Peter Burke
Question:156. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the installation of a bus stop on the R148 Mullingar Road to Kinnegad at a location (details supplied). [21263/19]
View answerBus Services
Questions (156)
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 the provision of bus stops.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct 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
Road Projects Status
Questions (157)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Question:157. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a special allocation to fund the entire replacement of Fintra Bridge on the R263 in Killybegs, County Donegal, and the additional 3 km of new road construction (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this project is located on a regional road and will require possible funding of €8 million to €9 million to cover land purchase, CPO costs, bridge and road construction and box-out costs in order to complete the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21272/19]
View answerWritten answers
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific (schemes costing less than €5m) and Strategic Improvement Grants (schemes costing more than €5m) for the widening or realignment of regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed from 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The current Capital Plan does provide for the gradual build-up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required even for the basic maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason, there continues to be very limited scope for funding new or additional projects under the Specific and Strategic Grant Programmes.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under these Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. It is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind.
Regarding Fintra Bridge:
- The Department has committed and remains committed to assisting Donegal County Council in upgrading the R263 regional road at Fintra Bridge
- The Department’s commitment was reflected in a grant allocation of €150,000 in 2018 (of which €35,572 was drawn down). An allocation of €150,000 has also been provided in 2019 for this project. Further monies will be made available in future years as the project progresses
- Following a tender process approval was given to Donegal County Council to appoint Engineering Technical Advisers in April 2018. Since then the Preliminary Appraisal for the project has been submitted to the Department and approved by the Department’s Economic Evaluation Unit
- It should be noted that all Departments and Local Authorities must follow the Public Spending Code (PSC). This is to ensure that projects are properly assessed and designed before lands are acquired and construction commenced. In the case of Fintra Bridge this means that alternative options must be assessed (which is happening at this time) and an important decision will be to determine how much of the approach road to the East of Fintra Bridge should be realigned and how that can be best achieved.
Road Projects Expenditure
Questions (158)
Barry Cowen
Question:158. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budgeted cost of the M7 motorway upgrade; the actual cost of the project; the original estimated completion date; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/19]
View answerWritten 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, budget management and construction of individual national roads is a matter for 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
Road Traffic Legislation
Questions (159)
Jack Chambers
Question:159. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of legislation to regulate the operation of rickshaws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21336/19]
View answerWritten answers
As you may be aware, last year, the Cabinet gave approval for publication of a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 so as to provide for the regulation of rickshaws. This General Scheme was taken for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport on 28 November 2018.
As the Deputy will know, priority was accorded both in my Department and within the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the drafting of necessary legislation as part of the Government's contingency planning to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. This led to an inevitable delay in the case of other legislative proposals. Parliamentary Counsel has now been assigned and my Department will be working closely with them to advance the drafting of this Bill with a view to publication later this year. It is my hope that this Bill can progress through the Houses without delay.
Crime Prevention
Questions (160)
Jack Chambers
Question:160. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to ensure taxi driver safety and prevent anti-social behaviour and attacks on taxi drivers; if legislation is being considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21337/19]
View answerWritten answers
I am keenly aware of the utmost importance of ensuring the safety of small public service vehicle (SPSV) drivers. However, I should explain that matters of a criminal nature, as well as enforcement in relation to those, are for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. As assault is a criminal matter, it can only be investigated by members of An Garda Síochána.
The regulation of the SPSV industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. My current proposals for amending that legislation focus on proposed amendments to allow for the regulation of rickshaws.
Domestic Violence Refuges Provision
Questions (161)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:161. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide specific units (details supplied) in north and east County Cork. [21239/19]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding and coordination supports to some 59 organisations that deliver a range of services to clients referred to by the Deputy throughout the country.
In 2018, as part of the planning processes to develop services for this particular client group, Tusla began the process of reviewing the provision of specific units in the Dublin region. The findings of this review will inform future decision making with regard to the funding. It will also inform Tusla's project to review the availability of specific units nationally, which will be completed by end 2019.
