Written Answers Nos. 1095-1119
1095. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if out-of-term time for early childcare education and school age schemes will be reviewed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4066/20]
View answerThe Department of Children and Youth Affairs has never expected service providers to make up for Bank Holidays on the ECCE scheme. Weeks with Bank Holidays are considered as full weeks and service providers are paid for a full five days.
Bank Holidays are automatically pre-populated on each provider’s service calendar. These do not impact on a service provider’s obligation to meet the ECCE Programme parameters of 38 weeks or 183 days, but rather it helps to adjust the number of non-payable weeks for a service provider.
A child who receives an enhanced award under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), while at the same time being eligible for ECCE, will receive an award of up to 25 hours of subsidised care during term time, and up to 40 hours of subsidised care outside of term time.
Childcare providers have some flexibility in determining which weeks are term weeks. Non-term weeks can be entered when registering a child and entering claim details, or at a later date.
Primary school children have 38 weeks of term time in which they can receive a wraparound subsidy under the NCS. Children in junior and senior infants can receive up to 17 hours of subsidised hours per week during term time, and up to 40 hours of subsidised care in non-term time. Children in first to sixth class can receive up to 12 hours of subsidised hours per week in term time, and up to 40 hours of subsidised care per week in non-term time.
1096. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an exception will be made for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo to allow them to avail of their entitlement of two years ECCE; if the supporting documentation in the form of medical evidence was examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4122/20]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a free, two year, universal pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must be aged 2 years and 8 months on or before 31 August in order to be eligible and can’t turn 5 years and 6 months during the programme year. There is no provision for a third year.
For some children with special or additional needs, where attending preschool five days a week is not feasible, there is a facility to apply for an overage exemption. This overage exemption allows them split two years over three years. It was initially introduced when there was only one year of ECCE and before the Access and Inclusion Model was introduced to ECCE, providing a range of supports to children with disabilities and the pre-school. The overage exemption is governed by three guiding principles as follows:
- The child not reaching 6 years of age during the exemption year to comply with the school staring age (as per Educational Welfare Act, 2000)
- A Letter of recommendation supplied from a specialist (NB: Not a GP/Public Health Nurse)
- ECCE Allocation taken-i.e. if a child has already availed of two years they will not be eligible.
My Department works jointly with the Department of Education and Skills with regard to matters such as this. The Department of Education and Skills endorses the policy approach that it is in children's best interest to enrol in primary school with their peers, and to transition to becoming a teenager with their peers. This was the finding of research commissioned jointly by both Departments in 2018 from the National Disability Authority (NDA) which was published in March 2019.
Parents who have concerns over their child’s transition to school should, in the first instance, discuss this with the school. They may also contact the National Council for Special Education for advice on available supports for their child.
1097. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of an application for the childcare subsidy by a person (details supplied); if the application will be backdated from when it was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4156/20]
View answerI would ask the Deputy to advise the individual concerned to contact my Department directly on this matter, and my Department can liaise with Pobal, the Scheme Administrator, on this case to resolve the matter. My Department is unable to verify the status of this individual's application without an application ID being provided. When the individual contacts my Department to provide this information, we will endeavour to deal with this query swiftly. The contact is eyqueries@dcya.govie.
Regarding the issue of backdating subsidies, it has always been communicated by my Department that subsidy awards are payable from the week they are claimed, and not the date of application. It is a key aspect of the scheme that all claims are paid in arrears based on the attendance of a child. As such the child must be registered with a childcare provider and the provider must confirm that attendance. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure we are maximising the benefits of public monies and that the investment is following the child.
1098. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4187/20]
View answerWe have come a long way in recent years in improving Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) support in Ireland. Investment in ELC and SAC has increased by 141% over the last five years. However, I acknowledge that more investment will be needed. Historic under-investment in early learning and care has created a situation that has no quick solution.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government. I am acutely aware of the particular impact this has had on ELC and SAC providers, practitioners, parents and children. I am also very conscious of the importance of the ELC and SAC sector for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.
As a direct response to the COVID-19 closure of ELC and SAC services, I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) which is a very significant measure to support the sector. The aim of the TWSCS is threefold:
- to support the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;
- to provide parents with a reassurance that if their ELC and SAC provider signs up to the scheme, they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, and they will maintain their ELC / SAC place when services resume and
- to give Early Learning and Care practitioners security and to retain these vital Educators in the sector.
