Written Answers Nos. 258-277
258. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fatalities and the number of serious non-fatal injuries on the N22 Cork-Kerry road, between Ovens and Ballyvourney in County Cork, since 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19742/15]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the section of the N22 referred to by the Deputy is within the Macroom District and there have been 41 fatalities on that stretch of road from 1990 to 15 May, 2015. I am also advised that data in relation to the number of serious injuries which occurred at this location is available from 2000 and 61 such injuries have been recorded since then to 15 May, 2015.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in road traffic enforcement which is principally a matter for An Garda Síochána. I am assured, however, that the stretch of road concerned is extensively patrolled by Garda members of Macroom Division Traffic Unit. In addition to the enforcement of the relevant provisions of road traffic legislation, breaches of the legislation are regularly targeted through specific Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) and multiagency checkpoints. An Garda Síochána also conducts speed enforcement initiatives, including the operation of 'Go Safe' safety camera vans at a number of locations on this stretch of road, details of which are available on the Garda website.
259. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the requirements that have to be met to possess a licence to hold a gun; when a person is refused the issuing of a gun licence, the conditions that have to be met the application is to be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19748/15]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended, provides that an application for a firearm certificate shall be made to the Superintendent of An Garda Síochána of the District in which the applicant resides. An application for a restricted firearm certificate is made to the Commissioner who has delegated this responsibility to members of An Garda Síochána holding the rank of Chief Superintendent. Section 4 of the 1925 Act, as amended, provides the conditions to be satisfied prior to an issuing person granting a firearm certificate. The conditions include having a good reason for requiring the certificate, granting the certificate will not endanger public safety, security or the peace, the person is not disentitled to hold a firearm certificate and that secure accommodation for the firearm has been provided. Further information may also be sought from the applicant by an issuing person including proof of identity, proof of competence in the use of the firearm concerned, a requirement to provide details of his/her medical history and providing two referees to attest to the applicant's character.
If an applicant is refused a certificate by an issuing person, the applicant must be provided with reasons for such refusal in writing. The applicant can then appeal the refusal, under Section 15A of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended, to the District Court within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter.
The District Court can confirm the decision of the deciding officer, or direct that person to reconsider the decision, or allow the appeal where the issuing person shall give effect to the Court's decision.
If a person reapplies for a firearm certificate, the application shall be considered by an issuing person under the legislation as outlined above. Each application is always considered on its own individual merits in accordance with law.
260. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on her plans to review the legislation governing the Coroner Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19754/15]
View answerThe Coroners Bill 2007 provides for a comprehensive reform of the Coroners Act 1962 and of the coroner system, including the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000, and by the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003, as well as a detailed review of reforms to coronial systems in other common-law jurisdictions (particularly New Zealand and Northern Ireland).
I can confirm to the Deputy that a review of the Coroners Bill 2007 is underway, at my request, with a view to developing a plan for its progression.
The 2007 Bill is being reviewed in light of a number of developments since its publication including
- changed public finances;
- increased emphasis on delivering leaner, better integrated and more customer-focused public services; and
- developing coroner practice and caselaw, particularly on the application to coroners' inquests of Art. 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
As finalising the review is dependent on competing legislative priorities, I am not in a position, at present, to give an indication of a timeframe for this project.
261. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for de facto status will be expedited (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19761/15]
View answerI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department, that the person referred to by the Deputy currently has an application pending for residency in the State on 6th May 2015 arising from their De Facto Relationship with an Irish national. Applications of this type are dealt with in chronological order and a decision will issue on their case in the coming months.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
262. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the recent increase in the number of explosive devices, such as pipe bombs, being found in County Leitrim and its environs, the action An Garda Síochána has taken, or is taking, to prevent this type of device from being constructed or brought into the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19791/15]
View answerAn Garda Síochána are currently investigating an incident which occurred last week in the area referred to by the Deputy. Two persons were arrested having been found in possession of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a firearm and ammunition. One of the persons arrested has appeared before the Special Criminal Court charged with a number of offences. Garda investigations in respect of the other person arrested are continuing.
