Written Answers Nos. 904-928
904. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which the verification processes will be implemented as outlined in the temporary wage subsidy childcare scheme; the estimated amount that will be recouped from same; the reason the guidelines regarding verification were updated; the purpose for which the funds will be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10520/20]
View answerThe 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 the pandemic and the emergency measures have had on childcare providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of childcare sector, particularly in the context of the current conditions and with a view to supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.
Recognising this, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was launched on April 15th.
The aim of the TWSCS is threefold:
- to support the sustainability of the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;
- to provide parents with a reassurance that they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, while providing them with reassurance that they will maintain places for their children;
- and to give Early Learning and Care Educators security and retain these vital Educators in the sector.
To achieve this, the Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme provides funding towards a portion of staff wages and a contribution towards services' overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by childcare providers.
My Department recognises the importance of robust oversight of Exchequer funding. This includes ensuring that funds provided under the TWSCS are used for purposes intended: to meet employee pay costs in conjunction with the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and contribute towards ongoing overhead costs. Where the funding provided is not used for these purposes, it may be appropriate to recoup. As part of ensuring that the TWSCS is fully understood by participants, my Department and Pobal have provided extensive information on this scheme, including the administrative and verification requirements.
My Department may seek to recoup where there is a risk to Exchequer funding arising from a breach in the terms of the Funding Agreement. Should the verification process identify any such breaches, funds may be sought to be recouped by the Department or netted off against future payments. It is not possible to state how much will be recouped at this present time as the scheme is ongoing.
My Department will take a reasonable and supportive approach to assessing the use of funding provided to services in this difficult time. I hope that all participating providers will use the money provided under the scheme in the manner set out in the Funding Agreement. A wide variety of items qualify as eligible expenditure, and my Department's priority is to support services to reopen in line with public health advice.
The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the childcare sector. Further supports and funding are available from my Department including the Programme Support Payment, which will be paid to eligible services in June. Services may also be eligible for the Restart Grant for Small Business, administered by Local Authorities, and for other supports from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
I would also note there are supports available to improve the sustainability of services during normal times, and these remain available to services which may still be facing regular challenges on top of the difficulties imposed by the pandemic.
905. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding allocations to each provider across each budget line and vote of her Department since 27 March 2020, in tabular form. [10709/20]
View answerThe funding allocated to each provider since 27 March 2020 is at the link, in tabular form as requested.
906. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the wage subsidy scheme for childcare workers is being extended to the end of August 2020 in line with the wage subsidy scheme which operates for other sectors. [10756/20]
View answerThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was introduced as a temporary and time-limited emergency measure to support the childcare sector during the closure period required by the COVID-19 crisis.
I recently announced a €75million funding package to facilitate the reopening of childcare facilities from 29 June. In light of the announcement of these financial support measures the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme will close on 28 June 2020. Childcare services, including those which reopen on 29 June, will be able to continue to claim the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for their staff.
907. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the temporary childcare wage subsidy scheme will continue after 29 June 2020. [10825/20]
View answerThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was introduced as a temporary and time-limited emergency measure to support the childcare sector during the closure period required by the COVID-19 crisis.
I recently announced a €75million funding package to facilitate the reopening of childcare facilities from 29 June. In light of the announcement of these financial support measures the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme will close on 28 June 2020. Childcare services which reopen on 29 June will be able to continue to claim the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme for their staff.
908. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons in receipt of the temporary wage subsidy scheme payment or the Covid-19 payment that deem themselves to be employees within the remit of her Department. [10826/20]
View answerThe Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was introduced as a time-limited emergency measure to support the childcare sector during the closure period required by the COVID-19 crisis.
The number of childcare staff in receipt of the TWSC, as of the 12th June 2020, is 17,033.
I recently announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of childcare facilities from 29 June. In light of the announcement of these financial support measures the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme will conclude on 28 June 2020, however the wider Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme remains open beyond this date.
909. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a solution has been provided for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11042/20]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Education and Skills (DES). HSCL posts are allocated by the Department of Education and Skills to schools which are part of the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme.
The Tusla Educational Support Service has advised that a review of HSCL provision in Longford town area was carried out by Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), arising from repeated requests for increased resources from all the principals in the Longford town area, including the Gaelscoil Longfoirt.
TESS submitted this review to the Social Inclusion Unit in the Department of Education and Skills (DES) for consideration. The DES is about to undertake a national review of the DEIS programme and my understanding is that any realignment of DEIS resources (including HSCL posts) is to be addressed under that review.
910. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to reinstate ECCE for those attending school in September 2020 in view of the fact they have missed three months of learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11055/20]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a free universal pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range.