The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector.
Before COVID-19, a number of schemes and supports were available or in development to support more accessible, affordable and high quality ELC and SAC. The new National Childcare Scheme established a sustainable platform to enable us to continue investing for years to come. The Scheme is designed to be flexible, allowing income thresholds, maximum hours and subsidy rates to be adjusted in line with Government decisions and as more investment becomes available.
Low pay and poor working conditions in the sector remain a serious concern and impact on the quality of provision to children through their effect on the recruitment and retention of qualified staff. The lack of consistency of care caused by high staff turnover impacts directly on quality, while low wages are a constraint on plans to upskill and professionalise the workforce.
I have been doing all that is in my power to improve wages and working conditions in the sector. My support for improved pay and conditions for ELC professionals has been explicit, as their role is critical to supporting children’s development and delivering better outcomes for children and families. I have repeatedly called for the sector to pursue a Sectoral Employment Order, which offers a viable mechanism to establish appropriate wage levels. When this process commences, I will be happy to work with trade unions to ensure that pay rates are appropriate in the sector. During the COVID-19 period, I have developed the TWSCS to directly support wages in the sector and protect the continuity of this valued and skilled workforce.
Overall, Budget 2020 saw a 9% increase in investment in ELC and SAC. Additional investment of €63.6m will bring spending to €638m in 2020, as noted a 141% increase in investment over five budgets. The very welcome level of investment needs to continue if we are to offer services that are of high quality, affordable and accessible. However, increased investment by itself will not ensure that staff wages and conditions will improve. Specifically in Budget 2020, I secured increased funding for the Sustainability and Sectoral Employment Order Support Fund for the sector. This will see funding to support sustainability rising from €1.7m to €2.2m per annum.
In terms of policy approaches, my Department has set out its vision for the sector, and a roadmap to achieve it, in First 5, A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028 . Three specific projects I would draw your attention to under First 5 are the development of a new Funding Model for the sector, the Workforce Development Plan, and the reform of the regulatory and inspection regimes.
A key vehicle to ensure that significant additional investment in the sector delivers for children, families and the State will be a new Funding Model. This new Funding Model will provide mechanisms to deliver additional funding to ELC and SAC providers to ensure greater levels of affordability, quality and inclusion in their services.
An Expert Group to develop the new Funding Model for ELC and SAC was announced in September 2019 and commenced its work in October 2019. The Expert Group is tasked with examining the current model of funding, its effectiveness in delivering quality, affordable, sustainable and inclusive services and considering how additional resourcing can be delivered for the sector to achieve these objectives, drawing on international practice in this area. The Expert Group’s Terms of Reference includes to:
- Agree a set of guiding principles to underpin the new Funding Model for ELC and SAC
- Review the existing approach to funding ELC and SAC services by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in terms of its alignment with the guiding principles as well as effectiveness in delivering on the policy objectives of quality, affordability, accessibility and contributing to addressing disadvantage
- Drawing on international evidence, identify and consider options on how additional funding for ELC and SAC could be structured to deliver on the guiding principles and above policy objectives
- Agree a final report including a proposed design for a new Funding Model, with accompanying costings, risk analysis and mitigation and phased implementation plan (with funding likely to become available on an incremental basis) to recommend to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and ultimately Government.
The Expert Group is independently chaired and includes national and international experts in ELC and SAC systems, funding and quality; economics; and relevant policy experts from the Government Departments which will be involved in implementing the new Funding Model. A research partner, Frontier Economics, has been appointed to support the work of the Expert Group.
A consultation and engagement process to take account of the voices of providers, practitioners, parents and other stakeholders within the sector had to be postponed due to COVID-19 but will be commencing shortly. Further information on the Funding Model and its progress is available at: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie
First 5 also includes a commitment to establishing a Workforce Development Plan for the ELC and SAC sector which will set out plans to raise the profile of careers in the sector, establishing role profiles, career pathways, qualifications requirements, and associated policy mechanisms along with leadership development opportunities and work towards a more gender-balanced and diverse workforce. As part of this, an extensive consultation with the sector is planed to discuss a wide array of working conditions including pay.
Other recent measures I have taken to assist employers to improve the pay and conditions of their staff, whilst also addressing administrative demands include: a 7% increase in ECCE capitation in 2018; higher capitation payments for graduates and Inclusion Coordinators; support for SAC which will make it easier to offer full-time, full-year employment contracts; and a pilot measure to fund participation in CPD.