Currently, there are challenges for Tusla in ensuring that the right number of specific units are in the right place for those who need them. Tusla will continue to work with service providers to plan for additional units where they are needed.
I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy regarding the provision of specific units in North and East Cork.
Care Orders
Questions (162)
Clare Daly
Question:162. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 4 April 2019, the reason there are substantial variations in the amount of children being placed in foster care across different districts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21187/19]
View answerWritten answers
The number of Court Orders issued in relation to children is a matter for the Court Service and I understand that the Deputy is being supplied with information on the number of Child Care Orders as recorded by the Court Office.
I can advise the Deputy that a child received into care by Tusla as a result of a legal court order or through voluntary parental consent is placed in foster care or residential care.
Foster care is the main form of alternative care for children in need of care and protection, and is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Of the children in care, 92% are in foster care, nationally. Children, depending on their individual need and based on their Care Plan, may be placed in foster care either with relatives or with general foster carers.
The Table below lays out the number of children in foster care in each Tusla area, the total number of children in care in that area and the percentage in foster care. The data covers the latest period for which data is available, February 2019.
|
Area |
Total number of children in care February 2019 |
Number of children in foster care February 2019 |
% of children in care, who are in foster care February 2019 |
|
Dublin South Central |
359 |
328 |
91% |
|
Dublin South East / Wicklow |
272 |
245 |
90% |
|
Dublin South West / Kildare / West Wicklow |
403 |
360 |
89% |
|
The Midlands |
384 |
363 |
95% |
|
Dublin City North |
503 |
465 |
92% |
|
Dublin North |
328 |
294 |
90% |
|
Louth / Meath |
410 |
388 |
95% |
|
Cavan / Monaghan |
158 |
157 |
99% |
|
Cork |
773 |
729 |
94% |
|
Kerry |
165 |
150 |
91% |
|
Carlow / Kilkenny / South Tipperary |
337 |
317 |
94% |
|
Waterford / Wexford |
434 |
390 |
90% |
|
The Midwest |
581 |
533 |
92% |
|
Galway / Roscommon |
393 |
381 |
97% |
|
Mayo |
123 |
120 |
98% |
|
Donegal |
211 |
201 |
95% |
|
Sligo / Leitrim / West Cavan |
108 |
103 |
95% |
|
Separated Children Seeking Asylum |
55 |
9 |
16% |
|
National Total |
5,997 |
5,533 |
92% |
The Deputy will note that all Tusla areas, except Dublin South Central Kildare West Wicklow (89%), have between 90-99% of children in care placed in foster care. Separated Children Seeking Asylum are dealt with by a specialist team and include children presenting to authorities at ports and those under the IRPP programme (including Calais) who arrived on a planned basis. The majority of these children are aged 16 and 17 on arrival and wish to remain with their peers, and receive intensive specialist support in dedicated small residential (up to 6 children) centres.
Autism Support Services
Questions (163)
Thomas Pringle
Question:163. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding mechanisms available for organisations such as an organisation (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21191/19]
View answerWritten answers
Based on the information provided by the Deputy, there may be two grant schemes operated under the auspices of my Department that may be of interest to the local organisation referred to.
The first relates to Youth Club grant scheme which supports youth work activities at a local level. The primary focus of this scheme is to assist local, volunteer-led youth clubs/groups that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. In addition, other clubs/groups that work with young people, but are not specifically providing youth work, are also entitled to apply for funding under the Scheme. The organisation concerned should contact their regional Education and Training Board for details. Contact details for Donegal Education and Training Board can be found at https://www.donegaletb.ie/contact-us/.
In addition, all Local County Childcare Committees administer a Parent & Toddler grant on behalf of my Department. Grants normally range from €100 to €1,000. Existing Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for a maximum of €800. New start up groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1,000. Contact details for the local County Childcare Committee relevant to this organisation can be found at https://myccc.ie/.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, may also operate schemes of interest to this particular organisation and I have requested Tusla to make direct contact with the Deputy in this regard.
Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries
Questions (164)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:164. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the recent sale of a former mother and baby home (details supplied); and the action she will take to exclude potential burial sites from the sale following the recent finding of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes that an organisation failed to provide evidence that infants were not buried in unapproved cemeteries. [21194/19]
View answerWritten answers
The investigation of burial arrangements of persons who died while resident in this institution, and other similar institutions, is a key focus of the terms of reference for the statutory Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
We know from the Commission's Fifth Interim Reports that it has dedicated significant time and effort to advancing its investigations into these matters. I published the Fifth Interim report on the 16 April 2019 and it has been circulated to relevant state authorities for their consideration and appropriate attention.
The Commission has conducted geophysical testing on the designated child burial ground located on the site of Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea Co. Tipperary. The Commission has stated that it will report further on its findings at Sean Ross Abbey in its final report next year.
I am advised that the burial sites at the former Sean Ross Abbey site remain in the ownership of the Religious Order and were not part of the sale. While I do understand the deep sensitivity around these issues, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs does not have statutory powers or responsibilities in relation burial grounds or a role in the Planning and Development Acts.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Questions (165)
Jack Chambers
Question:165. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a matter regarding the operation of the ECCE scheme will be investigated (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21211/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided free of charge in return for the ECCE capitation for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks and the programme year runs from September to June. Childcare providers cannot charge for any activities/items which form part of the ECCE service. A full or part-time provider may choose to prioritise a free pre-school place for a child who will be availing of a full- or part-time place over a child who wishes only to avail of the free pre-school element but they cannot make extra hours obligatory.
Childcare providers may charge for optional extras, but where a parent/guardian does not choose any of the optional extras, their child must be provided with the full ECCE service provision. A sessional service provider may offer an additional 30 minutes per day but this must be categorised as an optional extra. Services cannot prioritise ECCE places on the basis of uptake of optional extras and as stated, a parent may decide not to avail of any optional extras.
If the Deputy is aware of any specific service that is in breach of the ECCE programme rules in this regard they should contact my Department with the details of the service involved.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (166)
Denise Mitchell
Question:166. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advocacy organisations, survivors groups and stakeholders she has met or plans to meet to discuss draft amendments to revise elements of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21212/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 seeks to respect the rights to identity and privacy, which sometimes conflict with one another. Given the constitutional context, striking the balance between these rights is proving challenging.
I have received submissions from a range of diverse stakeholders and lobby groups regarding the Bill and both myself and my officials have met with many of these groups and individuals both specifically in relation to the Bill and on the sidelines of other fora. In recent months, in the course of deliberations over revisiting the provisions relating to privacy in the Bill, I have considered the views expressed in relevant reports and debates on this matter by advocacy groups and by members of the Oireachtas. I have also considered the many representations made to me by members of the public and by stakeholders generally.
Some of these groups and individuals have expressed concerns about specific aspects of the Bill, and in particular, the requirement for adopted people to sign an undertaking declaring that they would not contact their birth parent. Having listened to these concerns, I engaged again with the Office of the Attorney General seeking to revisit the privacy provisions and strengthen the right to identity. As the Deputy will be aware, I secured Government approval to draft amendments to seek to revise these provisions in the Bill.
Once these amendments are finalised, it is my priority to progress to Committee Stage of the Bill in Seanad Éireann as soon as possible. This legislation will only finally succeed if members of the Oireachtas support it. It reflects my sincere efforts to tilt the balance more strongly in favour of applicants' right to identity and access to birth information, while maintaining necessary protections for a small cohort of potentially vulnerable birth parents.
Childcare Services
Questions (167)
Pearse Doherty
Question:167. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the childcare supports available to a person (details supplied) participating in an ETB course in circumstances in which there are no available places in the only local registered childcare facility and no other registered childcare providers exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21228/19]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the Deputy's question refers to capacity in the Training and Employment Childcare scheme.
