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Tuesday, 22 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 569-588

Ports Facilities

Questions (569)

Robert Troy

Question:

569. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received funding to hire additional staff to carry out relevant controls at ports and airports; the number of full-time equivalent posts that funding will support; and the date by which these staff will be hired. [2752/19]

View answer

Written answers

The responsibility for carrying out agricultural controls at airports and ports is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be able to assist the Deputy in any query he has on the above matter.

Aer Lingus Staff

Questions (570)

Clare Daly

Question:

570. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he has undertaken to contact the management of Aer Lingus in view of its consideration of outsourcing of the catering department and in further view of the public commitments given at the time of the sale of the remaining 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus that there would be no adverse impact on jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2782/19]

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Written answers

I have no role in relation to employment matters or commercial decisions of private companies. My functions, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on Aer Lingus, are now essentially the same as with any Irish airline.

The legally-binding commitments made by IAG in 2015 as part of its offer for the State's minority shareholding in Aer Lingus relate to Heathrow slots, the location of the headquarters and the Aer Lingus brand.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (571)

Seán Fleming

Question:

571. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will next meet with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2802/19]

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Written answers

I meet with the Chief Executive Officer of Fáilte Ireland regularly. I last met with the Chief Executive Officer on the 9th of November 2018 to review the company's 2019 plans. I will consider the timing of my next meeting with him as part of my ongoing diary commitments.

Light Rail Projects Status

Questions (572)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

572. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a decision will be made for a final route of metro north; the timeframe for the process from agreed route and construction; the cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2832/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including MetroLink.

The Deputy is presumably aware that the previously proposed project known as Metro North has been superseded by a different project known as MetroLink and which is included in the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP provides an indicative allocation of €3 billion toward development and construction of MetroLink, which will be a 26km metro service running from Sandyford in South County Dublin to north of Swords in North County Dublin.

The NTA and TII have already published an 'Emerging Preferred Route' for public consultation last year and a further round of public consultation will take place early this year on a 'Preferred Route' before any decision on a Final Route and later submission to An Bord Pleanála, at which stage statutory consultation periods will take place. 

Noting their responsibility in relation to this matter, I have forwarded your request to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply.  Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Driver Licences

Questions (573)

Robert Troy

Question:

573. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress has been made with regard to enabling asylum seekers apply for a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2876/19]

View answer

Written answers

This matter is still under consideration in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is but one of a number of priority issues that my officials are currently dealing with and as such I am not in a position to provide an updated position for the Deputy at this time.

Sports Facilities Provision

Questions (574)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

574. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding is still in place for a leisure centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2880/19]

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Written answers

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 m to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Buncrana is still in the 2000 round of the LASPP, is at contract documents stage and is eligible for the funding once it complies with all of the requirements of the Programme.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland Expenditure

Questions (575)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

575. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to date incurred by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on maintaining and providing security for the services station on the M11 in County Wexford; when it is envisaged this service station will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2923/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme.  Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual national roads (including service areas) is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. 

Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Córas Iompair Éireann

Questions (576)

Willie Penrose

Question:

576. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the four vacant posts on the board of CIÉ will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3021/19]

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Written answers

There are currently three vacancies on the CIÉ Board. 

In line with Government's guidelines on Appointment to State Boards and my Department's agreed protocols on board appointments, the CIÉ Board positions were recently advertised by the Public Appointments Service, with a closing date of the 9th of January 2019.

A shortlisting process is expected to commence shortly, after which a number of candidates will be submitted for my consideration and appointment.  I expect that the process will be complete and appointments made in the coming weeks.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (577)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

577. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the successful recipients of the sports capital grant for 2019 will be announced. [3025/19]

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Written answers

The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October.  By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162 m in funding. 

187 of these applications are for projects originally deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme but who submitted corrected documents.  These applications were assessed first and last week I was delighted to announce allocations to 170 of these projects with a total value of €7 m.  Details of all these project are published on my Department’s website at  http://www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme-awards-new.

The assessment of the remaining new applications will now proceed. For the first time, applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be at least the second quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (578)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

578. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding capital expenditure in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3080/19]

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Written answers

As the Deputy may be aware I have secured improved funding allocations over the period 2018-2021 which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.

These improved allocations over this period include:

- €110 million specifically dedicated to cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;

- €135 million for sustainable urban transport measures;

- €750 million approximately towards the BusConnects programme in Dublin which will include the delivery of around 200 kilometres of segregated cycling lanes, where possible; and

- €53 million to support the development of new Greenways. 

In addition to the above, Government has also made additional money available for cycling projects through both the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds under the National Development Plan.