Finally, under First 5 we have also committed to reform the ELC and SAC regulatory and inspection systems. This will include consideration of options for reforms to the registration and inspection of the sector to ensure a proportionate inspection regime and a more integrated approach to ELC and SAC.
My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment for children, families and our much valued ELC and SAC workforce and ensure that, when COVID- 19 has passed, we will have retained as many services, staff and places as possible and that we are moving progressively towards the vision outlined in First 5 which was unanimously welcomed by all stakeholders.
1099. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of refuge spaces available for victims of domestic violence and families affected by domestic violence; the location of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4192/20]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for almost 60 organisations that deliver services for these victims, including 22 services that provide emergency refuge and non-refuge accommodation to victims of domestic violence.
The total number of units generally available in specialist emergency accommodation in 2020 is 157, consisting of 147 units in refuge accommodation and 10 in Safe Homes. Tusla provides a directory of refuge services across the country on their website: https://www.tusla.ie/services/new-domestic-sexual-and-gender-based-violence/select-a-support-below/refuges-accommodation/
In light of the rapidly evolving public health emergency arising from Covid-19, the Department has asked Tusla to respond to you directly with regard to the number of refuge spaces currently available to victims of domestic violence, and the location of each.
1100. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if statistical information will be provided regarding preschools (details supplied). [4267/20]
View answerIn line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (as amended by Part 12 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013), those wishing to operate an early years service are required to register with Tusla for the purposes of inspection and regulation. Each year a number of early years services also decide to close of their own volition. Where an early years service closes, they are also required, in line with these statutory provisions, to notify Tusla of their planned closure.
Tusla, as the independent statutory regulator, has responsibility for maintaining the Early Years register. All data collected by Tusla including information relating to new applications for registration and reported service cessations is collated and verified on a rolling quarterly basis. On this basis, the number of applications to register a new service received up to the end of 2019 was 142, with the number of reported cessations for the same period standing at 196. Tusla can also confirm that, to date, no application for registration have been refused on the grounds of not meeting fire and planning requirements.
Tusla does not systematically record or collate information in relation to the numbers of individual childcare places available per registered service and so is not in a position to provide the Deputy with the requested figures. Where such data is collected on inspection, this is primarily for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the prescribed adult-child ratios as set out in the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.
Each year Pobal conducts research on behalf of my Department to examine a number of factors related to early learning and care and school age childcare services in Ireland, including the monitoring of capacity. This is published in an annual Early Years Sector Profile.
I launched the 2018/2019 Early Years Sector Profile on 16 December 2019. The Sector Profile indicates that, on a national basis, existing childcare capacity broadly meets current demand, although there are pockets of under supply in some localities. The following table outlines, places from the 2018/2019 sector profile. To note, this covers all services (not just preschools) and all children within a service, not just those funded under my Department’s programmes. Further, the number of children on a waiting list is an indication of demand, however, as parents often place their child/children on multiple lists, this figure cannot be used to measure actual demand.
|
- |
2018/2019 |
|
Capacity |
218,745 |
|
Enrolments |
206,301 |
|
Vacancies |
12,444 |
|
Waiting list |
23,187 |
Pobal data indicates that overall capacity has continued to increase year on year over the last 5 years, with the average service now standing at 47 versus 33 five years ago. This has been supported by the 141% increase in investment which has led to a doubling of the ECCE programme from one year to two years, twice as many children being eligible for State subsidies as before, and children with disabilities being supported to attend mainstream pre-school with the assistance of the AIM programme.
1101. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date paper based applications for the national childcare scheme will be introduced; if paper based application payments will be backdated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4440/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) opened to online applications on 20th November 2019. I am pleased with the high volume of applications received since the Scheme launched. To date, over 31,500 applications have been received, relating to over 40,900 children. Additionally, 3,646 childcare providers have contracted to participate in the Scheme.
The offline, paper based application process went live on 13th March 2020. Families can continue to opt to apply online for subsidies under the NCS, or, they may choose to apply offline, by requesting a paper application form from the NCS Parent Support Centre.
For most families, the quickest and easiest way to apply and receive a subsidy is by using the online application process. This requires a verified MyGovID account and families can apply directly at www.ncs.gov.ie. The innovative, purpose-built IT system of the NCS aims to process a universal application in a matter of minutes, and an income assessed application in a matter of days.
