Written Answers Nos. 435-454
435. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the expected timeline for the roll-out of the baby box programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27914/21]
View answerBaby Boxes for newborns are to be piloted under First 5 A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028. Piloting Baby Boxes is just one initiative which is part of a wide ranging strategy addressing various aspects of the lives of children from birth to age five including supports for parents to balance working and caring, developments in early learning and care and health initiatives.
The gift of the Baby Box is intended as a welcome from the State for a new arrival to a family and an acknowledgement of this very significant moment for parents. The universal distribution of Baby Boxes also reflects an important equality principle that each child is given something of equal value at the start of their life. The concept of Baby Boxes originates in Finland (and has been implemented in a number of other countries) and consists of a package of items to assist with the transition to parenthood. The pilot will undertake research and consultation to determine items for inclusion in the pack and these may include safety items, toys to support early development and books .Key objectives with the Baby Box and linked communications will include support for parent-infant bonding, information on baby development and early learning, advice and support for breastfeeding and promotion of infant health and safety.Owing to Covid-19, work on the pilot project has been postponed. However, a First 5 Project Specialist is being recruited in my Department and will lead on this project. It is hoped to have this person in post in the coming months and commencement of the pilot will follow thereafter.
436. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will publish the outcomes of the consultations by his Department which concluded on 9 April 2021 on the operation of a paid leave scheme for victims of domestic violence. [27926/21]
View answerSince its formation, this Government has made clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence with a view to establishing a statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave. My Department is currently examining the feasibility of introducing such proposals and has committed to developing a report to Government within six months, with legislative proposals to follow within 4 months.
As the Deputy is aware, a scheme of domestic violence leave is currently being developed by officials in my Department, which includes the examination of domestic violence leave at international level, the identification of best practice and the development of a suitable model for rollout in Ireland. The outcome of this work will inform policy development and proposals in this area.
My Department has engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of paid leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively, including with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers groups and trade unions and with stakeholders of the national Equality Strategy Committees falling under my Department’s remit. Written submissions were invited from relevant stakeholders and these submissions are currently being examined.
It is anticipated that the output of the consultation process will form part of the report to Government in June.
437. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the target month in 2022 for the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. [27927/21]
View answerThe Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to commencing the 2015 Act, recognising the importance of the much needed reform it represents. We are working towards a date of June 2022 for full commencement.
Amendments are required to the 2015 Act before full commencement can take place. Work is actively taking place on an Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill, which is expected to be enacted by year end. Priority drafting has been secured and publication of the Bill is expected in September. The amendments will streamline processes, in the interests of those using the provisions of the 2015 Act and will strengthen the Act's safeguards.
Some provisions of the Act have been commenced to enable the recruitment of the Director of the Decision Support Service; the establishment of a multidisciplinary working group in relation to Advance Healthcare Directives; and most recently, on 1 February this year, the repeal of the Marriage of Lunatics Act, which means that a ward can now marry if she or he has capacity to do so.
The Decision Support Service has made considerable progress in putting in place the administrative and IT systems needed to operate the 2015 Act. To this end a budget of €5.8 million was secured for the Decision Support Service for 2021, a significant increase on its €3.5 million 2020 budget.
A high-level Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, meets monthly to oversee and drive progress towards full commencement. The Steering Group comprises senior officials from the Department of Health, the Department of Justice, the Mental Health Commission, the Courts Service, the HSE and the Decision Support Service, recognising that successful operation of the 2015 Act will involve multiple stakeholders. They are working towards commencement of the 2015 Act in June 2022, as indicated, with the Decision Support Service opening for business immediately thereafter.
438. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when responsibility for disability matters will be fully transferred from the Department of Health to his Department; the specific functions and areas that will be transferred; the specific budget that will be transferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27929/21]
View answerThe Government has agreed to the transfer of policy, functions and funding responsibility for specialist community-based disability services from the Minister for Health to my own Department. It has also agreed that the HSE will retain responsibility for the delivery of these services post-transfer. It should be noted that the transfer of these services does not encompass mainstream health services delivered to people with disabilities which will remain under the Department of Health. This is a complex transfer and involves amending primary legislation, establishing governance arrangements between the HSE and my Department and moving over €2.2 billion between Votes, while at the same time ensuring no negative impact on current services.
