Written Answers Nos. 837-853
837. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of increasing the higher and lower capitation grants under the ECCE scheme by €5, €10, €15 and €20, respectively; and the further estimated cost of extending its duration by 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks, respectively in tabular form. [30696/18]
View answerOfficials from my Department have based the below calculations on the capitation levels that will exist from September this year when the 7% increase in ECCE capitation promised in Budget 2018 will come into effect.
The estimates are based on the Department’s forecasted level of registrations in the 2018/19 academic year of 114,000 children.
The September 2018 estimated cost of ECCE is €309.7m. Each additional two weeks of ECCE, at September 2018 capitation rates, would cost €16.3m.
The additional cost of the maximum scenario presented in the question (an additional 12 weeks at an increase of €20 capitation per child per week) would be €207m.
The table below, Table A, describes what the September 2018 capitation is per child, per week, and what it would change to with €5, €10, €15 and €20 increases. (The final blended rate is used for calculations in the final table, Table B.)
|
|
Existing/Sept 2018 Capitation Rate |
Proposed increase in capitation rates €5 |
Proposed increase in capitation rates €10 |
Proposed increase in capitation rates €15 |
Proposed increase in capitation rates €20 |
|
Standard Cap |
€69 |
€74 |
€79 |
€84 |
€89 |
|
Higher Cap |
€80.25 |
€85.25 |
€90.25 |
€95.25 |
€100.25 |
|
Blended rate |
€74.40 |
€79.40 |
€84.40 |
€89.40 |
€94.40 |
The following table, Table B, sets out the cost of the four proposed enhanced capitation levels, together with the costs for additional weeks.
Table B
|
|
|
Plus 2 weeks |
Plus 4 |
Plus 6 |
Plus 8 |
Plus 10 |
Plus 12
|
|
Weeks per year |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
46 |
48 |
50 |
|
7% increase w.e.f. Sept
|
€309.7m |
€326m |
€342.3m |
€358.6m |
€374.9m |
€391.2m |
€407.5m |
|
Additional €5 (using blended rate for all scenarios) |
€330.5m |
€347.9m |
€365.3 |
€382.7 |
€400.1 |
€ 417.5 |
€434.9 |
|
Additional €10 |
€351.3m |
€369.8 |
€388.3 |
€406.8 |
€425.3 |
€ 443.8 |
€462.3 |
|
Additional €15 |
€372.2m |
€391.7 |
€411.3 |
€430.9 |
€457.5 |
€ 470 |
€489.6 |
|
Additional €20 |
€393m |
€413.7 |
€434.3 |
€455 |
€475.7 |
€ 496.3 |
€517 |
838. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 507 of 26 June 2018, if a callback will be arranged for the facility on its application (details supplied). [30721/18]
View answerThe number of applications for the Early Years and School Age Capital Programmes for 2018 was exceptionally high and therefore a number of high quality applications were not successful on this occasion. Applicants were notified of the outcome in May 2018 and the budget was allocated in full at that time.
All applicants who were unsuccessful under the 2018 Capital programmes had the opportunity to request a call-back conversation with Pobal to discuss their application and the appraisal process. They were also advised of the Review procedure.
I understand that the service in question received a feedback call from a member of Pobal's capital team on the 19th of June 2018. During this call the service provider received feedback on their application including details of the scoring framework used to assess the application. They were also reminded about the formal review process that was available should they choose to access it.
I understand that the service in question did not seek a formal review. The process for requesting such a review is now closed but, if the service has a specific query regarding the appraisal of their application, I would advise that they contact Pobal to discuss this in more detail.
839. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the person or body monitoring assessment and therapy services for children, young persons and their families in circumstances in which sexual abuse is a concern; the measures being taken to ensure best international standards of practice are being followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30772/18]
View answerIn regard to this issue this is a matter for the Minister of Health and the related services provided in this area through HSE service provision. My officials are working with the Department of Health to ensure that such responses are informed by best international practice standards in this area.
840. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated full year cost if Tusla recruited an additional 200 social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30863/18]
View answerTusla has advised that the estimated full year cost of recruiting an additional 200 new professionally qualified social workers would be €13.548m.