Alternatively, families who wish to apply for subsidies by post can contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530 and the appropriate form ( based on their particular circumstances) will then be posted out for completion. It does not appear that there was pent up demand for the paper based system. As of end April, only 27 applications had been received.
Regarding the issue of backdating subsidies, it has always been communicated by my Department that subsidy awards are payable from the week they are claimed, and not the date of application. It is a key aspect of the scheme that all claims are paid in arrears based on the attendance of a child. As such, the child must be registered with a childcare provider and the provider must confirm that attendance. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure we are maximising the benefits of public monies and that the investment is following the child.
Further information and resources for parents are available at www.ncs.gov.ie.
1102. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is considering removing the public services card as a requisite for applying to the national childcare scheme in view of the views of the Data Protection Commissioner on the legitimacy of the card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4441/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) was launched for online applications on 20th November 2019 and offline applications on the 13th March 2020. To date, over 31,500 applications have been received relating to over 40,900 children.
The Scheme has always been designed such that, when it was fully up and running, applications would be accepted both online and offline. A Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID account are required to apply online only. Alternatively, parents can apply offline by requesting a postal application form by contacting the Parent Support Centre. The PSC is not required for offline applications.
The online system offers a user friendly application process for busy parents. It optimises the use of innovative technology to offer greater efficiency in the administration of a major national Government scheme.
A secure identity verification system is required for any such IT system. The Public Services Card and MyGovID offers this security. It safeguards applicants' information and the administration of public funding.
Regarding the Data Protection Commissioner’s (DPC) report and the published findings on certain aspects of the use of the Public Services Card (PSC), the Government and the Attorney General have carefully considered the findings of the report, including the legal basis for the use of the PSC by specified bodies or persons (such as myself, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs). The Government has decided to challenge the findings of the report, as based on the legal advice received, it does not believe the DPC’s findings are correct in law.
While it is not possible to predict the outcome of this process, the advice of the Attorney General’s Office is that there is a strong legal basis for the continued public service wide use of the PSC.
Parents who do not have a PSC, nor wish to apply for one, can apply for the NCS through the offline process.
1103. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of adults and children that accessed Tusla funded domestic violence refuge accommodation in 2019; the average length of time families spent in such accommodation; and the number of beds available on a given night in 2019. [4476/20]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding and coordination supports to some 59 organisations that deliver a range of services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence throughout the country.
With regard to statistics relating to the use of Tusla-funded emergency domestic violence accommodation, Tusla has advised that data is collected retrospectively. The Department's understanding is that full data for 2019 is not yet available. A data report with regard to 2019 activity is scheduled to be published in Quarter 3 this year.
1104. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of unaccompanied minors in the care of Tusla; if these children are placed in direct provision once they turn 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4500/20]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for her question, and can confirm that I have referred the matter to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for their direct reply.
1105. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason payments to a person (details supplied) under the national childcare scheme are not backdated to the date the person was entitled to the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4518/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) opened to online applications on 20 November, and paper based applications became available on 13 March. I am delighted with the volume of applications submitted so far, with over 31,500 applications received relating to over 40,900 children. The Scheme represents the first statutory entitlement to financial support for childcare.
It has always been communicated by my Department that subsidy awards under the NCS are payable from the week they are claimed, and not the date of application.
In the most common type of application, the applicant’s income is automatically assessed on the previous tax year. As the individual in question submitted their application in December 2019, they were assessed on the 2018 tax year. Subsidy payments based on this assessment were then paid.
When the applicant queried their level of subsidy, they were advised of their option to submit a new, manual application to provide for a more current assessment, if their circumstances had changed. Manual income assessments can examine more recent income information for the applicant. However, due to the manual nature of the process, these applications can take longer to process than fast-track automated applications. The new subsidy rate is payable when this assessment is completed and the new award is claimed by the applicant.
Further information and resources for parents are available at www.ncs.gov.ie.
1106. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on reports (details supplied) in respect of the treatment of child abuse victims; if changes in respect of the process will take place; the measures that will be taken to ensure child abuse victims will feel safe and secure to pursue complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4525/20]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, have confirmed that the Child Abuse Substantiation Procedures are still in development, and will be subject to ongoing review. I wish to clarify that, at the time this question was originally tabled by the Deputy, Tusla advised that the outcome of the consultation process would be concluded by May, with a final report published in June. My officials are engaging with Tusla to establish whether that timeline is still feasible in light of the ongoing public health emergency.
