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Tuesday, 12 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 657-680

Swimming Pool Programme Applications

Questions (657)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

657. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when an application for grant aid for a swimming pool in north County Kildare is likely to be accepted and supported either through the sports capital programme or otherwise with particular reference to the need to accommodate the growing population in each of the main towns and adjoining areas in addition to an increasing student population; if negotiations have been advanced in respect of the previously aired project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7088/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools.

In January 2016, my Department contacted local authorities and sought expressions of interest in a limited round of swimming pool allocations. There were three expressions of interest received for new pools, two of which were valid , one in Lucan and Ballyogan in Dublin. The third was in North Kildare but was not valid as the Council did not have title to the proposed site. Following an examination of the valid proposals it was decided to include a new swimming pool in Lucan in the LASPP.

The National Sports Policy was published on 25th July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) with at least €100 million available over the coming years. The fund was launched in November 2018 and is open to applications until 17 April 2019. The fund will initially focus on the requirements and development plans of National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities, all of which received letters inviting them to make applications. Swimming Pool projects will be considered for funding. The full details of the programme are available on the Department's website.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (658)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

658. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he can identify options for the promotion of tourism here during the off-season with particular reference to the need to compete with other countries and locations in the same or alternative markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7089/19]

View answer

Written answers

The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the board and management of Tourism Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

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

Transport Policy

Questions (659)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

659. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to evaluate the transport system, that is, road and rail, public and private, to ensure the development of efficient and effective transport in all areas nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7090/19]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, last year Government launched Project Ireland 2040 which sets out both the planned spatial development and investment framework for the coming years.

Within that framework, Government has committed to major investments in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the transport network. These investments reflect the needs which have been identified by my Department and its various agencies, during the development of Project Ireland 2040.

The investment committed to within the National Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040, will result in the delivery of a number of significant projects and programmes, such as:

- The BusConnects programme of improved bus services and infrastructure in all major cities, including significantly enhanced cycling facilities also;

- The MetroLink; and

- The DART Expansion programme.

Those projects and programmes will be complemented by other planned investments, such as the significantly enhanced funding allocated toward the heavy rail network nationally, the development of a new National Train Control Centre, the roll-out of strategic cycle networks in the major cities and a programme of investment in national and regional roads as detailed within Project Ireland 2040.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that my Department is currently conducting two further pieces of analyses –

1. a review of public transport policy, as committed under the Programme for a Partnership Government; and

2. the Planning Land Use and Transport - Outlook 2040 (or PLUTO 2040) study, which forms part of my Department’s response to Project Ireland 2040.

Both of these work-streams will be subject to public consultation in 2019 and will be a very useful addition to our evaluation of the transport needs of the country.

In addition to this Department-led work, each of the three regional assemblies is currently developing a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy to support delivery of the National Planning Framework. Development of these strategies includes an evaluation of the needs of the transport network in each region and outlining potential developments to improve performance.

Finally, at a metropolitan level there are transport strategies either in place, as in the case of Dublin and Galway, or under development, as in the case of Cork and Limerick, which detail the planned development of transport networks in the relevant urban areas over the next 20 to 30 years.

As the Deputy can see, a significant amount of analysis has been completed, and is continuing, in order to ensure we plan appropriately for the delivery of the transport infrastructure and services required in the coming years.

Question No. 660 answered with Question No. 63.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (661)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects to develop facilities at ports and airports in order to enhance access to the European Union and the global community in the aftermath of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7092/19]

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Written answers

As an island nation, Ireland is entirely dependent on maritime and aviation networks for trade, tourism and the movement of people. Safeguarding the continuing free flow of trade is a priority for my Department in preparing for Brexit.

In this context, the National Development Plan sets out a range of Investments that will strongly support the continued development and improvement in Ireland’s ports and State airports by the relevant commercial State bodies, consistent with sectoral priorities already defined through National Ports Policy and National Aviation Policy, in addition to continued Exchequer support for the small regional airports.