There are substantial Garda operations in place to tackle the use of IEDs with operational strategies very firmly focused on disrupting the use of IEDs and bringing those involved before the Courts. Operation Enchant is the ongoing national Garda operation which coordinates investigations into the manufacture, supply and deployment of IEDs. Operation Enchant incorporates a co-ordination unit comprising personnel from the Special Detective Unit, Organised Crime Unit and Garda National Drugs Unit. This unit works closely with each Senior Investigating Officer in relation to each IED incident and also with the Garda Technical Bureau. The unit also works closely with the Garda Analysis Service and the National Criminal Intelligence Unit amongst others and assists local investigators in their investigations including, where appropriate, interviewing arrested persons and conducting searches.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of recorded incidents associated with Operation Enchant for County Leitrim comprises less than one percent of the national total. I can assure the Deputy that all incidents involving IEDs are treated as a priority and investigated thoroughly by the Garda authorities.
263. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on difficulties currently being experienced by child care providers (details supplied); if he will liaise with the Department of Justice and Equality with a view to working towards a solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19176/15]
View answerAs pointed out to the Deputy in a previous reply to a Parliamentary Question, the Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for the vetting legislation which sets out the requirements in relation to the vetting of persons who work with children. I am aware of the concerns raised by childcare providers in relation to the requirement that a childcare service provide up to date vetting for each member of staff before they take up an appointment.
I have brought this matter to the attention of officials in my Department and they will raise this matter with officials in the Department of Justice and Equality when the application of the vetting requirements are being discussed.
264. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No.172 of 12 February 2015, if the review of the school completion programme has been completed; if so, the findings of that review; if the school completion programme funding in the Tuam, Loughrea, Gort and Athenry areas of County Galway will be protected in the 2015-2016 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/15]
View answerThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
Since 1st 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 was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015. The Agency has advised that Chairpersons of Local Management Committees have been requested to prepare their school retention plans for the 2015/2016 school year based on the expenditure allocated last year and to return them to the Agency by June 5th. Following receipt of these plans projects including those in the Galway areas referred to by the Deputy will be notified of their allocations for the 2015/2016 school year.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. Its final report is expected next month. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency's educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
265. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason funding for the school completion programme is no longer ring-fenced; if he will indicate the future of the programme, post-2015; his views on whether the current indeterminate nature of the funding is causing a problem for the programme, its participants and its teachers; whether the ring-fenced funding this programme enjoyed, while under the remit of the Minister for Education and Skills, should be restored to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19236/15]
View answerWhen my Department was established in 2011, it was given a remit to lead the development of harmonised policy and quality integrated service delivery for children and young people, to carry out specific functions in the social care field and co-ordinate actions across a range of sectors, including health, education, youth justice, sport, arts and culture in support of improved outcomes for children and young people.
On 1 January 2014, the Child and Family Agency was established as the dedicated State Agency for improving well-being and outcomes for children under the remit of my Department. Operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects was assigned to the Agency from that date.
The objective in incorporating the School Completion Programme into the Child and Family Agency responsibility is to ensure the provision of effective services for children who have difficulties participating in school; to better integrate the educational welfare services with other support services for children and their families and to bring about an increased emphasis on planning, evidence based services and outcome measurement.
The estimate for the Child and Family Agency for 2015 is €631 million, a 4.3% increase on its 2014 allocation. With regard to funding for the School Completion Programme, the Programme, as with all major expenditure programmes, was the subject of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which indicated savings requirements of the order of six and a half percent were required in each of the years 2012 - 2014 inclusive.
In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015. The Agency has advised that Chairpersons of Local Management Committees have been requested to prepare their school retention plans for the 2015/2016 school year based on the expenditure allocated last year and to return them to the Agency by June 5th. Following receipt of these plans all school completion projects will be notified of their allocations for the 2015/2016 school year.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. The report is almost finalised and it is expected it will be available next month. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency's educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
266. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the costs associated with supporting children with disabilities to access the early childhood care and education scheme year, by providing special needs assistant support where required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19443/15]
View answerThere are a number of measures in place in my Department to ensure that the free pre-school year is more accessible to children with special needs. These include an exemption from the upper age limit where a child 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. I know that the HSE does, where possible, provide additional supports to children with special needs to enable them to avail of pre-school services in mainstream pre-school settings.
