Tuesday, 26 Mar 2019

Written Answers Nos. 1138-1158

Rail Services Data

Questions (1138)

Robert Troy

Question:

1138. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional train carriages purchased since 2000 for the Irish Rail commuter and intercity fleet. [14059/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

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

Since 2009 the procurement of rail fleet for the Greater Dublin Area is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in co-operation with Iarnród Éireann, while prior to that decisions in relation to, and procurement of, rail fleet was a matter for Iarnród Éireann.

In light of the timespan provided for in the Deputy's question, and the fact that it specifically includes rail fleet outside of the GDA, I have therefore referred the question to Iarnród Éireann for 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

Driver Test

Questions (1139)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a driver test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14088/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Sports Funding

Questions (1140, 1141)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1140. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times he or his officials directly corresponded with Sport Ireland in 2017 regarding additional funding to an association (details supplied); the nature of those engagements; if he instructed Sport Ireland to release additional funding to the association; the amount of additional funding that was issued to the association; if he sought assurances on the way in which the additional funding would be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14092/19]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1141. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he and Sport Ireland received a substandard application for additional funding in respect of an association (details supplied) in 2017; if he or his officials engaged with the association and Sport Ireland in respect of the application; if he made observations or issued direction on the application and its demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140 and 1141 together.

I would like to set out the background to the funding allocated to the organisation mentioned by the Deputy, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Each year, as part of the normal Estimates process, officials in my Department engage with Sport Ireland regarding its funding requirements for the coming year. In a submission to my Department dated July 2016, Sport Ireland identified a range of measures for which it was seeking additional funding in the 2017 Estimates. These measures included funding to support a proposal it had received from the FAI and which Sport Ireland was interested in supporting if funding was available to allow it to do so. The proposal related to the provision of financial support for the women’s international team for soccer with a view to strengthening Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the finals of major tournaments. The level of funding received in Budget 2017 was not sufficient to allow Sport Ireland to fund this measure.

I can inform the Deputy that a copy of the funding proposal was received in my office in October 2016 and was forwarded to Sport Ireland for their attention. In its submission for the 2018 Estimates, Sport Ireland once again identified this as a funding measure which they would support if funding was available.

In June 2017, the CEO of the FAI requested a meeting with the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and me to brief us on progress within the women's game and to discuss areas where my Department could assist the organisation in its efforts to positively drive the women's game forward. Minister Brendan Griffin and I, accompanied by an official, met with the CEO and another representative from the FAI on 12 July 2017 at which they made a presentation on developments in the women's game, including their proposal for Government support. Minister Griffin and I undertook to consider the proposal.

In October 2017, having considered the proposal and having secured a modest increase for sport in the 2018 Budget Estimates, Minister Griffin and I indicated that the Government would facilitate increased support for the women's game as part of our commitment to develop women's sport from grassroots to elite levels. In March 2018, I wrote to the CEO of Sport Ireland directing Sport Ireland to allocate funding support of €195,000 to the FAI for state support of the women's national team programme.

As a normal part of the Estimates process, my officials had discussions with Sport Ireland in 2017 on its submission for the 2018 Estimates, which would have included discussion of this funding proposal. My officials also had discussions and correspondence with Sport Ireland and the FAI regarding how the funding would be allocated for the women’s teams.

As the allocation of the funding to the FAI and the terms and conditions for the funding, including assurances regarding the use of the funding, are a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the amount of funding that was issued to the organisation and the terms and conditions that were put in place. Please inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.

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

Public Transport Subsidies

Questions (1142, 1143, 1144, 1145)

Imelda Munster

Question:

1142. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in PSO subvention needed to reduce average Dublin Bus ticket prices by a quarter and by a half; and the estimated increase in PSO subvention required to completely subsidise all Dublin Bus usage. [14115/19]

Imelda Munster

Question:

1143. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in PSO subvention needed to accommodate 25%, 50% and 100% increases in public transport usage; and the national public transport total by specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14116/19]

Imelda Munster

Question:

1144. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in public transport journeys if PSO subvention were increased to subsidise fares by a further 25%, 50% and 100%; and the national public transport total, with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14117/19]

Imelda Munster

Question:

1145. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated increase in public transport passengers if PSO subvention were increased to subsidise fares by a further 25%, 50% and 100% and the national public transport total, with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14118/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1142 to 1145, inclusive, together.