Significant investment currently and over the coming years in Ireland’s airports and ports will play a major role in safeguarding and enhancing Ireland’s international connectivity which is fundamental to Ireland’s international competitiveness, trading performance in both goods and services and enhancing its attractiveness to foreign direct investment.

In addition to this, and In light of the UK’s intention to leave the EU on 29 March 2019, physical infrastructure will be required for customs, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and health checks and controls at Dublin Port, Rosslare Harbour and Dublin Airport.

The establishment of these controls for both a withdrawal agreement and a no-deal exit scenario is being undertaken by the OPW and overseen by an Interdepartmental Group at Secretary General level, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. The Group has focussed on these three locations for which we are heavily dependent on connectivity to the UK.

In 2018, my Department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office, commissioned a Ports Capacity Study to assess capacity within the Irish port system to meet present and future demand. Work on the study is ongoing.

The Department has also assessed the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the UK Landbridge. Based on consultations with the shipping sector and wider, the preliminary assessment is that sufficient capacity will be available on direct routes to continental ports from end March 2019, and should demand for further capacity arise, the shipping sector can respond quickly to meet such demands.

Tourism Industry

Questions (662)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

662. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to develop in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7093/19]

View answer

Written answers

2018 was another record-breaking year for tourism in Ireland and marked 8 years of consecutive growth in overseas visit numbers. In 2019 Tourism Ireland’s aim is to grow overseas tourism revenue by 6% while Fáilte Ireland will continue to develop Ireland’s tourism offering and provide enterprise supports to the industry. I have referred the Deputy's question to the tourism agencies for further details of their plans for 2019. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 663 answered with Question No. 63.

Sports Events

Questions (664)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to promote Ireland as a sports event centre with particular reference to encouraging such events here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7095/19]

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Written answers

The hosting of sports events, both participative and spectator sports, can provide great opportunities to showcase Ireland and drive international visitor numbers. In addition, the media coverage of sports events helps to put Ireland onto travel itineraries as a holiday destination.

Accordingly, I am very supportive of the work of the tourism agencies and the national governing bodies of sport to attract international events, subject, of course, to an assessment of the costs and benefits involved in any State financial support, in particular the number of overseas visitors.

Fáilte Ireland provides financial assistance, subject to eligibility criteria, to applicants who are proposing to bid to host international events (including sporting events) in Ireland that would attract significant numbers of international visitors. When an event with international tourism appeal is confirmed for Ireland, Tourism Ireland would then promote it in relevant markets overseas.

In terms of forthcoming sporting events, as the Deputy is aware, following a successful collaborative bid from the Football Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and my Department, Ireland will host four games as part of the UEFA EURO 2020 football tournament in June 2020. Ireland will also host the UEFA European Under 17 Championships in 2019 and, in American Football, Navy and Notre Dame will return to Ireland in 2020 for a high profile US college football game having previously played here in 2012.

Minister Ross and I also support efforts to explore possibilities to host other major sporting events. With regard to soccer, we welcomed the announcement by the FAI and IFA of their intention to submit a joint bid to host the UEFA European Under 21 Championships in 2023. In addition, the national football associations of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland are in discussions about the feasibility of bidding to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and those considerations are at an early stage. In the sport of golf, we are exploring the opportunities that may exist for hosting the Ryder Cup in Ireland in the future.

Rural Transport Services Provision

Questions (665)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

665. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has continued to evaluate rural transport requirements with a view to bringing transport to persons rather than forcing persons to converge on towns and villages as the population increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7096/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

As I advised the Deputy in response to his identical Questions on 06 November, 2018 (ref no 45347/18) and 12 December, 2018 (ref no 52455/18) the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which now operates under the Local Link brand.

Noting this, I forwarded the Deputy's Question of 06 November to the NTA for direct reply and as I said in my reply to the Deputy's Question of 12 December, I am advised that the NTA replied to the Deputy on 12 November last.

