Robert Troy
Question:1107. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding options available to persons seeking to start up a tourism-related business [34707/17]
View answerTourism Project Funding
Questions (1107)
Written answers
My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy. While my Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland for tourism development, it is not directly involved in the management or development of grant schemes or other programmes and supports for individual tourism businesses. Furthermore, my Department does not have discretionary funds at its disposal to assist with individual tourism proposals.
Fáilte Ireland provides a range of practical supports to help businesses and communities better manage and market their products and services. Fáilte Ireland also provides capital funding for investment in tourism attractions, as well as advice on supports available from other agencies.
As these are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Driver Test Centres
Questions (1108)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:1108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide funding for the provision of a Drogheda driver test centre in view of the recent CSO publication which shows that Drogheda is the largest town here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34790/17]
View answerWritten answers
The operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Question No. 1109 answered with Question No. 1092.
Tourism Promotion
Questions (1110)
Robert Troy
Question:1110. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of estimates of the cost of increasing the overseas marketing budget for tourism to pre-2012 levels. [34806/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Tourism Marketing Fund in 2011 was €46.083 million while the 2017 allocation is €35.853 million. The cost of restoring the Marketing Fund to 2011 levels would be €10.23 million (+28.5%) on a full year basis.
The Tourism Action Plan (2016-2018) is committed to seeking to restore the Tourism Marketing Fund to pre-recession levels on a phased basis. I secured increased funding for the Tourism Marketing Fund in 2017 of over 2% and I will be seeking further additional funding for next year, both to help mitigate any negative effects of Brexit on tourism and also to build on the exceptional performance of the sector in recent years.
Question No. 1111 answered with Question No. 1050.
Housing Policy
Questions (1112)
Robert Troy
Question:1112. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has had discussions with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government or any other Department with regards to an organisation (details supplied); and the impact restrictions on this would have on tourist accommodation capacity. [34808/17]
View answerWritten answers
Officials of my Department's Tourism Division are in discussions with officials in the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in relation to the matters raised, primarily through their participation on the recently established cross-Departmental/Agency Working Group on Short Term Lettings established by the latter Department. Fáilte Ireland is also represented on the Working Group.
In accordance with its Strategy for the Rental Sector, that Department has established the aforementioned Working Group tasked with examining the impact, if any, of short term tourism related lettings on housing supply; clarifying planning guidance in this regard; and reporting on the appropriate regulatory approach for such lettings, including the identification of any amendments to legislation required to effect such regulation.
This is the collaborative approach being taken to address unintended consequences of short-term lettings, including withdrawal of supply from the rental market. Officials from my Department and Fáilte Ireland are seeking to convey import tourism perspectives in the collective effort to strike an appropriate balance between long-term housing needs and requirements for shorter-term tourist accommodation.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (1113)
Robert Troy
Question:1113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that his Department will meet their EU renewable and emissions reductions targets by 2020; if he will provide a detailed account of how close we are as a State to meeting these targets. [34809/17]
View answerWritten answers
The release of the latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency illustrates the enormous challenge facing Ireland to reduce our emissions. These projections indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), including the transport sector, could be between 4% and 6% below 2005 levels by 2020. Though not unexpected, given the welcome return to economic growth in Ireland and the corresponding rise in transport needs, it nevertheless confirms that Ireland's greenhouse emissions continue to track broader trends in the economy and serves to underline the difficult decisions ahead of us as we try to reduce emissions in line with our international commitments.
Ireland has a collective emissions reduction target for each year between 2013 and 2020 under the 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision with the ultimate goal of emission reductions of 20% below their level in 2005 by 2020. Ireland's target is one of the most demanding; only shared with those in Denmark and Luxembourg. The projected shortfall to our national targets in 2020 reflects both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. In fact, it is now accepted that Ireland's 2020 target was not consistent with what would be achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this national target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has calculated that 9.1% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2015 were met from renewable sources and 5.7% of transport energy demand.