End year figures for 2018 are currently being finalised;  in the meantime, the provisional expenditure outturn for sustainable transport measures that benefit walking and cycling are as follows:

- €18.1 million  spent specifically on cycling and walking infrastructure in our major urban areas;

- €19.3 million spent on smarter travel and sustainable transport measures, which will benefit both cyclists and walkers.

Funding under these programmes as detailed above will increase again in 2019 with approximately €48 million allocated toward the programmes.

The figures detailed above do not include monies allocated under the aforementioned  Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Funds or under my Department's Greenways Strategy.

I believe that the improved multi-annual capital expenditure figures outlined above will positively assist with the better development and provision of cycling infrastructure across the State, while improving the safety for all road users.

Childcare Services Provision

Questions (579)

Jack Chambers

Question:

579. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the shortage of available childcare services especially in the Dublin 15 area (details supplied); the efforts underway to address same; the advice for parents that cannot secure a place in a childcare service for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2304/19]

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Written answers

 My Department funds 30 City and County Childcare Committees across the country. Part of their role is to advise my Department on capacity issues. I have asked officials to make contact with Fingal Childcare Committee to follow up on your question. Your constituent may also wish to make contact with them seeking assistance. Also, if your constituent is considering childminding services, Childminding Ireland may be able to direct them to some of their members in the area.

Each year Pobal conducts research on behalf of my Department to examine a number of factors related to childcare services in Ireland, including the monitoring of capacity. The Early Years Sector Profile report, which was published in November and relates to the 2017/2018 programme year, indicates that existing childcare provision, in general, meets current needs nationwide in terms of capacity whilst recognising that small pockets of under supply may exist within this.

This report outlines a 4% vacancy rate as a percentage of children enrolled in  Dublin - Fingal, i.e., 11,149 children enrolled in registered services with 450 vacant childcare places. It also identifies waiting lists totalling 1,076 children. Pobal reports that nationally the trend for waiting lists suggests a reduction in waiting lists for older children and an increase for under twos. Pobal cautions that its data on waiting lists cannot by itself be used to inform capacity decisions as parents often place their children on more than one waiting list. 

With regard to capacity generally, I secured €8.86 m in capital funding for childcare in 2019. While the precise details of the 2019 Capital offering have yet to be finalised, this funding will be used to meet the most pressing needs of the sector with the ultimate aim of benefitting parents and children through improving our childcare infrastructure and capacity. A particular focus in 2019 will be to expand service provision for children under three years of age.  

Under the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan published in 2018, I ensured that Childcare was identified as one of our nation's strategic priorities. I am delighted that €250 million in additional funding has been committed to for the expansion of high quality, early learning and care and school age childcare over the duration of the Plan.

Local Authority Facilities

Questions (580)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

580. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2317/19]

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Written answers

The maintenance of playgrounds is in the main a matter for local authorities to make provision for and therefore the matter does not come under the remit of my Department.

However, my Department does administer a Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. The purpose of the Scheme is to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people. This includes the provision of new facilities and equipment, with an emphasis on the use of innovative design and the utilisation of non-traditional play spaces, or the refurbishment of existing play facilities. Applications under this scheme must be submitted through the Local Authorities to my Department.

 It is expected that this funding will be available in 2019 and the scheme will be open for applications during the second quarter of the year.

Illegal Adoptions

Questions (581)

Clare Daly

Question:

581. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the percentage of the 126 persons identified with illegal birth registrations who were adopted from an organisation (details supplied) who have been informed of their illegal registration; and the number of that group offered counselling services. [2320/19]

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Written answers

As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to Tusla for their direct reply.

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Questions (582)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

582. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a women’s refuge (details supplied) in Dublin 6 has reopened as a women’s refuge; if not, the reason therefore; the reason the refuge centre is no longer accepting donations of clothes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2378/19]

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Written answers

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and provision of services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV), whether in the context of the family or otherwise. 

The refuge to which the Deputy refers was closed in September 2017 following a Health and Safety audit, initiated by Tusla, which highlighted potential electrical issues. The health and safety issues identified during the audit are now resolved.

Tusla is in the process of contracting a specialist domestic violence organisation to manage the facility. It is expected that outreach services will be in place for service users in advance of accommodation services being made available. Tusla has advised me that the refuge will be fully operational by the end of Quarter 1, 2019.  

In the interim, Tusla has worked in partnership with Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) to provide short-term accommodation to a cohort of homeless women who have experienced domestic violence. This arrangement will continue until the contract with a specialist domestic violence organisation is in place to manage the facility.