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

Road Projects

Questions (666)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

666. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timescale for the provision of vital major road networks nationally in the commuter belt or elsewhere with a view to maximising access, reduction of delays and alleviation of traffic bottlenecks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7097/19]

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Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is a statutory body with responsibility for the delivery of the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and construction of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.

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

Brexit Issues

Questions (667)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

667. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has formally discussed with his European counterparts the prospect of more direct maritime links between Ireland and continental Europe; if so, the details of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7122/19]

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Written answers

I have met a number of my counterparts in relation to direct maritime connectivity to continental ports.

I met my French counterpart, Minister Elisabeth Borne, on Brexit matters in Dublin on 23 November 2018. I highlighted the importance of transport connectivity and Ireland’s concerns in particular in relation to the continued use of the UK landbridge when the UK leaves the EU. We discussed also the potential implications for ports both in Ireland and in France given the levels of trade that both of our countries have with the UK. Minister Borne shared many of my concerns and said that France, like Ireland, was preparing for all scenarios, including facilitation of EU and Irish traffic at Calais.

In May 2018, I met both Professor Péter Balázs, the EU Coordinator for the North-Sea Mediterranean TEN-T Corridor, and Brian Simpson, the EU Coordinator for the Motorways of the Sea programme. Brexit and maritime connectivity was a key point on the agenda and we discussed their views in particular in relation to CEF and Motorways of the Sea funding and opportunities. Both Coordinators were cognisant of the unique challenges facing Ireland as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

In October 2017, I met the EU Transport Commissioner, Ms Violeta Bulc, during her visit to Ireland and raised with her Ireland's concerns in relation to the implications of Brexit for transport and connectivity.

Brexit Issues

Questions (668)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

668. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has assessed the capacity of Irish ships to take additional freight, both load on and load off and roll-on roll-off; if so, the details of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7123/19]

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Written answers

My Department has assessed the maritime capacity for direct sailings between Ireland and continental EU ports as a potential alternative route for trade currently using the Landbridge. Based on consultations with the shipping sector and wider, the preliminary assessment is that sufficient capacity will be available on direct routes to continental ports from end March 2019.

I briefed Government on this in January 2019 and indicated that I will keep the matter under review, in light of the evolving situation, and revert to Government with a further report before the end of February.

There are four shipping lines operating direct services from Irish ports to the Continent offering up to 20 crossings per week. Over 20 shipping operators provide scheduled shipping services from Ireland. This includes four companies providing year round scheduled passenger services between Ireland and the UK and France.

Shipping services are market driven and ferry operators have in the past responded to economic developments and increased or decreased capacity in response to these developments.

There have already been responses from the shipping Companies. CLdN launched a new 234m Ro-Ro freight ferry, the M.V. Celine, with a capacity of 8,000 lane metres on the Rotterdam-Zeebrugge-Dublin route in October 2017. The Port of Cork saw the addition of a new route in May 2018 with Brittany Ferries’ commencing the service to Santander and Roscoff with the Connemara, whose capacity is 27,414 GT. The deployment of the Irish Ferries ferry, W B Yeats, on the Dublin-Cherbourg route will add significant capacity to this route. The Company has also ordered a second larger ship for delivery in 2020 which will further increase its freight capacity.

Bus Éireann Fleet

Questions (669)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

669. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the difference in area dimension of the door space on the new bus fleet in operation in Waterford city since December 2018; the width between the driver area and the baggage area on the same buses as opposed to those which have since been removed from service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7132/19]

View answer

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, including PSO bus fleet procurement.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

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

Child Abuse Reports

Questions (670, 680)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

670. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the serious incident review that she and the Minister for Justice and Equality commissioned in 2018 into the handling of alleged incidences of child sexual abuse in the Munster area. [6449/19]

View answer

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

680. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the serious incident review that she commissioned in 2018 into the handling of alleged incidences of child sexual abuse in the Munster area. [6768/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 680 together.