My Department aims to meet our sectoral renewable energy targets for transport mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a contribution. As the Deputy may be aware, an increase to the current biofuel obligation rate is envisaged and a public consultation on future incremental increases is expected to take place later this year.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (1114)
Robert Troy
Question:1114. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of estimates of the cost to the State of missing our 2020 targets in transport for renewables and emissions reductions targets. [34810/17]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the responsibility for emissions reduction is a collective one and Ireland's emission targets are national and not sectoral by nature. It is clear, however, that Transport has an important role to play in reducing the national emissions profile.
The legislative framework governing the EU's 2020 emissions reductions targets includes a number of flexibility mechanisms to enable Member States to meet their annual emissions targets, including provisions to bank any excess allowances to future years and to trade allowances between Member States. Using our banked emissions from the period to 2015, Ireland is projected to comply with its emission reduction targets in each of the years 2013 to 2018. However, our cumulative emissions are expected to exceed targets for 2019 and 2020, which will result in a requirement to purchase additional allowances. While this purchasing requirement is not, at this stage, expected to be significant, further analysis will be required to quantify the likely costs involved, in light of the final amount and price of allowances required.
The EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this national target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has calculated that 9.1% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2015 were met from renewable sources and 5.7% of transport energy demand. The SEAI analysis also estimated that this avoided over €286 million of fossil fuel imports. Similar to most other Member States, Ireland has sought to increase renewable energy in the transport sector primarily through the use of sustainable biofuels alongside a contribution arising from electric vehicles.
In a document entitled Ireland’s Energy Targets – Progress, Ambition and Impacts (published in April 2016) the SEAI estimated that the cost to Ireland of not meeting our overall renewable energy targets may be in the range of €65 million to €130 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target.
Capital Expenditure Programme Review
Questions (1115)
Catherine Martin
Question:1115. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the analysis that has been done and the steps he has taken on foot of that analysis to ensure that the transport elements of the mid-term capital review result in a capital investment programme consistent with our EU level targets for 2020, proposed targets for 2030, the obligations of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, including the national transition objective, and the Paris agreement. [34832/17]
View answerWritten answers
In order for Ireland to effectively and equitably contribute to the EU emissions reduction commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, an ambitious low-carbon development strategy has been outlined in the soon-to-be-published National Mitigation Plan.
As the Deputy may know, I have strongly made the case for increased investment in the transport sector - with particular reference to public transport. Taking steps to reduce our national reliance on the private car, switching to public and sustainable transport modes and transitioning to alternative fuels and technologies will be essential if we are to decarbonise the transport sector and work towards meeting our 2020 EU sectoral targets.
For each of the transport elements of the Midterm Capital Review, an assessment was completed by my Department's Economic and Financial Evaluation Unit (EFEU) of the implications of that proposal for meeting Ireland's climate and energy obligations. This assessment was a high-level analysis based on the expected overall emissions impact of that proposal. Where a full Business Case had been developed for a proposal, the assessment included the forecast emissions impact of that proposal, as set out in the Business Case.
Enabling Ireland's transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, in line with national policy and with our international obligations, will remain a priority for my Department.
Road Projects Expenditure
Questions (1116)
Dara Calleary
Question:1116. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent to date in 2017 on projects (details supplied); the estimated cost per year from July 2017 until completion for each; the amount provided under the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34861/17]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, including those specified by the Deputy, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the New Metro North and DART Underground projects.
Noting the above, I have referred your question to both TII and the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
In relation to the Narrow Water Bridge project, while the Capital Plan outlines the Government commitment to the concept of the Bridge, it does not provide specific funding for the project.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Question No. 1117 answered with Question No. 1085.
Skills Shortages
Questions (1118)
Robert Troy
Question:1118. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Fáilte Ireland plans to withdraw funding for hospitality programmes throughout the IOT sector (details supplied); and the actions he has taken to ensure the protection of these courses particularly at a time there is a shortage of professionals in the hospitality sector. [34889/17]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that, following from an independent review commissioned by Fáilte Ireland of its investment in tourism and hospitality education, the Authority has accepted the recommendations put forward including a recommendation to withdraw from its current funding commitments in an orderly manner.
