Tuesday, 20 Oct 2015

Written Answers Nos. 406-428

Residency Permits

Questions (406)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

406. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current residency status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36053/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State, on a stamp 4 basis, until February, 2016 on the basis of her parentage of an Irish citizen child. I am advised that such applications are considered on a case by case basis having regard to the particular individual circumstances, including, inter alia, information and supporting documentation attesting to the relationship and setting out the role the applicant plays in the Irish citizen child's life. In that regard, I am advised that INIS wrote to the person's legal representative on 8th December 2014 and awaits clarification on the issues raised.

The Deputy will be aware that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Questions (407)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status regarding residency status and eligibility for naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36054/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 2nd July 2012 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State. Judicial Review proceedings were issued on 26th July 2012 challenging the Deportation Order and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice do not propose to comment further.

I should remind the Deputy that 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 through the more expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Residency Permits

Questions (408)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

408. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status in the eligibility for residency and naturalisation of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose original application was submitted as part of an application for renewal of stamp 4, and who has made an application to remain based on parenthood of an Irish born child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36055/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it wrote to the person concerned on 14 July, 2015 in connection with a passport submitted in support of the application. The passport has been forwarded to an outside agency for examination and verification and I am advised that INIS will be in contact with the person again as soon as a report is available.

The Deputy will be aware that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS 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.

Residency Permits

Questions (409)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in regularising the residency of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36056/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State, on a stamp 4 basis, on 20 October, 2008. This permission was subsequently renewed with the latest permission granted up to 2 July, 2016.

Insofar as the issue concerning the person's GNIB card is concerned, I am advised that certificates of registration (GNIB Cards) are issued by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and INIS have no statutory or administrative responsibility in such matters. It is open to the person concerned to contact their local Garda registration office.

Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS 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 INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Residency Permits

Questions (410)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in regularising the residency of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36058/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person mentioned by the Deputy should be advised to make an application in writing to INIS giving full details of his or her situation in the State and his or her future intentions.

The Deputy will be aware that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS 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.

Residency Permits

Questions (411)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

411. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of the residency of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36062/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 17 June 2010 and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State. Judicial Review proceedings were issued on 13 July 2010 challenging the Deportation Order and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice do not propose to comment further.

I should remind the Deputy that 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 through the more expensive Parliamentary Questions process.

Residency Permits

Questions (412)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status regarding the residency status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36063/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the first person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order and therefore has no entitlement to residency in the State.

Representations were received from the person concerned, to request the Minister to use her discretion, pursuant to Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the mean-time, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.

The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter outside the State.

The second named person has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for one year from 20 May 2015 until 20 May 2016. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 20th May 2015.

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.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (413)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No.616 of 22 September 2015, the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding an application for naturalisation [36065/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended provides that the Minister for Justice has absolute discretion to grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation where certain conditions for naturalisation are satisfied.

The case was submitted for decision and, having considered the information presented including information provided by the applicant in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy, the application was refused. There is no provision under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, for an appeal of a decision to refuse an application. It is of course open to any individual to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation at any time if they consider they are in a position to meet the prescribed statutory requirements.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (414)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

414. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current status in the eligibility for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36066/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order made on 24 November 2010. The person concerned has been evading deportation since 17 December 2010 and, as such, is liable to arrest and detention for the purposes of having the Deportation Order enforced. The person concerned should, therefore, 'present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without further delay.

Representations were received from the person concerned, to request the Minister to use her discretion, pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to revoke the Deportation Order. The Deputy might wish to note that any such decision will be to 'affirm' or to 'revoke' the existing Deportation Order. In the mean-time, the Deportation Order remains valid and in place.

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.

Residency Permits

Questions (415)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

415. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) in County Longford in regularising residency status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36075/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the issuing of work permits is a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Queries in relation to the Status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been 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 Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Garda Investigations

Questions (416)

Michael McGrath

Question:

416. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the 12 outstanding complaints to An Garda Síochána involving the National Asset Management Agency; if more complaint cases have been closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36092/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that as Minister for Justice and Equality I have no direct role in the management of criminal investigations by An Garda Síochána. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current position with regard to complaints received involving the National Asset Management Agency is that one case is due for trial in January 2016, two have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that a further thirteen remain under investigation.

Garda Deployment

Questions (417)

Willie Penrose

Question:

417. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take to increase the allocation of Garda Síochána resources to the Lismacaffrey area of County Westmeath, given recent burglaries and attempted burglaries in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36095/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of resources.