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

The award of Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The allocations to the transport companies are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and, in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

The NTA also has the statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services and decisions on fares are set out in the NTA Fare Determinations document which is published on the NTA's website. The funding of PSO services comprises both the fares paid by passengers and the subvention payments from the Exchequer, the latter which amounts to €287m in 2019. The main purpose of the subvention payment is to meet the gap which exists between income from fares and the cost of operating services.

In addition the National Transport Authority is responsible for the collection and publication of statistics relating to public transport such as passenger journeys.

I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA to respond directly in relation to some of the detail sought. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

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

Public Transport Expenditure

Questions (1146)

Imelda Munster

Question:

1146. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of increasing public transport capacity by 25%, 50% and 100%; and the national public transport total, with specific figures for Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus in tabular form. [14119/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (NTA) have statutory responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure including the acquisition of PSO national public transport fleet.

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

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

Question No. 1147 answered with Question No. 1123.

Driver Test Waiting Lists

Questions (1148)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1148. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times for a driver test in each driver test centre in County Galway; the number of days in each week on which tests are being carried out in each centre; his plans to review the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14138/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Sports Funding

Questions (1149)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1149. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of occasions on which he has made representations to Sport Ireland since his appointment in respect of issuing funds to sports groups, bodies and associations; the sports bodies he has directed Sport Ireland to issue additional funds to outside normal allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14167/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have written to Sport Ireland on four occasions regarding the allocation of funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport and sporting bodies and organisations, as outlined in the following table.

Date	Representations
22 December 2016	Requesting that additional funding allocated in the 2017 Estimates be used to meet commitments, including pre-existing commitments to the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association relating to the Women's Gaelic Players Association support for inter-county ladies football and camogie players and to the GAA relating to the Gaelic Players Association grants scheme for inter-county Gaelic football and hurling players
27 September 2017	Regarding the payment of an outstanding instalment of funding to the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) in respect of 2016 which was to be reimbursed to the OCI in recognition of the fact that the outstanding amount had demonstrably been spent on athlete related activities.
9 August 2018	Regarding the allocation of a significant part of the additional €1.5m provided for high performance sport to Hockey Ireland, which would not only recognise and acknowledge the efforts of the women's team at the Hockey World Cup in London but also the great prospects of both the women's and men's teams for Tokyo 2020.
27 March 2018	Directing Sport Ireland to allocate funding support of €195,000 to the Football Association of Ireland for State support of the Women's National Team programme

Driver Test Data

Questions (1150)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1150. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications for jeep and trailer driver tests currently with the driver test centres by county in tabular form; the waiting times by county; the pass rate by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14228/19]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

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

Early Childhood Care and Education Funding

Questions (1151, 1153)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1151. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a source of funding from Pobal that could save a service (details supplied) which has planning permission for a temporary building and which is fully booked for the 2019-20 year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12725/19]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a source of funding that could save a service (details supplied) which has planning permission for a temporary building and which is fully booked for the 2019-20 year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12724/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1151 and 1153 together.

I have secured €6.106m in funding for the 2019 Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Capital programmes.

This funding will be delivered in three strands, as follows:

- €4.231m has been allocated to Strand A, which will offer grants of up to €50,000 in value to early learning and care providers for the creation of new 0-3 places where demand for these is clearly evidenced.

- €0.875m has been allocated to Strand B, which will offer individual grants of up to €15,000 in value to aid community/not-for-profit early learning and care services in addressing fire safety issues that have been highlighted in inspection reports by Tusla, the HSE or Local Authorities.

- €1m has been allocated to Strand C, which will offer individual grants of up to €20,000 in value to school age childcare providers for the creation of new school age places where demand for these is clearly evidenced.

Funding will be available to providers nationwide in a competitive process, with the application window open from Monday 25th February to 3pm on Wednesday 27th March 2019.

This private service may be eligible to apply for Strands A & C as part of Capital 2019. I would advise that the service contacts Pobal by phoning [phone] or Tipperary County Childcare Committee by phoning (062) 64200, with any questions they may have about eligibility for this year's Early Learning and Care and School Age Capital programmes.

