Written Answers Nos. 358 - 372
358. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of each statutory instrument signed; each contract entered into; each tender issued; each tender awarded; each State board appointment made by him or by an agency of his Department from 1 January 2016 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6686/16]
View answerI signed the Children Act 2001 (Section 160 Designation) Order 2016 (S.I. Number 28 of 2016) on 21 January 2016 and it came into operation on 22 January 2016.
As regards State Board appointments, I appointed Mr. Paul A. White to the Board of Tusla on 3 February 2016 following the advertisement and selection process by the Public Appointments Service.
All tendering and procurement processes undertaken by my Department are subject to specific Government rules. Please find the information from 1 January 2016 to date in tabular form as requested:
|
Tender Issued |
Tender Awarded |
Contract Entered Into |
|
Report of the consultation process to be undertaken by the Participation Unit with transgender identified children and young people (Tender published in 2015) |
Agnes Hayes of Trinity College Dublin |
23 March 2016 |
|
Provision of Irish translation services |
Word Perfect Translation Services Ltd |
Contract to be finalised |
|
Review implementation of the National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for Youth Work |
No tender awarded as of yet |
|
|
Report of consultations with children on after school care |
Deirdre Horgan University College Cork |
Contract to be finalised |
|
Research support for the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive |
Carmel Corrigan Independent Researcher |
Contract to be finalised |
|
Bail Supervision Scheme to provide services to assist young people who have been remanded on bail in the community |
No tender awarded as of yet. |
|
|
Research services in the area of youth justice |
No tender awarded as of yet |
359. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of vacant State properties and land, including car parks not in use, owned by his Department or by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department by square footage, by location, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/16]
View answerThe Department of Children and Youth Affairs does not own any vacant State property or land, including car parks not in use.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of the Department, there is currently one sole occupancy property, owned by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which is currently vacant. This property is located at 69 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 in the Dublin City Council area. Tusla has informed me that it is endeavouring to secure funding for a change of use from residential to office accommodation in order to meet future office accommodation requirements for the Agency. The property in question is approximately 310m2.
360. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of accreditation he regards the qualifications of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6989/16]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme introduced the first-ever requirement for minimum qualifications for staff working in the childcare sector. Prior to the introduction of the programme there was no requirement for staff working directly with children in pre-school services to hold any educational qualification.
New qualification requirements for childcare workers are also being introduced as part of the Early Years Quality Agenda. All staff caring for children in an early years service will be subject to a minimum qualification requirement of FETAC Level 5 or equivalent, while pre-school leaders delivering the ECCE programme will require a FETAC Level 6 qualification or equivalent. These requirements will come into effect for all childcare workers dealing directly with children from the end of this year.
It is the responsibility of childcare providers and their staff to ensure that they hold the required or equivalent qualification. A list of early years recognised qualifications for the purpose of meeting the minimum qualifications and for meeting the contractual requirements of the ECCE programme is published on the Department's website at www.dcya.gov.ie.
Where a qualification is not published on the list on the DCYA website but the holder considers it to be an appropriate award for participation in the ECCE programme they should apply to this Department through the Qualification Recognition process. If it is approved for recognition the details of the qualification will be added to the list of qualifications on the Department's web page. Qualifications are assessed in relation to satisfying the requirements of the ECCE programme and applicants should give full details as indicated on the DCYA website. Applications will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
361. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount he allocated to the Kilkenny school completion programme on the Callan Road in Kilkenny in the last five years; if he will ring-fence and increase the fund, given the level and range of services being provided and the importance of these services to the overall school community. [6992/16]
View answerThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to generally improve the school attendance, participation and retention of young people who are at risk of educational disadvantage. The Programme is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified through the Department of Education and Skills’ DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. It involves 124 locally managed projects and related initiatives operating across 470 primary and 224 post-primary schools to provide targeted supports.
Since the 1st of January 2014, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, under the remit of my Department, has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme. As with all major spending programmes, the School Completion Programme budget was subject to examination under the terms of the 2011 Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. This process identified a requirement for savings of 6.5% per annum across the programme over the period 2012 to 2014. Since 2014, the budget for the School Completion Programme has been maintained and has not been subject to any reductions.
A review of the School Completion Programme, undertaken for Tusla, was published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on 7th October 2015. It presents the findings of an examination of the operation of the School Completion Programme and makes recommendations in relation to the future operation of the programme.