I have been informed that the area in question is policed by both Castlepollard and Granard Garda sub-Districts. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, as of the 31 August 2015 the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 4 Gardaí assigned to Castlepollard and 27 assigned to Granard Garda stations. The work of these Gardaí is supported by 2 Garda Reserve members and 3 civilian staff. The work of these Gardaí is augmented when necessary by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Organised criminal activity is currently being targeted by An Garda Síochána across a number of fronts, including the use of focused intelligence-led operations by specialist units such as the Drugs and Organised Crime Unit and CAB.

As Minister for Justice and Equality I am determined to tackle rural crime and to ensure that those on the frontline have the legislation and resources to do so effectively. My approach is focussed on two key objectives; strengthening the law to get tougher on serious and repeat offenders, principally through the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill, 2015, and investing in the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce that law effectively through the significantly enhanced Garda resources which the Government is making available.

Insofar as the specific policing measures in place to tackle burglary are concerned, the Garda strategy to counter burglaries and related crimes has been coordinated under Operation Fiacla, which is the national operation targeting burglary using an intelligence and analysis-led approach. This sustained Garda campaign against burglary, which incorporates burglary related Operations in each Garda Division has resulted in many successes in disrupting those involved in this type of criminality. As of 31 August 2015, Operation Fiacla had led to 14,381 arrests, with 8,181 charges being brought against suspects.

I am also in ongoing contact with the Commissioner with a view to ensuring that the policing response is as effective as can be and that Garda operations take account of evolving trends and patterns in burglary offences. In this regard, I have made specific funding available for new specialised vehicles and technology to support an enhanced operational response by Gardaí to current and emerging crime threats, including burglary offences being committed by highly-mobile gangs.

This Government is committed to the ongoing recruitment of trainee Gardaí, and to this end the first intake since 2009 of new recruits commenced training at the Garda College, Templemore, in September of last year. To date there has been four intakes of Garda Trainees into the Garda College, giving a total intake of 400. A further 150 recruits will enter the college by year end, bringing total recruitment of Garda Trainees to 550. So far 295 of the new Garda Trainees have attested as members of An Garda Síochána. On attestation, new Probationer Gardaí are assigned to Garda stations throughout the country by the Garda Commissioner, where they are deployed to mainstream policing duties. I am assured by Garda management that the needs of all Garda Divisions are fully considered when determining the allocation of newly attested Gardaí.

The ongoing recruitment of new Gardaí is crucial for An Garda Síochána and for the safety of communities throughout Ireland and I was pleased to announce that the budget allocation for 2016 will allow for the further recruitment of 600 new Gardaí in 2016.

Visa Applications

Questions (418)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

418. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for a visa by a family (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36111/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a visa application was received in the Irish Visa Office in Abuja on 5 October, 2015 and is currently being examined. 'Join family' applications are processed in order of date received and a decision can be expected within 12 weeks, as indicated on the Visa Office's website.

Queries in relation to general immigration matters may be made directly to INIS 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 INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to INIS ([e-mail]).

Garda Divisional Headquarters

Questions (419)

Noel Grealish

Question:

419. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality given that contracts have been signed for construction of the Garda Síochána Divisional Headquarters in Renmore in County Galway; if she will honour the commitment of the previous Government that Millstreet Garda Síochána station will be retained as a city centre station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36118/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Work on the Galway Regional and Divisional Headquarters is due to commence shortly at a cost of €28.16 million and is expected to be completed in 2 years. The contract to construct the new Divisional & Regional HQ was awarded to JJ Rhatigan and Company (Galway) on 2 October 2015.

The new station will provide the Gardaí with a wide variety of modern support facilities for 21st century policing as well as a conventional Garda station. The new HQ is 8,000 sq.m in size, with a 4000 sq.m basement and will provide facilities for Garda operational services as well as supporting services such as prisoner processing, staff and educational facilities. The ability to extend the building has been catered for and can be accommodated if necessary in the future. Other features include:

- Public offices;

- Victim support rooms;

- Custody facilities (13 Cells and a full range of custody facilities, including interview rooms, doctors room, fingerprint room (AFIS), intoxilyser room, solicitor/client consultation room, prisoner exercise area, etc);

- Conference facilities;

- Training facilities;

- Scenes of crime room;

- Property and Exhibit Store;

- Incident rooms;

- Welfare facilities;

- Vehicle testing garage;

- Dog pound;

- Firing range;

- Regional Support Unit accommodation;

- Facilities for the Regional Assistant Commissioner and his team; and

- Plant, and associated ancillary spaces.