The services involved relate to physical, sensory, intellectual disability and autism in day, respite and residential settings. Services include personal assistant, home support, multi-disciplinary and other community supports. Services are delivered through a mix of HSE direct provision as well as through non-statutory Section 38 and 39 service providers, and a small number of private providers. The transfer of functions also includes transferring responsibility for the Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) and the (Disability) Independent Appeals Office to my Department.
The transfer more than doubles my Department’s budget and as such, it is a substantial change in governance and administrative terms. It also presents an administrative and governance challenge for the HSE by having two departments to report to. The challenge for both Departments, and the HSE, is to ensure we set out clearly the boundaries of reporting and performance management relationships.
It is important to note that effective governance, underpinned by legislation, is critical to the success of this transfer and progressing the legislation without having all the governance risks and issues addressed is a risk to the project given the scale of public expenditure and numbers of service users involved (approximately 56,000). While Minister Donnelly and I had hoped to complete the transfer by mid year, the size and complexity of the work means that the required legislation and revised governance arrangements will be not be in place until later this year.
Both Departments continue to work closely in terms of completing the transfer itself, but also in terms of preparing for Budget 2022 in respect of the services involved.
439. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason he, through statutory bodies such as the HSE and Tusla, continues to make Irish children wards of court and to send them abroad at the cost of €400,000 per child, per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27981/21]
View answer440. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who are currently under out-of-state care after having been made wards of court and emancipated from the care of their family; and the amount such out-of-state care incurs as a cost to the State per year. [27982/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.
On very rare occasions, the level of specialist intervention required to care for a child in the care of the State is not available in Ireland. If the child has a serious mental illness for which there is no appropriate facility in Ireland a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist may recommend to the Court that the child requires treatment in a secure hospital. In such situations, Tusla will, as necessary, initiate proceedings seeking to have a child declared a ward of court. This provides the legal authority to allow for detention and care in suitable secure facilities out of state.
I have asked Tusla for a detailed breakdown of the number of children under Wardship arrangements placed abroad and the cost of secure placements. We will share this information with you at the earliest convenience. As you can appreciate, the impact of the recent cyber-attack on HSE systems has disrupted the normal functioning of Tusla’s information systems.
Tusla works in partnership with the specialist service with a view to the child returning to their primary placement or another appropriate placement in Ireland. In the course of all out of state placements (foster care, open therapeutic residential care and secure treatment and care) the child’s social worker visits the child, monitors the care conditions, progress and adjust the child's care plan as necessary. Where appropriate the Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist keeps abreast of the child’s psychiatric progress.
Question No. 440 answered with Question No. 439.
441. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason force majeure was not allowed in respect of early years payments for dates a service (details supplied) in County Kerry had to close due to a significant Covid-19 outbreak; if the decision will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/21]
View answerPobal, the administrator of my Department's childcare funding programmes, are also responsible for Force Majeure applications.
Pobal have informed my Department that further documentation was requested from the service referred to by the Deputy in relation to their force majeure application. This has now been received and the application for Force Majeure has been approved.
444. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for developing a successor to the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to improving the lives of the Traveller and Roma Communities in Ireland. The Government strategy to further this goal is the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) 2017 – 2021. The Strategy brings government departments and agencies together along with representatives of both Traveller and Roma communities.
The Programme for Government commits to a Review of the Strategy which is coming to an end this year. This will be an independent review of NTRIS which will be undertaken later this year. I am committed to consulting with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the next iteration of NTRIS will have a stronger outcomes focused approach.
445. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a policy of data back-up in the operations of his Department and all agencies under his remit. [28113/21]
View answerICT services are provided to my Department by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The provision of ICT security, including data back up and recovery is part of that service.
My ICT Staff are engaging closely with the OGCIO on this issue, who in turn are engaging with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that best practice is followed as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.
