Written Answers Nos. 442-466
442. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any of the complaints submitted to the independent review mechanism had already been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; and if so, if they are still being reviewed by the independent review mechanism. [34604/15]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.
The Panel has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. I have already written to 152 complainants and expect to be in a position to bring the process to a conclusion shortly. A number of the complaints submitted to the Independent Review Mechanism had already been considered, in whole or in part, by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). Of itself, this did not preclude the Panel from considering the complaint and making a recommendation to me (while respecting the independence of GSOC).
443. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the independent review mechanism. [34605/15]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the mechanism established for the independent review of certain allegations of Garda misconduct, or inadequacies in the investigation of certain allegations, which have been made to me as Minister for Justice and Equality, or the Taoiseach. A panel consisting of two Senior and five Junior Counsel was established for the purpose, all selected on the basis of their experience of the criminal justice system.
The Panel has provided recommendations to me in all 320 cases submitted to them and has therefore largely concluded its work. The total cost of counsel's fees to date has been in the region of €320,000 inclusive of VAT.
444. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average time for completion of investigations, pursuant to section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. [34606/15]
View answer445. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of investigations, pursuant to section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, currently being undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, that are incomplete after one year. [34607/15]
View answer446. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of investigations, pursuant to section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, currently being undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, that are incomplete after two years. [34608/15]
View answer447. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of investigations, pursuant to section 95 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, currently being undertaken by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, that are incomplete after three years. [34609/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 444 to 447, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was established as a statutorily independent body, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to investigate complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána.
GSOC directly investigates complaints involving allegations of criminality, and its investigative staff have full police powers to do this. It may refer other complaints to the Garda Commissioner for investigation under the Garda disciplinary code, and it may maintain oversight of progress in those investigations.
Under section 95 of the Act certain disciplinary cases may be undertaken by GSOC's own investigators. This may arise, for example, where a criminal investigation took place, revealing no criminal behaviour, but potential breaches of discipline. The number of such cases are comparatively small; GSOC's 2014 Annual Report indicated that 6 such cases were opened in 2014.
GSOC have provided me with the following statistics which are based on the number of section 95 investigations initiated between 10 November, 2008 and 31 August 2015. The details provided reflect the period between the section 95 phase being started/opened and the closing of that phase (for example entering the section 97 phase at which point the matter is in the control of the Garda Commissioner as to whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings).
The average time for completion of investigations pursuant to section 95 is 218 days.
The number of such investigations that are incomplete after one year is 5.
The number of such investigations that are incomplete after two years is 1.
The number of such investigations that are incomplete after three years is 0.
448. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the Garda ministerial transport pool in each of the years 2013, 2014 and in 2015 to date; the number of cars and drivers in the pool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34713/15]
View answerIn keeping with the Government’s commitment under the Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016, revised arrangements for Ministerial transport were implemented in May and June 2011. The annual cost of the Garda Ministerial Pool from 2013 to September 2015 is as follows:
|
Year |
Annual Cost |
|
2013 |
€2.160m |
|
2014 |
€2.142m |
|
2015 (to September) |
€1.580m |
A ministerial car is provided to the following 6 office holders;
- President
- Taoiseach
- Tánaiste
- Minister for Justice and Equality
- Director of Public Prosecutions
- Chief Justice
There are a total of 26 Ministerial drivers and 25 Ministerial vehicles attached to the Ministerial Section.
It should be noted that the costs incurred by An Garda Síochána for the provision of transport to office holders have reduced dramatically during the lifetime of this Government, having fallen from €7.503m in 2010 to €2.142m in 2014.
449. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding all Garda Síochána closed-circuit television cameras; if they are currently working and in proper working order; the frequency at which these cameras are tested and checked; and if she will ensure that they continue in full working order. [34714/15]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána have 27 Garda Town Centre CCTV Systems.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that 17 of the 27 CCTV systems have Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in place with contractors for the maintenance and repair of the CCTV systems and regular maintenance checks are carried out as part of these SLAs. Maintenance and repair work on the other 10 CCTV systems is carried out as and when required. All of the CCTV systems are fully operational with the exception a small number of cameras in four systems which are awaiting repairs.
450. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of boats currently in the Garda Síochána water unit; if all the boats are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34715/15]
View answerThe Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Athlone Garda Station, Co. Westmeath and is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner who has responsibility for the allocation of resources within the Force that the Garda Water Unit presently has two patrol boats, four rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) and six inflatable boats. The equipment fitted on these boats is regularly upgraded and meets the current requirements of the Garda Water Unit.
451. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who took the mountain bike course in 2014 and in 2015 to date; when the next course will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34716/15]
View answerI have requested the information sought from the Garda Commissioner and I will write directly to the Deputy on receipt of same.
452. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has received representations from the Family Resource Centre National Forum seeking to discuss recent changes by Tusla-Child and Family Agency to structures and funding; if he will grant these requests, given the invaluable service these groups provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34304/15]
View answerI can confirm that I have received representations from the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF). I have also received representations in relation to funding from a number of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) around the country.
The Family Resource Centre National Forum highlighted its wish to discuss a number of issues including recent changes by Tusla to structures and funding amongst other matters. The issues raised were more appropriate for discussion with Tusla as the statutory service provider. Subsequently, Tusla had a productive meeting with the Forum on 7 July.
Following the meeting, Tusla requested the Forum to document its concerns in the form of a position paper for submission to Tusla. I understand that this paper is awaited.
Funding provided by Tusla to support Family Resource Centres around the country has been maintained this year at 2014 levels. The 2016 provision will be informed by the outcome of the estimates process.
453. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he and his officials are aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he was requested to provide funding; his plans to take action to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34370/15]
View answer454. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December due to lack of funding; if he was requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34403/15]
View answer455. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he has been requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34404/15]
View answer464. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he has been requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to take to prevent its closure because of its negative impact on children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34405/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 453 to 455, inclusive, and 464 together.
The Centre referred to by the Deputy provides accommodation for women and children who may have been in emergency accommodation provided by domestic violence refuges. I understand that the Centre was established independently of the State. It opened in 2012 and has been funded by Respond Housing Association.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency allocates available funding for domestic violence to emergency refuge accommodation services and community-based domestic violence supports.
I am advised that the Centre does not operate as a front line emergency domestic violence service, rather it provides 'step down' or 'transitional' accommodation to support a transition into a permanent settled home. This can include survivors of domestic violence who are transitioning from emergency services to a new, permanent home.
Officials from my Department and Tusla recently met with Respond, at the housing association’s request, to discuss the situation in the Centre. The Department sought additional information from Respond, including information in relation to the housing association's financial well being. The most recent information provided indicates that Respond, which is made up of two companies, remains in good financial health.
I hope that the matter can be satisfactorily resolved, by allowing sufficient time for all avenues to be explored by the relevant parties. This will need to include discussion with other parties, including the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government as it would appear that these families have pressing housing needs.
456. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps that have been taken to investigate recent reports of inappropriate seclusion of children in the residential care facility in Ballydowd in County Dublin; his plans for safeguards to prevent inappropriate seclusion, physical and chemical restraint in the future in all residences for children. [34657/15]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out an unannounced inspection of Ballydowd Special Care Unit in July of this year following a concern relating to the practice of single separation. The inspection report was published on 31st August 2015. In Ballydowd Special Care Unit, single separation means the removal of a child to a separate locked room for as short a period as possible during times of challenging behaviour which poses a significant risk to themselves or others.
The inspection report indicated that decisions to initiate single separation generally complied with national guidance and that children's Guardians ad Litem and social workers were informed when they took place. However, it found that the practice was used for excessive lengths of time in a small number of cases, record keeping and notification to senior management was inadequate and there was a poor response to complaints made by children regarding the events.
Following on from the inspection, HIQA requested Tusla to undertake an immediate review of single separation that lasted for excessive periods of time. The findings have led to a change in authorisation of single separation to ensure it is for the shortest time necessary and also improved recording and information sharing. Incidents of single separation that are longer than three hours are to be escalated to senior management and improvements have also been put in place to have single separation in Special Care reviewed as part of the national significant event notification system.
Restrictive practices and children's rights has been placed as a standing item for meetings regarding Special Care. An action plan, approved by HIQA, to address the standards identified as "requiring improvement" and "at significant risk" was published with the report. It noted that the majority of the actions had been implemented at the time of publication. The remainder were due to be completed by the end of Q4 2015.
Other actions that have taken place include the purchase of fire & ligature proof mattresses and blankets which will be available in Safe Rooms at all times. The definitions and permissions in relation to Restrictive Practices have been clarified and limits and governance have been imposed on the use of single separation. Actions in progress include improvements in the recording and reporting processes, and a dedicated Challenge Response team is to be developed to improve resilience and provide assistance within Special Care teams. A Review is also to be undertaken of international best practice relating to restrictive practices and the design of dedicated accommodation.
457. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of supernumerary positions in his Department and those agencies, organisations or bodies funded by his Department; the maximum period in each case that supernumerary positions have existed; the total cost in maintaining supernumerary positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34137/15]
View answerOn the basis of the clarification received from the Deputy on the information he requires, I wish to confirm that neither my Department nor any of the agencies under its remit have any positions exceeding the usual number in place. All of the Agencies under my Department's remit continue to operate within their overall approved staffing levels.
458. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures being taken to ensure the continued operation of Cuan Álainn women's refuge in Tallaght in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34238/15]
View answerThe Cuan Álainn centre provides accommodation for women and children who may have been in emergency accommodation provided by domestic violence refuges. I understand that the Centre was established independently of the State. It opened in 2012 and has been funded by Respond Housing Association.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency allocates available funding for domestic violence to emergency refuge accommodation services and community-based domestic violence supports.
I am advised that the Cuan Álainn facility does not operate as a front line emergency domestic violence service, rather it provides 'step down' or 'transitional' accommodation to support a transition into a permanent settled home. This can include survivors of domestic violence who are transitioning from emergency services to a new, permanent home.
Officials from my Department and Tusla recently met with Respond, at the housing association’s request, to discuss the situation in Cuan Álainn. The Department sought additional information from Respond, including information in relation to the housing association's financial well being. The most recent information provided indicates that Respond, which is made up of two companies, remains in good financial health.
I hope that the matter can be satisfactorily resolved, by allowing sufficient time for all avenues to be explored by the relevant parties. This will need to include discussion with other parties, including the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government as it would appear that these families have pressing housing needs.
459. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for an update on the current status of mother and baby home investigations; and if all persons who have spent periods of time in institutions will be afforded an opportunity to relate their stories, as was repeatedly promised. [34266/15]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters was established by Government Order on the 17th February 2015.
In accordance with its comprehensive Terms of Reference, the Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experience of mothers and children resident in Mother and Baby Homes and a representative sample of County Homes. This includes the establishment of a Confidential Committee module to facilitate individuals who may wish to provide accounts of their experiences of living or working in relevant homes to the Commission.
The Commission launched a nationwide advertising campaign during the summer inviting persons with information relevant to its terms of reference to contact them. Persons wishing to contact the Commission may do so by writing to: Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, 73 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, email info@mbhcoi.ie or by freephone on 1800 80 66 88.
As I have outlined previously, the Commission is independent in the conduct of its investigations. The precise timing and approach to its investigations are matters for the Commission to decide and progress. The Commission is required to submit a final report within 36 months of its establishment. I have no further information in relation to the ongoing investigation.
460. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for a breakdown of Tusla - Child and Family Agency legal expenses, including solicitors' services tendered. [34270/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to legal expenses is set out below. This information, which includes expenditure on solicitor services, is derived from Tusla's Annual Financial Statements for 2014 and its Management Accounts to date in 2015.
|
- |
August YTD 2015 |
2014 |
|
- |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Child and Family Agency Legal Services |
9,803 |
15,923 |
|
Guardians Ad Litem Costs |
5,557 |
9,059 |
|
Guardians Ad Litem Legal Costs |
3,700 |
7,458 |
|
3rd Party Legal Costs |
1,565 |
2,845 |
|
Other Legal Costs |
76 |
908 |
|
Total Legal and Guardians Ad Litem Costs |
20,701 |
36,193 |
It should be noted that Guardian Ad Litem and their legal representatives are appointed by the court service and although independent of the parties to the court proceedings their fees are discharged by the Child and Family Agency in accordance with the Child Care Act 1991.
461. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a purpose-built child care facility (details supplied) in County Sligo remains closed; his Department's plans in terms of financial and expert support to assist the local child care committee in making arrangements to have the facility re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34309/15]
View answerCapital funding totalling almost €820,000 was provided under the Equal Opportunity Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), in the period 2006 to 2008, to support the development of this childcare facility. This funding enabled the local community to put in place a modern childcare facility to help address the childcare needs of families in the area. Funding totalling more than €206,000 was provided under the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme in the period 2008 to 2014 to enable the service to provide childcare at reduced rates to qualifying low income and disadvantaged families who had children enrolled in the facility.
The management committee at the facility decided in October last year to close this childcare facility. A new committee was established locally earlier this year and Pobal and Sligo County Childcare Committee worked closely with this new committee to examine the possibility of re-opening the facility. I understand that it has been agreed in principle to allow the new committee at the facility to enter the three childcare support programmes implemented by this Department provided a number of conditions are adhered to. Sligo County Childcare Committee will continue to support the committee with a view to re-opening the facility in September 2016.
462. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the delay in dealing with an application from a youth services centre (details supplied) in Dublin 12, supported by the City of Dublin Youth Service Board, that €60,000 allocated to it under YP1 should be refocused and issued to it as per the application in December 2014, to allow this vital youth service to a disadvantaged area to employ an additional youth worker. [34312/15]
View answer469. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a youth centre (details supplied) in Dublin 12 can re-direct its previous funding, under the new options new choices scheme, to fund a youth development worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34632/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 469 together.
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. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people. It is estimated that the voluntary youth services throughout the country 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 has been provided to my Department for these schemes.
The funding for local youth projects and services is administered in the main by Education and Training Boards. In Dublin City, City of Dublin Youth Service Board under City of Dublin Education and Training Board undertakes this role. Some eighty local projects and services are in receipt of funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund and Local Drugs Task Force Projects and €10m in 2015 has been allocated to City of Dublin Youth Service Board for distribution to the projects.
My Department works closely with City of Dublin Youth Service Board and Education and Training Boards throughout the country in the administration of youth services.
The St. John Bosco Youth Centre is funded under my Department’s Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund. Some €216,000 has been made available to it in 2015 for the delivery of youth services. The Centre provides youth services to young people aged 10 to 21 years in the Drimnagh area, particularly targeting those affected by a range of economic and social factors.
I have been advised that the Centre sought City of Dublin Youth Service Board’s approval for their funding to be re-configured to fund a full-time youth work post. The City of Dublin Youth Service Board has submitted a number of proposals to my Department to reconfigure funding within its area, to be considered in the context of the 2016 allocation of funding. The proposal from St John Bosco Youth Centre will be examined by my Department in this context.
463. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report he has commissioned on the school completion programme will be published; if he has received the report; if so, when; his plans to act on the recommendations in the report; in the meantime, his further plans to continue to ring-fence the funding for this programme in the budget granted to Tusla - Child and Family Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34399/15]
View answerSince 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
The Economic and Social Research Institute's (ESRI) review of the School Completion Programme has been finalised. It is being examined by my Department and in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and it will be published this week.
The review will assist in identifying the reforms necessary to consolidate the programme on a sustainable footing for the future. It examines the School Completion Programme structures, and how they can best support an integrated approach to address early school leaving.
The findings of the review reflect that the School Completion Programme encompasses a broad range of measures and interventions that have been developed by local projects to address the needs of children over the years. The findings in the review cover the processes involved in identifying target children for support, the form and focus of the supports provided and the complexities involved in measuring the outcomes for children at risk of educational disadvantage.
The review makes findings and recommendations on these aspects of the programme and on strengthening the current governance and programme structures and on the resourcing of the programme.
Tusla has advised that it is initiating a number of actions to address the findings in the review. My Department will continue to support Tusla to develop the programme as a key strand in Tusla's integrated educational welfare response to children and their families, taking account of the Review's findings in this regard.
With regard to the future funding for the programme, this will be determined in the light of the resources that become available to the Agency in the annual estimates and budgetary processes. 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.
465. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used for allocating funding to community child care services under strand 1 of early years capital programme 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34471/15]
View answerA total of €7 million was provided under the Early Years Capital Programme in 2015. Under this programme, applications were invited from all early years services contracted to deliver the Department of Children and Youth Affairs childcare programmes. All applications submitted were evaluated by Pobal, who administers the programme on behalf of my Department.
Strand 1 of the programme provided for large scale capital grant funding in the region of €500,000 for the relocation or major refurbishment of community/not for profit early years services.
Under the criteria of the programme, projects must be completed, and grant funds fully reported, by December 2015. As such, the “readiness” of a project to proceed, and be completed within the timeframe, was a major consideration when Pobal was reviewing the applications. Applicants that could best demonstrate “readiness” were those that:
a) had obtained full planning permission, or could demonstrate that planning was not required;
b) had completed an appropriate tendering process where tenders were still in date and valid; and,
c) had confirmation that the project could be completed within the timeframe available.
Applications that were successful were those that represented the most complete, coherent, precise and compelling cases for funding. The investment is being directed, to the best extent possible, to making the greatest impact by addressing the most urgent works and supporting the quality of services making the greatest impact for disadvantaged children and communities.
466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons on the AJ subvention band, that is, those who hold a medical card and currently work; and the number of these who wish to avail of the community child care subvention programme from a private creche. [34487/15]
View answerThe Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community childcare not-for-profit services to enable them to provide childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income working parents. Participating services qualify for funding on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the qualifying parents eligible for support under the programme.
In the school year 2014/2015, 151 persons who were employed and holding a medical card qualified for support under the AJ Subvention Band of the CCS programme. The programme is only available in community not-for-profit childcare facilities and my Department is not aware of the number of parents who might wish to avail of the programme if it were available in private childcare facilities.