I have asked the Garda authorities for the information requested in relation to the Deputy's query concerning Millstreet Garda Station and I will revert as soon as I have this information to hand.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (420)

Denis Naughten

Question:

420. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to correspondence (details supplied), if a response has been furnished to the person; if consideration has been given to the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36138/15]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

On 13 May 2015, the European Commission published an EU Agenda for Migration. The Commission proposed the establishment of an EU-wide resettlement scheme to offer 20,000 resettlement places by the end of 2016. Under the new resettlement scheme, specific numbers would be allocated to all Member States, calculated on the basis of a distribution key based on GDP, size of population, unemployment rate and past numbers of asylum seekers and of resettled refugees. The distribution key would also take account of the efforts already made on a voluntary basis by Member States. The Commission's calculation envisaged Ireland accepting 272 persons over the 2015/2016 period.

Ireland had already committed to accept 220 persons over the 2015/16 period under its national resettlement programme. In response to the Commission's proposals, the Government agreed to accept an additional 300 persons bringing the total to be admitted to 520 persons by the end of 2016. Ireland is one of 27 states that participate in a refugee resettlement programme led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The focus of the Irish resettlement programme in recent years has been on the resettlement of refugees displaced by the Syrian conflict who are living in one of the hosting countries in the region, for example those living in Lebanon, Jordan or Turkey. NGOs working in cooperation with the UNHCR at a local level identify the most vulnerable persons for resettlement, regardless of their race, religion, nationality or ethnicity. UNHCR then proposes the cases to Ireland for consideration. Self referrals or referrals by other organisations do not form part of this programme. A letter was recently issued to this effect to the correspondent.

Preschool Services

Questions (421)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

421. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding preschool education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36384/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The terms and conditions of employment in the early years sector are matters to be agreed between employer and employee. My Department makes no recommendations in relation to these matters.

After-School Support Services

Questions (422)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

422. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding after-school clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36525/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I established the Inter-Departmental Group earlier this year to consider options for future investment in early years and after-school childcare. This Group reported to Government in July this year, setting out a range of options for future investment to enhance affordability, increase the accessibility and improve the quality of early years and after-school childcare. Several recommendations of the Group, which relate to after-school childcare, were considered as part of the Estimate process for the Budget and will be funded in 2016.

These include a €3 million capital fund, which will be provided to enable both community/not-for-profit and private providers to develop after-school childcare services using existing school and other accessible community facilities. Work will also begin on the development of Quality Standards for After-School Childcare, along with a consultation with children on their views about after-school childcare.

These new developments add to the range of programmes implemented by my Department to assist parents in accessing quality and affordable after-school childcare. These include:

- The After-School Childcare (ASCC) programme that provides after-school care for primary school children of eligible parents for a period of 52 weeks. Eligibility for the programme is determined by the Department of Social Protection. The programme contributes €40 per week for an after-school place or €80 per week in situations where the childcare service provides a pick-up service that collects the child from school. The programme also provides a full day care rate of €105 per week, for a maximum of 10 weeks, to cater for school holiday periods. In all cases, the maximum fee payable by parents is €15 per week per child.

- The Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programme, which is targeted specifically at participants in the Community Employment (CE) schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection. Under this programme, €80 per week is provided for pre-school places for children up to the age of 5 and €40 per week for after-school places for primary school children up to the age of 13, with a set charge of €15 per week to the parent in either case. The programme also provides a part time day care rate of €80 per week, for a maximum of 10 weeks, to cater for school holiday periods. Places are approved for 50 weeks. Eligibility for the CEC programme is determined by the Department of Social Protection.

- The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme, which provides childcare places, including part-time and after-school places, to qualifying Solas or Education and Training Boards (ETB) trainees or students for the duration of their courses. Eligibility for the CETS programme is determined by the Department of Education and Skills. The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community childcare services to enable them to provide quality childcare, including after-school care, at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income working parents.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (423)

Tom Fleming

Question:

423. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a child (details supplied) in County Kerry who has special needs is entitled to a second free preschool year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a free and universal programme for all children in the eligible age cohort, including children with special needs.

