Imelda Munster
Question:1414. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated spend on the public service obligation in each of the years 2018 to 2022. [36559/17]
View answerPublic Service Obligation Data
Questions (1414)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware the allocation for Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services is subject to the annual Budgetary process and as such future allocations are yet to be determined. In Budget 2017 I secured an 11% increase in the total amount of funding available to support the delivery of PSO services. That means that a total of almost €263 million will be allocated in 2017 to support the delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services.
I will of course be engaging with Ministerial colleagues as Budget 2018 is developed and PSO subvention is one relevant area of expenditure which will form part of that engagement. I have already committed publicly, both here in the House and in the Joint Oireachtas Committee, to further increasing PSO funding levels in the future as resources allow. It is of course also an area which requires careful scrutiny to ensure the taxpayer receives value for money in respect of the services delivered given the considerable expenditure incurred.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (1415)
Dara Calleary
Question:1415. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest profiles in value and outruns forecast in his Department for the end of December 2017 and any variances that may arise based on his Department’s performance against profile in gross voted expenditure at the end of June 2017. [36575/17]
View answerWritten answers
Overall expenditure to end June is €660m which is €15m ahead of profiled spend. Current spend is €28m below profile, mainly due to timing issues in relation to a number of subheads. Capital expenditure is ahead by over €44m due to quicker than anticipated spend on a number of projects. I am pleased to say that progress on the Luas Cross City is more advanced than anticipated. As a result spending on this project is ahead by €33m. Overall pay spend is slightly ahead of profile mainly due to the earlier than expected payment of the Haddington Road pay increases initially profiled for September.
My Department keeps expenditure trends under review and provides details on monthly Exchequer Issues to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that are reported in the Expenditure Reports published with the monthly Exchequer Statement. As the year progresses my Department will continue to manage expenditure within the allocation agreed by the Dáil in the 2017 Estimates.
My Department expects that the programmes we are working to deliver for our citizens will be delivered during the course of the coming months and that the remaining allocation of funding will be used before year end.
Question No. 1416 answered with Question No. 1386.
Rail Services Provision
Questions (1417)
Darragh O'Brien
Question:1417. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the DART interconnector and the DART underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36588/17]
View answerWritten answers
The DART Underground Tunnel (previously known as the DART Interconnector) project is a key element of integrated transport for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA and the NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 proposes implementation of the overall DART Expansion Programme, including construction of the DART Underground Tunnel. The Government decided in September 2015 that the original proposal for the tunnel should be redesigned to provide a lower cost solution.
The NTA has commenced work on the redesign of the tunnel in collaboration with Irish Rail and will progress this redesign work in line with available funding. Work has commenced to determine the optimal connection location for the tunnel to tie-in to the Heuston Mainline. Other work is also ongoing in relation to tunnel variants. Funding has been provided under the Government's current Capital Plan for work on the redesign of the tunnel and other elements of the DART Expansion Programme including for the extension of the DART to Balbriggan.
Rail Services Provision
Questions (1418)
Catherine Martin
Question:1418. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in line with the vision for the long-term electrification of rail services and Government policy on reducing urban air pollution, all procurement of new diesel-powered rail rolling stock will be hybrid, that is, capable of electric operation in circumstances in which the rail is electrified. [36671/17]
View answerWritten answers
Rail plays an important role in meeting increased passenger demand and also providing an energy-efficient mode of transport. Electrified rail use, in particular, is capable of achieving low emissions through utilising renewable sources of energy. Considerable progress has been achieved in increasing capacity on the light and heavy rail networks. For instance, the Luas Cross City project is scheduled for completion before the end of the year and it is estimated that the new line will add an extra 8 to 10 million journeys per annum on the Luas network. Also, in 2017 we will see an increase in Dart frequency and additional commuter services through the newly-opened Phoenix Park Tunnel.
Rail operators are also playing an active role in emission reductions on existing services, introducing a range of technical measures including automatic engine shutdown, configuring train length to match passenger demand and installing traction control software.
Furthermore, I am committed to the further development of electric fuelled public transport, particularly along high demand routes in the GDA where capacity requirements make such investment cost-effective. We are progressing plans on the New Metro North project which is due to commence construction in 2021; Almost €70 million has been allocated to the DART Expansion Programme between 2019 and 2022 to begin the extension of the DART line to Balbriggan, and the design and planning of DART services to Maynooth in the west and Hazelhatch in the south west.
Iarnród Éireann operates the heavy rail network and is responsible for assessing rolling stock requirements for the heavy rail network in conjunction with the NTA.