As the matter raised is an operational matter for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for further information on the matter. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Departmental Bodies Data
Questions (1119, 1120)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:1119. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of posts on the advisory council for Better Outcomes, Better Futures that are filled by members of her Department. [34158/17]
View answerAnne Rabbitte
Question:1120. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of times that the advisory council for Better Outcomes, Better Futures has met since its establishment. [34159/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1120 together.
The Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020) is made up of representatives from the community and voluntary sector, as well as independent experts with experience working with and for children and young people.
The Council is made up of 16 members, and an independent chair. There are no members of my Department on the Council. However, my Department provides administrative support for the Council, and a number of my Officials attend Council meetings.
The Advisory Council was established in November 2014. The Council met six times in 2015, five times in 2016, and has so far met three times in 2017. Minutes of Council meetings are available on my Department’s website.
In addition to these regular meetings of the Council, subgroups of the Council have been meeting with officials from various departments to progress issues in the Advisory Council’s work plan. This includes prevention and early intervention with Officials from my Department, child poverty with Officials from the Department of Social Protection, homelessness with Officials from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and educational inequality with Officials from the Department of Education and Skills. The Council has also met with me on a number of occasions to discuss the impacts which Brexit will have on children and young people in Ireland.
More details on the Advisory Council’s work can be found in the annual reports on Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. The first two reports are available on my Department’s website, and the third will be finalised in the coming weeks .
Adoption Services Provision
Questions (1121)
Michael McGrath
Question:1121. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to address the current situation affecting some families relating to the rules governing adoption (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33672/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 will address the issue that the Deputy has referred to. The Bill has passed all stages in the Dáil and the Seanad. However amendments were made in the Seanad, which must now be considered by the Dáil. This is scheduled for today, 13 July 2017.
Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes
Questions (1122)
Tom Neville
Question:1122. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied). [33683/17]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Early Childhood and Education Programme (ECCE) programme was expanded from September 2016 so that children may start free pre-school from age 3, and can continue in free pre-school once the child is not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the relevant pre-school year.
Three different points in the year - September, January and April – are in place to maximise access for these children within the overall eligibility parameters.
An upper age limit in free pre-school was set by the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment on the advice of the Department of Education and skills. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in primary school is considered to be generally in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
My Department does its best to ensure, in so far as is possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied in a fair manner. The rules for all the Department’s childcare schemes are clearly published to ensure transparency and consistent application. An essential component of the scheme’s rules is an eligibility date to ensure that the scheme can be administered and budgeted for in an appropriate manner.
Parents may request an exemption from ECCE eligibility criteria under limited circumstances from the Department; specifically where a diagnosed special need exists. However, this must be supported by a medical assessment report from the HSE or a listed medical specialist, specifying the child's special need and diagnosis. Further details including a list of relevant medical specialists is available on my Department's website.
Early Childhood Care and Education Funding
Questions (1123)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:1123. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount allocated and drawn down in respect of the learner fund in 2016 and to date in 2017 by county. [33970/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Learner Fund was established to provide access to appropriate programmes of learning for Early Years sector workers.
The initial phases of funding released (Learner Funds 1, 2 and 3) focussed on those Early Years sector workers who lacked a qualification relevant to Early Childhood Care and Education or lacked a qualification in that area which was placed at, or equivalent to, Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). A relevant qualification which is placed at or equivalent to Level 5 on the NFQ is the minimum qualifications standard introduced through the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016. This standard took effect at the end of 2016. The Learner Funds were introduced as part of a general focus on improving and supporting quality Early Years provision in Ireland, with a specific focus on aiding Early Years workers meet the regulatory requirements in advance of the introduction of same.
Up to the end of 2015, €3,052,648 in funding was allocated and paid through the Learner Funds.