The issue of access to the free pre-school year for children with special needs was considered when the ECCE programme was launched and a number of measures were introduced to make the programme more accessible for these children. The measures currently in place 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.

The ECCE programme is currently provided for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week for 38 weeks. I understand that the child in question has used 11 weeks by 5 days followed by 27 weeks by 4 days of the ECCE provision in the 2014/15 school year. Officials in my Department have contacted the child's parents and asked them to forward a request for a pro-rata exemption together with evidence of special needs in order to enable the child to avail of the remaining 1 day per week over 27 weeks.

Family Resource Centres

Questions (424)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

424. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will resolve a human resources related issue (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36299/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Family Resource Centre referred to by the Deputy has been in receipt of funding 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.

Tusla's priority is that Family Resource Centres will have the capacity to provide modern and appropriate services for all children and families in the communities they serve. These services need to be reliable, responsive, sustainable and accessible to all.

Tusla fully recognises the need for community-based family support services serving the communities of Sneem, Tahilla, Castlecove, Kilgarvan and Kenmare. To that end, Tusla is working with the Centre and representatives from these communities to ensure that the funding currently available under the Family Resource Centre Programme is directed to the provision of a community-based service, one that is operating to its full potential and which best supports and promotes the development, welfare and protection of children, and the effective functioning of families.

Consistent with this approach, it has been decided to establish a new Family Resource Centre 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 the Family Resource Centre referred to and Kenmare Community Care.

Family Resource Centres are independent companies limited by guarantee and are managed by a Voluntary Board of Management which is representative of the local community. While Tusla funds the salaries of staff engaged by Family Resource Centres, each individual Family Resource Centres is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed.

As Tusla is not the employer of Family Resource Centre employees, the Agency is not in a position to offer contracts of employment. However, in order to support the two employees in question, Tusla has asked the Regional Support Agency to explore at local level whether the staff can be facilitated when Kenmare Family Resource Centre is established. Tusla has asked the Regional Support Agency to report back to it on this matter as soon as possible.

Education Welfare Service

Questions (425)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

425. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will report on the educational welfare of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [36328/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I have asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to examine the case raised by the Deputy and provide me with a response. I will revert to the Deputy when the information is to hand

Early Years Strategy Implementation

Questions (426, 427, 428)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

426. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names of recipients in County Mayo of funding under the Early Years capital programme for each year since 2011; the amount of funding awarded to each recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36376/15]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

427. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names of recipients in County Mayo of funding under the capital grant funding for Early Years scheme for each year since 2011; the amount of funding awarded to each recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36377/15]

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

428. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names of recipients in County Mayo of funding under the child care capital programme for each year since 2011; the amount of funding awarded to each recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36378/15]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 to 428, inclusive, together.

A total of €7 million was made available under the Early Years Capital Programme in 2015. Of this funding, €5 million was made available for grants specifically for community/not-for-profit early years services. The remaining €2 million was made available for both private and community/not-for-profit early years services to access grants of up to €500 for quality improvement measures, specifically in the area of upgrading IT facilities.

Capital funding of €2.5 million was provided in 2014 for the maintenance and upgrade of community/not-for-profit early years services. The objective of this funding was to ensure that previously-funded community/not-for-profit early years services remained fit-for-purpose.

€2.75m was provided in Budget 2013 to support the on-going improvement of early years services. Both private and community/not-for-profit services participating in one of the national childcare programmes implemented by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs were eligible to apply for a grant under this Programme.

Finally, in Budget 2012, the Government announced capital funding of €6m to fund a maintenance programme for early years services (i.e. to address remedial, maintenance and renovation work and to purchase equipment). This funding, which provided grants up to a maximum of €50,000, was available to private and community/not-for-profit services.

The following table gives details of the capital funding provided to early years services in Mayo since the establishment of this Department in 2011.

