Thursday, 21 Jul 2016

Written Answers Nos. 861-880

Research and Development Grants

Questions (861)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

861. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on concern within the research community regarding possible reforms to the system used to allocate research grants; the specific plans, if any, to divest her Department’s control of the programme for research in third-level institutions, PRTLI, to Science Foundation Ireland; and her views on the fact that any potential divestment to Science Foundation Ireland would include measures to ensure that the PRTLI's traditional focus on capital, research infrastructure and students will remain and that PRTLI will retain its traditional role of enabling all areas of research. [24026/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) has been an important instrument in developing Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem since the first “cycle” of investment in 1998. It has been particularly important in leveraging philanthropic and other private investment in order to put in place the research laboratories, institutes, equipment and, most importantly, the people to undertake research in our higher education system. Ultimately, the goal of all of our investment in research and development (R&D) is to support knowledge creation, knowledge transfer and innovation for economic and social progress.

In the five “cycles” of investment under PRTLI to date, there has been a total investment of €1.213 billion (€935m public and €278m private) and this investment has helped to put in place some 145,000 square metres of physical space for research and direct support for some 3,500 researchers and postgraduate students including through “Structured PhD” programmes and other related human capital elements.

Responsibility for PRTLI transferred from the Department of Education and Skills to the (then) Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in May 2010. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI) is currently discharging the remaining financial commitments under Cycle 5 of the programme.

Innovation 2020, the Government’s strategy for research and development, science and technology, includes a commitment to scope out and develop a successor to Cycle 5 of PRTLI as one element in the policy mix that will be used to deliver on the human capital and related research infrastructure goals and objectives contained in the strategy.

DJEI has lead responsibility for scoping and developing the successor to Cycle 5 of PRTLI, working with the Department of Education and Skills, Science Foundation Ireland and the Higher Education Authority, and in consultation with other Government Departments, research funders, higher education institutes, enterprise agencies and other stakeholders. Officials in DJEI have commenced work on this and a detailed proposal for a successor to Cycle 5 of PRTLI will be brought to Government for approval. The detailed proposal will set out the proposed approach regarding the structure and content of the programme.

Action Plan for Jobs

Questions (862)

Brendan Smith

Question:

862. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if projects in counties Cavan and Monaghan will be funded under the community enterprise centre scheme in 2016, if a new competitive call will be launched under this scheme in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24062/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Last year, the Government announced details of the 5-year, €250 million Regional Action Plan for Jobs, aimed at accelerating the jobs recovery in every part of the country. Under the Regional Plan, Enterprise Ireland launched a competitive call, the Community Enterprise Initiatives Fund, with a budget of €5 million over two years, which focused on community-driven enterprise initiatives and how all the local players, public and private, can work together to maximise job creation. The Fund was open to organisations or groups of organisations with innovative ideas to create jobs, promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation or enhance exports. As this was a competitive fund, due to limited funding, it was not possible to award aid to all eligible projects.

Enterprise Ireland announced, on 1 June, the applicants that were offered funding for their proposals under the Community Enterprise Initiative Scheme. Bailieborough Development Association Limited was successful in applying for funding for expanding the existing state of the art business facilities through the development and renovation of the Bailieborough Courthouse. This will result in the expansion of business activities, offering advice to business on funding opportunities, training programmes, business development, networking, etc.

I am determined to support the regions to help them to achieve their potential and ambition. In that regard, I would point out that Enterprise Ireland will issue a 2nd call under the Community Enterprise Initiative later this year. This new call will be open to those that may have been unsuccessful under the first call for proposals and also to new applicants. Enterprise Ireland will work with all applicants that apply for funding under the second call for proposals.

I will engage closely with Enterprise Ireland to continue to roll out a series of new competitive regional funding initiatives that deliver on the potential of local and regional strengths; and promote collaboration among the various public and private interests to create new enterprises and jobs.

Living Wage Implementation

Questions (863, 864)

Niall Collins

Question:

863. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed, or in agencies funded, by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24164/16]

Niall Collins

Question:

864. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the discussions her Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to her Department, or to agencies of her Department, to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24179/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 863 and 864 together.

