Written Answers Nos. 97-141
97. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress in meeting the ambitious but important target of doubling public investment in early learning and care and school-age childcare by 2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40648/20]
View answerFirst 5 the ten-year Strategy on Babies and Young Children, was published in November 2018 and pledged to double investment in early learning and care and school-age childcare over the period 2019-2028.
In order to double investment from the 2018 baseline, we will need to invest an additional €485 million over the lifetime of the Strategy.
I recently published the First 5 Annual Implementation Report which demonstrates very good progress made on First 5 actions, including this target. In Budget 2019, an additional €89.6m was allocated to early learning and childcare. A further €63.5m was secured in Budget 2020. Cumulatively, this represents 31% of the First 5 target to double investment over ten years.
This 31% progress towards the 2028 target excludes the very significant State support provided to this sector since the onset of COVID-19. This year, in addition to the planned budget for the year, we have allocated an estimated €200m to services through the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme, Reopening Support Grant, COVID-19 Capital Grant and Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
This is in addition to other supports such as the waiving of commercial rates and the Restart Grant. On top of this, we project that the value of EWSS to services in the first quarter of 2021 will amount to some €70m.
I believe that this represents good progress in achieving such a substantial increase in investment in this important area. I am committed to making further progress on the First 5 target. This will require a significant commitment of resources in successive Budgets, based on high-quality data and evidence on the need for additional investment.
I want to make sure that the extra investment is properly targeted and achieves greater affordability and higher quality. The recommendations of the Expert Group to develop a new funding model, which began its work in October 2019, will be critical in informing how we use additional investment.
This Group is independently chaired and is composed of national and international experts, as well as policy experts from across Government Departments. Recommendations from this Group are expected next Autumn. These recommendations will set out how the additional funding pledged in First 5 delivers optimally for children, families and the State.
99. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he plans to publish a review of domestic violence accommodation provision. [40750/20]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice.
Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
Tusla is currently undertaking a review of emergency accommodation nationwide. This will assess the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation. Substantial progress has been made on a number of processes which contribute to the review.
These include a literature review, consultations with stakeholders, geographical and census data analysis, consultation with service users and policy analysis. The literature review is now complete.
The review's findings and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the Second National Strategy on DSGBV will inform Tusla's future decisions on priority areas for investment and development of services. Tusla has advised me that the report will be published next April.
It is of the utmost importance that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible. I strongly support the work of Tusla and its funded service providers and I am committed to supporting the Agency in meeting the needs of individuals who experience domestic violence.
I look forward to responding to Tusla's audit of refuge accommodation across the country and to ensuring that new refuges are appropriately designed and located.
While funding will be crucial to our success in tackling DSGBV, it is imperative that we have the right structures in place to allow the Government to respond as effectively as possible. Under the Programme for Government, we have committed to undertaking an audit of responsibility for DSGBV across Departments and State agencies.
The procurement process to secure the expertise to conduct this audit is under way, in conjunction with my colleague the Minister for Justice. We expect that audit to be completed without delay, and the Government will act on the basis of that audit.
100. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number and amounts of capital grants for the provision of domestic violence and abuse refuges between 1 January 2016 and 1 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40782/20]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice. Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The provision of capital funding for domestic violence refuges is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Capital development costs for new domestic violence refuges are supported through the Capital Assistance Scheme, which is overseen by the Department of Housing and is managed by local authorities.
Under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), capital funding of up to 100% of project costs may be advanced by local authorities to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide housing for specific categories of people in need.
Those seeking Capital funding through this scheme for domestic violence accommodation are advised to engage with their local authority and with Tusla, at the beginning stages of planning. In certain circumstances, the housing needs of victims of domestic violence can also be addressed by the provision of accommodation by local authorities from their own stock of housing.
I am informed that in 2019, 17 units of accommodation for victims of domestic violence were provided under the Capital Assistance Scheme.
In addition to capital costs, delivery of additional family units of accommodation would require significant strategic funding, planning and collaboration between Government Departments, local authorities and State agencies.
It is imperative that we have the right structures in place to allow the Government to respond as effectively as possible to all the issues associated with addressing DSGBV and supporting victims of these crimes.
Under the Programme for Government, we have committed to undertaking an audit of responsibility for DSGBV across Departments and State agencies to that we can ensure a more effective and holistic infrastructure is established to respond to DSGBV.
The procurement process to secure the expertise to conduct this audit is under way, in conjunction with my colleague Minister McEntee in the Department of Justice. We expect that audit to be completed quickly, and the Government will act on the basis of that audit.
101. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the preparations his Department is making to enable provision of personal data to survivors of mother and baby homes in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39848/20]
View answerThe archives of the Commission of Investigation will be transferred to my Department by 28 February 2021, when the Commission of Investigation is dissolved. My Department is working intensively to ensure that it is properly resourced to handle subject access requests from possibly very large numbers of people who were resident in mother and baby homes.
In that regard, they are also liaising with the Office of the Attorney General to clarify the nature of the balancing tests which must apply to the release of personal information, both under the GDPR itself as transposed by the Data Protection Act 2018, and under section 39 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, as amended by the Data Protection Act 2018.
The right to personal data is not an unqualified one, and it is vital that in providing a person with information, we do not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others as protected by law. In addition, the particular legal regime applying to a Commission of Investigation requires us to consider whether release of data may prejudice the effective operation of commissions and the future cooperation of witnesses.
That said, I want to emphasise that I am committed to ensuring that information is made available as freely as possible, within the confines of the law.
I have already reached out to a number of experts- national and international- and sought a meeting to hear their considered views on these matters. My officials are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General and I will ensure that any independent views are shared with that Office.
However, ultimately, under the law as it stands, there will be constraints on the information which can be released. This underlines the importance of enacting a robust legal regime to underpin access to birth information and tracing services.
I have given a commitment in this regard, that I will bring forward fresh proposals on information and tracing next year. The intention is that the legislation will support individuals to access more information than is currently accessible to them under GDPR or FOI.
At a practical level, My Department is urgently examining the resource requirements to ensure that a potentially large volume of subject access requests can be managed in a timely and effective manner. This will involve the development of suitable in-house expertise, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Data Protection Commissioner.
102. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports offered to males by Tusla who are survivors of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40767/20]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
Tusla currently allocates funding to two organisations that provide dedicated services for male victims of domestic abuse. The Men’s Development Network and Men’s Aid Ireland both offer a range of services to support male victims. In 2020, core funding for Men’s Aid Ireland was €239,900, and funding for the Men’s Development Network was €166,260.
The Men’s Development Network provide a National Male Advice Line, providing practical advice, information and emotional support to male victims of domestic abuse. The service also delivers a Counselling Service to male victims and a Family Intervention Programme. The organisation works at a national level to support male victims of domestic abuse.