With regard to the sustainability of the service in question, I would advise Rossmore Playschool to contact Pobal outlining their current situation. Pobal have a dedicated Case Management team that works with local CCCs to assess services facing crisis situations. Upon reviewing the particulars of this case, they may be able to provide appropriate non-financial assistance or support in collaboration with Tipperary CCC.

Early Childhood Care and Education Funding

Questions (1152)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

1152. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason Ireland is low in investment in childcare and the early years sector compared with international standards (details supplied). [13165/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Historically, there has been low levels of investment in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) in Ireland. Over the past four budgets however, investment has increased by some 117% - rising from in €260 million in 2015, to €575 million in 2019.

This increased investment has been used to address the cost of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare to parents through a range of universal and targeted supports:

- The ECCE programme provides children with 15 hours per week of pre-school education over a 38-week programme year. Since September 2018 children qualify for two years of universal pre-school.

- The universal Community Childcare Subvention (CCSU) and targeted Community Childhood Subvention (CCS) Schemes provide weekly subsidies to offset fees charged by ELC and SAC settings. CCS is available to families who hold a Medical Card or are in receipt of social welfare benefits.

- The Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Schemes provide a weekly subsidy to offset fees charged by ELC and SAC settings for parents on approved education or training courses, Community Employment schemes, or those returning to work.

- Specific supports are also in place for children in emergency accommodation, in accommodation centres provided by the State for persons in the protection process or programme refugee children in Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres.

Radical reforms to these schemes, based on the principle of progressive universalism, are in train. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS), when introduced later this year, will replace the CCS and TEC schemes with a single, streamlined scheme. Under the NCS, parents will continue to have access to the universal subsidy to meet the cost of ELC. Targeted subsidies for children from 6 months to 15 years of age will be provided with the level of subsidy determined by family income. NCS will also create a flexible platform for future investment in funding, allowing subsidies to be expanded over time.

The OECD in its report - Faces of Joblessness - compared the ELC and SAC supports previously available in Ireland with the expected impact of the NCS. For a lone parent working full time at the 25th percentile of the full-time earnings distribution, ELC costs in Ireland were the highest among all OECD countries in 2015. The Faces of Joblessness report estimated that NCS will bring net ELC costs down to make Ireland only the 11th highest in the OECD, or closer to the OECD average. This analysis was performed before Budget 2019 which increased the NCS thresholds at both ends and which would have enhanced the results further if included.

Notwithstanding this very significant progress, investment in ELC remains unacceptably low.

In their latest calculation of Ireland’s expenditure on ELC, the OECD includes DCYA investment in ELC and an estimate of the DES investment in primary school for children under 6: this is to account for the fact that many children in Ireland start primary school at an earlier age than in some other countries. Based on Ireland’s estimated GDP for 2016 and ELC expenditure estimates, Ireland will spend 0.5% of GDP on ELC in 2016 – with every .1% of GDP increase costing €300 million. If the cost of primary school for children under six is excluded, Ireland will spend just 0.2% of GDP of ELC. This investment compares poorly to other European countries where the OECD average is 0.8%. It also falls short of the UNICEF-recommended investment level of 1% of GDP.

First 5: A Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families published in November 2018 sets out an ambitious programme of work across Government Departments to improve the experiences and outcomes of children in Ireland from birth to age 5 across all aspects of their lives in the coming ten years. One of the major objectives is that babies and young children have access to safe, high-quality, developmentally appropriate Early Learning and Care which reflects diversity of need. Allied to that objective, First 5 identifies as a key building block additional public funding, strategically invested to achieve the best outcomes for babies, young children and their families. Under this objective, First 5 commits to at least doubling investment in ELC by 2028.

Question No. 1153 answered with Question No. 1151.

Child Abuse Reports

Questions (1154)

Clare Daly

Question:

1154. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the recent country report by the UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children and, in particular, the multiple and wide-ranging criticisms of the fragmented nature of the approach by the Government to the issue of sexual violence against children, the lack of data and training and so on; and the urgent steps she will take to implement the recommendations of the report in full. [12743/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I welcome the recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children that assesses the situation in Ireland following her visit last year and makes a number of recommendations.