Remuneration of all the staff of the Department is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy. Within the time available it has not been possible to calculate an exact figure. However, I can advise the Deputy that the annual additional salary cost to the Department of introducing a minimum hourly rate of €11.50 per hour is estimated to be in the region of €200,000 per annum based on current figures for 58 staff employed at Cleaner, Services Officer, Services Attendant and Clerical Officer grades. This figure reflects recent recruitment of staff at the start point on the relevant incremental scale for their grades. However, as the maximum point on the incremental scales for Services Officer, Services Attendant and Clerical Officer is above the minimum hourly rate, over time, based on satisfactory performance, each staff member in these grades would proceed to earn more than the current Living Wage figure of €11.50 per hour. I have asked all agencies under the aegis of my Department to advise me of the position insofar as it relates to their agency and will communicate this information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

The Living Wage campaign was designed as a voluntary initiative centred on the social, business and economic case for same and, accordingly, it is not one based in legislation. The National Minimum Wage sets the statutory pay minimum under law. Given the voluntary nature of the Living Wage Campaign, suppliers and service contractors are not obliged to pay their employees the wage proposed. They are, however, required to confirm that they have taken account of their statutory and legal obligations relating to the employment protection and working conditions of their employees, in the provision of goods and services sought for my Department through the relevant procurement process.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (865, 866)

James Lawless

Question:

865. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the publication of Innovation 2020, when the first meeting of the implementation body took place; the number of meetings that have taken place in 2016; the remaining number of meetings that are planned in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24191/16]

James Lawless

Question:

866. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the publication of Innovation 2020, the mechanism in place to review progress and ensure targets in the strategy are being met on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24192/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 865 and 866 together.

To underpin the whole of Government approach to Innovation 2020, an Implementation Group chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from key Government Departments, research funding agencies and the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government has been established and is tasked with driving delivery of the actions in Innovation 2020.

The Implementation Group has met twice to date this year. At its first meeting on 4th March 2016, a Work Programme containing 53 actions for initiation in 2016 was agreed. At its second meeting on 13th May, a progress report outlining progress for the first six months was agreed. The report shows that three of the 53 actions identified for initiation in 2016 are complete and the remainder have been initiated. The Implementation Group will meet again in Autumn this year, date to be confirmed.

As committed to in Innovation 2020, the Implementation Group is to report annually to the Cabinet Committee on progress in achieving high-level targets and delivering on actions. The first Progress Report was brought to the Cabinet Committee for the Economy, Trade and Jobs on 14th July and was noted by Government on 19th July. The Progress Report was published on 20th July and is available on my Department’s website www.djei.ie.

Research and Development Grants

Questions (867, 868)

James Lawless

Question:

867. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the publication of Innovation 2020, when scientists engaged in basic research will be able to apply for funding; the provisional deadline for applications in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24193/16]

James Lawless

Question:

868. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the publication of Innovation 2020, to provide the total budget allocation for basic research in 2016 and funding ring-fenced for each year thereafter; the scientific disciplines which will be accommodated for grant funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24194/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 867 and 868 together.

Innovation 2020 contains a commitment to supporting the full continuum of research from frontier (basic) research to the creation and development of research-informed innovative products, processes and services. Funding for research is awarded according to the criteria set out in the various funding programmes operated by research funders irrespective of whether the research is basic or applied. Calls for proposals are announced at various times throughout the year depending on the research funder involved and details of such calls are advertised on the respective research funders’ websites. The most recent survey of R&D performed in the higher education sector (HERD survey published July 2015) shows that basic research accounted for 51% or €320m of that expenditure in 2012/13.

Under Innovation 2020, a competitive fund to support qualified researchers to undertake project-based frontier research is being developed. Funding will be awarded on the basis of the excellence of the research proposals and assessed through a rigorous and international peer-review process. The parameters for this programme will be determined by the Irish Research Council later this year.