Tusla has supported the organisation in providing this helpline since 2019. I understand that the Department of Justice provided extra funding of up to €39,340 at the start of COVID-19 to extend the operating hours for the Male Advice Line and secure extra telephone support for the perpetrator programme, and to deliver a promotional campaign.
Men’s Aid Ireland is a service supporting men and their families experiencing domestic violence. The organisation provides a helpline, clinics offering advice about legal protection, advocacy and practical supports, counselling, and court accompaniment services at the Family Courts in Dublin.
The helpline is available to men nationwide. Men’s Aid Ireland also provides Outreach Clinics in Counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath, where it provides one-to-one in-person supports.
Refuges in Ireland are high support services that provide safe and short-term accommodation for women and children at high risk of harm from domestic violence. This service model is in line with many other countries, where victims of domestic violence have been identified to be predominantly women at risk of violence from men.
Tusla acknowledges that there are undoubtedly some men that would benefit from access to refuge-type accommodation. However, Tusla does not have information that would indicate a significant level of need amongst men for the current model of refuge.
Tusla is currently undertaking a review of emergency accommodation nationwide. The review will provide insight into current distribution of services and unmet needs.
Tusla will continue to engage with key stakeholders, and the experiences of service providers that work with men, to determine the level of need and models of safe accommodation that may address the needs of male victims of DSGBV.
All organisations working with victims of domestic violence will seek to support someone at risk, regardless of gender or access to refuge. Tusla has funded access to safe accommodation outside of a refuge setting during COVID-19, where support is required.
I have committed to meeting with Men's Aid to discuss their work, and my office is arranging that meeting for early 2021.
103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capital funding provided in 2020 towards the provision of new and upgraded childcare accommodation; the level of funding that will be provided in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40770/20]
View answerMy Department has, since 2015, administered an annual capital funding programme, under which early learning and care and school-age childcare services providers are invited to apply for capital funding to increase capacity and to maintain and improve their services.
The 2020 Capital programme was launched on 26 February with a budget of €7.2million allocated across three strands: the creation of new places for 0-3 year olds; works required for regulatory compliance for community services and the creation of new school age places.
However, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was necessary to suspend the 2020 Capital programme on 26 March.
In June 2020 as part of a funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care services, an additional €7million was allocated to early learning and care Capital funding, resulting in a total budget of €14.2 million.
The €14.2 million capital fund was allocated to providers to support them to reopen over the summer months and to meet the reopening guidance in line with Public Health advice.
With regard to capital funding for 2021, the available budget for allocation to early learning and care service is €8.3million.
Whilst in recent years an objective of the funding has often been to extend capacity, I am responding to a different need for 2021.
COVID has reduced demand for some early learning and childcare services, and although this will hopefully be reversed soon, there is no evidence at this time of a need to increase capacity. Also, the rapid expansion we required in recent years, for example, to almost double ECCE places to accommodate a second year, has been delivered.
Given my absolute priority to keep children safe, I have decided that first call on the 2021 funding will be given to ensuring fire safety in early learning and childcare services around the country.
Tulsa, the independent regulator of the sector, requires that providers submit a fire safety certificate as part of the statutory registration process. Many services have already re-registered and submitted a fire safety certificate and some have re-registered subject to submitting an up to date Fire Safety Certificate in 2021. Some services may need to carry out remedial works to receive a Fire Safety Certificate, but the costs for this can be prohibitive, especially in the current extenuating circumstances of COVID.
As such, my Department will offer a Fire Safety Capital Grant through Pobal in early 2021 to contribute towards the costs of required remedial works. Further details will be made available in the coming days.
If any of the €8.3million available is not required for this purpose, my Department will distribute the balance by way of a second round of grants, which will focus on outdoor play. Further detail on this will be announced in early April 2021.
104. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the consultation events with early years’ service providers and practitioners which his Department undertook in October 2020 as part of the important process of developing career pathways which recognise skills and qualifications and encourage continuing professional development in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40653/20]
View answerAs part of ongoing work to produce a Workforce Development Plan for the early learning and care and school age childcare sector, my Department carried out an online public consultation process between August and October this year. This was done in conjunction with a public consultation process on the development of a new funding model for the sector.
The consultation process included an online call for submissions which was open for six weeks from August to October. This written consultation process was widely publicised and was open to anyone to participate. This was then followed by a series of nine online consultation events that were open to anyone who took part in the earlier written consultation, and which allowed more in-depth exploration of issues raised. These online events took place between the 12th and 22nd of October.
Additionally, an open information webinar was held on 22 September to share information about the process and encourage participation. A second open information webinar is scheduled for 16 December, at which findings from the consultation process will be presented.
Reports on the findings of the consultation process are being drafted at present. The findings of the consultation process will be incorporated into the ongoing work on a Workforce Development Plan and a new Funding Model. The Workforce Development Plan, which is due to be finalised later in 2021, includes consideration of career pathways, role profiles, qualification requirements, and continued professional development opportunities for those working in the sector.
I will be happy to share the details of the consultation with the Deputy when the findings have been collated and documented.
105. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which his Department will improve on the progress in the implementation of the first five plan, the ten-year, whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young persons and their families, the first annual implementation report of which showed a completion rate of 69%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40652/20]
View answerFirst 5 was published in November 2018. This Strategy, a constituent strategy under Better Outcomes Brighter Futures (BOBF), focuses on the period of early childhood and takes a joined-up, cross-government approach to supporting babies, young children and their families during these early years. It identifies approximately 150 actions to be progressed in the initial implementation phase.
The Implementation Plan, published in May 2019, covers this first phase and identifies key milestones for each action across 2019, 2020 and 2021. Implementation structures are located within BOBF’s implementation framework. Added to this is an Implementation Office, Inter Departmental Group and an Annual Implementation Report. The measurability of the actions committed to, the oversight structures, and the transparent approach to monitoring are described by the BOBF Advisory Council as ‘a model for other strategies’.
The Implementation Report 2019 monitors progress on all 305 milestones for 2019 - illustrating 69% of milestones were met by end 2019. This completion rate can be explained by several factors.
Owing to the publication of the Implementation Plan in May 2019, the first year of implementation was not a full calendar year. The timeline for some milestones was deliberately changed and other milestones were merged with others – both for practical and valid reasons. In addition, there was some delays in putting resources in place. Many 2019 milestones required resourcing through the estimates process. In some instances, approval of expenditure was not possible due to competing priorities at the time.
The completion rate does not reflect the full picture of progress. Owing to COVID-19, the publication of the Annual Implementation Report was delayed. This provided an opportunity to update progress on 2019 milestones. This demonstrated continued commitment to implementation. By end 2020, 90% of 2019 milestone will be met. For accountability purposes, unmet milestones will be monitored and reported on in subsequent annual reports.
The Programme for Government reaffirmed a commitment to First 5 implementation. We are continuing to make good progress with colleagues across other Departments and Agencies, building on the positive work that has taken place under First 5 to ensure children get the best possible start in life.
107. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the use of approved housing bodies to deliver housing for international protection applicants. [40187/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to ending the Direct Provision system and replacing it with a new International Protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper which will set out options, together with the recommended direction, for the new model of accommodation and services for International Protection applicants and the transitional processes needed to implement the model. Options for developing a not-for-profit approach are currently being examined in this regard.
108. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions he has taken to date to ensure the commented operation of Comhairle na nÓg in the context of Covid-19 restrictions. [40752/20]
View answerThe importance of listening to children and young people is fundamental to the work of my Department and, to that end, Ireland is unique in Europe in having a National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-making. My Department is responsible for policy leadership in the participation of children and young people in decision-making and for oversight of participation structures including Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg.
Maintaining the operation of Comhairle na nÓg has been a priority since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency. My Department worked quickly to ensure supports were in place to assist Local Authorities and Comhairle co-ordinators in their role as convenors of local Comhairle na nÓg.
My Department developed COVID-19 Youth Sector Guidance to support both youth work and youth participation work. This Guidance was communicated to all Local Authorities and Comhairle co-ordinators to drive their operating plans during restrictions.
By moving to an online model, Comhairle Co-ordinators could continue to engage with their members throughout COVID-19 restrictions and continue to ensure that young people are a central part of decision-making structures in their communities.
An additional fund of €93,000 was provided to allow Comhairlí to purchase ICT equipment, thereby sustaining the ongoing operation of Comhairle through online means.
I am very happy to confirm that, as a result of the work of all those responsible for Comhairle na nÓg, all 31 Comhairle na nÓg AGMs have taken place on a virtual platform this year. The work of the National Executive of Comhairle na nÓg progressed in relation to their selected topic of Sustainable Transport Solutions. Moreover, on December 5th, the Comhairle na nÓg Showcase will take place online for the first time ever.
The Showcase line-up will include a host of special guests, including young people who will talk about the impact Comhairle has had on them. Adult decision-makers such as the Taoiseach and myself will talk about how we will engage with Comhairle members and members will vote to decide the future direction of the important work of the National Executive.
109. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress in examining the introduction of a new ground of discrimination, based on socioeconomic disadvantaged status to the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40769/20]
View answer119. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the need to legislate to introduce a new ground of discrimination on socioeconomic grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40751/20]
View answer134. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will publish legislation to introduce socioeconomic status as a grounds for discrimination as set out in the Programme for Government. [40780/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 119 and 134 together.
The Government is committed to examining the introduction of a new ground of discrimination, based on socio-economic disadvantaged status, to the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts.
A research report on socio-economic disadvantage as a new grounds of discrimination has been commissioned and is currently being carried out by UCD. I am informed that the research has been delayed because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. However, I hope to receive the report in the near future and I will consider the appropriate next steps thereafter.
110. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to bring forward a white paper on the future of accommodation for persons in the international protection system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40774/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the Direct Provision system and replace it with a new International Protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper and examining options for moving to an not-for-profit approach. Consultations have taken place in this regard with relevant Government Departments, with the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children, the HSE, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and with the City and County Managers' Association.
In addition, accommodation centre residents and civil society organisations with refugee policy/practice and housing policy/practice expertise (including Approved Housing Bodies) have been consulted.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the replacement of the Direct Provision system of accommodation provision with a system which responds more appropriately to the needs of those seeking international protection.
111. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps taken to implement the expert advisory group report on direct provision. [40186/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to ending the Direct Provision system and replacing it with a new International Protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper. The recommendations of the Advisory Group will inform the White Paper and these are being carefully examined at the moment. Consultations have also taken place with the Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and the City and County Managers' Association.
In addition, representatives of accommodation centre residents and civil society organisations with refugee policy/practice expertise and housing policy/practice expertise (including Approved Housing Bodies) have been consulted.
In tandem with developing the White Paper my Department is in discussions with the HSE to enable formal vulnerability assessments for international protection applicants by the end of the year. This will ensure that a coherent process is in place for both the health and non-health aspects required in formalised assessments. My Department is also engaged with HIQA with regard to monitoring the implementation of national standards for IPAS Accommodation Centres that were published in 2019. These standards will come into effect in January 2021.
The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Justice has responsibility of the processing of international protection applications and has established a programme board to oversee the process of implementing recommendations from the Advisory Group Report.
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the report into the mother and baby homes is expected to published; the preparations being made for the report in terms of support for victims and the provision of information under GDPR to persons affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40788/20]
View answer113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the final report of the mother and baby homes commission of investigation will be published; the legal basis on which he immediately referred the report to the Attorney General having received it from the Commission as outlined in his statement on 30 October 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40643/20]
View answer118. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the sixth interim report of the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes will be made public; when the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39847/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113 and 118 together.
Following its five year statutory inquiry, the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters delivered its Final Report to me on 30 October last.
I signalled previously that there would be a short time interval between receipt of the report and its publication, having regard to the procedural issues to be considered prior to publication.
One of the matters undertaken was to refer the almost 3,000 page report to the Attorney General, as the legal advisor to the Government, to ascertain if there were any legal impediments to publication. The basis for this referral to the Attorney derives from Section 38 (2) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, and the obligation on me to consider whether publication of the final report might prejudice any criminal proceedings that are pending or in progress, and if so to apply to the Court for directions. The Attorney's views were sought to assist me in this consideration.
I committed to publishing the report as soon as possible and the necessary considerations are being expedited to enable this to happen. It is essential that this is done in the right way with former residents being given the priority and support they deserve.
In recent weeks I have spoken by telephone to a number of former residents and advocates in this area. I have listened carefully to their views and concerns. Many have cautioned me on the heightened sensitivities of publication of a report of this nature so close to Christmas. I am mindful too that the uncertainty around when those affected will be able to read the report could add to their anxiety.
For these reasons, and in the hope of offering some reassurance, I am confirming today that I will bring a Memorandum to Government in the week of 11 January next, seeking approval to publish the Report immediately. I also intend to publish the Sixth Interim Report from the Commission at that time.
I recognise how important it is that former residents and their families are the first to be notified of plans to publish the Report. In acknowledgement of this, I advised former residents earlier today of the planned publication arrangements through established channels.
I know we will not have reached the many thousands with a connection to these matters, but it was important to do what was possible to ensure former residents are given the recognition and respect to which they are entitled. I have also highlighted the counselling supports available to those who may feel they need additional support.
Additional resources have been made available to the Health Service Executive in 2020 to put in place dedicated and enhanced counselling and patient advocacy services for former residents of these institutions. Available capacity in these services will be primed to respond to the anticipated increased demand when the report is published.
An information line has also been established in my Department and all relevant contact information is on my Department's website.
The Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Act 2020 provides for the deposit of the Commission's database with Tusla, in addition to transferring a copy of this data, together with the Commission's entire archive of records, to me as the prescribed Minister. The archive will be transferred to my Department by 28 February next. Thereafter, my Department will be able to process subject access requests from people who wish to seek access to personal information that may be contained within these records.