The Deputy is referring to an independent review of the management of a complex and serious case of alleged child abuse and neglect involving sixteen children in four families, which I intended to commission, with the agreement of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

This review was intended to be a short, focused, independent ‘Serious Incident’ review of the actions taken in the case, acknowledging the fact that there is no evidence of any mishandling of the case by either Tusla or An Garda Síochána.

Terms of reference for such a review were drawn up last year following work by my officials and officials in the Department of Justice and Equality, with the assistance of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Dr Geoffrey Shannon.

Given the complex and unusual nature of this case, and, above all, the importance of ensuring that this non-statutory review does not risk prejudicing the on-going investigation and criminal prosecution, these Terms of Reference were jointly submitted by Minister Flanagan and I for the consideration of the Attorney General.

Having considered all relevant matters surrounding the proposed review, the Attorney General has recommended that no such review be undertaken at this time. The Attorney General cited a number of considerations, most notably the significant potential for the review to have a prejudicial effect on ongoing criminal proceedings.

In light of the Attorney General’s advice, Minister Flanagan and I have agreed to postpone the review rather than risk affecting matters before the courts. Matters may be revisited at a later date to determine if further action is warranted and, if so, the form that such action might take.

Child and Family Agency Investigations

Questions (671)

Peter Burke

Question:

671. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will direct Tusla to investigate the case of two children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6273/19]

View answer

Written answers

I can advise the Deputy that I have referred the matter to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for their appropriate attention.

I must remind the Deputy that I am not in a position to intercede directly as there is an obligation that Tusla performs its functions independently. I am also precluded from giving a direction to Tusla that interferes with the exercise of professional judgement in a particular case. These aspects are referred to in section 8(11) and section 47(5), respectively, of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.

The Deputy may also be aware that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on matters which have been subject to court decisions.

Early Childhood Care and Education Data

Questions (672)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

672. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the level of funding for 2017 and 2018, respectively, for programmes (details supplied). [6313/19]

View answer

Written answers

Investment in early learning and care and school age childcare has grown over the last number of years; between 2017 and 2018 there was a 23% increase in expenditure across the childcare programmes referenced in the Deputy’s question.

The following table outlines the amount spent on each programme across 2017 and 2018.

Childcare programme*

2017

2018

Variance

€m

€m

€m

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

€256.6

€275.6

€19.0

Training and Education Childcare (TEC)

€14.1

€10.4

-€3.7

Community Childcare Subvention Targeted (CCS & CCSP)

€56.4

€105.3

€48.9

Universal Childcare Subsidy (CCSU)

€7.4

€19.2

€11.8

Programme Supports Payment

€18.3

€18.7

€0.4

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) (inclusive of Better Start AIM Inclusion Specialists)

€20.2

€29.9

€9.7

Totals

€373.0

€459.1

€86.1

*Please note the above figures exclude service delivery costs paid to Pobal to administer the programmes.

It should be noted that Training and Education Childcare (TEC) is a demand led scheme; the reduction in expenditure on this programme in 2018 reflects the downturn in registrations in comparison to 2017.

It should also be noted that the outturn for 2018 is provisional pending the completion of 2018 appropriation accounts.

[1] Funding for Higher Capitation on ECCE (in both 2017 and 2018) was c. 8.5% of the ECCE expenditure; in 2019, it is forecast that this percentage will be broadly in line with the previous two years.

Child and Family Agency Policy

Questions (673)

John McGuinness

Question:

673. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 15 May 2018, the progress in providing the same level of insurance through Tusla to foster carers as they had with the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6394/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, foster carers are no longer covered by a commercial public liability insurance policy. Attempts by Tusla to secure continuing commercial cover have proved unsuccessful.

As I have mentioned in previous replies, pending a permanent solution, all foster carers have an indemnity on an individual basis where required. This is on an ex-gratia basis as a temporary measure to address immediate individual cases while the overall indemnification issues are being resolved.

Again, the Deputy will be aware that, I fully support extending State indemnity to foster carers. My Department has been in discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the matter, and my intention is to include foster carers under the General Indemnity Scheme operated by the State Claims Agency as soon as possible. In this regard, work is ongoing with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to draft the necessary Order for Government.

