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Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 836-856

Light Rail Projects

Questions (836)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

836. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will undertake a light rail feasibility study for Galway in view of climate action obligations and the changes necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8035/20]

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Written answers

The Deputy is aware that the issue of light rail in Galway city was comprehensively examined as part of the development of the Galway Transport Strategy. The move toward evidence based, plan-led transport planning for our major cities is to be welcomed and allows for consideration of all relevant issues and the potential role all modes of transport can play in addressing those issues. The Deputy is aware that the Strategy concluded that a bus based public transport system, supported by various active travel and public realm improvements, represents the most appropriate system for Galway over the period considered by the Strategy.

In terms of the immediate impacts that may arise due to the impact of COVID-19, funding provided by my Department's sustainable mobility investment programme is supporting the National Transport Authority as it works with local authorities in developing, and delivering, COVID mobility plans.

Question No. 837 answered with Question No. 801.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (838)

Michael McGrath

Question:

838. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) will receive a response in the context of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8050/20]

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Written answers

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business published on 3rd May sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions.

The public health measures for each phase are set out in the Roadmap which also includes details on when transport and travel measures come into effect.

These measures are dependent on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and will only come into effect when the NPHET says that the conditions are right for more relaxation of the restrictions in place to protect us all.

A link to the Roadmap is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (839)

Norma Foley

Question:

839. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to cater for drivers who require a CPC to drive a lorry; and if it is possible to complete same online as can be done in the UK. [8096/20]

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Written answers

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has made allowances for professional drivers with driver CPC cards that have expired, or that are due to expire, and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak.

Drivers who hold a CPC card due to expire (or expired on or after the 26 March 2020) have been granted an extension of a maximum of six months up to the 26th September 2020. Drivers will be required to complete any outstanding periodic training in advance of the 26th of September 2020.

There is no provision in place for the RSA to allow CPC courses to take place online. Driver CPC is classroom based and legislation governing CPC training states training must take place in an RSA approved CPC training centre. In addition, the RSA would have concerns in relation to on-line training as it would be difficult to quality assure the training session and ensure that drivers complete the minimum 7 hours training.

However, my department and the RSA are currently working plans for the gradual resumption of the various statutory functions of the Authority, following on from last week's resumption of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing, and I expect to make further announcements in coming weeks.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (840)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

840. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if supports will be made available to private bus companies providing school transport but not being funded by Bus Éireann to ensure social distancing measures can be properly implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8115/20]

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Written answers

The School Transport Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. Bus services outside that scheme are part of the overall public transport sector.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with public transport operators (both public and private) who are implementing public health advice in relation to issues such as cleaning regimes and social distancing measures designed to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19. The public health advices apply across all public transport. The recently announced 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' also sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

From my Department's engagement their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout, I understand the very difficult business environment that commercial bus operators are facing. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.

That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.

Driver Licence Applications

Questions (841)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

841. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is possible for the purposes to applying for a learner permit with the NDLS to supply a PPS number or another form of identification in the place of a public services card number in view of the fact the appointment service for allocating the card has been temporarily suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8116/20]

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Written answers

Online applications for a learners permit can only be accepted with a Public Services card. As the Deputy will appreciate, a driving licence or learners permit is an important legal document, and before it can be issued, the identify of the applicant must be established beyond doubt. For that reason, an individual who does not have a PSC must present to the NDLS offices with a number of documents to prove his/her identity.

I would point out that a learner permit can only be applied for when the Driver Theory Test has been successfully passed, and as all NDLS public offices are currently closed, it is not possible to carry out the Driver Theory Test at this time.

The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

I appreciate that the inability to have access to the driving licence services at this time is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests.

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (842)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

842. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration is being given to providing special support to the small public service vehicle tourism sector due to the fact that the industry has come to a standstill for the 2020 tourism season and will only make a slow recovery in 2021; the measures in place to sustain this vital link in the tourism chain over the medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8130/20]

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Written answers

I understand the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the COVID-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.

That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I also note that self-employed owner-operators of SPSVs may avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.