The database compiled by the Commission during the course of its investigation is a digital record of the mothers and children who spent time in 15 of the 18 institutions which were under investigation. This system will be an invaluable resource for Tusla now, and for whatever statutory body will be charged with information and tracing services into the future. The legislation also outlines the current restrictions placed on Tusla for the use of the database in delivering its services.
My Department is working intensively to ensure that it is prepared to appropriately manage subject access requests in respect of records within the archive and to provide people with as much personal data as possible. In that regard, my officials are also liaising with the Office of the Attorney General to clarify the nature of the balancing tests which must apply to the release of personal information, both under the GDPR itself as transposed by the Data Protection Act 2018, and under section 39 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, as amended by the Data Protection Act 2018. As certain records may contain mixed personal data, it is vital that my Department, in processing subject access requests, ensures that the rights of all parties are protected in accordance with law.
114. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has read the report by an organisation (details supplied) that 100,000 children in Ireland are going to bed hungry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40779/20]
View answerFood poverty is defined as the inability to access a nutritionally adequate diet which is a significant issue for many people in Ireland. Child poverty brings together many issues that families in Ireland are facing everyday including unemployment and income poverty, homelessness, educational disadvantage and food poverty.
I am acutely aware that COVID-19 has adversely impacted the lives of children, young people and families across the country. The Irish Youth Foundation’s ‘Generation Pandemic’ campaign identifies some of the emerging issues in the areas of education, health and wellbeing and skills and employability for young people during this pandemic.
The Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (BOBF) National Advisory Council engaged with my Department and the Department of Social Protection prior to the summer months to advocate for the continuation of the School Meals Programme run in schools. The programme is a collaboration between the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Education providing school meals in DEIS schools. This was due to end in line with schools closing for the summer but both Department’s agreed on its continuation during the summer period which I know has helped many families in communities across Ireland.
The Programme for Government commits to publish and implement a successor to BOBF. Continuing to address Child Poverty will be a key component of this new Strategy. The Programme also commits to implementing the current First 5 Early Years Strategy for babies, young children and their families which outlines a number of poverty prevention measures. The First Five Strategy highlights the need to identify and scope the issue of food poverty as a cross-sectoral priority under BOBF, and in alignment with overall Healthy Ireland implementation, led by the Department of Health.
The Research and Evaluation Unit in my Department have established a Child Specific Poverty Research Programme. Several pieces of work have been undertaken to help deepen our understanding of child poverty and disadvantage. The findings of this research have recently been published and more research is underway. My Department will also be drawing on emerging data in relation to the impacts of COVID-19 on children, young people and families which will inform our new children and young people’s strategy.
BOBF will be concluded at the end of 2020 and my Department will commence work on a successor to BOBF early in 2021. The aim of the new Strategy will be to identify key priorities that need a whole of Government approach to tackling issues such as child poverty, homelessness and food poverty.
My Department will engage with all stakeholders during the development process for the new Strategy which will include engaging with the Department of Health in relation to food poverty.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he has developed the necessary structures to reassure victims of mother and baby homes that their interests are fully protected including accessibility to records; the protection of all such records and that the fears expressed by victims are fully acknowledged and assuaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40656/20]
View answerThe purpose of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters) Records, and another Matter, Act 2020 was to preserve the records of the Commission and to ensure that they would be transferred to my Department without redaction. In addition, the Act provided for the transfer of a database to Tusla so that ultimately, it could be used for information and tracing purposes. As such, the intention of this legislation was always to take these necessary and urgent steps in the interests of former residents and with a view to supporting access to information.
The records will be protected, and my Department is now working intensively to ensure that it is adequately resourced to handle potentially large volumes of subject access requests.
The fundamental principles of GDPR will apply to these records as they do to any others: a person has a right to their personal data, but this is not an unqualified right. The release of that data must also not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. The Department is liaising with the Office of the Attorney General to clarify the nature of the balancing tests which must apply to the release of personal information, both under the GDPR itself as transposed by the Data Protection Act 2018, and under section 39 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, as amended by the Data Protection Act 2018.
116. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the guidelines with regard to in-person inspections in direct provision centres at every level of restriction under the Covid-19 framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/20]
View answerIn response to Covid-19, many measures have been put in place by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) in conjunction with the HSE. These measures were first implemented from the time that country-wide restrictions were imposed in March and April this year and they continue to be implemented and added to for all our accommodation centres.
Recently, my officials in IPAS prepared a new IPAS living with COVID plan, which aligns IPAS COVID-19 arrangements with the Government’s Framework Plan for Living with COVID 2020-2021.
Under levels 1 to 3 of this plan all IPAS outreach services are operational as normal, including inspections. Under levels 4 and 5, IPAS inspections and centre visits are limited to cases of urgent operational need. In addition IPAS holds only virtual clinics at levels 4 and 5.
117. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made in the past month in relation to making information available from the evidence collected in the preparation of the mother and baby homes report to persons seeking to find out about their children that were in the homes or children born in the homes trying to trace their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40787/20]
View answerThe Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation will stand dissolved in law on 28th February 2021 and is due to submit its archive of records to myself as the specified Minister by that date.
My Department is working intensively to ensure that it is properly resourced to handle subject access requests from possibly very large numbers of people who were resident in mother and baby homes.
In that regard, they are also liaising with the Office of the Attorney General to clarify the nature of the balancing tests which must apply to the release of personal information, both under the GDPR itself as transposed by the Data Protection Act 2018, and under section 39 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, as amended by the Data Protection Act 2018.
It is important to acknowledge that subject access requests may not necessarily provide all of the information that the requester wishes to see. This is why the Government’s commitment to birth information and tracing legislation remains such a strong priority.
121. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports he is providing to childcare facilities to support them through the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/20]
View answerMy Department has introduced a number of measures to support the early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC) sector during the Covid period.
From the closure of ELC and SAC services on 12 March, the payments under the schemes funded by the then Department of Children and Youth Affairs were continued on an ex-gratia basis.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) commenced on 15 April (with an effective date of 6 April) and ran in conjunction with the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS).
Under the TWSCS, in combination with the TWSS, ELC and SAC staff and managers received a weekly payment ranging from a minimum of €350 up to a maximum of €586. Service providers received an additional payment of 15% of their gross pay costs pre-COVID-19, to contribute to continuing overheads, such as rent, insurance and ICT. This included a minimum payment of €300 per service per week for smaller services. The overhead payment was available to owner managers who were not eligible for the TWSS but could only avail of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) operated by the Department of Social protection. The TWSCS aimed to:
- support the sustainability of ELC and SAC sector;
- ensure that parents did not have to pay a fee to retain their child’s place; and
- give ELC/SAC practitioners security and to enable retention of their staff in the sector.