Noting the responsibilities of the agencies in this regard, I have referred the Deputy's question to both NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Rail Services
Questions (1419)
Catherine Martin
Question:1419. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in line with Government policy as set out in the national cycle policy framework, all procurement of new rail rolling stock will provide for increased space for carriage of bicycles. [36672/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am not aware at present of any plans to purchase new rail rolling stock. In any event Iarnród Éireann operates the heavy rail network and is responsible for assessing rolling stock requirements for the heavy rail network in conjunction with the NTA.
Noting the responsibilities of the agencies in this regard, I have referred the Deputy's question to both NTA and Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my office if a reply has not been received within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Public Transport Data
Questions (1420, 1421, 1422)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:1420. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of Bus Éireann buses that are wheelchair accessible; the percentage of Dublin Bus buses that are wheelchair accessible; the percentage of Irish Rail trains that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36674/17]
View answerMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:1421. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of train stations that are fully wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36675/17]
View answerMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:1422. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that have been taken since he took office to improve the wheelchair accessibility of bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36676/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1420 to 1422, inclusive, together.
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations; for accessible bus stops and bus stations; and for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme (WAV Scheme). Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply regarding accessibility on the public transport network. Please advise my private office a reply has not been received within 10 working days.
Rail Services Provision
Questions (1423)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:1423. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the notice required by Irish Rail if a person is a wheelchair user and wishes to travel by train; his plans to reduce this notice period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36677/17]
View answerWritten answers
The issue raised is a matter for Irish Rail and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if a response has not been received within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Departmental Staff Data
Questions (1424)
Michael McGrath
Question:1424. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department who are suspended from work on full pay; the reason in each case; the length of time in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36738/17]
View answerWritten answers
No staff are currently suspended from their employment in my Department.
Departmental Budgets
Questions (1425)
Michael McGrath
Question:1425. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be an underspend in his Department's current or capital budget for 2017; if so, the subheads that are now below profile and those that may come in below profile at the end of the calendar year; if underspends in his Department will be available to the central Exchequer at year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36754/17]
View answerWritten answers
Overall expenditure to end June is €660m which is €15m ahead of profiled spend. Current spend is €28m below profile, mainly due to timing issues in relation to a number of subheads. Capital expenditure is ahead by over €44m due to faster than anticipated spends on a number of projects. I am pleased to say that progress on the Luas Cross City is more advanced than anticipated. As a result spending on this project is ahead by €33m.
Overall pay spend is slightly ahead of profile mainly due to the earlier than expected payment of the Haddington Road pay increases initially profiled for September.
My Department keeps expenditure trends under review and provides details on monthly Exchequer Issues to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that are reported in the Expenditure Reports published with the monthly Exchequer Statement. As the year progresses my Department will continue to manage expenditure within the allocation agreed by the Dáil in the 2017 Estimates.
My Department expects that the programmes we are working to deliver for our citizens will be delivered during the course of the coming months and that the remaining allocation of funding will be used before year end.
Protected Disclosures Data
Questions (1426)
Michael McGrath
Question:1426. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of protected disclosures received from staff in his Department in 2016 and to date in 2017; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36770/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department received no protected disclosures from Staff within the Department in 2016. I will forward any details of protected disclosures received from staff in 2017 within the Department in the next 10 working days.
The Deputy can find details on all protected disclosures received in my Department from the entry into force of the 2014 Act to end-2016 on my Department's website at the following link http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/protected-disclosures.
Domestic Violence Refuges Provision
Questions (1427)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1427. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of women's refuge centres here, in tabular form; the number of women these centres can cater for; the number of women in these centres at present; the centre which supports women in counties Cavan and Monaghan; her plans to introduce more centres; the supports in place for women in counties Cavan and Monaghan who have no centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35745/17]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the provision of care and protection to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. In discharging its statutory responsibility, Tusla supports emergency refuges in providing services for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Tusla also provides a range of community-based supports to victims.
In 2017, Tusla is providing €22.1 million in funding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services, an increase of €1.5m over 2016 funding.
Capital funding for refuge developments falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and local housing authorities. Funding provided by Tusla supports the revenue costs and contributes to support services provided by refuges.
In 2016, the provision of domestic violence refuge spaces nationally was 147 emergency refuge family units. The following table provides information on emergency refuge accommodation by county.
|
County |
Number of Emergency Refuge Family Units |
|
Limerick |
14 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
|
Dublin |
37 |
|
Wicklow |
6 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Galway |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
|
Cork |
6 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
|
Louth |
13 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Meath |
5 |
|
Waterford |
16 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
|
Total |
147 |
Tusla does not have access to live data on refuge use. However, information provided by funded domestic violence services indicates that refuges consistently operate at full or near full capacity. Any vacancies are generally attributed to the turnover between the discharge and admission of clients.