I am aware that the SPSV sector is particularly reliant on the tourism and hospitality sector. Since late February officials from my Department have engaged with industry with a view to understanding the challenges facing the sector. In addition, with my colleague, Minister of State Griffin, I have established the COVID-19 Tourism Monitoring Group. This group comprises industry stakeholders, the tourism agencies and Departmental officials and has been specifically established to monitor the disruption to the tourism sector and to assist in formulating the sector’s response to the crisis.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has also taken a number of actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators and to make it easier for them to return to the industry when circumstances change.

The NTA has extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. It has engaged with the insurance industry to facilitate a suspension of SPSV insurance for those operators who decide to temporarily stop working and suspend their licences. The NTA has also put in place arrangements to facilitate the swift re-activation of the suspended licence when such an SPSV operator wishes to return to work.

Furthermore, it is my intention to meet with Advisory Committee on SPSVs next month.

Driver Test

Questions (843)

Frank Feighan

Question:

843. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he plans to put in place to assist the 27,500 learner drivers who, due to Covid-19, cannot complete their full driver tests; if new testing measures are being considered that do not require a tester sitting in the same car during the test; if laws can be relaxed during this time to ensure that learners who need to travel to work can still do so (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8145/20]

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Written answers

It must be understood that a learner permit is not a licence, but a permit to allow a person to drive while learning. The purpose of the driving test is to set out the minimum level of knowledge, skill and competency that a learner must demonstrate in order to become a fully licensed driver. Until a learner can meet this standard and pass this test, they are not safe to take to our roads without appropriate supervision.

I would also like to point out that the current pass rate for driving tests nationally stands at 52% for 2019, so having fulfilled all of the driving lesson requirements does not mean that an individual meets the standard required to pass the test.

Studies have repeatedly shown that unaccompanied learner drivers are markedly more likely to be involved in fatal collisions. For that reason, there can be no exceptions to the current laws in force around learner drivers. Regrettably, there has been an increase in fatalities on our roads so far in 2020, and we must not relax the standards required of our drivers before being awarded a driving licence, even in the case of frontline workers.

An unaccompanied learner driver who is stopped by an Garda Síochána may face penalty points, a fixed charge, seizure of the vehicle and possible prosecution.

Due to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.

The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.

I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

I understand that the individual having completed 9 of the 12 Essential Driver Training lessons is concerned that their theory test is running out. A driver theory test is required before a person can apply for a learner permit, and a learner permit is required to take the lessons. The certificate issued on passing a theory test is valid for two years and should be used to apply for a learner permit within that time. In light of the Covid crisis, I have extended the validity of all theory test certificates which were due to expire from 1 March 2010 to 30 June 2020 inclusive by 4 months. If the person in question has a learner permit the validity of his theory test is no longer relevant. If he does not have a learner permit, he should not be driving.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Question No. 844 answered with Question No. 822.

Driver Test

Questions (845)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

845. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to help deal with those persons waiting to sit their driver tests; his plans to get testing back up and running using innovations to protect testers and those being tested; and his further plans to clear the backlog of those awaiting testing. [8175/20]

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Written answers

The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.

I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.

Question No. 846 answered with Question No. 820.

Maritime Safety

Questions (847)

Holly Cairns

Question:

847. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a series of matters in respect of the safety of oil tankers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8214/20]

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Written answers

The statutory requirements for the safety and pollution prevention measures for ships, including oil tankers, are set out in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions which include the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions. Primary responsibility for compliance with international convention requirements rests with the ship owner and the Flag State Administration of the ship concerned. There are currently no oil tankers flying the flag of Ireland.

Regulation 37 of Annex I to the MARPOL Convention requires that every oil tanker of 150 gross tonnage and above (and every ship other than an oil tanker of 400 gross tonnage or above), shall carry on board a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan, approved by the ship’s Flag State Administration. An International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate issued to a ship by the Flag State, or a Recognised Organisation acting on its behalf, certifies that the ship complies with the applicable requirements of Annex I of the Convention and the certificate must be carried onboard. A Record of Equipment is required to be attached to the IOPP Certificate which specifically deals with the compliance of the vessel with Regulation 37.