On 10 June 2020, a major funding package (€75m) was announced to facilitate the reopening of ELC and SAC services during July and August, which included the following four significant elements:
- Once-off reopening support payment (RSP), for providers funded by my Department, opening between 29 June and late August;
- Once-off COVID-19 capital grant for providers funded by my Department, opening between 29 June and late August;
- Continued access for eligible providers to the Revenue-operated TWSS;
- Resumption of ELC and SAC programmes funded by my Department.
The supports currently in place for the ELC and SAC sector are the enhanced Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and Covid-19 Sustainability Support Fund 2020. Early learning and care providers are exempt from the standard eligibility criteria of a 30% reduction in turnover which applies to all other sectors. The EWSS provides an average of 80% of service payroll costs, allowing services to operate sustainably in a context of lower occupancy and higher delivery costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 Sustainability Support Fund 2020 is in addition to the all-of-Government July Stimulus package for ELC and SAC services. The purpose of this funding is to support the sustainability of ELC and SAC services whose viability is still negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic even though they have availed of the other July Stimulus supports such as the EWSS.
122. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to facilitate the reorganisation of Tusla in view of comments made by the Tusla CEO to the Oireachtas Committee on Children regarding the structure of the organisation. [40753/20]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that Tusla has shared proposals for the restructuring of the Agency with my officials.
As per Section 53 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, the appointment of employees to Tusla requires my approval and the consent of my colleague, Mr. Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I can confirm that Tusla’s proposals for restructuring and the appointment of associated senior staff are under consideration at this time.
123. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress in providing a right to force majeure leave to workers in the context of the pandemic. [35096/20]
View answerThe Government takes the needs of working parents very seriously , and particularly the difficulties they are facing in the current pandemic. There has been a number of advances in the leave available to working parents in recent years. The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced paid parent’s leave of two weeks for each parent to be taken in the first year of a child’s life or within the first year of placement with the family, in the case of adoption. The Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019 further extended the availability of unpaid parental leave – as of 1 September 2020, each parent has an entitlement to 26 weeks which can be taken up to a child’s twelfth birthday.
Where a parent requires urgent leave from work, they may avail of force majeure leave which gives an employee a limited right to leave from work. Under the Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2019, this leave is available where, for urgent family reasons, the immediate presence of the employee is required due to illness or injury of a close family member, including a child or adopted child. The maximum amount of leave available is 3 days in a 12-month period or 5 days in a 36-month period.
124. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the dates on which inspections have been carried out at a direct provision centre (details supplied) since 2016; and the outcomes of the inspections. [40654/20]
View answerAccommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Inspections cover a wide range of issues including the quality of the food, fire safety and other health and safety issues.
Since 2016 there have been 10 inspections carried out at the accommodation centre referred to by the Deputy. The table below sets out the dates of the inspections.
|
Inspection carried out by |
Date of inspection |
|
QTS Limited |
01/02/2016 |
|
RIA (now known as IPAS) |
29/06/2016 |
|
RIA |
06/12/2016 |
|
RIA |
29/06/2017 |
|
QTS Limited |
03/10/2017 |
|
QTS Limited |
27/06/2018 |
|
QTS Limited |
08/03/2019 |
|
RIA |
14/05/2019-15/05/2019 |
|
IPAS |
09/12/2019 |
|
IPAS |
24/09/2020 |
The reports of inspections dated 01/02/2016 to 03/10/2017 can be accessed at:
http://www.ria-inspections.gov.ie/en/RIAIR/Pages/StPatricks.
Reports dated from 27/06/2018 to present can be accessed at:
http://www.ria.gov.ie/en/RIA/Pages/RIAInspections.
The most recent report of the inspection to the centre has been sent to the centre's management for comment prior to finalisation. This is standard practice. I intend to review the report of the centre and engage with IPAS about its findings and any recommendations. That report will be published shortly thereafter.
In addition, IPAS recently requested QTS Ltd to undertake an inspection in respect of a report of a cockroach infestation in this premises. The inspection took place on 11 November and the inspector concluded that the cockroach infestation was limited to a small annexe accommodation block; it was caught by the routine inspection program; and management were prompt in putting in place necessary containment and control measures. He also concluded that there was not an infestation issue with cockroaches at the time of the inspection as adequate treatment and control measures are in place.
125. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding allocated for 2021 to services providing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence services. [40775/20]
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. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 for the care and protection of victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV).
I am delighted to announce that Tusla will allocate additional funding of €4.7 million to support domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) services across the country in 2021. A total of €30 million will be made available by DCEDIY to Tusla to fund DSGBV services. This includes a €2.7 million increase in core funding, bringing core service provision to €28 million, with an additional €2 million of one-off contingency funding being made available to help services cope with the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
This increase in funding reflects my personal commitment on this issue. I am hopeful that these additional resources will enable services to continue their valuable supports for victims and their families at a very vulnerable time in their lives.
126. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth : if he is satisfied with the level of core funding provided to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence service providers; if funding is provided in such a way as to provide certainty to the organisations and enable them to carry out their vital work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40651/20]
View answer139. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding allocated to support domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services in 2021; the further funding that will be allocated arising from the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; the steps that can be taken towards providing funding on a multi-annual basis to service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40650/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 139 together.
The 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. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
Tusla will allocate additional funding of €4.7 million to support DSGBV services across the country in 2021. A total of €30 million will be made available by DCEDIY to Tusla to fund DSGBV services. This includes a €2.7 million increase in core funding, bringing core service provision to €28 million, with an additional €2 million of one-off contingency funding being made available to help services cope with the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
This increase in funding reflects my personal commitment on this issue. I am hopeful that these additional resources will enable services to continue their valuable supports for victims and their families at a very vulnerable time in their lives.
I am acutely conscious of the challenges posed for service planning by the annual nature of the budgetary cycle. The management of grant funding is governed by Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2014 Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds which requires that all grants be expended by year end. The Public Spending Code and any move to providing long term or multi-annual funding would be a matter for central Government, and would require significant cross-government and legislative consideration.
Tusla is currently engaging with DSGBV services regarding service planning for 2021 within available resources. Tusla has advised me that it is aware of particular service pressures for some organisations in the context of COVID-19. The Agency has progressively allocated funding to address service gaps in recent years, in addition to sustainability issues. Tusla has informed me that it expects core funding pressures to be addressed within the funding I have made available for DSGBV services in 2021.
All funding issued by Tusla to DSGBV services is provided through annual Service Level Agreements. Tusla actively engages with organisations throughout the year in accordance with the terms of those agreements, such as bilateral meetings or teleconferences that provide opportunities for discussion on service pressures and emerging issues regarding governance or policy.
127. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of childcare facilities that had to apply for planning permission due to Covid-19; the number of applications approved and refused, respectively by county in tabular form. [40781/20]
View answerIt is a matter for each registered provider, within the context of their specific service provision, to determine whether structural amendments to their premises were / are required in order to meet the on-going public health requirements. Some services may have altered their premises for the purpose of meeting COVID-19 requirements by using temporary, demountable partitions in existing spaces, where necessary.