There are currently a number of emergency refuge developments in train, with over 10 additional family units to become available nationally.
Services to victims of domestic violence in counties Cavan and Monaghan are provided by Tearmann Domestic Violence Services. In 2017, Tusla is providing funding of €192,000 to Tearmann Domestic Violence Services for the provision of support and advocacy services. A range of integrated supports are required in order to reduce the need for women and families to use emergency accommodation and to ensure that families disrupted by domestic violence can be supported to resume normal and safe family living beyond refuge-type accommodation, within the shortest possible timeframe.
Currently, there are no emergency refuges located in counties Cavan and Monaghan. However, there are three refuge services located in counties Louth and Meath which are responsible for providing services to women and families across the wider North East area.
Tusla recognises that there are challenges to be addressed in ensuring that there is an appropriate configuration of spaces available to all women and children who require emergency refuge accommodation, and that those with the greatest need for safe accommodation, are prioritised appropriately.
Early Childhood Care and Education Staff
Questions (1428)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1428. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a campaign organised by a group (details supplied) regarding early years workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36055/17]
View answerWritten answers
It is important that we acknowledge the role played by staff working the child care sector. Child care workers play a critical role in delivering high-quality child care services and they deserve to be recognised, valued and respected for this. I do, however, acknowledge that pay and conditions are major issues facing the sector and can lead to difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. My Department is engaging with colleagues in relevant Departments and with the early year’s sector to explore how this might be addressed in the short, medium and long term.
While the Government is somewhat constrained in what it can do in this regard as it is not an employer of child care workers, it does accept that it is a major funder of the child care sector, and as such has a role to play. It is important to note however, that the most important stakeholders in putting agreed pay structures in place in any sector are recognised employers and employee groups. I am aware that trade unions are active in seeking to achieve a critical mass of representation on the employee side and I welcome this move. I would also be supportive of any move on the employer side to establish a recognised representative body.
School Completion Programme
Questions (1429)
Paul Kehoe
Question:1429. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review the decision to remove the counselling grant from the school completion programme in cases in which alternative resources are not available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34922/17]
View answerWritten answers
I am retaining the grant in its current form for the present, pending a decision on alternative approaches.
In 1994 the Department of Social Welfare opened a grant scheme to provide counselling supports to children who had experienced bereavement or loss. This grant scheme then passed to the Family Support Agency (FSA) when it was established in 2003 and subsequently to Tusla on establishment in January 2014.
Up until 2011 applications were invited through an annual public advertisement. The scheme was then closed for financial reasons and no new applications have been accepted since that time. Those who received funding in 2011 have continued to receive an annual grant equivalent to their 2011 grant. This Counselling Grants Scheme is for a total of €245,900 annually and currently there are only 64 grantees nationwide benefitting from it. With over 4,000 schools in Ireland 64 grantees means that less than 2% of schools are in receipt of support from this scheme currently.
I have decided that until an alternative methodology for provision of counselling can be established, the grant should stay in place in its current format.
Affordable Childcare Scheme
Questions (1430)
Peter Burke
Question:1430. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if child care providers registered with an organisation (details supplied) rather than Tusla will be eligible for the affordable child care scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34981/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) has been designed to facilitate the inclusion of childminders. However, it is essential that public subsidies are only provided to child care providers where there is a sufficient level of assurance of the quality of provision. For this reason, the ACS will be delivered through Tusla-registered child care providers, both centre-based providers and childminders.
A working group has been established, chaired by Childminding Ireland (CMI), and including officials from Tusla and the Department, to make recommendations on reforms for the sector including proposals in relation to quality assurance, whether on a voluntary/non-statutory basis in the short term, or on a mandatory/statutory basis in the long term. These will include recommendations in relation to childminders who are exempt from registration with Tusla (Child and Family Agency) (those minding three or fewer pre-school children, or those minding school-age children only). The recommendations are likely to include proposals to be progressed in the short, medium and long term, including the development of National Quality Standards for childminders and a proportionate system of quality assurance and regulation. It is envisaged that the group will present its findings to me very shortly.
Depending on the recommendations of the Working Group, it is possible that other approaches to quality assurance may be developed for childminding, possibly on a temporary basis pending transition to full regulation. It is with that possibility in mind that the Heads of Bill and General Scheme for the ACS proposes the possibility that approved providers under the ACS may include both Tusla-registered providers and other approved providers whose quality has been assured by other mechanisms, to be specified in regulations. This proposed approach to the inclusion of childminders in the ACS is dependent on the development of a satisfactory approach to quality assurance. There is no question of providing subsidies where quality standards have not been assured.