Matters in relation to the safety of oil terminals in the State are not within the remit of my Department and I understand that the Health and Safety Authority of the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has a role in relation to the safety of such installations.

The port state control authorities of my Department do not have a role in relation to quarantine measures on board vessels or with shore leave arrangements; such matters are within the remit of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Equality, respectively.

In relation to the application of the special measures to enhance maritime security as set out in Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS convention, for ships this is also a matter regulated by the Flag State Administration. An International Ship Security (ISS) Certificate issued to a ship by the Flag State, or a Recognised Security Organisation acting on its behalf, certifies that the ship complies with the applicable requirements of Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention and the mandatory requirements of the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. In addition, in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security, the Marine Survey Office of my Department requires that a for a ship intending to enter a port in the State, the following information is provided to it, prior to the arrival of the ship:-

- that the ship possesses a valid ISS Certificate and the name of its issuing authority;

- the security level at which the ship is currently operating;

- the security level at which the ship operated in the previous 10 ports where it has conducted a ship/port interface;

- any special or additional security measures that were taken by the ship in the previous 10 ports where it has conducted a ship/port interface;

- that the appropriate ship security procedures were maintained during any ship to ship activity carried out within the period of the last 10 port calls; or

- other practical security related information (but not details of the ship security plan), taking into account the guidance given in part B of the ISPS Code.

Ships that do not comply with the SOLAS maritime security requirements may be subject to additional controls, up to and including the refusal of access of a ship into Irish ports .

Driver Licences

Questions (848)

Gary Gannon

Question:

848. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which a motorcycle driver with a provisional licence can travel to attend the Garda Training College in June 2020 in view of the closure of the RSA and in view of the fact the driver's test has been cancelled. [8232/20]

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Written answers

It is a matter for the individual concerned to make their own travel arrangements within the law. The Deputy will be aware that Templemore, the location of the Garda Training College, is served by a range of public transport services, including mainline rail services. I am sure the College can advise those attending of the details of those options and should be directly contacted for such information. It may also be prudent for the individual concerned to contact the College in relation to how its activities may be affected by the current emergency.

If I understand the Deputy correctly, this relates to a learner motorcyclist who has a valid learner permit. In the first instance, it should be noted that no learner should expect to receive a full licence when they undergo a driving test of the their competency.

Learner motorcyclists are not permitted on the roads until they have completed the mandatory course of Initial Basic Training. These are provided by driving schools which, as private firms, must make their own arrangements to comply with health and safety regulations, including public health requirements, as set out in the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.

If and when a learner motorcyclist has completed their Initial Basic Training, they may drive on the roads and do not require an accompanying driver.

Question No. 849 answered with Question No. 832.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (850)

Seán Crowe

Question:

850. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional supports are being prepared including funding for public transport companies impacted severely by Covid-19. [8257/20]

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Written answers

The Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and has designated it amongst the essential services that have carried on during the Covid-19 emergency. I would like to thank the operators and their staff in continuing this essential service.

Throughout, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the public transport operators have been closely following the public health advices. In line with those advices, they have implemented a number of measures across the public transport system for enhanced cleaning regimes and to facilitate appropriate social distancing.

The sharp decline in passenger numbers since mid-March as a result of the Covid-19 health emergency has caused an unprecedented fall in fare revenues, thus creating a wide gap between the operators' costs and actual revenues. This is putting acute pressure on the existing Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget. However, it is clear that public transport is an essential service and that it is an important facilitator of the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

I have been clear that we will ensure that PSO is appropriately funded. To that end, my Department is working closely with the NTA to quantify the additional funding requirements for the coming months, and we are engaging positively with relevant colleagues across Government in that respect.