Horizon 2020 Strategy Negotiations

Questions (869)

James Lawless

Question:

869. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to account for the current Irish representation on the EU committees that determine the work packages of Horizon 2020 initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24195/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Horizon 2020 is implemented by the European Commission with the assistance of programme committees, formally known as “Configurations of the Committee for the Specific Programme Implementing Horizon 2020”. The committees are aligned to the various strands of activity in Horizon 2020 and are the primary mechanism by which member states can influence research themes and calls for proposals. There are 14 of these configurations, as follows:

1. Strategic Configuration

2. European Research Council, Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions, Future and Emerging Technologies

3. Research Infrastructures

4. Information and Communication Technologies

5. Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing

6. Space

7. Innovation in Small & Medium Enterprises and Access to Risk Finance

8. Health, Demographic Change and Well-being

9. Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research, and the Bio-economy

10. Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy

11. Smart, Green and Integrated Transport

12. Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

13. Europe in a Changing World - Inclusive, Innovative and Reflective Societies

14. Secure Societies – Protecting Freedom and Security of Europe and its Citizens

The National Support Network for Horizon 2020 in Ireland provides the National Delegate, an expert in the relevant area, to each of these committees. My Department attends the Strategic Configuration of the Programme Committee, which is responsible for overall coherence of the programme as well as cross-cutting issues.

Horizon 2020 Strategy Funding

Questions (870)

James Lawless

Question:

870. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the decision by UK voters to leave the EU, her plans to ensure this will not impact on the current programme funding under the EU's vital Horizon 2020 research programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24196/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The full implications of the UK vote to leave the EU have yet to be determined. Withdrawal negotiations will not begin until Article 50 has been triggered by the UK and will probably take at least two years to complete. So there will be no change in the situation regarding UK participation in Horizon 2020 during that period.

This has been confirmed by the EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas: “Until the end of the negotiations, UK remains a member of the EU and therefore with all the rights and obligations, including in relation to research programmes like Horizon 2020”.

The contingency framework which the government has put in place explicitly addresses the potential ramifications for Ireland of Brexit in relation to Research and Innovation:

“A full assessment will be undertaken of the opportunities and threats arising from the future disengagement of the UK from the EU, including in relation to Horizon 2020 funded research. This will include the threat of a reduced overall fund if and when the UK’s contribution to the EU is withdrawn at some point. Balanced against this, there may also be new research opportunities for Ireland as a remaining member of the EU and participant in the Horizon 2020 programme to build new collaborations with industry. These opportunities will be maximised”.

It is too early to predict the outcome of the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU on the Horizon 2020 Programme.

Horizon 2020 Strategy Funding

Questions (871, 872)

James Lawless

Question:

871. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the process in operation to co-ordinate the spacing of Irish applications for Horizon 2020 funding in order to maximise chances of success for Irish bids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24197/16]

James Lawless

Question:

872. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if steps are being taken to encourage Irish applications for Horizon 2020 funding to focus on areas in which Ireland has a competitive advantage on account of its geography, border or industry clustering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24198/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 871 and 872 together.

Horizon 2020 is structured into two- and three-year work programmes. The first work programme spanned the years 2014-2015; the current work programme spans the years 2016-2017 and the final one will span 2018-2020. Each work programme is published at the start of the relevant period and sets out the detailed list and timing of calls for proposals that will be issued over the course of the two or three year period.

A National Support Network has been put in place to work with researchers and companies to identify opportunities in Horizon 2020 and to assist them in preparing proposals for funding. The Network is led by Enterprise Ireland, and is comprised of sectorial experts who are designated as National Contact Points for each of the sub-programmes within Horizon 2020. A number of these sectorial experts are based in other agencies and Government departments.

Thus, the national support network has considerable advance notice of upcoming opportunities for funding in Horizon 2020. Based on their in-depth knowledge of the sector, including familiarity with researchers with relevant expertise and innovative companies active in relevant markets, combined with information on the available budget for the calls and the likely success rate, along with historical performance, the National Contact Points are well placed to advise potential applicants on which calls they should apply to in order to maximise their chances of success.

The Strategic Research Proposals Group, which brings together Government Departments and State Agencies funding research, chaired by the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government, is working with stakeholders to promote large proposals to programmes with significant funding available and for which Ireland has a strong competitive advantage.

In June I outlined the benefits of Horizon 2020 funding at a breakfast event organised by Enterprise Ireland and attended by multinational companies including Irish multinational companies. The heads of three of DJEI’s agencies, Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive of Enterprise Ireland; Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland; Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government, also spoke at the event to outline their support for participation in Horizon 2020.