Previous groups chaired by the Office of the Minister for Disability and the Department of Health agreed that the best approach to meeting the needs of children with special needs at pre-school age was through mainstream pre-school services, but no agreement was reached on what the model of provision would be, or, who would lead out on developing this.
The Secretary General of my Department has recently agreed with his counterparts in the Departments of Health and Education and Skills that my Department will seek to gain agreement, in a relatively short time-frame, between the three sectors (children, education, health) on the most appropriate, workable model for supports to pre-school children with special needs. This will be followed by very close co-operation between the sectors in defining/developing the model and in making an agreed cross-departmentally supported proposal for the resources required to implement it.
There will be several challenges to agreeing an appropriate and workable model – including reviewing existing resources in the system to determine how they can best meet children's needs, and accessing the additional investment needed. My Department has committed to leading this process and it is my intention that a proposal will be available in time for the Estimates process.
267. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will direct Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to protect domestic violence support services in County Roscommon by reinstating funding to Roscommon SAFE Link, Boyle, County Roscommon, following the withdrawal of financial support for its domestic violence and counselling services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19619/15]
View answerResponsibility for the funding of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services transferred from the HSE to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, upon its establishment on 1 January, 2014. In 2014, Tusla provided funding in excess of over €17 million to support the provision of these services. This included the funding of some 60 services throughout the country:
- €10m for 20 Crisis Refuges and support services
- Over €4 million for 16 Rape Crisis Centres
- Almost €3.5 million for 24 Domestic Violence Support Services.
In addition, funding of €2.54m for domestic violence refuge services has recently transferred to my Department's Vote from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, and in turn to Tusla. The purpose of this funding transfer is to ensure that the State's relationship with domestic violence services is managed in a manner which is more coherent and adapted to the needs of service users i.e. victims of domestic violence.
Tusla has undertaken a comprehensive review of Sexual violence and Domestic violence services. The purpose was to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for the delivery of these services. Tusla considers that there is scope for a more co-ordinated and more equitable provision of these services across the country. In reviewing the make up of current services, it is seeking to address any identified gaps in services, to avoid duplication and to support effective delivery of frontline services nationally.
Tusla has been reviewing and is considering some reconfiguration of domestic violence services in Co. Roscommon in order to address acute gaps in domestic violence service provision in the county.
At a meeting with Roscommon Safe Link on Friday 15th May, Tusla indicated that it will be funding the organisation in 2015 at the level of €91,720.
Tusla will continue to be engaged with stakeholders in Co. Roscommon around how best to provide domestic violence support services as part of integrated community-based services for all of those in Co. Roscommon who require support in dealing with issues of domestic violence.
268. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding an after-care payment and other supports in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make urgent arrangements in order that this person may be assisted. [19637/15]
View answerI want to thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention. The Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment, nor would it be appropriate for me to do so, on the specific matters raised that refer to an individual. My Department has, however, referred this to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for attention and asked that they examine what supports they may be able to provide. As the Deputy may be aware, neither the provision of social protection supports or mental health services are within my remit.
On a more general point, I would note that an aftercare programme is based on an aftercare plan for a child who has been in care and is about to turn 18 years old. Based on an assessed need, an aftercare worker can make arrangements for various supports, including support for accommodation, and accessing training and education. Aftercare workers are provided both by Tusla as well as through services that are commissioned from community, voluntary and private organisations. The aftercare worker support provided by Focus Ireland, similar to one which you may have seen in the recent television documentary, is an example of such a service. Funding is also made available to support a person who is to remain on with their foster family as part of their aftercare plan. In other cases, funding supports are available to facilitate independent living or supported lodgings. Further, where a jobseeker has been in care during the 12 months prior to reaching 18 years of age then they are exempt from the reduced rates for jobseeker's allowance that would otherwise apply. However, a person, after turning 18 years of age, is entitled to choose whether or not to avail of planned supports, and this is outside the control of Tusla.
The Government has decided to amend the legislative provisions regarding aftercare. The aim is to create a clear statement of Tusla'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. It is anticipated that the Aftercare Bill will be published shortly.
269. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will prioritise the volunteer support system for youth organisations (details supplied) in the plans to change the funding model for the vital community services these organisations are delivering, in view of the fact that volunteers require Garda vetting, training and ongoing support to ensure they are confident and skilled to work with young persons, as prioritising the support of volunteers will pay dividends for our young persons and the communities they live in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19667/15]
View answerMy 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. 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, funding of €49.9m has been provided to my Department for these schemes. There has been no reduction in the overall allocation for youth services in 2015. This was an important priority for the voluntary youth organisations that have a key role in the provision of quality youth work services for young people.
Three of the targeted funding schemes, the Special Projects for Youth scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, and Local Drug Task Force projects scheme, were the subject of a recently completed Value for Money and Policy Review. The schemes support the provision of youth services for young people who are at risk of drugs, alcohol misuse, early school leaving, homelessness or who are living in disadvantaged communities. In 2012, expenditure on the schemes amounted to €39.7m. The review involved an in-depth scrutiny of a complex area to do with the impact youth service provision has in young people's lives. Overall, the review found that the youth programmes can provide a significant contribution to improving outcomes for young people, and should be considered for on-going public funding.
The review makes a number of recommendations for the future operation of the youth schemes and their development in the years ahead. It recommends that the three schemes be replaced with a single, targeted, evidence-based and outcomes focussed scheme designed to secure the optimal outcomes for young people and their communities. It sets out guidance as to how services may be developed to better meet the needs of young people in the target cohort and how demographic information and CSO data about local areas should be part of the programme design. The key role of volunteers and volunteerism is both acknowledged by the report to date and considered a key element of the new programme, going forward. The review does not include a recommendation that the funding programme should be operated on the basis of a competitive tendering process. Instead, it recommends that the governance of the programme should be reformed with a greater role for the network of local youth officers throughout the county, employed by the Education and Training Boards, supporting the development of local youth services.
My Department has undertaken a detailed consultation process with the youth sector and providers of youth services, including volunteers, about the review's findings and recommendations. The consultation included regional meetings across the country. All local services were invited to participate. My Department is committed to working collaboratively with the voluntary youth sector, in the development and implementation of the new programme over the next two years. Support for volunteers engaged in the provision of youth services is a priority for my Department in this context. Supports in place include training and awareness programmes in child protection matters through the National Youth Council of Ireland, and support programmes for both staff and volunteer led youth services in implementing the quality standards initiatives in local youth services. I intend that the reforms recommended in the review will be progressed in the context of the new National Youth Strategy, which is nearing completion. The strategy will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24 years. It will have a particular focus on the needs of young people who are at risk of experiencing the poorest outcomes. It is anticipated that the new National Youth Strategy will be finalised in early Summer.
270. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process for reassessment of applicants for the purposes of inter-country adoption whose declaration of eligibility and suitability has expired; if he will provide an outline of the timeframe, from application to completion, of this reassessment process; and if he will indicate whether priority is provided to applicants for reassessment as opposed to first-time applicants. [19709/15]
View answerAs this is a service matter under the remit of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have asked the Agency to respond directly to the Deputy.
271. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of declarations of eligibility and suitability for the purposes of inter-country adoption that have been issued since the passing of the Adoption Act 2010; the number of these applicants who have completed an adoption; the number who have had to do a reassessment due to their declaration expiring; and the number who have discontinued in the process or failed to renew their declaration of eligibility and suitability. [19710/15]
View answerAs this is a service matter under the remit of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, I have asked the Authority to respond directly to the Deputy.
272. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware of a report (details supplied); the action he plans to take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19734/15]
View answerBetter 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.
The relevant issues identified in the report referred to by the TD, are addressed within this National Policy Framework.
As part of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Better Futures, government departments have identified child poverty as a whole of government priority action for 2015. The Department of Social Protection have the lead role in co-ordinating government strategies on child poverty and are the Sponsor of outcome 4 of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures - economic security and opportunity.
To inform the development of this approach, a national seminar on 'Investing in children – breaking the cycle of disadvantage' was held with the European Commission and attended by national stakeholders in November 2014.
The whole-of-government approach requires action in respect of the provision of child and family income supports, early childhood care and education and after-school care, prevention and early intervention services for children and parents in disadvantaged areas, a national programme to tackle educational disadvantage, a new physical activity plan and increased provision of school meals.