Tusla is grateful for the willingness of the local community to help service users with donations and has advised that the facility has adequate resources in place at present. Tusla is also cognisant that donations of unsolicited goods require significant resources, particularly the time of staff and available storage capacity. In order to ensure that donated goods can be put to the best possible use, Tusla has advised that local charity shops might benefit more from such donations at this time.

Child and Family Agency Investigations

Questions (583)

Peter Burke

Question:

583. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla will be directed to follow-up on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2395/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases. I have referred the matter to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and Tusla have confirmed that the matter is receiving appropriate attention. 

Illegal Adoptions

Questions (584)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

584. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the scoping exercise into illegal adoptions will be published; the number of records being examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2464/19]

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Written answers

The review of adoption records is to determine if similar evidence of illegal registration can be identified from the records of other former adoption agencies and other relevant bodies as was identified in the St. Patrick's Guild files. It is not possible at this stage to anticipate the type of information that will emerge from the review.

Given the sensitive personal data contained in the files, data protection and GDPR issues have arisen, which have delayed the review, but these have now been addressed and the final report of the review is expected to be submitted to me before Easter 2019.

The review is being overseen by an independent chair.  I would anticipate that details on the methodology and sample size will be included in the final report.

Childcare Services Staff

Questions (585)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

585. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the ratio of childminders to children and the number of children allowed to be in the care of one childminder. [2513/19]

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Written answers

Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Section 58L), childminders are currently exempt from regulation if they:

1. Care for one or more children to whom they are related;

2. Care for one or more children of the same family and no other children (other than the childminder's own children) in the childminder's home; or

3. Care for not more than 3 children of different families (other than the childminder's own children) in the childminder's home.

Under the regulations that relate to the care of children of pre-school age - the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 - childminders who are not exempt from regulation may care for no more than 5 pre-school children at any given time, including their own pre-school children. No more than two of the children can be under the age of 15 months (except where the children are siblings) including the childminder's own children.

On 17th February 2019 relevant sections of the Childcare Support Act 2018 will commence, which will amend Section 58L of the Child Care Act 1991, and on the 18th February regulations relating to school-age childcare will come into force: the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018.

As from 17th February, the third category of childminder exempt from regulation will be amended to be "a person taking care of not more than 6 children, of which not more than 3 are pre-school children, of different families (other than that person’s own such children) at the same time in that person’s home, except where that person has been continuously registered as an early years service for a period of one year, wishes to remain on the register, and continues to satisfy such conditions as may be prescribed". A childminder who cares for 7 or more children (of any age), or 4 or more pre-school children, will be required to register with Tusla, unless exempt on one of the other grounds.

It will remain the case that a childminder who cares only for pre-school children (and who is not exempt from regulation) will not be able to care for more than 5 pre-school children. 

The regulations governing school-age childcare, which will come into force on 18th February, will provide that a childminder who cares for school-age children only may not care for more than 12 children at the same time. From that date on, unless exempt from regulation (under the rules set out above), a childminder who cares for both pre-school children and school-age children may not care for more than the number of children specified in the table. 

(1)

(2)

No. of pre-school children being cared for

Maximum no. of school age children

1

10

2

7

3

5

4

2

5

1

For example, if a childminder cares for 1 pre-school child, they can also care for up to 10 school age children at the same time.  If they care for 5 pre-school children, they can only care for 1 school age child at the same time.

These ratios apply in respect of children who are in the care of a childminder at the same time.  For example, a childminder may care for 5 pre-school children and 1 school-age child in the morning and then care for 12 school-age children (but no pre-school children) in the afternoon.

The school-age childcare regulations are intended not only to implement minimum standards in the area of school-age childcare, but also to allow (Tusla-registered) school-age childcare providers to avail of subsidies under the forthcoming Affordable Childcare Scheme, due to launch at the end of 2019.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (586, 587)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

586. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she met with particular childcare providers in order to inform early years policy; if so, the number of providers; the format that outreach was made in; and the outcomes in this regard. [2514/19]

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Kathleen Funchion

Question:

587. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to continue outreach with childcare providers that would wish to be involved in the future of policy formation regarding the early years sector; if so, the format in which this will be carried out; and the way in which childcare providers that would like to advise her Department on their experiences can ensure that their advice and opinions will be relayed to her. [2515/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.

As Minister, I have committed a significant amount of my time to meeting users and providers of services that we support and those who advocate for new and alternative policies in these programme areas; including stakeholders in the early learning and care and school age childcare sectors. The Early Years Division of my Department has also developed a strong track record for working closely with a wide range of stakeholders as we collectively seek to build the best possible early learning and care and school age childcare sector for children and their families. 

Progress made in recent years on the development of policy has been achieved in collaboration and consultation with the sector. The changes underway to achieve our mutual goals can only be achieved by working together and the Government's support for the shared vision with the sector has been evidenced by the 117% increase in investment over the past four budgets.