Smaller group sizes, and relatively low numbers of children per adult, both of which that are regulated features of the early learning and childcare sector, assisted the sector to meet some of the needs posed by COVID without significant structural change. For example, a 1:3 adult child ratio exists for babies, and the highest number of children per adult is for school age childcare, where one adult can look after no more than 12 children. Additional features of the early earning and childcare sector which assisted compliance with public health guidance were regulations in place with regard to the amount of floor space per child, and access to outdoor play areas.
It is a matter for the registered provider to ensure that any changes, such as adding to the premises, are not undertaken in contravention of their existing fire and planning restrictions, and to apply to the relevant authorities for the necessary permissions if required.
My Department does not hold or collate any data on applications for planning permission.
128. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the expansion plan to increase the number of family resource centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40502/20]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme.
Tusla has informed me that it receives expressions of interest, from time to time, from voluntary organisations seeking FRC status. It is advisable for any organisation interested in such a process to contact Tusla directly, so that Tusla is aware of that organisation's interest in the event that funding becomes available.
I understand many family support services are advocating for increased funding, particularly where they want to expand operations to meet the needs of more service users, while other organisations wish to join the Programme. It is for Tusla to decide the most appropriate use of funding in family support services, including the FRC Programme.
Specific allocation of Tusla's funding in 2021, including in respect of family support services, will be finalised in Tusla’s Business Plan for 2021 which is currently in development.
129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which he plans to support the early years sector in County Meath, particularly in relation to staff, pay and capitation grants in view of the population growth in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39728/20]
View answerThe Government has introduced a number of measures to support early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services during these unprecedented times. The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), introduced in August, provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on numbers of eligible employees on payroll; and a reduced rate of employer PRSI. ELC and SAC services registered with Tusla are exempt from EWSS turnover requirements. The rate of subsidy was revised in October and early learning and childcare services with EWSS now have approximately 80% of their payroll costs covered, this is before they receive any parental income or funding from Government schemes. The EWSS thus allows early learning and childcare services to operate sustainably in a context of lower occupancy and higher delivery costs due to COVID-19, and without having to pass these additional costs on to parents.
The EWSS was one of many measures introduced in 2020 that have been highly successful in protecting the sector. Despite concerns expressed that hundreds of services would close, 99.9% of services have remained open with Government support. Measures included the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme, a Reopening Support Grant, a Capital Grant and the Covid-19 Sustainability Support Fund. This latter fund supports services whose viability is still negatively affected by the pandemic and for which all the other measures have proved inadequate. It is the first time that my Department’s sustainability funding has been made available to both private and community providers. My Department also oversees a Case Management process through which local City and County Childcare Committees and Pobal support services in difficulty with expert advice and, in some circumstances, financial assistance.
With regard to support for the sector generally, my Department continues to provide all subsidy schemes at capitation and subsidy rates that were recently proven by Crowe as appropriate to meet providers costs. These include the ECCE pre-school programme, the National Childcare Scheme and the outgoing schemes, the Community Childcare Subvention Plus Saver Programme and the Training and Employment Childcare Saver Programme. Since 2015, investment in the sector has increased by 141% enabling some providers to double in size. On average, services have grown from having 33 places to having 47 in 2019.
One of my priorities is now to build on this and in delivering on the commitment in First 5 to double investment before 2028, I want to make sure we deliver on the objectives of affordability and quality with that investment.
Work is underway to develop a new funding model which will set out how best to support quality, affordability and accessibility of services with additional investment. I am looking forward to the group's outputs next Autumn and welcome the research they have already published on international learning that will assist in decision making.
In the coming weeks, I will receive an Interim Report from the Workforce Development Group. Their work will ultimately set out a plan to, for example, improve recruitment and retention, provide a career framework, make a career in the sector a respected and valued one, and ensure that staff are encouraged to engage with continuous professional development.
As the State is not the employer, the Deputy will appreciate that my Department does not set wage levels nor determine working conditions for staff in the sector. However, my Department has, over a number of years, provided a range of supports to service providers to enable them to improve wages and working conditions, for example, the increase in ECCE capitation in September 2018, €19m in Programme Support Payments annually and twice the number of services in receipt of ECCE higher capitation than when it was introduced. In addition, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to the creation of a Joint Labour Committee for the sector, which should offer a mechanism through which a pay agreement could be achieved. My officials are working closely with SIPTU, IBEC and other stakeholders to try to progress this as soon as possible.
I look forward to the work of the Funding Model Expert Group and the Workforce Plan Development Group knitting together with a possible JLC to provide a systematic and comprehensive plan to achieve the best from investment over the coming years. This will deliver for children and families, staff and providers, the economy and society.
130. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children formally taken into care to date in 2020, compared to 2019 in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40789/20]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has advised that the following data is a count of admissions to care and not individual children admitted to care. A small number of children may have more than one admission.
It should be noted that 'care' spans the continuum of foster care, residential care and special care. There were 856 admissions to care in 2019, or an average of 71 admissions per month. However, it should be noted that data for 2019 should be considered provisional until Tusla has completed its annual validation, which will be completed shortly.
As of September 2020, there have been 648 admissions to care. This is an average of 72 admissions per month, or one admission per month more than in 2019.
Tusla is committed to ensuring that children and young people are supported to live at home with their families when it is in their best interests to do so. Family support workers engage with families and the benefits of early intervention are well understood. The Meitheal model is a Tusla-led early intervention co-ordinated national practice model that works with individual children, their families, schools, youth services, family resource centre staff, medical practitioners, and all other parties with an interest in the child’s life. The focus is to support the child and family in their daily needs and in developing strengths.
Tusla has a statutory obligation to receive children in to care, from the Courts or by way of a voluntary agreement, when a view has been formed that their safety, health or wellbeing cannot otherwise be ensured.
My Department intends to bring a further focus to the development of policy and strategic direction for children in care in 2021.
131. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerability assessments carried out on persons in the international protection process for each of the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; when vulnerability assessments will be carried out in respect of all persons in the international protection process within 30 working days of making an application for protection in line with Ireland’s obligations pursuant to the EU Reception Conditions Directive and S.I. No 230/2018 European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 and as recommended in the recently published report on the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Protection Process; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40644/20]
View answerDiscussions are ongoing between my Department ##officials and the HSE to enable formal vulnerability assessments for international protection applicants by the end of the year. This will ensure that a coherent process is in place for both the health and non-health aspects required in formalised assessments.
To assist in determining how best we can meet the health and related needs of applicants, the HSE National Office for Social Inclusion has commissioned research to explore the concept of vulnerability with a view to further improving our existing processes and I look forward to the outcome of this research.