The welfare and protection of children is the primary responsibility of Tusla. In situations where a person discloses abuse, Tusla is required to assess whether the person against whom the allegation is made, poses a current risk to children.
When assessing allegations of abuse, Tusla is required to strike a balance between minimising trauma to the person who has disclosed abuse, and affording fair procedures to the person against whom an allegation has been made. The way that Tusla operates in assessing allegations of abuse is informed by both legislation and decisions made by the courts. Where it appears that a crime has been committed Tusla is required to share information with An Garda Síochána.
Tusla has confirmed to my officials, and publicly stated, that it cannot and would never compel a person to participate in investigations into a report of child abuse against their wishes. This includes a person who has told Tusla of past abuse being questioned by the person they alleged is their abuser.
Children, and vulnerable adults, who allege that they have been abused, will only meet with Tusla appointed representatives in the course of Tusla's assessment into whether the adult accused of abuse poses a current risk to children.
1107. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the availability of grants or funding for a holistic psychotherapist to provide children focused services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4599/20]
View answerThe broader responsibility for psychotherapy services falls under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Following engagement with the Deputy's office, the Department understands that the Deputy's question relates to a specific counselling service in the Galway area.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency commissions the provision of community-based counselling from voluntary service providers throughout Ireland. The current budget for these services in 2020 is approximately €6.1 million. Tusla targets its funding on supporting families with marriage or relationship counselling; counselling and supports for children following family separation; and bereavement counselling for both adults and children.
The Department has requested that Tusla respond to you directly with regard to your query about a specific counselling service.
1108. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost to the Vote of her Department if the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% for the portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4696/20]
View answerIf the rate of employer PRSI was increased to 15.75% it would affect 12 staff members in my Department.
Circular 17/2019 sets out the adjustments to the pay of civil servants on 1 September 2019 as provided for under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 and includes details of pay scales over €100,000. Please find a link below for your information.
https://circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/per/2019/17.pdf
1109. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of increasing investment in the school completion programme by one third. [4728/20]
View answerThe estimated cost of increasing investment in the School Completion Programme by one third is €8.2m.
1110. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if changes will be made to the system in place by which staff in preschools must complete a large amount of administrative work in order for parents to claim €64.50 for the free ECCE preschool year for their child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4802/20]
View answerThe Exchequer invests over €300m per annum in the ECCE programme and hence a certain amount of controls must be in place. The average payment per child is €75 per week which amounts to €2,850 per annum, or for the standard groups of 11 or 22 children, €31,350 and €62,700 retrospectively. This by its nature demands a certain amount of governance and administration.
I introduced Programme Support Payments (PSPs) in 2017 to recognise the additional time required of providers for the administration of the early learning and care and school age childcare programmes which are funded by my Department, and for non-contact time activities.
My Department’s expenditure on PSP has increased significantly each year since I introduced the measure :
- In 2017, an initial budget of €13m was allocated for this programme. Over the course of that year, I secured an increase and a total of €17.7m was spent on PSP (then referred to as the “non-contact time” payment) across two tranches;
- In 2018, a total of €18.7m was spent on PSP, with the rise in value attributed to rises in registrations and increases to subvention rates for the targeted schemes;
- In 2019, the budget for PSP was €19.4m. In December 2019 I secured an additional €7m to reflect the significant time that was required to meet regulatory requirements in late 2019.
€12.8m of the total 2019 budged for 2019 was paid out in support of ECCE delivery. The payment is equal to 7 days’ ( or 1.4 weeks’) subvention for ECCE services based on a “snapshot” period of registrations. This amounts to a payment of €129 per individual child attending ECCE, or €1419 per annum for an 11 child ECCE room.
1111. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1088 of 5 March 2020, the factors which determine the allocation of educational welfare officers across the five regional areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4829/20]
View answerThe aims and objectives of the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) are to ensure that every child attends school regularly and vindicate every child’s entitlement to a certain minimum education. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) work with families and children to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention; and work closely with schools, educational support services and other agencies to support school attendance and resolve attendance problems for the benefit of children and families.
Where a school principal has a concern in relation to a pupil’s school attendance and where the school has made all local efforts to resolve the problem a referral can be made to EWS.