This process has taken longer than expected due to a number of technical issues arising in the course of the approvals process. These issues need to be resolved to ensure that foster carers will have the necessary cover to carry out their very important role. I am currently awaiting confirmation from the Office of Parliamentary Council that the last of these issues is now settled. When this is confirmed and the draft Order is finalised, it will be possible to proceed to its submission for Government approval in the usual manner.

I have spoken to the Irish Foster Carers Association (IFCA) on this matter, most recently at a meeting on 17 January, and recognise that this is of considerable interest to the association and to all foster carers. My officials have kept IFCA up to date on a continuous basis. In addition, I understand that Tusla has also made publicly available the information provided to IFCA so as to communicate the position to those foster carers who are not members of that association.

I am hopeful that this matter will be resolved shortly.

Child Abuse Reports

Questions (674)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

674. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her officials are engaged with an organisation on a matter (details supplied). [6554/19]

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Written answers

I can assure the Deputy that my officials are receiving regular updates (on a monthly basis) from Scouting Ireland in respect of the historic file review. I met with representatives of Scouting Ireland on 28 January to be updated on the Independent barrister’s report into issues surrounding an allegation of sexual assault by an adult volunteer against another adult volunteer. My officials met with Scouting Ireland on 7 February to discuss the detail and actions taken in relation to the latest available figures on the allegations of abuse. My officials are also being regularly updated on any internal policy changes.

I have requested that my officials continue to monitor the implementation of the outstanding recommendations of Jillian van Turnhout’s report over the coming months. As the Deputy may be aware, the report contained a number of recommendations in the areas of safeguarding, management of the organisation, governance proposals and charities regulation. A further progress report detailing the implementation of the recommendations currently outstanding must be submitted by Scouting Ireland to me by 31 March 2019 in advance of the April 2019 AGM.

I have already decided to review my decision on funding to Scouting Ireland at the end of April 2019. Scouting Ireland is currently being provided with interim funding up until the end of April 2019. I will undertake a further review of funding for Scouting Ireland beyond April 2018 following receipt of an updated progress report from the organisation in March 2019.

Affordable Childcare Scheme

Questions (675)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

675. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the new affordable childcare scheme roll-out will be postponed until January 2020 in view of the significant administration requirements faced by childcare providers each September (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6562/19]

View answer

Written answers

The new Affordable Childcare Scheme will launch in October 2019, replacing all previous targeted childcare programmes with a single, streamlined and user-friendly scheme. Ultimately, this streamlining will tangibly reduce the overall administration which childcare providers will be required to undertake.

To allow for continuity of service, the existing childcare programmes will continue to operate until the launch of the Affordable Childcare Scheme.

Applications for the existing programmes can still be made up until the new Scheme goes live in October. After this time, no new applications for these existing schemes will be allowed.

To make the transition as smooth and safe as possible, families can choose to make the switch to the new Scheme immediately on its launch or to remain on their existing programme for a final programme year.

The free preschool programme, ECCE, will not be affected by these changes.

As part of the development of the Affordable Childcare Scheme, considerable, sustained engagement has taken place with consultative and focus groups to inform the design and development of the system. Childcare providers have been, and continue to be, integral to this process.

My Department will shortly be rolling out a comprehensive programme of information, training and supports for parents, providers and other stakeholders. Training for childcare providers will be provided across multiple platforms, including classroom-based and online, up until the launch date. This training will be tailored and timed to suit the needs of busy childcare providers, and has been designed to ensure that childcare providers are well prepared to operate the Scheme in advance of its launch.

The Affordable Childcare Scheme will subsidise the cost of childcare for tens of thousands of parents, many of whom, to date, have not been able to access such support. As such, it is imperative that DCYA acts as quickly as it can to introduce the new scheme, whilst of course offering supports to providers to assist them with the transition. It is important to note that the new scheme is also increasing investment in childcare services and accounts for some of the 117% increase in budget to the childcare sector over the last 4 years, from circa €260m in 2015 to €575m in 2019.