A range of actions have already been taken by Tusla aimed at strengthening the operation of the programme. Improvements have been introduced in the annual school retention plans so that there is a stronger focus on the outcomes to be achieved for children and young people in each local SCP project. Focused discussions have taken place with all those involved in the delivery of the programme on the review findings and how to strengthen the core functions of the programme. In addition, a new governance structure is being put in place at national level to support local projects in the development of the programme and to improve integration with the related Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the Educational Welfare Officers.
The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Tusla'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.
My Department, along with Tusla, is participating in the Inter-Departmental Group that the Minister for Education and Skills has established to consider the roles of different Government departments in delivering the DEIS programme in a joined up way.
The information requested by the Deputy with regard to the allocations to the Kilkenny School Completion Programme over the past five years is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Allocation to Kilkenny SCP |
|
2015/2016 |
€260,172 |
|
2014/2015 |
€260,172 |
|
2013/2014 |
€278,258 |
|
2012/2013 |
€289,555 |
|
2011/2012 |
€309,684 |
|
The School Completion Programme budget year runs from 01/09-31/08 of each year |
362. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of funding for a community project (details supplied) in Ballymun in County Dublin that wishes to restore resources for child poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7011/16]
View answerThe Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is a joint prevention and early intervention initiative led by my Department and The Atlantic Philanthropies. The ABC Programme is a time-bound, co-funding arrangement of €29.7m from 2013 to 2017. The aim is to test and evaluate prevention and early intervention approaches in 13 areas of disadvantage to improve outcomes for children, in particular children and families living in poverty. The focus of the work under the ABC Programme covers in the main: Child Health & Development; Children’s Learning; Parenting; and Integrated Service Delivery.
This programme was preceded by the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) (2007-2013) which funded the following three organisations: Youngballymun, Childhood Development Initiative Tallaght, and the Preparing for Life Programme Darndale. Total funding provided to these 3 sites over the duration of both programmes amounts to €50m. Owing to their earlier transition into the ABC programme, Youngballymun and the other two sites are due to conclude their work on 31 July 2016 under their existing contracted funding arrangements.
My Department, in anticipation of the completion of this funding, wrote to each of these 3 sites in December 2015 to determine potential costings regarding the provision of an extension to these organisations until mid-2017. In the case of Youngballymun securing such an extension would afford the organisation additional time to (i) continue to build the evidence base supporting their work - a necessary requirement specific to this organisation; (ii) explore options regarding the mainstreaming of specific evidence-based programmes, and (iii) allow the organisation to inform the national evaluation of the ABC programme which is on-going.
My Department has met with Youngballymun and is actively working with this organisation – and also the Childhood Development Initiative Tallaght and the Preparing for Life Programme Darndale – in exploring options regarding the provision of an extension to their respective organisations within the available resources under the ABC Programme. In addition, my Department is also actively liaising with other relevant Departments to determine possibilities in relation to the mainstreaming of the proven elements of these respective programmes.
My Department is acutely aware of the time constraints involved in this process and is seeking a resolution on this issue in collaboration with all 3 sites. Officials in my Department have had on-going contact with Youngballymun on this issue. I would like to emphasise that with regard to Youngballymun the issue is not one of restoration of funding. This organisation is contracted under the ABC Programme to deliver services for the children of Ballymun up until 31st July 2016. My Department is actively seeking to ensure that funding is secured and an extension offered to Youngballymun and the other 2 sites within available funding. The intention is to bring these three sites into line with all other sites funded under the ABC programme.
The Secretary General of the Department wrote to the Board of Youngballymun on Tuesday 12 April seeking a meeting with the Board to outline the Department's position and in an effort to advance a resolution on this issue. I regret to say that the Chair of the Board declined this request. I would urge the Board of Youngballymun to engage directly with officials within the Department of Children and Youth Affairs who are proactively working in securing an extension of service provision for Youngballymun and the other two sites.
The Government is fully committed in seeking to ensure that the learning from the Youngballymun organisation and the other two sites, along with the learning emerging from the 10 newer sites funded under the ABC programme, can be brought forward to inform other services and supports for children in the area of prevention and early intervention. Such an approach would offer a greater reach, in scope and depth, which will in turn enhance outcomes for children throughout the country. As there is effective work being done on a range of themes across all 13 ABC sites a key focus over the next year will be to determine the high-impact programmes and provision across these areas so that a more strategic approach can be taken to mainstreaming such learning. Therefore, the provision of an extension to Youngballymun, the Childhood Development Initiative Tallaght and the Preparing for Life Programme Darndale, would afford the opportunity for a more comprehensive appraisal to be carried out in the round.