The costing is based on the midpoint of the pay scale and includes employer PRSI and an overhead cost of 25% of basic pay to cover staff travel/office accommodation/other general costs.
|
Grade |
Pay |
ER PRSI |
Total Pay |
Non Pay |
Total Cost |
WTE |
|
PQSW |
€ 49,901 |
€ 5,364 |
€55,265 |
€12,475 |
€67,740 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
€ 13,548,000 |
200 |
841. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children born in January will not be able to avail of their entitlement to two years of ECCE from 2 years and 7 months of age and then commence primary school at 4 years and 7 months of age in circumstances in which this is in the best interests of the child having regard to their social and emotional development and their school readiness; her plans to reform the ECCE programme in order that it is aligned with primary school enrolment policies and allows parents the flexibility to avail of their entitlement from the time a child reaches 2 years and 7 months of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31014/18]
View answer842. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether it is fair that children born in January will not be able to avail of their entitlement to two years of ECCE from the age of two years and seven months and then commence primary school at four years and seven months in which this is in the best interests of the child having regard to their social and emotional development and their school readiness; if she will reform the ECCE programme in order that it is aligned with primary school enrolment policies and allows parents the flexibility to avail of their entitlement from the time a child reaches two years and seven months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31045/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 841 and 842 together.
From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months will be eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). This measure refines the development previously introduced, whereby three intake dates were adopted (September, January and April), and will increase the duration of each registered child on ECCE from a current average of 61 weeks, to a potential duration of 76 weeks (two programme years). This further enhancement delivers on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers.
The provision of a second year of ECCE required either an increase in the upper age limit for ECCE, or a reduction in the lower age limit. The latter was chosen and is consistent with the law in this country with regard to school start age and the associated policy of the Department of Education and Skills.
This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit will remain the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).
This new measure will address the previous situation with regard to three entry points whereby there was a broad fluctuation in the number of free preschool weeks a child could avail of –(between 61 and 88 weeks depending on the date of birth of the child) – and will ensure a programme that is equitable for all children. As with any large scheme at national level, clear rules are required to ensure transparency and objectivity in administration. It is a feature however of such schemes that where cut off points relate to age, some applicants benefit more than others.
The number of entry points will revert to one at the beginning of September 2018. One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. This will also make it easier for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
A child will not be able to commence their ECCE in September 2018 if they will not have reached the age of 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2018. Their ECCE eligibility commences in 2019, and will continue for a further year from September 2020 until June 2021.
It must be noted that parents have the discretion to decide how much of ECCE to avail of for their child. A decision may be made to utilise only one year of the programme for various reasons. For example, some parents of children born in the first quarter of the year, as outlined by the Deputy, may prefer for their child to start school at 4 years of age rather than 5. These parents may therefore opt for 1 year of ECCE only.
The entry and exit points for ECCE for children with disabilities is currently being reviewed. The National Disability Authority has conducted some research on the matter and has led a national consultation process with parents and providers. It is due to report shortly. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to ensure that early years and school age education policies are consistent and meet the best interest of children.
In terms of childcare costs, it should be noted that parents of children aged from 6 months to the age of eligibility for ECCE can avail of the new universal subsidy of up to €1040 per year, introduced in 2017.
843. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has identified laws which are dependent on or in place as a consequence of Article 41.2 of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30106/18]
View answerMy Department has no legislation or legislation to be enacted which is dependent on or in place as a consequence of Article 41.2 of the Constitution.
844. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding that was issued to groups in County Kildare under the rural recreation, infrastructure and the town and village renewal schemes in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the groups that drew down funding; the nature of the projects they requested funding for under each grant heading; the amount available overall under the headings in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30137/18]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure scheme (previously known as the Rural Recreation Scheme) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.
€7.4 million was allocated to 117 projects nationally under the scheme in 2016 and a total of €13.6 million was allocated to 251 projects under the 2017 scheme.
Only one application was submitted in respect of Co. Kildare under the 2016 scheme, but this application was unsuccessful. No applications were submitted under the 2017 scheme from Co. Kildare.
I launched the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme on the 1st June last, with an indicative allocation of €12 million under three measures. The final closing date for applications is 27th July 2018.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Local Authorities. Community groups cannot apply directly to my Department for funding under the scheme. However, Local Authorities are required to consult with communities in identifying proposals for submission to my Department under the scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 with an allocation of €380,000 to each county. Funding totalling almost €10 million was provided to 170 projects across the country in 2016, of which 6 were in towns/villages in Co. Kildare.
In 2017, I approved a further €21.6 million in funding to 281 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, of which €416,403 was allocated to projects in 5 towns/villages in Co. Kildare.
I launched a further round of the scheme this year with an indicative allocation of €15 million. The closing date for applications was 30th June 2018 and all applications received are currently being assessed. I can confirm that Kildare County Council submitted 8 applications for consideration under the 2018 scheme.
Details of the various schemes operated by my Department and the individual projects which received funding under these schemes are available on the Rural Development pages of my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie.
845. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration is being given to an application (details supplied). [30356/18]
View answerThe case which the Deputy refers to would be entirely a matter for consideration by the relevant Local Authority under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). LIS is a programme for improvement works on small private/non-public roads and is currently funded by my Department and delivered through the Local Authorities.
I launched the 2018 LIS programme in February this year with an allocation of €10 million across the country. Co. Cork was allocated €1 million under the scheme. It is the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority to prioritise and select the road projects that will receive LIS funding in line with the scheme criteria.
I also requested each County Council to compile a secondary list of suitable LIS road projects which they could complete if additional funding becomes available for the scheme later in the year.
I understand that the road referred to by the Deputy was not included by Cork County Council on either its primary or secondary list of roads for prioritisation. The list of projects which the Local Authorities plan to undertake this year has now been published on the Rural Development pages of my Department's website. Neither I, nor my Department, has any input into the Local Authorities' selection process.
846. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost of travel expenses for him and those that travel with him since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30517/18]
View answerSince the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development on 19th July 2017, the cost of travel and subsistence expenses to date in respect of myself, private secretary and ministerial driver amounted to €54,798.
847. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the 2018 town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30542/18]
View answerThe 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 27th April, with an indicative allocation of €15 million. Local Authorities were required to seek expressions of interest from communities for proposals under the scheme and select up to 12 proposals for submission to my Department for consideration.
The closing date for submission of applications to my Department was 30th June 2018.
Applications are currently being assessed and it is anticipated that successful projects will be announced in early September. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and will run for up to 18 months.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. Over €31.6 million has been approved for more than 450 projects across the country since the scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016.
848. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of times he has met his officials regarding Project Ireland 2040 since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/18]
View answerMeetings and discussions with my officials on Project Ireland 2040 and related matters have taken place, and will continue to take place, on a frequent and ongoing basis.
These have included discussions on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is being led out on by my Department in collaboration with other Departments and was launched last week.
It is therefore not possible to identify the specific number of meetings at which such discussions took place.
849. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of FOI requests his Department has received since January 2018; the number of refusals; the number that have been appealed and that are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30575/18]
View answerMy Department has received a total of 34 requests under the Freedom of Information Act since 1 January 2018.
Of these, three are currently ongoing as of 6 July.
Six requests have been refused, two of which were appealed.
850. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of vacancies on state boards under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30592/18]
View answerThere are four State boards under the remit of my Department, the Western Development Commission, Irish Water Safety, the Charities Regulatory Authority and the recently established Charity Appeals Tribunal.
There are currently no vacancies on those boards.
851. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1364 and 1365 of 17 April 2018, the progress made on a new pilot grant scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30723/18]
View answerThe pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages which the Deputy refers to is being developed as part of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is administered by my Department.
As advised in the previous questions referred to, a Steering Group was established to oversee the design and delivery of the pilot scheme and the work of that Group is still in progress. It is a complex issue but substantial progress has been made in developing the pilot. It is envisaged that the pilot scheme will be implemented in a small number of towns initially with a view, subject to the scheme's success, to a wider roll-out over time.
This pilot has the capacity to inform future initiatives for town centre renewal under the new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which was launched on 4th July 2018 as part of Project Ireland 2040.
Work is ongoing on the development of the pilot and I hope to be in a position to announce details of the pilot scheme soon.
852. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on the community enhancement programme of €4.5 million; the steps local community development projects need to take to access this funding in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/18]
View answerI launched the Community Enhancement Programme in May 2018. The programme replaces and builds on RAPID and the Community Facilities Scheme. It is administered by Local Community Development Committees in each local authority area and is currently open for applications.
Groups who wish to apply for funding under this programme in the Dublin City Local Authority area will find details at this link and those in Fingal Local Authority will find details at this link.
853. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public sector jobs offered as internal competitions or restricted to existing Civil Service or public service staff in his Department in 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/18]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017.
The position in 2017 was as follows:
There were no jobs offered in the Department from internal competitions. The Department made seven appointments from interdepartmental competitions, which are restricted to civil servants. The Department also recruited twenty staff from open competitions, not restricted to existing civil service staff.
The position in 2018 to date is as follows:
There have been internal competitions held within the Department at the grades of: Principal Officer, Assistant Principal Officer, Higher Executive Officer, and Executive Officer levels.
A total of seventeen posts have been filled from these internal competitions to date.
In addition there was one competition confined to staff serving in two Departments, one appointment was made from this competition to the post of Head Service Officer.
The Department has made five appointments from interdepartmental competitions, which are restricted to civil servants.
The Department has also appointed twelve staff from open competitions, which were not restricted to existing civil service staff.