Consumer Rights

Questions (851)

Seán Crowe

Question:

851. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he will take to support consumer rights, particularly the difficulties experienced by persons receiving outstanding refunds from airlines; if figures are being compiled regarding the number of persons impacted; and the new approach that will be taken in view of the decision by the European Commission on cash refunds from airlines regarding cancelled flights. [8258/20]

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Written answers

Consumer protections for airline passengers and for holiday-makers who book trips through travel agents and tour operators are enshrined in EU law. EU Regulation 261/2004 requires airlines to provide a full cash refund within 7 days in the event that a flight is cancelled by the airline; and EU Directive 2302/2015 on Package Travel requires travel agents and tour operators to provide a full cash refund within 14 days in the event that a package holiday is cancelled, by either the customer or the holiday provider.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation, which is an independent statutory body under my remit, has responsibility for enforcing airline refund obligations in Ireland, and I understand that the Commission recently wrote to all airlines operating routes that service Ireland, reminding them of their legal obligations to provide refunds for cancelled bookings. I am aware that there are significant delays making refunds, and while I can appreciate that there are genuine administrative challenges dealing with the unprecedented level of cancellations, the legal obligation to provide a refund is clear and unchanged. Anyone having difficulties securing a refund should contact the Commission. Further advice is available on its dedicated passenger rights website www.flightrights.ie.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation is in the process of compiling figures regarding the number of persons impacted by flight disruptions and entitled to refunds.

Question No. 852 answered with Question No. 828.

Childcare Services

Questions (853)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

853. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the consideration being given to fund the wages of childcare workers to ensure reduced costs for parents and improve pay levels for childcare staff (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7412/20]

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Written answers

Low pay and poor working conditions in the early learning and care and school-age childcare 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.

As the State is not the employer, my Department does not pay the wages of staff working in early learning and care settings, and hence cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff. I am, however, doing all that is in my power to improve wages and working conditions in the sector. My support for improved pay and conditions for early learning and care professionals has been explicit, as their role is critical to supporting children’s development and delivering better outcomes for children and families.

My Department has set out its vision for the sector, and a roadmap to achieve it, in First 5, the whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families. First 5 recognises that the workforce is at the heart of high-quality early learning and care and school-age childcare and seeks to build ‘an appropriately skilled and sustainable professional workforce that is supported and valued and reflects the diversity of babies, young children and their families’. First 5 includes a commitment to achieve a graduate-led workforce, and last year I began a process of developing a Workforce Development Plan to achieve this and other workforce-related commitments in First 5.

Delivering on a further commitment in First 5, last year I also appointed an Expert Group to develop a new Funding Model for early learning and care and school-age childcare. 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 is independently chaired and includes national and international experts in early learning and care and school-age childcare 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.

The most recent data on pay and conditions in the sector indicates that the average pay is influenced by the level of a practitioner’s qualifications. For example, the average pay rates for graduate workers is somewhat higher than for others working in the sector. Practitioners with Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications earned an average of €11.42 and €12.63 respectively in 2019. The average rates of pay for graduates at that time were €13.93 for those with qualifications at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications, €13.45 for those with Level 8 qualifications, and €15.18 for those with qualifications at Levels 9 or 10. Overall, the average hourly pay in early learning and care and school-age childcare was €12.55, which was 3% higher than the year before.

Budget 2020 saw a 9% increase in investment in early learning and care and school age childcare, resulting in 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.

I have actively encouraged the sector to seek a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO). An SEO must be initiated by a grouping representing the sector and my Department is ready to input to such a process, if and when the sector seeks it. Organisations requesting the commencement of such a process must show they are substantially representative of the sector. An SEO would provide for mandatory terms and conditions in the early learning and care and school age childcare sector, minimum rates of remuneration, and other conditions.

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 school-age childcare which will make it easier to offer full-time, full-year employment contracts; and a pilot measure to fund participation in continuous professional development (CPD).

Child Abuse

Questions (854)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

854. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an independent public enquiry into an organisation (details supplied) will be initiated. [8158/20]

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Written answers

The initiation of any independent inquiry is a very significant matter and one which will require careful consideration.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have previously taken a number of actions in response to allegations of poor safeguarding policies and practice in Scouting Ireland. These included the suspension of funding pending the appointment of a new Board, the appointment of Ms Jillian Van Turnhout to conduct a review of governance, which was completed in June 2018, and the requirement for regular updates on governance reforms by Scouting Ireland to my Department.