Regarding matters falling with the remit of this Department, I am committed to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, which is one of the recommendations by the Special Rapporteur. My Department will shortly make a submission to the Attorney-General and once the Attorney-General’s Office has confirmed that all the requirements of the Protocol have been met, I will seek a Government decision on the ratification at the earliest opportunity.

I am also committed to implementing relevant legislation and policies, as highlighted by the Special Rapporteur. I would like to note that The Children First Act 2015, which I fully commenced in December 2017, provides for a number of key child protection measures, including raising awareness of child abuse and neglect, providing for reporting and management of child protection concerns and improving child protection arrangements in organisations providing services to children. In addition to that, the Children First National Guidance contains full details in relation to reporting a reasonable concern and making mandated reports. I would like to add that Tusla has committed to implement a strategic multi-annual work force plan to meet the short and medium term needs of the organisation and address the comments in the report regarding the shortage of social workers.

Joint working between Tusla and An Garda Síochána forms an integral part of responding to the issue of sexual violence against children and achieving a joined-up approach. A number of joint working initiatives are underway to enhance co-operation and a Children First Joint Working Protocol for An Garda Síochána/Tusla- Child and Family Agency Liaison has been published to reflect the provisions in the Act. The Protocol covers respective responsibilities in key areas including notification of suspected abuse between both agencies, confidentiality and information sharing and liaison structures. In addition, an inter-agency data sharing agreement is currently being finalised and expected to be launched during 2019.

The Minister for Justice and Equality has also overseen the establishment of Divisional Protective Services Units (DSPUs), which are a major commitment in An Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme. They will deliver a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of specialised crime types, including sexual crimes, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse. Ten DSPUs are currently up and running, with the remaining 19 to be established on a phased basis by the end of this year. Furthermore, the review into protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences, initiated by my Ministerial colleague, is considering the issue of access to specialist training for An Garda Síochána, members of the judiciary and legal professionals dealing with sexual offences.

The report also calls for the implementation of the ‘one house’ model. I would like to reiterate my commitment to the establishment of these multi-disciplinary centres that will bring together forensic, child protection, health, therapeutic and policing services in a child centred way to support children and the families of children, who have suffered sexual abuse. The first pilot centre will open in Galway in 2019 and it is expected that centres in other locations will follow.

I am also taking measures to progress the Special Rapporteur’s other recommendation in relation to the comprehensive examination of certain anomalies related to historical adoptions. Following the discovery of cases of illegal birth registrations in the Saint Patrick's Guild records, I initiated a targeted review of adoption records to determine if similar evidence of illegal registration can be identified from the records of other former adoption agencies and other relevant bodies. Given the volume of potentially relevant records, a targeted review of records currently in state custody is being conducted in the first instance. The findings of this review will assist me in reaching a decision about what, if any, subsequent action might be deemed necessary to identify more fully the scale of illegal birth registrations.

Residential Institutions

Questions (1155, 1156)

Clare Daly

Question:

1155. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the meetings of the collaborative forum have been suspended; if so, the reason therefor; and when she will publish the report of the collaborative forum sent to her in December 2018. [12744/19]

Clare Daly

Question:

1156. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to appoint a new chairperson to the collaborative forum to replace the previous chairman who resigned. [12745/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1155 and 1156 together.

I established the Collaborative Forum last year as a progressive response to the theme of “nothing about us without us” which emerged from my initial consultations with former residents of these institutions. This innovative approach facilitates and empower former residents to actively contribute to Government deliberations and action on matters of concern to them and their families.

Submitting its first report within 6 months was a significant achievement for the Forum and reflects the intensive investment and commitment of participants to this new approach to dialogue. I want to acknowledge the strength and courage of each and every member of the Forum in contributing to this important work.

In its report the Forum identifies priority issues for former residents and makes recommendations in the areas of health and well-being supports, identity and language, and memorialisation. In submitting this comprehensive report, the Forum has substantially delivered on its initial Charter and mandate.

When the Forum presented its draft report to me, I committed to seeking Government approval for its publication subject to the legal advices of the Attorney General. Significant legal issues were subsequently raised in the legal advices provided to me. These issues present a number of difficulties and I have written to Forum members to advise them of these matters directly. I intend to further update the Forum on how I propose to proceed when I have the opportunity to meet with members early next month.