Learner Fund 3 closed for applications in July of 2016. Learner Fund 4 was introduced to allow Early Years sector workers to up-skill to relevant qualification placed at Level 6 on the NFQ, and closed in October of 2016.
Funding continues to be dispensed to successful applicants through both Leaner Fund 3 and 4, and it is not envisaged that the full spend will be achieved until early 2018.
This Department expects to release further Leaner Fund monies within the next quarter.
Applications for funding were made through local County / City Childcare Committees (CCC) and payments are being managed by Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of DCYA in concert with the CCCs. Funding was allocated on the basis of the number of successful applications proposed for funding by each CCC and the spend reflects this.
The total budget for Learner Fund 3 was €406,283. Of this, payments totalling €203,550 were made prior to 2015. The remaining €205,550 was paid in 2016 and is broken down by county in Table A.
In relation to Learner Fund 4, the total budget was €915,280. Of this, payments totalling €695,906 have been made for the years 2016/17 while € 219,374 has yet to be drawn down. A breakdown of payments by county to date is included in Table B overleaf.
Table A
|
County |
2016 Payment |
|
Galway City and County Childcare |
3,780 |
|
Donegal County Childcare Committee |
0 |
|
Meath County Childcare Committee |
11,095 |
|
Cavan County Childcare Committee |
2,010 |
|
Fingal County Childcare Committee |
17,670 |
|
Sligo County Childcare Committee |
1,920 |
|
Longford County Childcare Committee |
7,140 |
|
Carlow County Childcare Committee |
4,100 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
270 |
|
Wicklow County Childcare Committee |
4,560 |
|
Louth County Childcare committee |
0 |
|
Wexford County Childcare Committee |
2,820 |
|
Offaly County Childcare Committee |
2,940 |
|
Laois County Childcare Committee |
3,060 |
|
South Dublin Childcare Committee |
17,610 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown CC |
39,360 |
|
Kildare County Childcare Committee |
16,875 |
|
Cork City Childcare Committee |
0 |
|
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee |
2,430 |
|
Cork County Childcare Committee |
7,530 |
|
Clare County Childcare Committee |
1,320 |
|
Dublin City Childcare Committee |
25,680 |
|
Kerry County Childcare Committee |
6,900 |
|
Leitrim County Childcare Committee |
2,820 |
|
Westmeath County Childcare Committee |
4,800 |
|
Monaghan County Childcare Committee |
4,230 |
|
Roscommon County Childcare Committee |
1,100 |
|
Waterford Childcare Committee |
1,020 |
|
Limerick County Childcare Committee |
6,750 |
|
Tipperary Childcare Committee Limited |
5,760 |
Table B
|
County |
2016/17 Payment |
|
Galway City and County Childcare |
49,725 |
|
Donegal County Childcare Committee |
9,900 |
|
Meath County Childcare Committee |
35,798 |
|
Cavan County Childcare Committee |
8,500 |
|
Fingal County Childcare Committee |
56,340 |
|
Sligo County Childcare Committee |
7,560 |
|
Longford County Childcare Committee |
5,790 |
|
Carlow County Childcare Committee |
8,850 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
8,010 |
|
Wicklow County Childcare Committee |
27,480 |
|
Louth County Childcare committee |
29,835 |
|
Wexford County Childcare Committee |
12,375 |
|
Offaly County Childcare Committee |
9,000 |
|
Laois County Childcare Committee |
25,425 |
|
South Dublin Childcare Committee |
64,080 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown CC |
21,870 |
|
Kildare County Childcare Committee |
44,468 |
|
Cork City Childcare Committee |
11,790 |
|
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee |
16,065 |
|
Cork County Childcare Committee |
34,875 |
|
Clare County Childcare Committee |
18,608 |
|
Dublin City Childcare Committee |
81,180 |
|
Kerry County Childcare Committee |
16,950 |
|
Leitrim County Childcare Committee |
1,155 |
|
Westmeath County Childcare Committee |
18,938 |
|
Monaghan County Childcare Committee |
9,999 |
|
Roscommon County Childcare Committee |
7,000 |
|
Waterford Childcare Committee |
9,923 |
|
Limerick County Childcare Committee |
30,780 |
|
Tipperary Childcare Committee Limited |
13,590 |
Children in Care
Questions (1124)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:1124. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she will implement the recommended action 75 of the Ryan implementation group for a professionally managed national archive to be developed as a central repository for the records for all children in care; and her views on whether there are barriers to the implementation of this recommendation. [33971/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Child and Family Agency business plan for 2017 includes reference to proposed actions in relation to outstanding actions under the Ryan Implementation Plan, specifically Action 75 and 76 which relate to the Agency (Tusla) as follows:
- Action 75 - a professionally managed national archive is to be developed as a central repository for the records for all children in care; and
- Action 76 - records created in non-statutory agencies should be secured in the national archive.