When referrals are received by the EWS team they are screened by a Senior Educational Welfare Officer. All completed referrals are placed in priority order and are assigned to the EWO team accordingly. At any stage a principal can follow up with the EWS to ascertain the status of a referral.
EWOs are allocated to the 5 TESS Regions based on evidence and having considered a range of factors which include: the geographical size of a region, the number of schools in a region, the number of DEIS schools in a region, the number of referrals in a region over the previous three years, the complexity of the cases arising in the region and a range of other factors that impact demand.
The table below illustrates the 5 EWS regions and the staffing complement per region:
|
Region 1 |
Region 2 |
Region 3 |
Region 4 |
Region 5 |
|
Southern Area: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, |
South County Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny. |
North Dublin City, South Dublin City, Clondalkin and Lucan |
West/North-West: Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Offaly, Laois, Westmeath. |
Fingal, Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan |
|
19 |
24 |
16 |
24 |
15 |
1112. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1088 of 5 March 2020, the number of referrals made to the educational welfare service; and the number of cases pursued by the educational welfare officers in each regional area in each of the past five years. [4830/20]
View answerThe following tables detail the number of referrals made to the Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). It is important to note that EWS only became a referral-based service in the academic year 2016/2017 and as such relevant data is only available since that particular school year. The data is gathered on an academic year basis i.e. From September to June each year.
The total number Referrals Screened by Senior Educational Welfare Officer and accepted by the EWS during the reporting period.
|
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
|
|
National |
5,939 |
6,670 |
6,310 |
3,942 |
|
DML |
980 |
1,163 |
1,080 |
901 |
|
DNE |
1,774 |
1,915 |
2,176 |
1,022 |
|
SOUTH |
1,609 |
1,890 |
1,703 |
1,135 |
|
WEST |
1,576 |
1,702 |
1,351 |
884 |
Total number of new cases assigned to an Educational Welfare Officer in the reporting period:
|
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019 to Jan 2020 |
|
|
National |
4422 |
2977 |
3942 |
1971 |
|
DML |
830 |
424 |
901 |
517 |
|
DNE |
1,099 |
652 |
1,022 |
699 |
|
SOUTH |
1,354 |
1,176 |
1,135 |
436 |
|
WEST |
1,139 |
725 |
884 |
319 |
1113. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the percentage of child sexual abuse allegations that were deemed founded or unfounded in 2018. [4847/20]
View answerI wish to clarify for the Deputy that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, does not collate the number of cases founded/unfounded for the purposes of reporting.
However, I have been informed that the Service Director leading on the roll out of Tusla’s Child Abuse Substantiation Policy (CASP) has confirmed that a paper is being developed in respect of data collection to enhance reporting, assurance and governance.
I have referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct reply issue to the Deputy.
1114. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the budget allocation for the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [4850/20]
View answerThe expenditure allocation for the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 is as follows:
|
Office of the Ombudsman for Children |
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2018* |
2019 |
2020 |
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|
Allocation |
€2.633m |
€2.747m |
€2.865m |
*The figure for the 2018 allocation reflects a reduction of €100,000 arising from a identified timing-related underspend, which was incorporated into the Supplementary Estimate provided to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2018.
1115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a learner's fund of €9.6 million would enable the achievement of a 60% degree led ECCE workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4925/20]
View answerAs per the Pobal Sector Profile Report 2018/2019, 25% of the staff who work directly with children in early learning and care services hold a qualification at least at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications. On this basis and considering that the maximum amount of funding available under the most recent Learner Fund bursary in 2019 was €750 per practitioner completing a degree, a further €7.1 million of spending on the Learner Fund would be required if a further 35% of the staff working directly with children (approx. 9,400 practitioners) were to complete a Level 7 or 8 qualification, to achieve a 60% graduate-led workforce. However, this cost does not represent the full cost of achieving a 60% graduate-led workforce, as my Department only part-funds early learning and care practitioners to complete a higher qualification through the Learner Fund. The full cost is significantly higher, with the majority of the cost being borne by the practitioners themselves. To achieve a graduate-led workforce may therefore require a wider range of supports for practitioners, including additional financial support.
Furthermore, each year a proportion of the workforce leaves the sector, and to maintain a graduate-led workforce would therefore requiring ongoing investment.