Year	Name	Address	Amount
2012	Claremount Creche and Playschool Ltd	Cluain Aoibhinn, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 24,500
2012	Bangor Childrens Centre Ltd.	Bangor Erris, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 5,373
2012	Killeen Childcare Ltd	Killeen Community Centre, Killeen, Louisburg, Co. Mayo	€ 4,828
2012	Roundfort Kreative Kidz	Roundfort, Hollymount Co. Mayo	€ 16,068
2012	Haven Community Childcare Centre	Barnadearg, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 24,914
2012	Country Montessori	Collagh Meelick, Swinford, Co. Mayo	€ 10,944
2012	Naionra agus Iarscoil Naomh Sheosaimh	Bunnacurry, Achill, Co. Mayo	€ 24,969
2012	Bualadh Bos Playschool	Ballina Rd., Crossmolina, Co. Mayo	€ 7,868
2012	Reilly Montessori Pre-school	Rathkip, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 3,151
2012	Barneys Playgroup	Tallagh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo	€ 30,495
2012	Naionra Baile Chruaich Teo	Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 31,445
2012	Susans Little Scholars	Ballindine Community Centre,Ballindine,Co. Mayo	€ 24,000
2012	Curious Minds Preschool	St Patrick's N.S., Castlebar, Co. Mayo	€ 24,858
2013	Coillte Childcare	Coillte Childcare, Cordarragh, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo	€ 2,156
2013	Reilly Montessori School	Rathkip, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 2,898
2013	Naionra Baile Chruaich Teo	Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 3,000
2013	Naionra Tir Na Nog	Fairce an Aonaigh, Scoil Raifteiri Caislean a Bharraigh, Co. Mayo	€ 2,951
2013	Happtots Playgroup	The Community Centre, Irishtown, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 3,000
2013	Ballinrobe Childcare formerly Little Stars Creche	South West Mayo Development Company, Cornmarket, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo	€ 1,335
2013	Barneys Busy Bees	St James NS, Barnacogue, Swinford, Co. Mayo	€ 1,967
2013	An Scoil Beag Montessori	Woodpark Ave, Quay Rd., Westport Co. Mayo,	€ 1,700
2013	Hilltop Creche	Sheeroe, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 3,000
2013	An Scoil Beag Montessori Kilmeena	Derrynaraw, Kilmeena, Westport, Co. Mayo.	€ 2,646
2013	Glor na nOg	Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	€ 2,933
2013	Happy Feet Creche and Preschool	Barrack Street, Charlestown Co. Mayo	€ 2,998
2013	Barneys Playgroup	Tallagh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo	€ 3,000
2013	Greenwood Montessori	Greenwood, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	€ 2,190
2013	Woodland Park Preschool	Westport Woods Hotel, Quay Rd, Westport, Co Mayo	€ 9,000
2013	Robeen Rascals	Robeen, Hollymount Co. Mayo	€ 8,093
2013	Young Meadow Ltd T/A Little Treasures	Meadow Park, Westport Rd, Castlebar, Co Mayo	€ 9,675
2013	Abbey Tots Creche	Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 10,000
2013	Snugboro Playschool	St.Peter's Community Centre, Snugboro, Castlebar Co. Mayo	€ 4,460
2013	Ballinrobe Community Playgroup	Parish Centre, Ballinrobe Co. Mayo	€ 6,339
2013	Stepping Stones Pre-School	Lisnaran, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	€ 990
2013	Ardnaree Community Playgroup LTD.	Shanaghy, Ballina Co. Mayo	€ 3,315
2013	Bilberries Community Playgroup	Cloggernagh, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co.Mayo	€ 8,365
2013	Little Acorns Pre-School	Brackloon,Westport,,Co Mayo	€ 4,407
2013	Belmont Montessori	Botharnasop,Ballina,Co. Mayo	€ 9,875
2014	Killala Playschool	Seaview, Killala, Co. Mayo	€ 10,237
2014	Tots 2 Teens (Tooreen) Ltd	Tooreen, Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo	€ 6,906
2014	Abbey Tots Creche	Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 4,900
2014	The Growing Tree	Admiral Brown Rd, Foxford, Co Mayo	€ 22,133
2014	Carrakennedy community childcare ltd	Liscarney, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 17,865
2014	NAIONRA BAILE CHRUAICH TEO	Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 48,014
2014	Naíonra Thuar Mhic Éadaigh	An t-Sraigh, Chlar Chlainne Mhuiris Co. Mhaigh Eo	€ 17,025
2014	Naionra Beal an Mhuirthead	Belmullet, Co. Mayo	€ 6,450
2014	KEEL CHILDCARE LTD (SUANTRAI)	Crumpaun, Keel Achill, Co. Mayo	€ 4,200
2014	Ballyglass Community Childcare Centre	Ballyglass, Claremorris Co. Mayo	€ 16,219
2015	Abbey Tots Creche & Afterschool	Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 15,605
2015	Louisburgh Childcare	Ard Caher, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo.	€ 4,954
2015	Ballyheane Buttercups	Ballyheane, Castlebar Co. Mayo	€ 25,779
2015	Naionra Naomh Sheosaimh Teo	Bunnacurry, Achill, Co. Mayo	€ 3,780