Ministerial Advisers Data

Questions (676)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

676. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of advisers and special advisers employed by her Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6565/19]

View answer

Written answers

Following commencement of this Government on the 6th May 2016, I was appointed as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I appointed two Special Advisers. Both appointments were made in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Instructions for Ministerial Appointments.

Following the appointment of our current Taoiseach on the 14th June 2017, I retained my Ministerial appointment to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and re-appointed both as my Special Advisers with effect from that date.

The duties assigned to Special Advisers are set out in paragraph 2 of Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997 and are as follows:-

11(2) A Special Adviser to a Minister or to a Minister of State, as the case may be, shall—

(a) assist the Minister or the Minister of State, as the case may be, by—

(i) providing advice,

(ii) monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to the Department, as requested by the Minister or the Minister of State, as the case may be, and

(iii) performing such other functions as may be directed by the Minister or the Minister of State, as the case may be, that are not otherwise provided for in this Act and do not involve the exercise of any specific powers conferred on the Minister or the Minister of State, as the case may be, or any other office holder by or under any other Act, and

(b) be accountable to the Minister or the Minister of State, as the case may be, in the performance of those functions.

One the these Special Advisers provides advice on communications while the other advises on matters of policy.

Both my Special Advisers have been placed on the Principal Officer Standard Scale - PPC and are both currently on the 5th point of this scale.

Child and Family Agency Data

Questions (677)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

677. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 6 December 2018, if a response regarding the number of complaints and-or referrals to Tusla made by sports bodies (details supplied) from 2014 to date has been received; the number of complaints and-or referrals made regarding sports bodies and-or persons working for the sports bodies from 2014 to date; the number of active investigations outstanding and-or ongoing concerning the sports bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6627/19]

View answer

Written answers

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Deputy. I have received clarification from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, on this matter. Tusla has advised that information in relation to specific sporting bodies is not gathered routinely and referral data relating to individual bodies is not collated. The focus of data collected at referral is the child at the centre of the concern.

Tusla does capture information on the general category of referrers and this is published in its annual review of adequacy report. The majority of referrals come from An Garda Síochána, followed by HSE/Tusla, schools and voluntary organisations.

Tusla's social workers are available to provide advice and consultation to referrers, and to receive information relating to a child welfare or protection matter. Tusla is committed to responding to all service users when they provide information on such matters.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (678)

Barry Cowen

Question:

678. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of boards or agencies her officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6640/19]

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Written answers

With regard to boards or agencies directly under the remit of my Department, there is one official from my Department serving on the Oberstown Board of Management. The legislative basis for this is Section 167(4)(a) of the Children Act 2001 which states:

"(4) Of the members of each board of management at least—

( a) one shall be an officer of the Minister.."

My Department follows the guidelines and protocols set out in Circular 12/2010: "Protocol for Civil Servants nominated to the Boards of non-commercial State bodies".

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (679)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

679. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers allocated to the Ballymun area by type of service provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6666/19]

View answer

Written answers

Tusla has advised me that it is not possible to provide the number of social workers allocated specifically to the Ballymun area, given that the teams operating within this area also cover Dublin 1, Dublin 3 and Dublin 9. Tusla has provided me with a breakdown of social workers in the Dublin North City area covering the aforementioned districts.

In the Dublin North City area there are a total of 53.5 (whole time equivalent) social workers covering Dublin 1, Dublin 3 and Dublin 9. This figure includes:

- 43.5 Frontline Social Workers;

- 7.5 Social Work Team Leaders;

- and 2.5 Principal Social Workers.

The services provided are as follows:

- 19 Social Workers are responsible for Child Protection;

- 23 Social Workers are responsible for Children in Care;

- and 11.5 (WTE) Social Workers are responsible for Foster Care.

Question No. 680 answered with Question No. 670.
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