The Agency’s business plan for 2017 states that Action 75 and 76 are to be addressed under the ICT Strategy for Tusla as the issue of records management spans significant areas of records beyond that of children in care and non-statutory agency records. Monitoring of Tusla's business plan takes place in the context of regular performance monitoring engagements between my Department and Tusla and I would expect any barriers to implementation to be raised in that context by Tusla.
I have asked that the Agency provide me with an update on progress in this regard and I will respond more fully to the Deputy in due course.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A.
I refer to Parliamentary Question 33971/17 tabled by you for answer on 13th July 2017 in relation to Action 75 of the Ryan Implementation Group.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency have advised that they are currently implementing the National Childcare Information System (NCCIS). The NCCIS will be fully implemented in all areas by June 2018 and will store all open and future referrals and associated records. Once fully operational it is intended to further extend the NCCIS in phases to become the central repository for all future records for all children in care. In addition Tusla are currently reviewing how best to address the management of all historical records and will be preparing a proposal as part of an overall records management policy for the Agency.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Child and Family Agency Funding
Questions (1125)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:1125. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla has informed all community programmes and community groups under its remit of its budget for 2016 and 2017; if she has signed off on this budget to these groups; and the groups whose funding from the agency has been reduced or discontinued for 2016 and 2017, in tabular form. [33972/17]
View answerWritten answers
The allocation of funds by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is a matter for that organisation, and my Department plays no role in signing off on, or approval of, grant payments that Tusla may choose to make. I have asked Tusla to revert to the Deputy with the details requested.
Child and Family Agency Remit
Questions (1126)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:1126. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount Tusla provided to the Health Service Executive for the provision of child counselling services in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; her plans for the agency to take over the direct provision of child counselling services; and if she or the agency have examined providing child counselling services via family resource centres. [33973/17]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla has provided approximately €7 million in funding to the Health Service Executive (HSE) on an annual basis for the provision of child counselling services. This funding is provided at the end of the year and reimburses the HSE for the services which it provides on Tusla's behalf.
Ensuring the mental health and well-being of children and young people is critical to reducing risk factors and strengthening resilience factors in their lives. Indeed, it is crucial in supporting children and young people in realising all of the 5 National Outcomes as set out in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.
As the Deputy will be aware a range of services exist across policy domains which support child counselling and related interventions. These range from psychological and psychosocial supports in the Health Service Executive, National Educational Psychology Services, Tusla and more broadly in and across the community and voluntary sector.
Under Section 8 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla has specific responsibility for “services relating to the psychological welfare of children and their families”. To advance considerations on this highly important issue I have recently requested an update from Tusla relating to a range of issues on this matter.
My officials will consider this information and will work with Tusla in advancing matters. An initial meeting between my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and Tusla will examine service provision relating to the psychological welfare of children and their families. In advancing these developments I fully intend to ensure that the needs of children and young people, and the development of optimum responses in this area, are central to considerations.
Child counselling services are already available via a number of family resource centres around the country. Each family resource centre prioritises the services it wishes to provide based on the demands of its community. Funding is made available on an annual basis through Tusla's Counselling Grants Scheme, and many centres have developed a counselling and support service for children and young people through this mechanism.