In addition, earlier this year, I appointed Ms Brigid McManus to conduct a follow-up review of governance in Scouting Ireland. This was published on 8th May and confirmed that all of Ms Van Turnhout’s recommendations had been satisfactorily implemented, while outlining a small number of matters for follow up.

I welcome the publication by Mr. Elliott of his learning review into historical sexual abuse in scouting. My thoughts are with the adults who suffered so gravely as children through their involvement with scouting and who have carried this burden with them into their adult lives.

I met with Mr Elliott, following receipt of his review, and was pleased to hear that, notwithstanding the seriousness of the findings, he was very positive about the current governance arrangements in Scouting Ireland, with a Board that is strong and well-functioning, and with robust safeguarding in place. Tusla has also written to the Department to indicate its satisfaction with current safeguarding practice in Scouting Ireland, particularly as it relates to the agreed Scouting Ireland / Tusla Action Plan.

The Government had previously undertaken to give careful consideration to the question of an appropriate statutory investigation following the RTÉ Investigates programme “Scouts Dishonour”. It was appropriate for Government to await the reports from Ms Brigid McManus and Mr Ian Elliott to inform this consideration. In this regard, it is noted that Mr Elliott’s report suggests that a statutory inquiry may face the same limitations as his Learning Review. Mr Elliott has also emphasised the cooperation of Scouting Ireland in relation to his review. As such, a key factor is whether a statutory or public inquiry would uncover new information. This is something which will need to be taken into account in contemplating the question of an inquiry.

School Attendance

Questions (855)

Gary Gannon

Question:

855. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to waive compulsory attendance with regard to primary, secondary and third-level courses (details supplied). [8219/20]

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Written answers

The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has statutory responsibility under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 for ensuring all children attend school regularly. Educational Welfare Officers (EWO's) work with families and children to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention.

All schools in Ireland closed on 12th March 2020 and currently remain closed. Under the Act compulsory school attendance is recorded on the school roll, which is marked daily when schools are open. No school roll has been marked on this basis since March 12th.

Since then Educational Welfare Officers have provided ongoing support to all open cases that it has received from schools with particular attention to students preparing for examinations (prior to decisions to defer examinations), children who have no school place for September 2020 and very vulnerable groups for example Traveller and Roma communities and children living in direct provision. TESS is currently reviewing all open and referred cases and all TESS services are working closely with schools to ensure that vulnerable children and young people are supported to participate in their education within the parameters of the current public health advice.

The Department of Education and Skills has advised that the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including attendance policies and the Department of Education and Skills has no role in relation to these policies. I can also advise that TESS nor my Department have no role in relation to attendance policies in these institutions.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (856)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

856. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration has been given to the need for a sustainability fund in view of the fact that many early years providers are under severe pressure and may not reopen after restrictions have been lifted and the fact that this is having a major impact on workers and their incomes. [7045/20]

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Written answers

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation and the precise duration of this crisis cannot be known. The re-opening of ELC and SAC services will be guided by public health advice first and foremost, in accordance with the phases announced by the Government recently.

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS), launched by my Department on 15 April, builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the childcare sector. The TWSCS layers on the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and operates in tandem to this scheme. Hence, any decisions by the Department regarding the TWSCS will therefore be guided by Government decisions regarding the TWSS in the first instance. For the present, the TWSCS will run in parallel with Revenue operated TWSS to support the particular circumstances of this sector and to ensure that, once this crisis passes, ELC and SAC services will be in a position to re-open and return to their important work.

A number of supports were available before COVID to improve the sustainability of services during normal times. These remain available now; and it is expected that this will continue as normal when services can safely reopen. Financial supports are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues following a financial assessment by Pobal. My Department has begun to consider whether this sustainability funding can be extended to private services during the pandemic. However, I hope the Deputy can appreciate that our immediate focus is the administration of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme which is in itself a significant sustainability measure, and to address other urgent issues.

My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment and I want to ensure that the ELC and SAC places are still there for parents when they are past these difficult times.

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