Horizon 2020 Strategy Funding

Questions (873)

James Lawless

Question:

873. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of Irish organisations and research institutes involved and total monetary amount that has been drawn down for funding for research and development under the Horizon 2020 plan in 2014, 2015 and to date in 2016, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24199/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The breakdown of the number of successful applicants from Ireland in Horizon 2020 (i.e. proposals which have been approved for funding but for which the contract has yet to be finalised and signed) and the associated EU funding secured for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 is set out in the following table:

	2014	2015	2016*
Number of Successful Applicants	291	306	41
EU Financial Contribution	€127.6 million	€131.7 million	€13.8 million

*Up to end May 2016

The 2016 result to May represents a similar percentage drawdown of the available budget as in previous years, and Ireland remains on course to achieve the national target of €1.25 billion.

Freedom of Information Data

Questions (874)

Dara Calleary

Question:

874. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of freedom of information requests received by her Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24285/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Details of the total number of FOI requests received by my Department and its Offices to date in 2016, the number of requests refused and the number of requests partially refused are outlined in the following table:

Total Number of FOI Requests Received in Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and its Offices from 2016 to date

Total FOI Requests Received to date in 2016	Total FOI Requests Refused to date in 2016	Total FOI Requests Part-Granted to date in 2016
119	9	26

Ministerial Allowances

Questions (875)

Jack Chambers

Question:

875. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to her and each Minister of State in her Department in respect of their functions as a Minister in her Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016, between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016, and since 7 May 2016. [24300/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Since my appointment as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on 6th May 2016 I have not been paid for any travel expenses yet. I understand that a claim is currently being processed by the Department’s Finance Unit for an amount of €126.57. This relates to subsistence costs for an official engagement I undertook in Brussels covering the 12th and 13th May 2016.

No travel and subsistence payments have yet been made to Minister Pat Breen T.D. and Minister John Halligan T.D. since their appointments as Ministers of State at the Department in May.

The travel costs paid to Minister Bruton and Minister Nash in 2016 are set out in the following tables.

Minister Richard Bruton T. D. Claims Paid in 2016
Month travel undertaken	Kilometres Claimed	Amount Paid	Date Paid in 2016
November 2015	2,822	€803.14	15th January
December 2015	1,600	€455.36	21st January
January 2016	903	€533.40	11th February
February 2016	350	€206.75	18th March
March 2016	779	€460.16	20th May
April 2016	748	€441.84	27th May
May 2016	67	€39.58	2nd June

Minister Ged Nash T. D. Claims Paid in 2016
Month travel undertaken	Kilometres Claimed	Amount Paid	Date Paid in 2016
December 2015	1,600	€765.29	28th January
January 2016	3,122	€1,844.17	25th February

Ministerial Advisers Remuneration

Questions (876)

Jack Chambers

Question:

876. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to special advisers; to provide details for requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap, as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24317/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

The numbers and grades of personally appointed staff in respect of Ministers’ Offices are governed by “Instructions” issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). In that context, sanction has been received for the following Special Adviser appointments, both working to me as Minister in the Department:

Name	Role	Salary
Mr Alan Cantwell	Special Adviser (Press)	PO Standard Scale (ppc €79,401 - €97,194)
Mr Jim McGrath	Special Adviser (Policy)	PO Standard Scale (non-ppc €75,647 - €92,550)

Contract offers are being progressed at this time and once finalised will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. No request has been made for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Questions (877)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

877. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she and her Department hopes to be in a position to pursue and secure new markets for Irish exports, with particular reference to the challenges arising from Brexit; if she expects to utilise a multifaceted approach in this endeavour regardless of deadlines associated with Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24324/16]

Written answers

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Since the announcement of the vote of the UK to leave the EU, I have been in regular contact with key agencies, in particular Enterprise Ireland, and have met with other key business organisations to gather intelligence on the implications of Brexit and to plan our responses. In turn, Enterprise Ireland has been engaging intensively with its clients to ascertain the potential impact of Brexit on their operations and strategies. The strategies of Enterprise Ireland (EI) and their clients will no doubt evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities that will arise.

EI client exports to the UK increased by 12% last year to reach €7.5bn. Significantly however, in the context of Brexit, UK exports, as a share of total exports, have reduced from 45% to 37% over the period 2005 to 2015 as EI clients have diversified their export base to high growth markets.

