Written Answers Nos. 516-532
516. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a national training needs analysis has ever been carried out by Tusla; and if so, if she will provide a copy of the results of same. [46600/18]
View answerAs training is an operational matter for the Tusla, I do not have sight of the documents referenced by the Deputy. I am advised by Tusla that its training needs analysis is managed in line with the Tusla Strategy for Continual Professional Development. The strategy calls for a three yearly agency wide training needs analysis to be coordinated by Tusla Workforce Learning and Development. I understand that the most recent training needs analysis commenced in late 2017.
517. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the follow-up that will be carried out to ensure that an assessment is completed (details supplied). [46601/18]
View answerI am aware that Tusla is currently developing a Multi-Annual Strategic Workforce Plan and this will be finalised before the end of this year.
Strategic workforce planning is central to ensuring that Tusla can meet its needs by reconfiguring the workforce to deliver better care outcomes in the future.
I am informed that the plan will include actions to improve access to potential talent pools, review the appropriate skills mix of staff and examining what this will mean for Tusla and how it will operate. This work will be done in conjunction with HIQA recommendations regarding the review of the area and team structures.
518. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of joint specialist interview training sessions in interviewing persons alleging child sexual abuse that have been completed by Tusla staff in 2018. [46602/18]
View answerCurrently 12 Social Workers are trained and operating as specialist interviewers. An additional 5 are trained but need refresher training before they can recommence conducting interviews. Refresher training is being organised by Templemore for later this year. Tusla has 12 places on specialist interviewing training courses being organised before the end of December 2018.
Assuming the 12 social workers training later this year complete successfully and the 5 social workers requiring refresher training also complete, there should be 29 social work specialist interviewers available from the start of 2019.
519. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason there has been a delay in capitation payments to childcare providers; and when they can expect to be paid. [46653/18]
View answerThank you for your question which I believe relates specifically to Early Years’ service providers' capitation payments under two of my Department's programme strands: ECCE Higher Capitation payments and LINC (Leadership for Inclusion) payments made under AIM (Access and Inclusion Model).
Administration of the ECCE programme, including all payments, is carried out by Pobal acting as an agent of my department. Until recently, one exception existed within this arrangement, namely ECCE Higher Capitation, a ‘top-up’ capitation fee within the ECCE programme, providing additional funding to Early Years services which are led by graduates of Early Childhood Education and Care degrees. While payments were processed by Pobal, the application and processing of ECCE Higher Capitation was still carried out by this Department. While my officials endeavoured to make this process as straightforward as possible, it was considered that this two-stage process, involving two administrative entities, was cumbersome for Early Years’ service providers. It had long been the intention of this department to transfer administration of the ECCE programme as a whole to Pobal, allowing for an improvement in efficiency.
On 30 July 2018 an official announcement was made that Pobal would be the administrator of ECCE Higher Capitation payments on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth (DCYA) with effect from the commencement of the 2018/2019 programme year.
Pobal opened the application process for the ECCE Higher Capitation 2018/2019 on 28 September 2018, via Pobal's online portal system.
The date of payments of the ECCE Higher Capitation rate will be individual to each service on approval of a fully completed application. Once an application has been approved by Pobal, they will pay services the ECCE Higher Capitation rate and any arrears due to them on the next available payment date.
In migrating ECCE Higher Capitation to Pobal, the DCYA completed the process of transitioning full administration of the ECCE programme to Pobal. Early Years providers are also now able to conduct all business relating to the ECCE programme with one agent, using the same system already in place to conduct all of their business relating to DCYA Early Years programmes, and have the full benefit of the resources that Pobal already bring to the Early Years sector.
Pobal endeavour to have applications processed within one month of receiving a Higher Capitation application. A delay may occur if more information is required from the service provider to fully process the application. Pobal has received an unprecedented number of applications for ECCE Higher Capitation so far in this programme year. I am very pleased to see that more Early Years’ services are becoming eligible for ECCE Higher Capitation, and my officials anticipate that this will represent over half of all Early Years’ services by the end of the programme year.
Officials from the DCYA and Pobal are already in dialogue around ensuring efficient roll out of the Higher Capitation payments in the 2019/2020 programme year, including opening ECCE Higher Capitation for applications in advance of September 2019.