At present every effort is made to ensure that residents' specific needs are met. While we do not maintain statistics on assessments, my Department officials routinely identify vulnerabilities and assess applicants for any special reception needs to meet their accommodation requirements. This is especially the case for families with young children and for applicants with a disability.
If a protection applicant chooses to accept an offer of accommodation from my Department, they will, in normal circumstances, be first brought to the National Reception Centre in Balseskin, Dublin. At Balseskin, they will be offered a health assessment by the on-site HSE team, which comprises a nurse, nurse specialist, area medical officer, general practitioners, social worker and psychologist. This ensures that applicants can be assessed for any special reception needs that they may have before they are designated an accommodation centre.
Safetynet, a primary care health service, carries out health screening, on behalf of the HSE, in a number of the temporary accommodation locations currently in use by the Department. The International Protection Accommodation Service works closely with the HSE screening team and with Safetynet to ensure that protection applicants are moved to locations where their medical needs can be met. They also work collaboratively to ensure that any special accommodation arrangements are in place as required.
During the COVID pandemic, assessments have also been made for older residents to ensure that their cocooning needs are met. Where more intensive healthcare needs are required, such cases are referred directly to the HSE.
132. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports his Department has put in place to ensure the sustainability of youth services in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40776/20]
View answerI am pleased to confirm that I secured an additional €5 million in current funding for youth services nationally as part of Budget 2021. My officials are currently working on the apportionment of these funds in the context of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume later this year. As such, I am not in a position as yet to provide a detailed breakdown of these allocations.
As part of the Budget 2021 announcements, the youth sector has also been allocated a capital sum of €3m. This funding will support the annual youth sector capital scheme to be designed and rolled out in 2021.
Furthermore, I have secured an additional amount of €1m capital funding in the current year (2020) to support ICT procurement in the youth sector before year end. This ICT grant scheme is being rolled out through the ETBs in accordance with their role as funding intermediary for youth schemes. This initiative is additional to the Covid-related small grant scheme for the sector which was announced earlier this year.
The additional funding allocated to youth services in 2021 will support the delivery of universal and targeted youth services nationwide, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable young people.
While I recognise and acknowledge that youth sector funding saw deep cuts during the preceding decade, in recent years funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9m to €61.79m.
It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period and I have secured additional funding for 2021. This will enable the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value both to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
133. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to take children out of the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40439/20]
View answerChildren who arrive into the State seeking International Protection are generally part of a family group or they arrive as unaccompanied minors. Unaccompanied minors are not accommodated in our accommodation services. Unaccommodated minors always go into the care of Tusla. Tusla has a dedicated Separated Children Seeking Asylum (SCSA) Team, which has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in international protection programmes, and through caring for unaccompanied minors who arrive unannounced at Irish ports.
Regarding children in family groups, it is the policy of my Department to prioritise the movement of families in congregated accommodation settings to some form of own door accommodation in the shortest time possible, notwithstanding the pressures on the International Protection Accommodation Service's accommodation portfolio.
Services for protection applicants, including their children are mainstreamed. As such children residing in accommodation centres have access to the same services as all other children in the State.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to ending the Direct Provision system and replacing it with a new International Protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper which will set out options, together with the recommended direction, for the new model of accommodation and services for International Protection applicants and the transitional processes needed to implement the model.
135. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to ensure that vulnerable refugees receive the necessary medical care if they experience psychological difficulties in view of the situation which occurred at a reception centre (details supplied) recently. [40760/20]
View answerOfficials of the International Protection Accommodation Service of my Department make every effort to ensure that residents' of our accommodation centres, including the National Reception Centre at Balseskin, have their specific needs met. They routinely identify vulnerabilities and assess applicants for any special reception needs to meet their accommodation requirements. This is especially the case for families with young children and for applicants with a disability.
If a protection applicant chooses to accept an offer of accommodation from my Department, they will, in normal circumstances, be first brought to the National Reception Centre where medical screening and an orientation process is available over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. They will be offered a health assessment by the on-site HSE team, which comprises a nurse, nurse specialist, area medical officer, general practitioners, social worker and psychologist. This allows for applicants to be assessed for any special reception needs that they may have before they are designated an accommodation centre. The health screening provided is not mandatory and residents are free to decline the service. If a person wishes to remain in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service, he or she is allocated a place in a suitable longer-term centre at the end of the orientation and health screening period.
Safetynet, a primary care health service, carries out health screening, on behalf of the HSE, in a number of the temporary accommodation locations currently in use by the Department. The International Protection Accommodation Service works closely with the HSE screening team and with Safetynet to ensure that protection applicants are moved to locations where their medical needs can be met. They also work collaboratively to ensure that any special accommodation arrangements are in place as required. Where more intensive healthcare needs are required, such cases are referred directly to the HSE.
Discussions are ongoing between my Department officials and the HSE to enable formal vulnerability assessments for international protection applicants by the end of the year. This will ensure that a coherent process is in place for both the health and non-health aspects required in formalised assessments.
To assist in determining how best we can meet the health and related needs of applicants, the HSE National Office for Social Inclusion has commissioned research to explore the concept of vulnerability with a view to further improving our existing processes and I look forward to the outcome of this research.
I can also inform the Deputy that in the case she refers to the individual concerned was allocated accommodation and was due to leave for the centre on Wednesday 18 November along with other residents. However the person refused to accept the accommodation offered and instead opted to remain in the vicinity of the centre he was due to leave.
It was not possible to allow the person in question back into his former room at the Reception Centre in in Balseskin as he had completed the orientation process and the room he had been staying in had already been allocated to new arrivals. It should be noted that at all times that accommodation and transport to that accommodation were available to the person in question and at no point was he left by the State without somewhere to live, and sleep at night.
After further consideration the applicant subsequently accepted an offer of accommodation in a quarantine centre in the East of the country while IPAS officials attempted to find an alternative accommodation solution. Such centres offer additional wraparound services. Psychosocial supports are also provided through a number of NGOs including the Jesuit Refugee Service, Peter McVerry Trust, etc to residents of such centres.