Work began in 2019 to develop a Workforce Development Plan, which will set out plans for how to achieve commitments in First 5 (the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families), including the commitment to achieve a graduate-led workforce by 2028, with 50% of staff qualified to degree level. It is anticipated that an interim report will be published in 2020, and a final report in 2021.
1116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of extending the six childminding development officer positions with a dedicated officer employed by each city and county childcare committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4927/20]
View answerThe Department of Children and Youth Affairs recruited a National Childminding Coordinator in 2019 who put in place a team of 6 Childminding Development Officers within City and County Childcare Committees around the country, with a regional remit. The Officers work with all 30 City and County Childcare Committees to prepare the childminding sector for the move towards wider regulation and in the immediate term to support childminders who are subject to the current regulations but are not yet registered with Tusla to meet Tusla registration requirements, thus enabling more childminders to take part in the National Childcare Scheme. The cost of these posts is in the region of €400,000 per annum, which includes costs for salaries, PRSI, travel and subsistence, and overheads.
The cost of increasing the number of Childminding Development Officer positions to 30, with a dedicated Officer employed by each of the 30 City and County Childcare Committees, would be in the region of an additional €1.6 million per annum.
1117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of hiring an additional 750 social workers, 100 administrative support staff and 125 aftercare workers, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4930/20]
View answerMy officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1118. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to review the rates paid to foster carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4968/20]
View answerI have no plans to change the rate of the Foster Care Allowance at this time. However, my Department is undertaking an extensive review of the Child Care Act 1991, and will examine foster care arrangements as part of this review.
I acknowledge foster carers as the backbone of our child care services. Foster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians, and approximately 91% of children in care at the end of December 2019 (the most recent date for which figures are available) were in foster care. More than a quarter of these children were placed with relative foster carers.
The Foster Care Allowance is currently €325 per week per child under 12 years of age and €352 per week per child aged 12 and over. This payment was protected during recent economic hardships, and it is tax free. It is paid in respect of the child and is provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sporting activities. The allowance is not considered as means for Social Welfare purposes.
Foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. It is important that foster carers have access to specialist services to meet the child's identified needs. Respite care for children may be arranged, if it is part of their care plan.
Pre-assessment and ongoing training is compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. Recognising the specific dynamics and the personal nature of relative care, Tusla addresses the training needs of relatives who are foster carers separately. In addition, Tusla provides funding to the Irish Foster Care Association, which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a phone advice service.
1119. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a childcare centre (details supplied) received an email from her Department regarding extending its contracts until August 2020 in view of the fact all services usually sign its agreements in the summer as the centre did in July 2019; if the case of the childcare centre will be reviewed to ensure it does not miss out on necessary funding as a result in view of same; and if it is the case the centre was not contracted to the funding agreements for the first half of the year. [5008/20]
View answerIn the course of drawing up the 2018-19 contracts for both the Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) and Training and Education Childcare (TEC) programmes, the launch date of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) was still under consideration but was expected to coincide with or begin shortly after the launch of the 2019-2020 programme year.
To address this, the term of the contracts which, in the normal course of events is for one year, was left open to allow for a smooth transition to the NCS scheme. At this time the policy was that all childcare programmes would be replaced by the NCS, previously referred to as the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS).
Section 1.10 of the Community Childcare Subvention Plus Programme Grant Funding Agreement 2018-2019, states:
1.10 “Term” means a one year period from the date of commencement of the Community Childcare Subvention Plus Programme on 20/08/2018, pursuant to this Agreement or such further period as necessary pending the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme (“ACS”), or such similarly worded scheme, to be introduced pursuant to legislation to be enacted in 2018 which will replace the CCS Programme.
Subsequent to the signing of the contracts by childcare providers, a policy decision was taken that those children on the CCSP/TEC programme prior to the launch of the NCS could remain, if they chose, on those programmes until their eligibility expires. To accommodate those who chose to remain on the CCSP and TEC programmes, the contracts were further extended to the end of the 2019-2020 programme year, by means of the extension letter to which you refer. Services were given the option to opt out of the extension, although none have.
Services that had contracted to provide the CCSP and TEC programmes in 2018 now remain in contract up until August 2020, provided that each contracted service agrees to the conditions outlined in the CCSP/TEC Programme Extension Letter. The contract extension ensured that no service was funded without a valid contract, or missed out on any funding, for the first half of the year.
If this service provider has any further questions, their local County Childcare Committee would be happy to assist.