In relation to the LINC (AIM Level 1) payments, Pobal has received 1,225 applications to date for the increased Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) capitation in relation to LINC. Of the applications received 92% have been processed with 89% of the total successfully awarded funding so far. Of these, 97% have received a payment in relation to LINC for this programme year to date.
520. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers appointed to cover the Connemara south and west regions; the number of vacancies; the number of children awaiting allocation to a social worker in the region by the priority of the case and waiting time in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46706/18]
View answerI am advised by Tusla that there are six Social Workers currently in the Connemara South and West Regions. There is one vacancy due to retirement; that has now been filled and the successful applicant will commence employment on the 26th November 2018. This will bring the number of Social Workers to seven. I am also informed there is 1.5 whole time equivalent Team Leader/Manager for the region.
Tusla have also provided the following data:
Number of cases awaiting allocation to a social worker in Galway/Roscommon by priority level and waiting time, based on August 2018 data.
|
Priority of Cases Waiting Allocation |
Number of Cases Awaiting Allocation |
Waiting Time <1 Month |
Waiting time <1-3 Months |
Waiting Time > 3 Months |
|
Low |
59 |
42 |
11 |
6 |
|
Medium |
118 |
68 |
33 |
17 |
|
High |
51 |
22 |
19 |
10 |
|
Total |
228 |
132 |
63 |
33 |
521. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there has been a formal response from the board of Tusla following the publication of the third interim report of the disclosures tribunal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46767/18]
View answerI met with the Board of Tusla on 25th October regarding the implications of the Disclosures Tribunal (Charleton) Report for the agency. At the meeting I expressed serious concern about a number of conclusions and findings of the Tribunal. Among the issues I raised were the:
- Serious practice issues at local level
- Failure to follow national procedures and policy
- Attempt at local level to conceal the extent of the errors made
- Breakdown between local, regional and national level in relation to roles and responsibilities
- Questions about organisational culture at local level in allowing so serious an error to go uncorrected.
I asked the Board to consider very carefully if there were any issues that had been identified by the Tribunal which would not already be addressed in the planned response to the HIQA report published last June, including the agreed Action Plan that is now in the process of implementation. I also asked the Board to examine carefully how Tusla as an organisation scrutinises itself.
I wrote to the chair of Tusla's Board on 6 November 2018. In the letter, I noted the failures in the management of the referral made in respect of Garda Sergeant Maurice McCabe, now retired. I have requested additional information with respect to performance management and the supports to address adherence to policies and future cooperation with any public enquiry process. I have asked the Board to respond to me as soon as possible.
522. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the expert quality assurance and oversight group to support and advise Tusla on the implementation of the recommendations of the HIQA statutory investigation into the way in which Tusla manages allegations of child sexual abuse has been established by her Department; when such a group was established; if it has not been established, the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46768/18]
View answerThe Expert Assurance Group has been established. I appointed the chair of the group on the 29th of June and the full membership on the 23rd of August.
The group held its first meeting on 30th of August and has met three times so far. The membership of the group has expertise in governance, law, HR and child protection and comprises:
- Dr Moling Ryan, Chair
- Dr Helen Buckley, Fellow Emeritus at the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin
- Mr Gerry Verschoyle, HR Consultant
- Mr Andrew Lowe, Public Policy Consultant
- Dr Conor O'Mahony, Lecturer in Law, University College Cork
- Ms Michele Clarke, Chief Social Worker, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
The group will report to me each quarter, and these reports will be published. I expect the first such report at the end of November.
523. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the action plan that is to be published on the Tusla website with timelines of the measures it plans to take to implement the recommendations of the HIQA report published in June 2018 on the way in which Tusla manages allegations of child sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46769/18]
View answerThe Action Plan can be accessed on the Tusla website at https://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/HIQA_strategic_action_plan.pdf
The Tusla Strategic Action Plan arising from the HIQA investigation into the management of allegations of child sexual abuse against adults of concern by the Child and Family Agency has been approved by the Tusla Board. The plan has been submitted to my Department and to the Expert Assurance Group I have established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations, and advise Tusla and my Department. The Action Plan is built around nine themes, and a named member of the senior management team is identified as the lead under each one. Each action in the plan has a timeframe for completion.
524. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the human resources section of Tusla has received a grievance that includes a complaint in regard to the performance of a person (details supplied) among other named national managers or former national managers in Tusla since its formation in 2014. [46834/18]
View answerIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on an operational matter relating to any individuals. This is an operational matter for Tusla under their Grievance Procedure and also their Protected Disclosures Policy and Procedure. I have referred the Deputy's question to Tusla for direct reply.
525. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a baby box for children; the steps she has taken in regard to the matter to date; the estimated annual cost of this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46916/18]
View answerA Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families has recently been approved by Government and will be published on 19th November. The Strategy sets out a vision for early childhood and a roadmap for the coming decade.
One of the actions in the Strategy is to pilot the introduction of baby boxes and Dormant Accounts funding has been secured for this project.
Baby boxes will contain a range of practical and useful items and information resources to support the transition to and early stages of parenthood. The project will pilot and test the design, items for inclusion, procurement, registration and distribution of Baby Boxes in a selected geographic area. The pilot phase of the project will also include the development of accompanying information resources and training of staff involved in roll out.
Background scoping has been undertaken for this project in order to prepare the proposal for funding from Dormant Accounts. Following the publication of the Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families the project will be further advanced. €700,000 has been secured for the first phase of the pilot. It is envisaged that this will be a multi-year project which will seek a further allocation from the Dormant Accounts Fund in a future Action Plan to conclude its rollout.
There will be a significant emphasis in the pilot on evaluation of impact of the measure with a view to determining whether it is suitable for wider roll out.
526. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in State care on waiting lists for CAMHS by county in tabular form; the number waiting up to three, three to six, six to nine, nine to 12, 12 to 18 and more than 18 months, respectively; the mental health supports available to children in the care of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46955/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question 45727/18, of 7th November 2018 where I outlined the mental health supports available for children in care. Tusla does not collate information at area or national level regarding referrals made on behalf of children in care to any specialist health service. This information is known to the child's social worker, carer, GP and, where appropriate, family members. The information should be kept on file and on the child's individual care plan.
I also advised the Deputy that CAMHS is a function of the Health Services Executive, which comes under the remit of the Department of Health.
As data on the waiting times for CAMHS is not reported to my Department, I would suggest that questions on waiting lists are better directed to my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.
527. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of beds available in a given night in all Tusla-funded domestic violence emergency and step-down accommodation. [46958/18]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly.
528. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in full-time residential care. [46966/18]
View answerAccording to Tusla published data for the end of August 2018, there were 367 children in residential care.
529. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who have been referred by Tusla to an organisation (details supplied) since 2013. [46974/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that this information is not collated centrally by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014, the functions of child welfare and protection were carried out by the Health Services Executive.
530. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of cases referred by Tusla to an organisation (details supplied) since 2013 that have given rise to criminal charges being brought against the person against whom the allegation was made. [46975/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that this information is not collated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014, the functions of child welfare and protection were carried out by the Health Services Executive.
I must apologise to the Deputy that I do not have the information she requests in answer to this Parliamentary Question and PQ 46974/18 and PQ 46976/18. I appreciate she has sought this information from both the Department of Health and from my Department without success. I will ask my officials to write to the Deputy with a more detailed explanation.
531. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who have been referred by Tusla to an organisation (details supplied) since 2013 at the same time as family law proceedings involving the child’s family were before the courts. [46976/18]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that this information is not collated by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014, the functions of child welfare and protection were carried out by the Health Services Executive. I would note that family law proceedings are held in camera and it may not be possible to collate such information as a result.
532. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of senior positions held by both men and women, respectively, in her Department. [46994/18]
View answerFor the purposes of this answer, I take "senior positions" as comprising all civil servants at Secretary General, Assistant Secretary and Director levels in this Department. At 1 November 2018 the breakdown of these positions in my department is as follows:
|
Position |
Gender |
|
Assistant Secretary |
F |
|
Assistant Secretary |
F |
|
Assistant Secretary |
M |
|
Director |
F |
|
Secretary General |
M |
|
Total Senior Positions |
Female |
Male |
|
5 |
3 |
2 |