Despite the continued diversification of the EI client export base, the UK’s vote to leave the EU will present significant new challenges for Irish companies exporting to the UK. In response, Enterprise Ireland has begun its plans to support clients exporting to the UK, including:

1. Information and Guidance:

Enterprise Ireland will run an information campaign including: practical guides, online information and webinars, an updated UK market access guide and regional seminars in Ireland and the UK. Further details are available at www.enterprise-ireland.com/brexit.

2. UK Market Support:

Enterprise Ireland's UK team will support clients to identify key business opportunities in the short and medium terms. They will also provide advice and support on responding to the implications of Brexit such as improving competitiveness and reducing supply chain costs.

3. Competitiveness and Market Development Supports:

Enterprise Ireland will intensify its work with clients, to improve their competitiveness in the market, through its management capability and development programmes.

4. Market Diversification Support:

Enterprise Ireland will intensify its strategy of supporting clients to diversify into new markets. As part of this strategy, Enterprise Ireland will intensify its International Trade & Investment events schedule for the rest of 2016 to include trade missions and events to Northern Europe, USA, China, India and other high growth markets.

5. International Sector Clustering Strategy:

Enterprise Ireland will expand its focus on promoting Irish sectorial cluster capabilities in key sectors to international buyers in growth markets including Northern Europe, USA and Asia Pacific.

In addition, engagement by IDA Ireland, both with their existing client companies and with new prospective investors, on issues arising as a result of the UK Referendum will, of course, continue on an ongoing basis. Ireland’s commitment to our membership of the European Union, which provides for full access to that market for businesses located in this country, and our specific advantages for inward investment, will be highlighted by my Department and by the IDA at every opportunity.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (878)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

878. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of funding for pre-schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23731/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I understand from my colleagues in Kerry County Childcare Committee that your constituent, to whom you refer in your question, has made an application to participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme for the coming academic year. New Service Agreements will be processed shortly by my officials with the cooperation of the City and County Childcare Committees.

Once in contract for the ECCE programme providers will be paid either a weekly standard rate of €64 or a higher capitation rate of €75 (depending on the qualifications of the preschool leader) for each child that is registered with and attending their facility. These rates reflect the Budget 2016 changes, which increased the ECCE back up to 2012 levels. On 26 August 2016, all successful new applicants, whose Service Agreement is in place by 18 August 2016, will be given an advance payment of €960 (based on three children for five weeks at the standard rate of €64). Thereafter, payments are intended to be paid every five weeks in advance through to the end of May 2017.

My Department also administers three other targeted childcare programmes which your constituent may be eligible to participate in. The names of these programmes are Community Childcare Subvention (Private) (CCSP); Afterschool Childcare (ASCC); Community Employment Childcare (CEC). Kerry County Childcare Committee is happy to assist any eligible services to apply to participate in these programmes.

Earlier this year, my Department, with the assistance of Pobal, invited applications from all services contracted to deliver its various childcare programmes to be considered for capital funding. The funding was specifically for existing pre-school providers – both community/not-for-profit and private providers – that want to expand their services to cater for more children from September 2016. The closing date for that round of funding has now passed.

On 8 July 2016 I announced that more than €6.5m in capital funding was allocated through my Department to 1,006 pre-school providers nationwide. This represents an increase of over 2.5m on the amount of €4m announced for this programme in February 2016. Grants of up to €10,000 per provider are being provided.

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Questions (879)

Jack Chambers

Question:

879. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the figures for her Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015, inclusive. [23407/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As my Department was established on 2nd June 2011, the information requested by the Deputy is provided from June 2011 onwards.

Lost Time Rate
2011 (June - December)	2012	2013	2014	2015
5.48%	3.49%	3.52%	5.75%	4.2%

As a small organisation, this Department is more susceptible to fluctuations or high percentages as a result of long term absences and this was particularly the case for the high percentage in 2014. In 2011 the figure also reflects the fact that it is only based on a six month period.

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Questions (880)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

880. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of families and the number of children placed in temporary accommodation as a result of homelessness who have been referred to Tusla in the 12 months to July 2016; the steps being taken by Tusla to ensure that families who find themselves in emergency accommodation are aware of, and are receiving, appropriate support from it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23583/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

As these are operational matters, I have asked Tusla – The Child and Family Agency to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.