As regards my own Department there are a number of areas of focus. My Department is spending €260 million annually on early childhood care and education and after-school support programmes which provide care to 100,000 children. A number of these programmes are targeted at those on lowest incomes. In addition in early 2015, I established an Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Early Years and After-School Care and Education. The work of the group is focused on identifying policy objectives to guide future investment, including:
- Improved outcomes for children, including those with special needs, in terms of their learning, wellbeing and development by ensuring access to high quality early years services.
- Support for parents to care for their children
- Contribution towards improvements in social inclusion and poverty reduction
- Support for parents' participation in education, training and employment
My Department is also 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. Currently 13 areas have identified and communicated the implementation of a number of specific interventions for children and families based on identified need in the local area.
My Department also provides 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. In 2015, current funding of €49.93m will be provided to my Department for these schemes.
Tusla, the child and family agency is also responsible for the delivery of educational welfare services and 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.
273. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Laois for 2013 and 2014, and the estimate for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19735/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency funds the project referred to by the Deputy in Co. Laois. The service in question received €73,164 in 2013, €67,400 in 2014 and has been allocated €67,000 this year.
The service involves the provision of domestic violence supports, including information, advocacy and counselling services to women experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence. The work of this project and other community-based Domestic Violence services is recognised and valued.
Tusla has recently completed an initial review of domestic violence and sexual violence services in order to identify strategic priorities and set out a roadmap for sexual violence and domestic violence services. There is for the first time a consolidated national budget for these services and an opportunity for more co-ordinated and equitable provision of sexual and domestic violence services across the country.
Future planning for Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence services will seek to address gaps, avoid duplication and support effective delivery of frontline services nationally.
Services responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence are being given high priority by Government, and Tusla will work closely with service providers giving particular priority to supporting front line services.
274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19752/15]
View answerThe group referred to by the Deputy is a specialist support agency which was contracted by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to provide support, advice and training for Family Resource Centres across the area of disability awareness and staff/volunteer training in personal advocacy for people with disabilities. The organisation is funded by Tusla up to the end of June 2015. I am assured by Tusla that existing Family Resource Centres have the capacity to deliver the services in question to an appropriate level.
In seeking to improve outcomes and wellbeing for children and young people, Tusla must ensure that it makes the most efficient use of its resources in a way that is efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable. Tusla is giving priority in 2015 to the protection of front-line services and those which are best aligned to the priority outcomes as set out in their Corporate Plan. Tusla values the work of the agency in question and recognises the impact of its work across the Family Resource Centre Programme. However, having regard to Tusla's priorities and the overall level of resource available, it is necessary to focus on those services operating more directly at the front line.
Tusla is in receipt of Exchequer funding of €643m in 2015 which represents an increase of €34m or 5.3% over 2014. The level of funding provided represents tangible evidence of this Government's commitment to improving services for the most disadvantaged children and families.
275. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will intervene with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in regard to proposals to discontinue Sneem Family Resource Centre in County Kerry and the non-viable amalgamation proposal, due to geographical and distance factors, which will pose huge inconvenience for clients of the centre and diminish the role of local officers and volunteers to the centre, who are providing a quality service locally down through the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19808/15]
View answerSneem Family Resource Centre has been in receipt of funding since 2005 under the Family Resource Centre Programme which is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Centre's budget for 2015 is set at €90,453.
I am advised by Tusla that representatives met with members of the Voluntary Board of Management last December regarding the provision of funding to the Centre under the Family Resource Centre Programme. The Centre has been without a full-time Co-ordinator since March 2013 despite three recruitment processes. This has impacted on the management and operation of the Centre in terms of services to children and families in the community and the continued development of the Centre in line with Tusla's priorities.
Tusla fully recognises the need for community-based family support services serving the communities of Sneem, Tahilla, Castlecove, Kilgarvan and Kenmare. Tusla will continue to work with the Centre and representatives from these communities to ensure that the funding currently available under the Family Resource Centre Programme is directed to a community-based service that is operating to its full potential and best supports and promotes the development, welfare and protection of children, and the effective functioning of families, in line with Tusla's priorities.