Training and Employment Childcare Scheme (TEC)
TEC is an overarching childcare programme, specifically designed to support parents on eligible training and education courses as well as certain categories of parents returning to work, by providing subsidised childcare places. The TEC Programme also provides childcare support for families on Family Income Support (ASCC). It comprises three strands:
1. Childcare Education and Training Support Programme (CETS) provides childcare to training course participants on courses provided by the Local Education and Training Boards (ETBs, formerly FÁS and Vocational Education Committees) and secondary schools.
2. After-School Child Care Programme (ASCC) is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) and provides after-school care for primary school children for certain categories of working parents and parents on DEASP employment programmes (excluding Community Employment).
3. Community Employment Childcare Programme (CEC) is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) and provides childcare for children of parents who are participating in the Community Employment scheme. There are two strands within CEC, namely CEC(PS) (pre-school) and CEC(AS) (after-school).
I recognise that there can be pressure in some localities and not all service providers have contracted to provide TEC. I would urge anyone experiencing difficulty securing a TEC place to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee for assistance. The new National Childcare Scheme will alleviate the issue of specific targeted scheme availability as it will replace all targeted schemes, including the TEC scheme.
My Department provides other programmes which may be of interest to the person in question, namely Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), and Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP). I would advise the person in question to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee for information on these schemes.
CLÁR Programme
Questions (168)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application for funding for a car by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21266/19]
View answerWritten answers
I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on the 28th February last. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
Calls for proposals under the 2019 CLÁR programme were invited under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas (including MUGAs)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports, comprising of:
3(a) First Response Support Measure
3(b) Support for Mobility and Cancer Care Transport, and
3(c) Sensory Gardens
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2019 CLÁR Programme was 25th April 2019 and almost 500 applications were received by my Department.
I can confirm that an application under Measure 3(b) has been received in respect of the group referred to by the Deputy.
My officials are currently assessing all applications received and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (169)
Dara Calleary
Question:169. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount expended with respect to promoting and carrying out the Rural Opportunity roadshow campaign to date; the costs associated with advertising, by online and offline, design work, photography, event staging and venue hire, respectively; the cost of creating online content to promote this campaign and maintenance costs to date in tabular form; the budget allocated for promotional activities in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21323/19]
View answerWritten answers
The rural opportunity campaign and events are intended to highlight to communities the opportunities available to them in terms of funding programmes and supports from Government and agencies.
The table below provides details of the expenditure incurred by my Department to date in relation to the series of Government Rural Opportunity events held across the country.
|
Item |
Amount |
|
Design and print of funding information leaflet |
€394 |
|
Online promotion of Rural Opportunity video |
€1,394 |
|
Irish translation for leaflet and press release |
€162 |
|
Rural Opportunity video production |
€19,557 |
|
Venue setup |
€12,224 |
|
Total (as at 16 May 2019) |
€33,731 |
I can confirm that there is no central budget within my Department set aside solely for promotional activities. Expenditure relating to promotion of individual programmes or events is incurred as the need arises and is generally met at divisional or business unit level.
Back to Education Allowance Eligibility
Questions (170)
John Brassil
Question:170. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a graduate of a level 7 course is not entitled to apply for the back to education allowance for a level 8 course in a different discipline (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21216/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme that allows persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study, while still maintaining their income support, subject to satisfying a number of conditions. The conditions include progressing to a higher level of education than that already held by the applicant.
An applicant who already holds a level 7 ordinary degree can only apply for the one year add-on honours degree course. They are not eligible to commence a new three or four year level 8 degree course in a different discipline. The BTEA scheme is designed to support second chance education and not award financial support to someone with a pre-existing degree. Where a Level 7 ordinary degree is held, progression to a level 8 higher diploma may be approved as a higher diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of one year duration.
The guidelines governing such progression under the operation of the BTEA are, in the main, in line with the mechanisms in place for student support type schemes administered by the Department of Education and Skills. Progression in education is a condition to access BTEA and it should be noted that is not a requirement unique to this scheme as other State supports for education purposes are grounded on a student progressing.
Overall, it is important to note that the purpose of the BTEA is to raise educational and skill levels so as to improve a welfare recipient’s employment prospects. Progression in education is an important condition of the support provided.
Any changes to the BTEA would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.