Written Answers Nos. 51-65
51. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to protect the children of illegally adopted persons, who are unaware of their status, from receiving false medical records in view of the delay in progressing the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; and the way in which these persons are being protected from receiving incorrect medical family histories. [18814/18]
View answerThe Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 provides for the first time a statutory entitlement to identity information for adopted persons.
The legislation provides for structured and regulated access to information and tracing services for those affected by adoption. It sets out the information that can be provided, which includes early life information and medical information, and the circumstances in which it can be provided to adopted persons. A key provision in the Bill is that an adopted person aged 18 years or over who was adopted prior to the commencement of the Bill will be provided with the information required to apply for his or her birth certificate, subject to certain conditions.
The term ‘illegal adoption' is used to cover a wide range of situations and actions including the incorrect registration of a birth. The Bill also provides that a person who was in an informal arrangement where no adoption order was affected and persons whose birth was incorrectly registered can apply for information and tracing services.
The Bill provides that the Adoption Authority of Ireland will be responsible for collecting, restoring, preserving and safekeeping of adoption records, including information relating to informal adoptions and persons whose birth was incorrectly registered.
I share the Deputy’s concern in relation to those persons who are affected by adoption and must await the passage of the legislation to access their history. My focus is on proceeding with the Bill as quickly as possible, so that we can move to a situation where these new rights and services are available to this cohort of people. My officials are currently actively engaged in drafting Committee Stage amendments to address issues raised in the debate to date and I hope to progress the Bill as soon as possible.
52. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the contingency plans available to fund an organisation (details supplied) if her Department's line of funding is not restored before 30 June 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18896/18]
View answer386. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to fund an organisation (details supplied) should it be unable to address its administrative and governance issues before its funding ceases in June 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18930/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 386 together.
Scouting Ireland is partly funded by my Department under the Youth Service Grant Scheme. The funding provided under this scheme is contingent on organisations meeting a range of governance requirements. This includes its commitment to and compliance with its legal requirements in the area of child protection as set out in the Children First Act 2015 and the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 and 2016.
I have a duty of care regarding the public funding provided by my Department and I must be satisfied that an organisation’s governance standards are up to a required level before I can consider the restoration of public funding.
It is a matter for Scouting Ireland to examine alternative sources of funding in the absence of funding provided my Department under the Youth Service Grant Scheme.
My Department also provides funding to local scout groups in the form of small grants under the Youth Club Grant Scheme which is administered by the sixteen Education and Training Boards. This grant funding is still available to scouting groups at a local level.
53. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions being taken to investigate serious issues and allegations regarding risk to children awaiting a service and the neglect of those children already in care contained in a protected disclosure by a person (details supplied); and the actions being taken to hold to account the persons responsible in the case of a child. [18815/18]
View answerThe issues referred to by the Deputy have been, and continue to be, the subject of investigation. I do not propose to comment on the specific matters raised at this stage.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that I have attached particular importance to allegations made regarding possible risk to children and I have sought, through a series of actions, to be assured that services provided to children in the area in question are safe. Information has been shared with the relevant statutory bodies in this regard, each of which has a particular remit with regard to issues raised.
54. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the issue of public liability insurance cover for foster carers will be rectified; the progress made in resolving the issue to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18724/18]
View answerI would like to take this opportunity to assure you my Department is fully supportive of extending the State Indemnity Scheme under the State Claims Agency to foster parents.
Unfortunately this is taking longer than expected due to technical issues associated with the approvals and statutory process involved. Work is ongoing to address these matters. While we remain confident that these issues will be addressed, I can also confirm that the Department has approached the Department of Public Expenditure in order to put in place an interim solution.
This interim solution consists of advising Tusla that, while discussions continue between the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to including foster carers under the General Indemnity Scheme operated by the State Claims Agency, no approval for overall indemnification can be provided at this stage. However, both Departments are aware of the critical importance of this matter and are committed to ensuring that every foster parent is offered an indemnity on an individual basis where required.
In this regard, any such individual indemnification would be on an ex-gratia basis and, as such, indemnification would be made available voluntarily and outside any strict legal obligation. This is a temporary measure to address immediate individual cases while the overall indemnification issues are being resolved.
It might also be noted that the Irish Foster Care Association have been appraised of matters as they stand and my officials have undertaken to keep the Association informed as to progress in the matter.
55. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 12 of 22 February 2018, her plans to commission an independent review of the operating system for childcare with particular regard to Pobal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18841/18]
View answerAs referenced in Parliamentary Question No. 12 of 22 February 2018, I intend to conduct a review of the systems and structures which operate nationally and locally to support childcare provision. This will include consideration of the role of 30 City and County Childcare Committees, various National Voluntary Childcare Organisations and Pobal.
I am currently advancing a cross-Government, ten year strategy for children aged 5 and under and their families. I plan to publish this before the end of the year and it will contain significant content relating to the provision of accessible, high quality and affordable childcare and the governance, administrative systems and investment required to achieve these objectives. It is important that the review of systems is consistent with the policy direction set in this strategy and hence, the review will follow from the publication of the strategy. Development of the review therefore remains in the early planning stages but is particularly timely given the increased investment (80%) in the sector in budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018.
A review of this kind represents an opportunity to take stock of existing governance arrangements and examine the high-level Early Years operating model to ensure that it will be adequate to support the delivery of the Affordable Childcare Scheme, the ECCE scheme, and all the childcare related elements of the Early Years Strategy.
In the interim, my Department will continue to have robust governance arrangements in place with Pobal.
56. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation of the affordable childcare scheme; the date by which the information and communication technology infrastructure will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18801/18]
View answerThank you Deputy Rabbitte. I would be delighted to update you on positive progress in preparing the new Affordable Childcare Scheme.
Officials from my Department, along with colleagues in Pobal, have been working hard to develop the legal, technical and administrative infrastructure for the new Affordable Childcare Scheme. This scheme will provide financial support for parents, establish a sustainable platform for investment in the childcare sector for decades to come and- crucially- allow us to continue to invest in giving our children the best start in life.
As you know, the Childcare Support Bill passed all stages in the Dáil in the first quarter of this year. I was delighted with the positive, cross party support it received and want to thank you again for your valuable input. The Bill has now completed Second Stage in the Seanad and will commence Committee Stage this Thursday.
Alongside the Childcare Support Bill, intensive work is ongoing on the drafting of supporting regulations for the scheme and on regulations to provide, for the first time, for the registration of school-age childcare providers. The latter regulations will ensure that all school-age childcare services are registered with Tusla prior to the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme and can participate in the scheme from the outset.
With regard to the scheme's supporting IT infrastructure, good progress is being made. In January I published a Request for Tenders for the development of a new IT system and an evaluation of tenders received is currently coming to a conclusion. The introduction of the scheme is dependent on this new IT system. As such, as soon as a contract is awarded to a successful bidder and a timeframe agreed for the completion of the system, I hope to be in a position to confirm and communicate an official launch date for the Affordable Childcare Scheme. For planning and procurement purposes, we have an indicative estimated timeframe of late May/ June 2019 for opening the system to applications, with financial supports flowing from September 2019.
Work is also ongoing on the administrative and communication elements of the scheme. In particular, specialist expertise has been procured to support the detailed development of a robust governance framework for the scheme. A high-level Communications and Engagement Strategy was published in February and a training needs analysis is underway at present. Both of these provide the starting point for significant work in preparing timely and user-friendly information, resources and supports for parents, providers and other stakeholders. In tandem with the development of these resources, I am also committed to ongoing consultation and engagement with all stakeholders in the run-up to the introduction of the scheme.
As you know, ACS is ambitious in scale and complex in its design but I am delighted that we are achieving our milestones in its development and confident of the lasting impact it will have once launched.
Finally, in order to fast-track some of the benefits of the new scheme, last September I introduced a new universal subsidy, worth up to €1,040 per year for children under three in registered childcare, alongside significantly increased subsidies under existing targeted schemes. I can confirm to you that these supports have now reached the families of over 74,000 children, well in excess of our original estimate of 70,000. Of these 74,000 children, over 35,500 are receiving the new universal subsidy, while a further 38,700 are receiving up to €145 per week towards the cost of their childcare. I have confirmed that these supports will remain in place until the Affordable Childcare Scheme goes live.
58. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of her Department's work to implement the recommendations of the Internet content governance advisory group; the actions she is taking to keep children safe online; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18802/18]
View answerKeeping children safe online requires a whole of government approach. I am committed to playing my part in a co-ordinated cross-Government approach.
The Department of the Taoiseach is currently developing an Action Plan on online safety involving all relevant Departments to ensure that our actions are coordinated, complementary and robust. Officials in my Department are participating in this process.