In this regard, a decision has been made to establish a new Family Resource Centre based in Kenmare to serve the communities of Sneem, Tahilla, Castlecove, Kilgarvan and Kenmare. A new legal entity will be formed. The current Voluntary Board of Management of Kenmare Community Care will be re-constituted. It will initially include community representatives from Sneem Family Resource Centre and Kenmare Community Care.
In time, it is proposed that the new Voluntary Board of Management will also include community representatives from Tahilla, Castlecove and Kilgarvan. The detail of this will be a matter for discussion and agreement under an agreed process which is being managed and facilitated by Tusla. The first meeting in this agreed process is to take place later this month.
Tusla has advised that Sneem Family Resource Centre will continue to administer its Programme funding until the process is completed and will continue to receive Tusla funding for counselling services during the process.
276. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his view on concerns raised in correspondence in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19319/15]
View answer303. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his view on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding training for teachers and special needs assistants in the use of EpiPens; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19320/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 303 together.
Medicines legislation does not prohibit any person from administering a medicine to the person for whom it is prescribed, as long as the medicine is administered in the way it was intended by the prescriber. Section 4A (1) of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations states: 'It shall not be a contravention of the provisions of these Regulations for '(c) Any person, other than a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist, to administer to a patient, in accordance with the directions of a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist, any medicinal product subject to control by virtue of these Regulations.'
Adrenaline auto-injectors are medicinal products which are designed for administration by non-medical persons. It is noted that in the case outlined in the correspondence supplied that the child's Consultant has provided her school with instructions for use of the auto-injector along with a copy of the Irish Food Allergy Network (IFAN) anaphylaxis guidelines. Additionally, Epipens are supplied with a package leaflet which clearly outlines administration instructions. It is important that the school follows these instructions carefully in conjunction with guidance provided by the child's parents in the event that the child experiences an anaphylactic reaction.
Schools can obtain additional information on the management of anaphylaxis from organisations such as the Irish National Teachers' Organisation who have published guidelines for teachers on their website, a section of these guidelines deals specifically with the management of anaphylaxis at school.
277. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 6 May 2015, if he will provide details of the work, remit and terms of reference of the health and education steering committee; the number of times it has met; the progress and outputs to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19460/15]
View answer330. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the work and outputs of the Health Service Executive's national programme on progressing disability services for children and young people; the structure in place within the executive to ensure progress; the directorate it comes under; the number of meetings, consultations and so on it has held with community groups; if it reports regularly on the executive's website; the impact it has had to date; its forthcoming plans; the funding allocation it receives and disseminates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19462/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 330 together.
An interdepartmental Cross Sectoral Team (CST) with membership drawn from the Department of Health, the Department of Education and Skills, the Health Service Executive, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has been in place for a number of years to facilitate a more collaborative approach at national level across the sectors on issues of mutual concern pertaining to children with disabilities. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs, which was established in 2011, has also been included in the CST membership in order to strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration.
The CST on foot of the Report drawn up by the Education and Health Working Group of the HSE Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People agreed to the establishment of a National Health and Education Steering Group. The purpose of the Steering Group (a sub group of the CST) is to promote closer collaboration on children's disability issues, based on departmental policies, across the health, education and children and youth affairs sectors with particular reference to the development of guidance on local structures/linkages/protocols to facilitate a more joined up approach across the sectors as recommended in the Report. The Steering Group has met on five occasions since it was established in mid 2014 and is currently examining the issue of local Education and Health Fora including their possible form and function. It will be reporting back to the CST on this issue later in the year.
The Health Service Executive, which has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing health related therapy resources for children with disabilities, including autism, to multi-disciplinary geographically based teams as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years). This Programme is based on the recommendations of the Report of the National Reference Group on Multidisciplinary Services for Children aged 5-18 Years, which was produced by representatives of the professions and management involved in delivering multi-disciplinary services to children.
The Programme aims to bring about equity and consistency, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of the child's difficulties. The Programme is a key priority for the Executive's Social Care Directorate in 2015. An additional €4 million was specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts. A further additional €4m (full year cost of €6m) has been allocated this year to assist in implementing the Programme.
I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the detailed operational information she has requested concerning its Progressing Disability Services Programme. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