Child Care Services
Questions (1431)
Denise Mitchell
Question:1431. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to release capital funding for a community crèche (details supplied). [35127/17]
View answerWritten answers
The service to which the Deputy refers has not made an application for capital funding under the early years capital scheme, 2017. As the deadline for this has now passed, it will not be possible to facilitate an application at this stage. I understand that the service in question is faced with the prospect of closure - I have asked officials to work with the local Child care Committee and Pobal to establish the position and ascertain if any assistance can be rendered to the service, and/or if alternative accommodation can be made for children impacted, if this service were to close.
Child Abuse
Questions (1432)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:1432. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a legislative framework; and the powers that social workers have to investigate allegations of abuse outside the home as recommended in the Ferns, Murphy and Cloyne Reports. [35201/17]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the primary legislation regulating child care policy is the Child Care Act 1991. Under the 1991 Act, as amended by the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla - the Child and Family Agency has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The Child Care Act 1991 is the key piece of legislation whereby the State, as a last resort and in the common good, may intervene to supplant the place of parents.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People contains a specific commitment - under the outcome of children being safe and protected from harm - to ‘review and reform, as necessary, the Child Care Act, 1991'. This includes an examination of possible amendments of existing provisions in some instances, and also the addition of new developments in other areas.
My Department is undertaking a review of the Child Care Act 1991 and is embarking on a consultation process. This will include an open policy debate in September. My Department is seeking to ensure that this review results in a child-centred structure and is working closely with Tusla to help identify key themes and areas for reform and development. Wider consultation with stakeholders will also inform the review.
The Child and Family Agency's powers to investigate allegations of abuse derive from section 3 of the Child Care Act, 1991. Section 3 states as follows:
“(3) (1) It shall be a function of the Child and Family Agency to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection.
(2) In the performance of this function, the Child and Family Agency shall:
(a) take such steps as it considers requisite to identify children who are not receiving adequate care and protection and co-ordinate information from all relevant sources relating to children;
(b) having regard to the rights and duties of parents, whether under the Constitution or otherwise:
(i) regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration, and
(ii) in so far as is practicable, give due consideration, having regard to his age and understanding, to the wishes of the child; and
(c) have regard to the principle that it is generally in the best interests of a child to be brought up in his own family."
This statutory framework provides Tusla with the authority and obligation to investigate allegations of concern. This position is reflected in case law. For example, the High Court judgement of Mr. Justice Barr in MQ v Gleeson accepted that there was a duty on the health board [now Tusla] to investigate allegations of child abuse and the judgement effectively set out the parameters of that statutory duty. Judge Barr also found that the duty imposed on the Health Board [now Tusla] related not just to ‘at risk’ children who were identified or identifiable but also to children who may be subject to a specific potential future risk.
In assessing allegations of abuse, Tusla is required to take full account of natural justice and the constitutional rights of the accused. In this context, and in order to assist staff in fulfilling the Agency's obligations under section 3, I am advised that a Tusla internal protocol, which sets out the policy and procedures for staff to follow when responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect, is currently being updated and will be launched later this year.
Departmental Contracts Data
Questions (1433)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:1433. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if all security and contract cleaning companies that have obtained contracts from her Department and agencies under the aegis of her Department under public procurement rules are paying the legal employment regulation order, ERO, hourly rate to their security and contract cleaning employees; the steps she has taken to confirm full compliance with the ERO system; if she has cancelled contracts with companies that have been found to be in breach of the ERO system since 1 October 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35222/17]
View answerWritten answers
All cleaning contractors for my Department are being paid, equal to or above, the legal Employment Regulation Order (ERO) hourly rate. There are no security contracts as this is arranged by the Office of Public Works.
The Adoption Authority of Ireland and Oberstown Children Detention Campus have both confirmed that contracts for security and cleaning where applicable also comply with the ERO. No contracts have been cancelled by my Department, Adoption Authority of Ireland or Oberstown Children Detention Campus due to breaches of the ERO system.
Tusla has advised that they are reliant on the Health Service Executive (HSE) / Health Business Services (HBS) Contracts and Framework agreements for security and cleaning services and these are managed by the HBS. Therefore any information in this regard would fall under the remit of my colleague, Deputy Simon Harris, Minister for Health.
The Office for the Ombudsman for Children is independent in its function and report to the Oireachtas on matters within its remit, as required by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. The question has been forwarded to that office who have been asked to reply to the Deputy directly.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.