After a further review of available space across the network a new offer of accommodation was made to the applicant which was accepted and IPAS arranged the necessary transport to ensure the person in question arrived at their agreed destination safely. At the same time as their arrrival at their new centre, IPAS contacted local service providers to ensure the person in question would be linked in with other relevant non-accommodation related services in the area. As with all such services it remains up to the individual themselves as to whether they wish to engage or not. However, I can assure the Deputy that IPAS will continue to work with other State service providers and relevant organisations to ensure that this person's needs, and indeed the needs of all those requiring IPAS accommodation, will continue to be met to the fullest extent possible.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the degree to which his Department has been alerted to increased numbers of children at risk during the Covid-19 restrictions; if he has been in a position to actively respond to the trends in this area; the specific actions involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40657/20]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. My Department and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, closely monitor child protection and welfare referrals trends. When Covid-19 restrictions were first introduced, with schools closing on 12 March 2020, there was an initial decrease in referrals to child protection and welfare services, from an average of 1,504 per week, to 968 per week for the initial four week period. Following a local and national media campaign referrals increased, with Tusla now receiving approximately, 1,300 referrals per week. Tusla receives referrals from the community, Gardaí, HSE staff, hospitals, teachers and other mandated reporters. All referrals are screened by the duty social worker on receipt, and the immediate safety of the child is considered throughout the referral process. Protective action is taken if and when required. The protection of children and young people continues to be Tusla’s priority with all urgent cases, and children on the Child Protection Notification System receiving social work attention. The monitoring of safety plans has been ongoing and, when appropriate and safe to do so, home visits have been carried out. Where harm is identified children have continued to benefit from case conferencing to provide additional supports, engage networks and work to provide safety for children. Where necessary, Tusla has received children into care under a Court Order or with the voluntary agreement of their parent. As always, I would encourage anyone with a concern about the wellbeing or safety of a child to contact the local duty social work office where the child resides. Details are available on the Tusla website at www.tusla.ie or through the online portal at portal.tusla.ie.
137. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to provide for additional capital funding towards the development and expansion of community childcare centres. [40655/20]
View answerMy Department has, since 2015, administered an annual capital funding programme, under which early learning and care and childcare services can access capital funding.
The purpose or target of the funding is determined on an annual basis having regard to the needs of children, families and service providers and Departmental priorities. Additional funding has frequently been assigned to for community services, to enable them to improve and expand their services.
Whilst regularly in recent years an objective of the funding has been to extend capacity, private and community services, in 2021, I am responding to a different need.
COVID has reduced demand for some early learning and childcare services, and although this will hopefully be reversed soon, there is no evidence at this time of a need to increase capacity. Also, the rapid expansion we required in recent years, for example, to almost double ECCE places to accommodate a second year, has been delivered.
Given my absolute priority to keep children safe, I have decided that first call on the 2021 funding will be given to ensuring fire safety in early learning and childcare services around the country.
Tulsa, the independent regulator of the sector, requires that providers submit a fire safety certificate as part of the statutory registration process. Many services have already re-registered and submitted a fire safety certificate and some have re-registered subject to submitting an up to date Fire Safety Certificate in 2021. Some services may need to carry out remedial works to receive a Fire Safety Certificate, but the costs for this can be prohibitive, especially in the current extenuating circumstances of COVID.
As such, my Department and Pobal will offer a Fire Safety Capital Grant in early 2021 to contribute towards the costs of required remedial works. The total 2021 early learning and care capital grant of €8.3 million will be available for services, both community and private business operated, for fire safety works. Further details will be made available in the coming days.
If any of the €8.3million available is not required for this purpose, my Department will distribute the balance by way of a second round of grants, which will focus on outdoor play. Further detail on this will be announced in early April 2021.
140. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of early childhood education and care facilities that have indicated that they will exit the sector since they were closed in March 2020. [40778/20]
View answerThe Tusla Early Years Inspectorate is responsible for maintaining the register of early years services. At present there are just under 4,700 services registered with Tusla. This includes both Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services. All services that wish to operate in the State must register with Tusla. Similarly, services are statutorily required to notify Tusla if they intend to close their service permanently.
Every year some services close and some new services open. It is important to note that, overall, there is no significant variation in the number of services operating in 2020 when compared with 2019, and that overall capacity in the sector has been rising steadily for several years.
Between January and October of this year 186 services that were on the Early Years register reported permanent closure to Tusla. This compares with 166 for the same period last year. Tusla has also advised that 79 new services have opened, compared to 87 over the same period last year. This is a very positive figure considering the challenges of opening a new business during COVID.
Tusla also advise that 12 standalone school-age childcare services have closed this year. There is no comparable data for 2019 as registrations only began during 2019.
Throughout the pandemic a primary focus of my Department has been, and remains, on sustaining the ELC and SAC sector. We have kept over 99% of services open by funding the additional costs associated with following public health guidance, the cost of lower occupancy, and through encouraging greater uptake of places.
The key new contributor to the ELC and SAC sector is the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, with its new enhanced rates of up to €350 per week per staff member. These enhanced rates cover 80% of a service's payroll costs, before they earn income from parents or Government. The standard rates covered / will cover 50% of payroll costs. The EWSS is secured for the sector until 31 March next, with the enhanced subsidies due to cease at the end of January. I will continue to work to ensure that the needs of the sector are recognised in any reforms of the scheme thereafter. Previous financial supports offered since March 12 included ex gartia scheme payment, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare scheme, a capital grant and a reopening grant. It is estimated that the Exchequer will have invested an additional €200m in the sector over the course of 2020 in order to achieve the important objectives of retaining both places and staff.
Where providers were / are struggling with an imminent threat to the viability of the service arising from a demonstrated decline in occupancy and/or demonstrated increase in costs due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, that was not addressed by the many financial supports put in place, my Department made available financial support in the form of COVID-19 Sustainability Support funding. This sustainability funding was / is available to both private, for-profit providers and community non-profit providers, subject to eligibility criteria and an assessment of need. The second application window for this fund in 2020 closed on 30 November 2020.
In addition to the COVID-19 Sustainability Support, my 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 and school-age childcare services in difficulty. This can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios, fee setting and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process, with the CCC administering initial, and on-going, case management assistance. The CCC, where appropriate, will proceed to make a formal notification to Pobal which will provide more consolidated support while verifying the service’s necessity for a financial intervention. All services which require support should contact their local CCC in the first instance.
141. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the take-up in the national childcare scheme; his plans to increase and enhance support to families in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40649/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme opened in November 2019. It represents the first statutory entitlement to financial support for childcare costs in Ireland.
The Scheme aims to improve children’s outcomes, support lifelong learning, make work pay and reduce child poverty. It is also designed to have a positive impact on gender equality in relation to labour market participation and employment opportunities.
Over 83,400 applications have been received for the Scheme, and over 74,700 subsidy awards have issued.
Of these, 35,232 awards had a claim made against them in the week ending 27th November.
As the Deputy is aware, the COVID-19 emergency necessitated the closure of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Services earlier this year. There was also a reduced usage of childcare services over the summer months, and childcare requirements continue to vary as parents’ circumstances have been impacted by the pandemic.
The National Childcare Scheme has been designed to be flexible, with income thresholds, maximum hours and subsidy rates which can be adjusted in line with Government decisions and as more investment becomes available. As such, any adjustments deemed necessary by Government can be carried out in a quick and responsive manner.
In addition, the new funding model for early learning and care and school age childcare aims to improve quality of provision for children and contribute to addressing disadvantage without compromising sustainability for providers or affordability for parents.
An essential and top priority for the Expert Group established to develop the new funding model is addressing the cost of early learning and care and school-age childcare for parents and making recommendations for a mechanism to control fee rates.
Research papers on this topic, along with other relevant documents of the Expert Group, are available at: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie.