On becoming Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I established the Early Years Forum so that my officials and I could communicate on a structured basis with stakeholders from the sector. Members include, for example, representatives of private and community providers, academics, representative of children's rights organisations and parent representatives. This Forum, which I chair, meets at least biannually to discuss and inform early years policy. Member of the group in turn communicate with their members to ensure a good two-way cascade of information and influence.

My Department funds 30 City and County Childcare Committees around the country which are sources of valuable local information on the sector. Both the staff of these organisations and their boards have vast insight into the challenges of the sector. I regularly visit these organisations to hear from them how we can continue to improve policy. My officials meet with their umbrella organisation, CCI, on a regular basis to ensure that policy is informed by experiences on the ground. My Department also funds a number of National Voluntary Childcare Organisations which again bring matters to our attention and with which we consult regularly. I meet  some of these in structured meetings or as part of visits or conferences I engage with.

Key pieces of policy work such as the preparation of our new 10 year strategy, First 5, or the Affordable Childcare Scheme, warrant additional focused engagement with the sector.

The Affordable Childcare Scheme  (ACS) was first informed by an Open Policy Debate in 2015 as part of the work of the Inter-Departmental Group on Future investment in Childcare. Various representatives of the sector made a valuable contribution to the debate and the IDG report reflects their input. During the development of the policy of the scheme there was a public consultation and more than 4,000 responses were received and analysed.  The ACS project currently utilises a number of smaller working groups of key stakeholders to inform ongoing development. For example, the ACS team has conducted focus groups, completed usability testing and chaired working groups directly with parents and sample groups of childcare providers to test, review and refine the scheme in an iterative process to design a system that will be user friendly for both parents and childcare providers.

Furthermore regarding the ACS, there will be several hundred training and information events for childcare providers and their staff announced shortly to prepare for the launch of the scheme later this year. In 2017, eight roadshow events took place nationwide, attended by almost 1,000 childcare practitioners, to discuss plans at that stage, including the September 2017 measures and the introduction of Programme Support Payments.  Feedback at the events influenced policy formulation.

As part of the development of First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, a number of early learning and care providers and provider representative organisations participated in opportunities for engagement, including at two Open Policy Debates that I participated in.  At one of these events, I asked two providers, one private and one community, to address the group of approximately 100 stakeholders, sharing their personal and professional reflections on what they would like to see in the Strategy.

 The recently published School Age Childcare Regulations were informed by a working group which included sectoral representatives. 

As Minister I regularly speak at conferences where I also have the opportunity to be briefed on important concerns and developments.

I am satisfied that the time my officials and I commit to engaging with the sector is both critical and valuable.  I believe that good engagement via a collaborative approach will assist us to tackle the many challenges and opportunities facing the early learning and care sector in Ireland. We are committed to  continuing to develop ways to most effectively engage with stakeholders. 

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Questions (588)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

588. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the accusation that her Department and Tusla are using an outdated methodology to calculate the adequacy or otherwise of provision of domestic violence refuge places and supports as reported in the media (details supplied). [2665/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware of the media report referenced by the Deputy.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).

The Council of Europe's document on minimum standards for support services for victims of domestic violence, "Combating Violence Against Women: Minimum Standards for Support Services", continues to be in effect.  This document provides a detailed breakdown of minimum and aspirational standards that apply to a wide range of services for victims, including the level of provision of shelter places.

Tusla has advised me that it references this document in relation to all standards that apply to a wide range of services, including the level of provision of refuge spaces.

"Combating Violence Against Women: Minimum Standards for Support Services" references two standards: either one shelter space per 10,000 head of adult population, or one shelter space per 10,000 head of female population, with specific measures of population and calculation of shelter spaces. Tusla is currently applying the latter standard as the requirement for a lesser number of shelter spaces reflects a community focused integrated response for victims, where community-based organisations and outreach supports are in place alongside refuges.

This reflects the structure of services available in Ireland.

Tusla is liaising with Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, in relation to requirements under the Istanbul Convention.

A strong focus for Tusla is on geographical access to services and the provision of additional emergency refuge capacity nationally.  As part of its planning to develop services, Tusla has commenced the process to review domestic violence refuge accommodation provision in order to ascertain if the current standard used is meeting its obligations under the Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Tusla has advised me that the review of emergency domestic violence accommodation in the Dublin area will be completed by Quarter 4, 2019.  I expect Tusla to publish the report once it has considered it. 

Tusla will continue to work with service providers throughout the country in the provision of resources to victims of domestic violence, including emergency refuge accommodation, non-refuge accommodation, and community supports.

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