2015	Bilberries Playgroup	Cloggernagh, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co.May	€ 7,237
2015	Stepping Stones (St Coleman's Playgroup)	Curam, Dalton Street Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 3,746
2015	Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta	Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 1,986
2015	Happy Tots Playgroup	The Community Centre, Irishtown, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta	Shranamonragh National School, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Robeen Rascals Community Childcare Centre	Robeen, Hollymount Co. Mayo	€ 440
2015	Little Acorns Children's Centre	Brickens, Claremorris Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Outdoor Explorers	Outdoor Explorers Preschool, Derryharriff, Castlebar, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Acorn Academy	Maa, Castlebar, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Woodland Park Preschool	Woodland Pk Preschool, C/O CBS Newport Rd., Westport Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Little Acorns Preschool	Brackloon, Westport, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Lollys & Robins Montessori	Ramolin, Shrule, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Greenwood Montessori	Greenwood, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	An Mac Leinn Beag	Cordarragh, Kiltamagh, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Outdoor Explorers Preschool Glencorrib	Glencorrib N.S. Glencorrib, Shrule, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Barleyhill Montessori	Barleyhill, Bohola, Co. Mayo	€ 443
2015	Claremount Creche	Cluain Aoibhinn, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 497
2015	Tots to Teens	Tooreen, Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Aughagower Preschool Ltd	The Old School House, Aughagower, Westport, Co Mayo	€ 458
2015	Ballyglass Community Childcare Centre	Ballyglass, Claremorris Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	An Scoil Beag Montessori	8 Woodpark Ave, Quay Rd., Westport Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	An Scoil Beag Montessori Kilmeena	An Scoil Beag Montessori Kilmeena, Derryharaw, Kilmeena, Westport, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Stepping Stones (St Coleman's Playgroup)	Curam, Dalton Street Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Bilberries Playgroup	Cloggernagh, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co.Mayo	€ 500
2015	Young Meadow Ltd, T/A Little Treasures Creche	45 Meadow Park, Westport Rd, Castlebar, Co Mayo	€ 500
2015	Little Angels Playgroup	Little Angels Playgroup, Bofeenaun Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Glór na Nóg Creche & Playschool	Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Home From Home	88 McHale Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo	€ 499
2015	Naionra Naomh Sheosaimh Teo	Bunnacurry, Achill, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Ballintubber Community Preschool & Afterschool Services Ltd	c/o Ballintubber National School, Ballintubber Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 479
2015	Naionra Beal An Mhuirthead	Naionra Beal An Mhuirthead, Belmullet, Co. Mayo	€ 434
2015	Reilly Montessori School	Rathkip, Ballina, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	The Children's House	Cross National School, Cross, Co Mayo	€ 389
2015	Naionra Thuar Mhic Eadaigh	An t-Sraigh, Chlar Chlainne Mhuiris Co. Mhaigh Eo	€ 499
2015	Naionra Cois Fharraige	Druim, OP An Clochar Beal An Atha, Co. Mhaigh Eo	€ 470
2015	Naionra Na hEachleime Eachleim	Naíonra Na hEachléime Eachléim, An Fóddubh, Beal An Atha, Co. Mhaigeo	€ 499
2015	Barnacarroll Childcare Services	Barnacarroll Community Sports Complex, Barnacarrol Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Tír na nÓg	Tir na Nog Creche, Church Rd., Belmullet, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Juniors Childcare	Spencer Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Naíonra Céimeanna Beaga	Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Golfcourse Road, Cathair na Mart, Co. Mhaigheo	€ 500
2015	Roundfort Kreative Kidz	Roundfort, Hollymount Co. Mayo	€ 489
2015	Foxford Childcare Group Ltd	The Growing Tree, Admiral Brown Rd, Foxford, Co Mayo	€ 498
2015	Keel Childcare Ltd(Suantrai)	Crumpaun, Keel Achill, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	Abbey Tots Creche & Afterschool	Mayo Abbey Community Childcare, Mayo Abbey Claremorris, Co. Mayo	€ 500
2015	St Tiernan's Community Play School Ltd	Chapel Rd., Crossmolina, Co. Mayo	€ 500
	TOTAL		€ 581,336