While my Department does not have a lead responsibility in this area, it does play an important role in a wider range of actions across a number of Departments.
Child protection is our mission. The Children First Act 2015 places a number of statutory obligations on organisations providing relevant services to children. These obligations include a requirement to keep children safe from harm while they are availing of the service; a requirement to carry out a risk assessment, and, a requirement to prepare a child safeguarding statement which sets out the policies and procedures which are in place to mitigate these risks. In this regard, my Department plans to amend the Children First Guidance to include a specific reference to the need to consider online safety in the completion of a Child Safeguarding Statement.
I am also concerned that the voices of children and young people will be heard and acted upon when we make decisions on internet safety. My Department undertakes and supports consultation and participation processes. This includes developing structures to enable such participation in decision making by children and young people. Such structures include both Dáil na nÓg and Comhairle na nÓg.
Earlier this year, the Deputy was on the Oireachtas Committee of Children and Young People that met groups of young people from counties Clare and Wicklow Comhairle na nÓg on this important subject. It is only through engagement with young people that we can find the solutions that will work.
I am aware that the Oireachtas Committee also considered the recommendations of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group. Responsibility to advance proposals in relation to that Group's recommendations rests with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
59. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which €160,000 in funding was allocated to the new family resource centres in view of the fact that existing centres operate with less funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18608/18]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme.
Acting as a focal point within their communities, Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities.
At the end of 2017 there were 109 Family Resource Centres in receipt of funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla was provided with additional funding of €3m in 2018 to expand the programme with the inclusion of 11 additional centres, bringing the total number of Family Resource Centres to 120.
Funding for individual Family Resource Centres differs, depending on a range of factors, including:
- the size and population of the catchment area,
- the degree of economic disadvantage in the area, and
- the existing distribution of services in the area.
Additional funding of up to €10,000 is also being allocated to existing Family Resource Centres this year. This is in addition to once-off funding of €2.120m distributed at the end of 2017 to existing centres for the purchase of equipment and minor capital works.
It is not possible at this stage to advise on what level of funding will be available to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2019. However, I can assure the Deputy that I very much value the work of Family Resource Centres across the country and I will continue to support the centres in the valuable work they do, working with vulnerable children and families, particularly in areas of disadvantage.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she remains satisfied that adequate protection is in place to ensure early reporting and prompt action in cases of suspected child abuse, whether in State institutions, foster care or in the home; the number of outstanding cases awaiting attention; the average timescale for investigating such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18843/18]
View answerThe safety of all children, and particularly those living in State care, is a key priority for me. On December 11 2017, I commenced the remaining provisions of the Children First Act, 2015. This saw the introduction of mandatory reporting of child protection concerns. The Children First Act 2015 places a statutory obligation on persons, who have been identified by virtue of their position, training, qualifications and experience, to make reports of concerns of harm, above a defined threshold, to Tusla, The Child and Family Agency. All institutions providing services to children who are not in the company of their parents are now legislatively bound to undertake a risk assessment which should inform their Child Safeguarding Statement.
The additional resources secured for Tusla in 2018 will assist in meeting key priorities. The additional investment allows Tusla to recruit a range of additional staff to respond to areas of key risk, and to meet increased demand for services. The Deputy will be aware that referrals to Tusla are increasing on a year on year basis, and I anticipate there may be a further increase in referrals following the introduction of mandatory reporting. This increase in funding is also enabling the further management of unallocated cases. To improve the overall functioning of Child Protection Teams, Tusla is in the process of recruiting more administrative staff as well as social work practitioners.
Tusla has introduced an international evidenced practice methodology called “Signs of Safety” which should help to improve the depth and quality of the screening and assessments of referrals.
The first consideration when receiving a referral is the immediate safety of the child. All referrals to the Social Work Service of Children and Family Services are screened on the day they are received irrespective of the source.
The criteria for a member of the public or a mandated person to consider a referral of a child protection or welfare concern is also detailed in Children First National Guidance and in Tusla's Children First Guide for the Reporting of Child Welfare and Protection Concerns.
Cases awaiting allocation fell by almost 17% to 4,756 compared to the same time period as last year.
Please find outlined in the following tables a breakdown of cases awaiting allocation by priority level and time waiting. These figures are published on the Tusla website on a quarterly basis.