I am hopeful that the Youngballymun organisation will continue to engage with my Department to address their more immediate issues and inform the Department's wider plans in the area of prevention and early intervention. Improving outcomes for children is a key concern for us all, and one on which we need collective and constructive engagement and effort.
363. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 10 November 2015, when he will announce details of the scheme from additional Exchequer funding as indicated in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7040/16]
View answerI remain committed to supporting local projects and groups working with children and young people. My Department is currently examining the most efficient way of introducing a scheme of this kind and will announce details as soon as possible.
364. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to ensure the necessary steps are taken so that Little Einsteins-Mac Eoin Park community child care facility in County Longford will be reopened without delay. [7131/16]
View answerThe Department of Children and Youth Affairs is acutely aware of the difficulties the closure of the Little Einsteins Community Childcare facility imposes on the families and children that attend the facility and also on the staff employed there.
Since early 2015 this Department has supported the intensive engagement of Pobal and Longford County Childcare Committee in an effort to maintain childcare provision at the facility. However, despite the exceptional efforts for all involved it has not been possible to identify a sustainable solution that would allow the facility to remain open.
However, this Department has asked Pobal and Longford County Childcare Committee to continue to engage actively with the local community to bring forward proposals for the re-establishment of the facility. The Department will continue to work constructively with stakeholders to establish a sustainable solution as soon as possible.
365. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grants available to voluntary organisations for acquiring new equipment in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7236/16]
View answerMy Department is operating a number of funding schemes in 2016 through which resources are available to support voluntary organisations in acquiring new equipment. Particulars of the individual schemes are as follows:
Youth Services
Up to €2.6 million will be made available to support small scale capital projects including equipment replacement, refurbishments, health and safety fit outs and accessibility projects in local youth services.
Play and Recreation
A Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation will be made available to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people. The Scheme provides for new and innovative projects which can include new facilities, equipment, designs and /or the utilisation of non- traditional play spaces or the refurbishment or upgrading of existing play and recreation spaces and facilities. Voluntary Groups can apply to this Scheme for funding for community projects through the Local Authority in which the facility/equipment will be available. Matched funding is a requirement of the Scheme and can be in the form of funds raised by voluntary groups, or a Local Authority contribution of finance or in kind funding. The total amount of funding available in 2016 is €250,000. A maximum grant of €20,000 will be allocated to each Local Authority.
Early Years Programmes
Grants are available, through the City and County Childcare Committees, to Parent and Toddler Groups that are organised on a not-for-profit basis and involve the participation of parents in the community. Grants normally range from €100 to €1,000. The total budget for these grants in 2016 is €250,000.
In addition, capital funding of €4 million is being made available through the Early Years Capital Programme in 2016 for early years pre-school services, including not-for-profit Community Childcare Services, that are making alterations to their service to accommodate the increased numbers resulting from the expansion of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The maximum grant available under this programme is €10,000. The closing date for applications was 8 April, 2016
A scheme of capital grants will also be made available later this year to support the development of after-schools. The total budget will be in the region of €3 million and grants will be available for the purchase of equipment.
366. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the subsidies available to a private hackney company to transport patients to hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6285/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
367. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of providing a drug to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6890/16]
View answerWith regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
368. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when terms will be offered for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare under the overseas treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6288/16]
View answerThe HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) Office has advised that until a fully completed application form including a copy of referral letter from Irish based public hospital consultant is received it will not be in a position to issue a decision on this case. Full details of the scheme and application process are available on the HSE website or by phone from 056 7784059.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
369. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6295/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
370. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Health the reason a child in County Wexford has a four year wait for orthodontic treatment, given that children in other counties have less than one year to wait for the same treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
371. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will include an illness (details supplied) in the category of serious illnesses under the long-term illness scheme. [6311/16]
View answerThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
372. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the funding that is available to fund more supports and services for suicide prevention in south County Kildare. [6315/16]
View answerDealing with the current levels of suicide and deliberate self-harm is a priority for this Government. Funding for suicide prevention is provided to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) by the HSE from its overall budget for mental health. The role of the NOSP is to oversee the implementation of Connecting for Life, our new suicide prevention strategy, and to coordinate suicide prevention efforts around the country. The NOSP, in partnership with the voluntary sector, helps to support a wide array of work in communities across the county that focus on promoting positive mental health and reducing suicide and self-harm by providing significant grant funding each year as well as by assisting in coordinating and giving a strategic direction to the work undertaken. Funding for NOSP has increased from €3.7 million in 2010 to the current level of €11.55 million.
In relation to funding available to fund supports in County Kildare, as this is a service issue this questions has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
