centre will continue to provide monthly progress reports and quarterly financial statements during 2015.

I am further advised by Tusla that in 2014 it provided €489,000 in direct funding to Early Years services in the Darndale/Belcamp area and an additional €828,000 to Early Years Services within the geographical area of Edenmore, Kilbarrack/Raheny, Donaghmede and Bonnybrook. This funding was in addition to per capita funding from Pobal and the Early Childhood Care and Education Schemes (ECCE).

Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (132)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which he remains satisfied that adequate resources remain available to child psychology services with particular reference to early intervention and identification of the relevant and appropriate supports thereby making available an adequate suite of services to meet the growing requirements evenly throughout the country; if analysis has been undertaken to identify possible weaknesses in the services over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2184/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Child and Family Agency was established on 1 January, 2014. It involved bringing together nearly 4,000 staff from three separate organisations, the Health Service Executive, the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board. The establishment of the new Agency with a budget of over €600m represents one of the most ambitious and far reaching public sector reforms undertaken by the Government. The Agency, in discharging its functions, is placing a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, family support, therapeutic and care interventions, all of which are key to the provision of integrated, multi-disciplinary services for vulnerable children and families.

Psychology services for children are currently being provided by the HSE. The Agency and the HSE have in place both a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Protocol for inter-agency collaboration which underpins the provision of these services for children. The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to set out the partnership agreement between the HSE and the Agency to continue pre-establishment levels of service across both organisations. The objective of the Joint Protocol is to specify a pathway and associated responsibilities for children and families whose needs cross between Health Service Divisions and the Agency.

Both the Memorandum of Understanding and the Joint Protocol are subject to regular monitoring and review to ensure that they are working effectively in the best interests of children and families. Additionally, the Agency and the HSE are working to finalise a service level agreement to underpin the provision of psychological services by the HSE which will assist the Agency in fulfilling its statutory obligations. The service level agreement with the HSE will determine the quantum of service needed to meet the Agency's requirements and will be an interim arrangement pending the Agency providing the service directly.

Clinical psychology services are directly provided by the Child and Family Agency within multi-disciplinary teams deployed by the Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (ACTS). Services provided include assessment and focused interventions for children and young people with complex clinical needs and high risk behaviours. They also provide support to other professionals in order to guide interventions to children and families.

Child Care Services Provision

Questions (133)

Robert Troy

Question:

133. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of his proposed child care plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

There is clear evidence that investing in childcare services which provide quality care and education for children in their early years has significant dividends for both the children themselves and for society as a whole. Ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in their early years is therefore an important element in future economic planning.

The case for investing in children and young people on both social and economic grounds is supported by a body of international evidence. As the Minister with responsibility for this key area, I propose to establish a cross-Departmental group at senior level to develop a whole-of-Government approach to future investment in early childhood care and education and after-school care. The group will undertake an economic and cost benefit analysis of policies and future options for increasing the supply, accessibility and affordability of quality childhood care and education services.

It is clear that accessibility, affordability and high quality childcare can play a critical role in achieving a number of Government priorities, including improving educational outcome for children, reducing poverty and increasing parents' participation in the labour market. The importance of this area is reinforced by continuing economic improvement and job growth and an increased focus on activation for those currently outside the labour market.

To ensure that all the potential benefits can be realised, future public investment in childcare must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. It must look at the provision right across the 0 to 6 age group as well as consider the after-school needs of older school-going children. It is crucial, therefore, that we develop a coherent cross-Government approach to investment in childcare services.

The group which I propose to establish will include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach and will be led and supported by my Department. I will be asking that the work of this group be carried out within a relatively short time frame and I expect that the group will be in a position to report to me in the Summer.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (134)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

134. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the announcement of a commission of investigation into mother and baby homes, his views that a compensation or redress scheme should be established for affected persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2188/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I announced the proposed Terms of Reference for the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters on Friday, 9th January. The investigation will thoroughly examine the experience of the many mothers and children who were resident in a Mother and Baby Home over the period 1922-1998.

In the course of this announcement, I indicated my view that it would be premature to consider the issues of compensation or redress in respect of any matters within the scope of this investigation. Given that theses issues have not been central to any previous inquiry, this Commission must be given the opportunity to advance its investigation and to establish the facts of what happened in and around these homes. In the absence of relevant information it would be difficult to make determinations on issues as potentially complex as the question of redress.

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (135)

Denis Naughten

Question:

135. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he is taking to investigate allegations that social worker numbers were temporarily increased within the child welfare services in advance of the Health Information and Quality Authority inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2187/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I have been assured by the Agency that this practice is not employed in advance of HIQA inspections. At the end of November 2014 a total of 1403.46 WTE social workers were employed by the Agency around the country. The Agency's Employment Control Group has a national remit and decides whether agency workers are to be employed. Agency workers are only employed when it is determined that the provision of a safe service has been compromised because of a fall in staffing levels. These agency staff are only stood down when permanent staff are recruited or when staff return from absence. The Agency is actively addressing the staff shortfalls with continuing recruitment. 155 social workers recruited since the Agency was established, and a further 193 posts currently in the recruitment process.

School Completion Programme

Questions (136, 141)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

136. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding to be provided for the school completion programme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2190/15]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

141. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans for the school completion programme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2191/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 141 together.

The School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are risk of educational disadvantage. The Programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills’ DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It provides targeted supports annually to approximately 36,000 children.

Since 1 January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million has been provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has approved local projects' school retention plans for the 2014/2015 academic year. The first instalment of 2014/15 funding issued to local projects last September. Further payments totalling approximately €9.5m have issued over the past month, with a third instalment in May 2015.

The estimate for the Child and Family Agency for 2015 is €631 million, a 4.3% increase on its 2014 allocation. My Department has recently issued a Performance Statement to the Agency under Section 45 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. This includes my priorities for consideration in the development of the Agency's 2015 Business Plan. The Business Plan will set out the Agency's proposed activities, programmes and priorities for 2015, including provision for the School Completion Programme, in the light of the monies available.

A review of the School Completion Programme has commenced. It is being carried out by the ESRI following a procurement process managed by the Agency. The programme has been in operation since 2002 and I believe that it is timely that a review be carried out. The Review is an important initiative to plan for the future development of this Programme. It is envisaged that the review will be completed during the 2014/2015 academic year.