Cases Awaiting Allocation by Priority Level and Waiting Time
|
High Priority/Time Waiting |
Q1 2017 |
Q2 2017 |
Q3 2017 |
Q4 2017* |
|
1 week |
54 |
137 |
81 |
5 |
|
1-2 weeks |
96 |
20 |
104 |
120 |
|
2-3 week |
97 |
64 |
82 |
19 |
|
3-4 weeks |
124 |
93 |
100 |
52 |
|
1-2 months |
160 |
152 |
122 |
118 |
|
2-3 months |
95 |
99 |
120 |
71 |
|
>3 months |
436 |
426 |
357 |
346 |
|
Total |
1,062 |
991 |
966 |
731 |
*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)
|
Medium Priority/Time Waiting |
Q1 2017 |
Q2 2017 |
Q3 2017 |
Q4 2017* |
|
1 week |
342 |
208 |
176 |
89 |
|
1-2 weeks |
290 |
249 |
272 |
215 |
|
2-3 week |
284 |
250 |
206 |
129 |
|
3-4 weeks |
283 |
218 |
277 |
190 |
|
1-2 months |
619 |
682 |
474 |
353 |
|
2-3 months |
285 |
454 |
337 |
364 |
|
>3 months |
1,479 |
1,659 |
1,567 |
1,248 |
|
Total |
3,582 |
3,720 |
3,309 |
2,588 |
*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)
|
Low Priority/Time Waiting |
Q1 2017 |
Q2 2017 |
Q3 2017 |
Q4 2017* |
|
1 week |
49 |
75 |
45 |
13 |
|
1-2 weeks |
80 |
54 |
62 |
17 |
|
2-3 week |
146 |
44 |
57 |
14 |
|
3-4 weeks |
133 |
71 |
92 |
123 |
|
1-2 months |
2227 |
204 |
98 |
224 |
|
2-3 months |
283 |
181 |
82 |
131 |
|
>3 months |
596 |
553 |
573 |
519 |
|
Total |
1,514 |
1,182 |
1,009 |
1,041 |
*Based on incomplete returns (15/17 areas)
61. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach the population of each of the New Ross, Enniscorthy and Wexford Garda districts, respectively. [18683/18]
View answerCurrently, the Central Statistics Offices has detailed information for Garda districts based on Census 2011 data available on its website.
The following table outlines the population for the Wexford Garda districts.
|
Garda District |
Males |
Females |
Total |
|
New Ross |
13,851 |
13,942 |
27,793 |
|
Enniscorthy |
35,042 |
35,392 |
70,434 |
|
Wexford |
23,116 |
24,198 |
47,314 |
The CSO expects to produce small area population statistics for Garda boundaries based on Census 2016 information this year and will inform the Deputy when the data becomes available.
62. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the way in which the €2.5 million was spent by the strategic communications unit since its inception in September 2017. [18765/18]
View answerThe estimate for spend to date for the SCU is €2.2 million. This spend is primarily associated with citizen focussed information campaigns such as: Healthy Ireland, Global Ireland, Education Action Plan, Bliain Na Gaeilge, Self-Employed Benefits, Legislation, Irish Aid and Project Ireland 2040.
In addition, spend has been allocated to the Gov.ie migration, the citizen survey on public awareness and understanding of government services, the Unified Identity Programme and the Continuing Professional Development programme, in alignment with the Government approved communications programme.
63. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Revised Estimate for his Department. [18863/18]
View answerOn 27 March 2018, the Government noted the comprehensive Review of the Operation of the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU) completed by the Secretary General to the Government, and accepted its recommendations.
Following the publication of the Review, I informed the House (and the Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Taoiseach) that the 2018 funding allocation for the Unit would be reduced by €2.5 million. Last week, a Further Revised Estimate for my Department was presented to the House to give effect to this decision.
My Department's 2018 budget allocation has therefore been reduced from €35.891 million to €33.391 million, which is a reduction of 9% on its 2017 Estimate.
64. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the role of the Government Information Service, GIS, in co-ordinating cross-departmental information campaigns. [18864/18]
View answerGIS will continue to have a co-ordinating and supporting role for national, cross-Government communications, as has always been the case. Such campaigns will now be led and funded by the relevant line Department.
65. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when the citizen research for the strategic communications unit will commence. [18865/18]
View answerThe citizen research will commence once the opposition parties have been afforded an opportunity to review the proposed material. It is anticipated that this review will be initiated in the coming weeks and the subsequent survey will issue in late May 2018. Once the survey has been run and results collected and analysed, it is intended to publish it.