ECCE services are operated by childcare providers under contract to my Department. The ECCE contract year runs from late August to end June each year.
Childcare services are permitted to reopen from 29 June under the Government's Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business. ECCE services do not operate in July and August, and so the ECCE programme will reopen on August 24th for the 2020-2021programme year.
911. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of proposals made by her Department regarding childcare provision for healthcare workers since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis; and the date each proposal was sent to the Department of Health or NPHET. [11142/20]
View answerAt the request of the Department of Health and the HSE, my Department developed a proposal for childcare for essential health workers which was initially considered by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on 16th March. Over the course of the following six weeks my Department worked with the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to further develop that proposal and to provide updated papers and additional information to the NPHET on the matter.
The NPHET considered further papers on childcare for essential health workers on 31st March, 3rd April and 21st April and the matter was a recurring agenda item for the NPHET meetings over that period.
A proposal for childcare for essential health workers was included in the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and was due to commence on 18th May. The Deputy will be aware that the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers did not proceed on the 18th May as planned. The scheme was launched with a call to childcare services to volunteer to provide childcare for health workers in their homes. Unfortunately, uptake for the scheme among childcare providers was much lower than was hoped.
My Department's efforts are now fully focused on the reopening of the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector on 29th June.
912. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason training has not been provided to childcare professionals prior to the introduction of the redeveloped regime (details supplied); the reason inspections under the quality regulatory framework commenced prior to that training being provided; when the training will be provided to childcare professionals; the person or body commissioned to devise the training course; the cost of the training course to date; if penalties will be applied to compensate for the delay in providing the training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11336/20]
View answerAs the matter to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly within 10 working days.
913. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an analysis has been carried out of the financial burden Covid-19 infection controls such as social distancing, reduced capacity and other measures will have on childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11337/20]
View answerOn 10 June 2020, I announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services. In accordance with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and guided by the expert advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), ELC and SAC services can resume from 29 June. I am pleased that Government have committed a €75m package of funding for reopening services over the summer months. This substantial investment recognises the important role that the ELC and SAC sector plays in the societal and economic infrastructure of the country.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
- A once-off reopening support payment for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
- Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes. NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
An evidence-based approach was taken to develop this funding package. My Department undertook primary research to help forecast supply of, and demand for, ELC and SAC in the initial reopening period. Data was used from the Independent Review of Costs, which show that staff costs represent approximately 70 percent of the cost of delivering ELC and SAC - a significant portion of which is funded through the TWSS.
In developing the funding package, I recognise that a reduced number of children are likely to attend ELC and SAC services in the initial weeks of reopening. This funding package is tailored to allow providers to operate with potentially less parental income and to assist in meeting the possible costs associated with complying with public health requirements. The TWSS, in particular ensures a very significant proportion of the operating costs are met by the State.
Expert guidance on the safe reopening of ELC and SAC services during the COVID-19 pandemic was published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on 29 May. The guidance recommends use of a “play pod” model which restricts interactions between closed groups of children and adults as an alternative to social distancing, on the basis that social distancing is not possible between young children. Based on advice provided by the HPSC, I do not propose to changes to Regulations in relation to either the adult-child ratios or the floor-space requirements for ELC or SAC services as such changes are unnecessary where "play pods" are in use. My Department has made the HPSC guidance and a number of other resources available to providers to assist them with reopening and to understand what is required of them.
The funding package will also ensure that ELC and SAC providers will not charge higher fees than they did pre-COVID-19. This will benefit parents and children returning to services.
A detailed set of FAQs was published on 12 June to ensure that providers are fully informed of the new funding package. My officials will ensure that the application process will be as straightforward as possible.
A key policy priority for my Department is the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector and hence it has and continues to work intensively to support services to re-open after COVID-19. The reopening funding aims to support providers to reopen, staff to remain in the sector, parents to resume work, and children to benefit from quality ELC and SAC.
914. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to make changes to the ECCE capitation rate for childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11338/20]
View answerI recently announced a funding package of €75m to facilitate the reopening of Early Learning and services from June 29. ECCE service will be eligible for funding under both the Reopening Grant and the Covid-19 Capital Grant schemes. This will support ECCE services to reopen.
My Department is currently finalising contracts for the 2020/21 contract year for all Department funded schemes, including ECCE, which includes the capitation rate.
915. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1124 of 20 May 2020, if the minutes of all meetings held by the advisory group tasked with overseeing the phased reopening of childcare services will be published; if same can be made available following each session of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11339/20]
View answerThe Advisory Group on Planning for the Phased Reopening of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare was convened to inform work on reopening services in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Group are as follows:
- To identify key issues to be considered by DCYA in developing the Plan for Phased Reopening of ELC/SAC services
- To support DCYA with the identification of existing evidence and/or the generation of new evidence to inform the work
- To propose options and/or provide feedback on options under consideration by the DCYA
- To contribute to the development of resources for parents, providers and practitioners
- To formally engage and consult with others stakeholders, including wider members of the Early Years Forum on elements of the Plan at the direction of the DCYA and provide feedback.
- To support the DCYA with dissemination of the final Plan.
This Group held an inaugural meeting on 13 May 2020 and has worked intensively since this time. The Group has met on seven occasions to date.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference, my Department provides secretariat to Advisory Group and prepares minutes from each meeting to record decisions taken and actions agreed.
The minute from meetings will be published on my Department’s website once agreed and approved by the members of the Advisory Group. Minutes already approved will be published very shortly.
916. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grant supports or other assistance that will be made available to a new childcare facility that plans to open in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11340/20]
View answerMy Department funds Tusla registered childcare services to provide both the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme to eligible children. New Tusla registered early learning and care and school age childcare services are eligible to participate in both ECCE and the NCS.
My Department also provides support through the 31 City and County Childcare Committees across the country (CCC's). The relevant CCC will assist in the setting up of this new service and provide advice and support on accessing my Department's funded childcare programmes.
917. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason Tusla is planning to decentralise its national remit for domestic sexual and gender-based violence to local structures (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11349/20]
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.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). The operations of the Agency and organisational structures designed to ensure effective delivery of services in line with government policy and strategy is a matter for Tusla's management and Board.
Tusla has advised that where organisational reform is planned, it will be with a view to strengthening governance, allowing for more local influence and leadership of services and enhancing integration for all Tusla and Tusla commissioned services with State services. Any organisational reform would follow a period of engagement, information and consultation, including stakeholders in the DSGBV sector.
Tusla has assured the Department that service provision for victims of DSGBV will not be affected by any organisational reform.
918. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the supports available to business owners operating a childcare facility for those not on payroll and who are currently on the Covid-19 pandemic payment and in receipt of €300 to use towards business expenses once the pandemic payment ends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11377/20]
View answerOn 10 June 2020, I announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services. In accordance with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and guided by the expert advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), ELC and SAC services can resume from 29 June. I am pleased that Government have committed a €75m package of funding for reopening services over the summer months. This substantial investment recognises the important role that the ELC and SAC sector plays in the societal and economic infrastructure of the country.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
- A once-off reopening support payment for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September
- A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September
- Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
- Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes. NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
Services run by sole traders, who are not on the payroll, can apply for the full range of DCYA supports outlined above, including the capital grant and the reopening grant, as well as operating the DCYA ELC and SAC programmes.
If such a service has employees, they may also be eligible to continue to participate in the Revenue operated TWSS, which has been extended to the end of August, to assist in meeting wage costs.
Sole traders who remain closed as a result of COVID-19 may continue to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as an income support, provided that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for this payment.
In developing the funding package, I recognise that a reduced number of children are likely to attend ELC and SAC services in the initial weeks of reopening. This funding package is tailored to allow providers to operate with potentially less parental income and to assist in meeting the possible costs associated with complying with public health requirements.
The funding package will also ensure that ELC and SAC providers will not charge higher fees than they did pre-COVID-19. This will benefit parents and children returning to services.
A detailed set of FAQs was published on 12 June to ensure that providers are fully informed of the new funding package. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks. My officials will ensure that the application process will be as straightforward as possible.
A key policy priority for my Department is the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector and hence it has and continues to work intensively to support services to re-open after COVID-19. The reopening funding aims to support providers to reopen, staff to remain in the sector, parents to resume work, and children to benefit from quality ELC and SAC.
919. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the capital funding that will be provided to assist in the provision of new and-or upgraded childcare accommodation to meet new requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11379/20]
View answerI recently announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of childcare facilities from 29 June, including a once-off capital grant of €14.2M.
All registered centre based services re-opening between 29 June and the beginning of September can avail of this grant:
This grant can be used by services to help them to adhere to the reopening guidelines by improving hygiene facilities and outdoor play areas.
The capital grant will be allocated in accordance with the following:
|
Number of children on DCYA schemes per service |
Grant value € |
|
1-11 |
1000 |
|
12-40 |
2500 |
|
41-100 |
4500 |
|
101 + |
6000 |
Applications for the Capital Grant will open shortly and childcare service providers will be notified by Pobal of the application date. Payments will issue from June 26.
920. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding that will be provided to assist in the provision of childcare by private and community childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11380/20]
View answerOn 10 June 2020, I announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services. In accordance with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and guided by the expert advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), ELC and SAC services can resume from 29 June. I am pleased that Government have committed a €75m package of funding for reopening services over the summer months. This substantial investment recognises the important role that the ELC and SAC sector plays in the societal and economic infrastructure of the country.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
- A once-off reopening support payment for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
- Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes. NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
This funding is available to both community and private providers, so long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
In developing the funding package, I recognise that a reduced number of children are likely to attend ELC and SAC services in the initial weeks of reopening. This funding package is tailored to allow providers to operate with potentially less parental income and to assist in meeting the possible costs associated with complying with public health requirements.
The funding package will also ensure that ELC and SAC providers will not charge higher fees than they did pre-COVID-19. This will benefit parents and children returning to services.
Services experiencing difficulties for any reason can contact their local CCC for support. The Department oversees a Case Management process through which local CCCs and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to early learning and care services.
Financial supports, which may also be accessed through the Case Management process, remain available for community services presenting with the kinds of sustainability issues that arise in normal times. While both Community and Private services play a vital role in their communities, financial supports are currently targeted at the Community Sector.
A detailed set of FAQs was published on 12 June to ensure that providers are fully informed of the new funding package. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks. My officials will ensure that the application process will be as straightforward as possible.
A key policy priority for my Department is the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector and hence it has and continues to work intensively to support services to re-open after COVID-19. The reopening funding aims to support providers to reopen, staff to remain in the sector, parents to resume work, and children to benefit from quality ELC and SAC.
921. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11413/20]
View answerI received a Seventh Interim Report from the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) on 03 June 2020. In its short update the Commission says its final report is very close to completion but it has encountered delays as a direct result of Covid-19 restrictions. For this reason, the Commission requested an extension to complete its work in accordance with the provisions of the Commissions of Investigations Act 2004.
Notably, the Commission first advised me that it would require additional time to complete its final report in a phone call the day before it submitted this formal request.
At its meeting on Friday 12 June, the Government agreed to amend the Commission’s terms of reference to provide for the extension sought. The final report is now due to be delivered on 30 October 2020 at the latest. The Government recognises that the public interest is best served by facilitating the Commission to produce an evidence based determination on what happened to vulnerable mothers and children in these institutions. The Commission has engaged with hundreds of former residents in its work and is attempting to comprehensively analyse information at a level beyond what has ever been possible to date. In agreeing to this further extension, the Government’s priority is to safeguard this substantial work so that the independent Commission can comprehensively address these crucial questions and conclude matters as expeditiously as possible in accordance with the legislative framework.
I know many former residents and their families will be deeply disappointed with this delay. However, I also know that they will understand the overwhelming impact which Covid-19 and the associated public health restrictions have had on all our lives. My Department used existing channels of communication to ensure that former residents, their families and supporters were the first to be made aware of the new timeframe ahead of this information appearing in the media.
The Deputy may also wish to note that when a Commission submits its final report there are a number of procedural matters which must be addressed before the relevant Minister could seek the approval of Government to publish the report. For this reason there will always be a time interval between receipt of such reports and the separate arrangements for their publication.
I share the wish of all interested parties to see the Commission conclude its work as quickly as possible.
922. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a financial package will be made available to the childcare sector to allow childcare centres to reopen on 29 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11460/20]
View answerOn 10 June 2020, I announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services. In accordance with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and guided by the expert advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), ELC and SAC services can resume from 29 June. I am pleased that Government have committed a €75m package of funding for reopening services over the summer months. This substantial investment recognises the important role that the ELC and SAC sector plays in the societal and economic infrastructure of the country.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
- A once-off reopening support payment for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
- Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes. NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
In developing the funding package, I recognise that a reduced number of children are likely to attend ELC and SAC services in the initial weeks of reopening. This funding package is tailored to allow providers to operate with potentially less parental income and to assist in meeting the possible costs associated with complying with public health requirements.
The funding package will also ensure that ELC and SAC providers will not charge higher fees than they did pre-COVID-19. This will benefit parents and children returning to services.
A detailed set of FAQs was published on 12 June to ensure that providers are fully informed of the new funding package. My officials will ensure that the application process will be as straightforward as possible.
A key policy priority for my Department is the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector and hence it has and continues to work intensively to support services to reopen after COVID-19. The reopening funding aims to support providers to reopen, staff to remain in the sector, parents to resume work, and children to benefit from quality ELC and SAC.
923. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if certainty will be provided for parents and crèche owners by reactivating the CCS in view of the fact that crèches cannot plan adequately (details supplied) and are due to open on 29 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11554/20]
View answerThe Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCS) was merged with the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) scheme at the beginning of the 2019-20 programme year in August 2019. CCSP, which has been in place since 2016, has identical eligibility criteria, levels of service and band rates as CCS.
As the Deputy is aware on 10 June I announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of childcare facilities from 29 June.
As part of these the measures all DCYA funding schemes, including universal subsidies and targeted subsidies for parents (NCS, CCSP and TEC) will be available again for children attending Early Learning and Childcare services from the reopening date 29 June.
The CCSP programme closed to new applications on 15th November 2019 following the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), however CCSP continues to be available to those who were on the programme when all childcare facilities closed on March 12 due to Covid-19.
924. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the future of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence units nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11557/20]
View answer926. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress of the domestic violence accommodation review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11559/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 924 and 926 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding and coordination supports to some 60 organisations that deliver a range of services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) throughout the country.
In 2019, €25.3 million was allocated to DSGBV services, an increase of €1.5 million over 2018. This funding has been maintained in 2020. This represents an overall increase of €4.7 million in funding in this area since 2016.
This additional funding is being used for the further investment and development of these services. A proportion of funding provided in 2019, will allow for 12 new outreach workers for women and children affected by domestic violence to improve access to support and services, and the roll out of a 12 week healing programme for children who have been impacted by domestic abuse.
Tusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of DSGBV. It is currently undertaking a Strategic Accommodation Review with regard to the current status of domestic violence accommodation services nationwide. I have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on the Strategic Accommodation Review, and on current plans for the future of DSGBV units.
925. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a progress report will be provided on employing the promised domestic abuse worker in Tusla in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11558/20]
View answerTusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to almost 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
In 2019, I was pleased to be in a position to provide Tusla with €1.5 million in additional funding for the provision of domestic sexual and gender-based violence services. Part of this funding was allocated for the employment of 12 additional outreach workers for women and children affected by domestic violence in identified areas of need in Counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway and Wicklow. This funding is being maintained in 2020.
Following a needs analysis project by Tusla in 2019, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown was identified as requiring access to additional services. Tusla conducted a commissioning process to identify service providers that would lead on service provision, which was completed in September 2019.
As the procurement of outreach workers is an operational matter, I have requested that Tusla respond to you directly on this issue.
927. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number and name of women's refuges nationwide; the funding models for running the refuges; the up-front costs for sourcing the buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11560/20]
View answerTusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to some 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). The Tusla website provides information on refuges across the country: https://www.tusla.ie/services/new-domestic-sexual-and-gender-based-violence/select-a-support-below/refuges-accommodation/
With regard to any future provision of refuge spaces, and the costs of sourcing buildings, it should be noted that the responsibility for capital investment in new refuges falls under the remit of a number of Government bodies. Tusla has been in contact with funded organisations in relation to a Strategic Review of Domestic Violence Accommodation to inform Tusla's future commissioning of domestic violence emergency accommodation services, and to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met. Tusla will carry out further engagements as the year progresses with a view to finalising the review. Future developments will be informed by the findings of the review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to individual services that provide emergency refuge accommodation to victims of domestic violence and the funding models agreed with Tusla for those organisations.
928. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department will operate a helpline for providers in advance of and during the reopening of crèches and early learning facilities. [11626/20]
View answerThe Deputy is aware that the COVID-19 Pandemic has created major challenges for Ireland. The sudden closure of centre-based Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services on 12th March was an unexpected but necessary move to safeguard public health in Ireland.
My Department has been working through the significant challenges of a phased reopening of Early Learning and Care (ELC) facilities for 29 June, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
We have also been focused on supporting service providers to reopen. I was pleased to announce a €75m comprehensive support package for the sector on 10 June to this effect, and a set of FAQs issued to providers on 12 June in relation to these supports. Providers have also received a suite of materials providing guidance on hygiene practices and general operation once they reopen.
Since the closure of all Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) settings on 12 March, Pobal’s Early Years Provider Centre has continued to provide a range of supports to service providers; including through email and the online HIVE platform. The HIVE platform is the dedicated early years programme portal for service providers. It is a user-friendly platform through which Pobal and service providers interact.
The Early Years Provider Centre paused their call channel in early April to focus their service to providers through email and the HIVE. The projected timeline is that the call channel will reopen by the beginning of July.
Service providers can continue to contact Pobal’s Early Years Provider Centre; through email (eypc@pobal.ie ) and the online HIVE for any assistance.
In addition, providers can access support and guidance from their local County Childcare Committee, contacts details for which are available myccc.ie