While solutions are being sought to the above issues I am also taking steps to advance consideration of the report’s detailed recommendations. My department is consulting with relevant departments and agencies to develop some initial measures in response to the report’s recommendations.

The Chair had signalled his intention to step down once the first report was concluded. At that stage, and in the context of the submission of the first report, I signalled to the Forum that it would be opportune to give wider consideration to the future mandate and composition of the Forum. The Forum itself also suggested a revisiting of these matters.

I am currently examining how best to reflect upon the learning from process to date and I will ensure that the Forum is directly involved in this process. The approach to identify and appoint a new Chairperson will be considered as part of this process.

I believe that consistent engagement with former residents and other stakeholders on the matters of concern to them is essential while the Commission of Investigation continues with the important work it was established to do.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (1157)

Clare Daly

Question:

1157. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the comments made by the UN rapporteur regarding concerns over the limited scope of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12746/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I am aware of the comments made by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children. When I met the Special Rapporteur in the course of her visit to Ireland in May 2018 I set out the rationale and context to the Government's approach in establishing the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters).

The Commission's terms of reference provide the necessary balance of inclusivity, specificity and focus, so as to ensure that the Commission can deliver on public expectations. In framing the terms of reference there was a deliberate emphasis on investigating the experiences of women and children who spent time in this type of institution but the terms of reference actually reflect a much wider agenda of related public concerns. Both Houses of the Oireachtas were required to approve the draft Order and Statement of Reasons for the establishment of this Commission.

The relationships of Mother and Baby Homes with other institutions, organisations and individuals involved in the entry and exit of children and mothers from these institutions will be explored by the Commission as required by Article 1(VII) and in the academic social history module as required by Article 11 of the terms of reference. The Commission will investigate evidence of patterns of referral, relationships and co-operation with other entities and intermediary organisations.

The Terms of Reference require the Commission to identify the extent to which children’s welfare and best interests were considered in making arrangements for placements, whether through ‘boarding out’, fostering or adoption, both in Ireland and abroad. They further ask the Commission to identify the extent of mothers’ participation in such decisions, including procedures around mothers’ consent, and the extent to which these procedures were sufficient to ensure that consent was full, free and informed.

This allows the Commission sufficient scope to examine both the issue of placing children for adoption abroad, as well as to examine situations in which the child’s parentage was concealed, either by omission or sometimes, by illegal means.

In recognising that new information could be uncovered in the course of the investigation, the independent statutory Commission has a wide remit to examine a broad range of public concerns, to decide on their importance to the Commission's work, and to make recommendations on them as it sees fit. Under its terms of reference, the Commission is required to report on any specific matters outside its scope which it considers may warrant further investigation in the public interest as part of the Commission’s work. The Government is on record as stating that it will consider any recommendations made by the Commission in this regard.

The Commission will report on how Irish society responded to single women and their children at a time when they most needed our support and assistance. It is due to deliver its final report in February 2020.

Family Resource Centres

Questions (1158)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the family resource centres in an area (details supplied); if new applications have been made for centres in the area; the areas they have been made from; the stage at which these applications are at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12808/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

I have secured an increase of €1.5 million in additional funding for the further investment and development of the Family Resource Centre Programme this year. There are currently no plans to establish any new Family Resource Centres in 2019. Additional funding will to used to support and develop existing Family Resource Centres this year.

There are four Family Resource Centres in Counties Cavan and Monaghan. They are as follows:

- FOCUS Family Resource Centre, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan;

- Teach Oscail Family Resource Centre, Cavan Town;

- Teach na nDaoine Family Resource Centre, Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin, Co. Monaghan;

- Clones Family Resource Centre, Clones, Co. Monaghan.

Tusla has advised it has not received new applications to the Family Resource Centre Programme from organisations in Counties Cavan or Monaghan in 2019.

Tusla identifies and monitors the need for the delivery of family support services based on population demographics and identified needs across the country, including the Cavan-Monaghan area.

Tusla continues to work with Family Resource Centres and other family support organisations throughout the country and will discuss service needs and funding resources with centres, where appropriate. Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.