For operational and security reasons, the NCSC has advised not to disclose details of systems and processes which could in any way compromise those efforts. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose information which might assist criminals to identify potential vulnerabilities in departmental cybersecurity arrangements. Therefore it is not considered appropriate to disclose particular arrangements in place in relation to cyber security tools and services and my Department does not comment on operational security matters.
The agencies under the remit of my Department are responsible for their own ICT security. I have asked each one to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
446. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will prioritise the opening of a refuge in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin for persons who are at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse given that there is currently no provision in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28167/21]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments regarding DSGBV, including an audit on segmentation of DSGBV responsibilities across government departments and agencies. Tusla is also undertaking a strategic review of emergency accommodation nationwide. This will assess the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation. The review is in its final stages and will be finalised in the coming weeks. The review's findings and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the Second National Strategy on DSGBV will inform the Government, and Tusla's future decisions on priority areas for investment and development of services, including areas that may lack an existing service infrastructure and that may require future refuge development.
Capital funding for approved housing bodies, including services that provide refuge accommodation, is currently provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am aware of the ongoing need for additional refuge accommodation, particularly in areas that may be under resourced at present, and have received representations from individuals in several areas of the country on this issue. Minister O'Brien and I have engaged, and continue to engage, on this issue and will be further informed by the outcome of the Tusla accommodation review, in advance of any decisions that may be made.
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.
447. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of measures taken at a centre (details supplied) to mitigate against the risk of Covid-19 transmission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28318/21]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the health and well-being of all persons accommodated by my Department has remained the highest priority for me and my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
To that end, a wide range of measures have been put in place across the accommodation network to address any COVID-19 related issues should they arise. These measures are implemented in collaboration with the HSE and informed by regional public health officials and infection control teams.
The measures, which are kept under regular review by a joint HSE/DCEDIY monitoring group, include:
- Provision for self-isolation facilities in Centres and offsite self-isolation at HSE and IPAS isolation facilities
- Increased capacity to support physical and social distancing
- Enhanced cleaning regimes and provision of PPE
- Regular communications and information, translated into several languages, on public health advice to residents and centre managers
- Provision of a free, confidential and independent support line for residents operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service
- Cocooning of all medically vulnerable and over 65 residents and
- Participation in the HSE Accommodation scheme for healthcare workers.
All centres are following the guidelines that were published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). These are publicly available at its website www.hpsc.ie. That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as IPAS accommodation centres present specific challenges in this pandemic.
Centre managers have increased the standard and frequency of cleaning throughout our centres paying particular attention to communal areas. A regular supply of hand sanitiser for centres is in place and this is distributed to centres for the use of residents and staff as required. Other PPE such as masks, gloves, visors and aprons are distributed as needed and in line with the HPSC guidelines for its appropriate use in residential settings.
The Department is guided by the advice of Public Health officials in each Community Health Organisation area as regards how cases of COVID-19 at centres in their region are to be managed, including decisions on when and where off-site isolation is deemed necessary. All information relating to the medical condition of residents and health services provided to them, including the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 cases, are matters for the HSE. Where off-site isolation is deemed necessary, a resident is moved to the off-site facility and supported while there.
The most recent Covid related guidelines for IPAS Accommodation Centres were communicated to all residents on 18 May 2021. The Covid Related Guidelines for IPAS Accommodation Centres 17 May 2021 replaces the IPAS Living with COVID Plan. The new guidelines explain the restrictions in place and the procedures surrounding general and organisational visits to the centre, overnight absences and the current transfer policy.
My Department will continue to work closely with the HSE and public health authorities to ensure that guidance and measures in place at all centres are sufficient in light of changing conditions.
448. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of student accommodation that is publicly owned developments; the percentage of student accommodation that is privately owned developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28154/21]
View answerAccording to a HEA report on supply and demand of student accommodation published in 2017, in 2014 the breakdown of HEI-owned and privately owned student accommodation was as follows:
|
HEI-owned |
Private |
Total |
|
11,114 (35.6%) |
20,182 (64.4%) |
31,296 |
My Department began tracking the completion of student accommodation bed spaces after the launch of Rebuilding Ireland in 2016. The National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) set out a target of 7,000 additional bedspaces to be completed by Q4 2019. This was surpassed, with more than 8,000 additional bedspaces being completed by the end of 2019. As of Q4 2020, the number of additional bedspaces completed stands at 10,742. The number of PBSA bedspaces completed per year since July 2016 can be seen in the table below:
|
Year |
Private |
HEI-owned |
Total |
|
2016 |
478 |
650 |
1128 |
|
2017 |
1478 |
0 |
1478 |
|
2018 |
2100 |
429 |
2529 |
|
2019 |
2961 |
250 |
3211 |
|
2020 |
2396 |
0 |
2396 |
|
Total |
9413 |
1329 |
10742 |
449. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the buildings that have been purchased by Dundalk Institute of Technology from 2010 to 2016; the cost per building; the current status of each building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27450/21]
View answerDundalk Institute of Technology has confirmed that the Institute purchased the JJB Soccerdome (15,539m2) & Ice Dome Facility (3,513m2) in January 2014. The combined purchase price for the buildings in question was €2,800,000.
The JJB Soccerdome has been refurbished and now operates as a student/public gym and sports centre. DkIT have advised that the facility operates on a self-funding basis.
The Ice dome facility is currently vacant. I understand that DkIT is exploring a number of options in relation to the property.
450. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when training centres that run short, part-time courses will be able to reopen for training purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27467/21]
View answerYouthreach and Community Training Centres remain open for learners with full onsite delivery. On-site small group tuition for vulnerable learners in community education, literacy and numeracy programmes at Levels 1-2 and work with learners from homeless and addiction services is also continuing.
All learners attending Specialist Training Provider services, from Level 1-6 are continuing to attend onsite, with provision augmented by remote delivery.
Phased return is currently taking place for learners in FET centres in respect of the programmes noted below:
- VTOS, BTEI and LTI
- Skills to Compete, Skills to Advance and Skills for Work programmes.
- Apprenticeship, Traineeships and practical courses e.g., Horticulture, Welding etc.
In these programmes emergency remote delivery is being supported by on-site delivery for practical elements only. The delivery of practical training is subject to maintaining the minimum number of learners required onsite at any given time.
I plan to bring proposals to Government shortly on a revised framework for the delivery of education and training for the forthcoming academic year.
451. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27500/21]
View answerOfficials in my Department have contacted Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in relation to this matter, and I will write to the Deputy shortly with a response.
452. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to increase funding supports for psychology doctoral students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27521/21]
View answerMy Department understands there is a longstanding arrangement in place under which the HSE, and indeed former Health Boards, recruit Trainee Clinical Psychologists and sponsor their training in order to encourage employment with the HSE of suitably qualified professionals. This arrangement is made by the HSE and is not the responsibility of my Department.
The question of whether similar arrangements should be put in place in relation to other psychological specialties in order to meet their workforce needs is a matter for consideration by the appropriate recruiting bodies.
Furthermore, my Department also understands that on the basis of the recommendations of the 2017 Report of Psychology Review Implementation Group the HSE introduced revised eligibility criteria for recruitment to HSE psychologist positions involving a combination of the consideration of qualification and placements or supervised work experience when determining a person's eligibility for employment. My Department does not have a role in relation to placement arrangements in organisations such as the National Educational Psychological Service or the HSE for students enrolled on these programmes. Issues arising from sponsorships and employment eligibility in relation to psychologists, and indeed more generally, are matters for relevant employers rather than the responsibility of my Department.
453. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding needed to update the research framework to operate with PhD candidates as full employees of their institutions, rather than as students receiving grants or stipends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27533/21]
View answerDoctoral education programmes in Ireland educate and develop researchers to the highest skills levels so that they become creative, critical and independent individuals who will advance the boundaries of research. Through the process of doctoral education, the student is provided with opportunities to develop a range of skills to a very advanced level. These skills relate both to the research process itself and to broader professional training and development.
In the academic year 2019/20, there were some 7,357 full time PhD students enrolled. There were also 1,327 full time research Masters students. In total there were 27,366 full time postgraduates enrolled in the academic year 2019/20. In addition, there are also part time students enrolled in these categories.
In relation to PhD students, a number would be in receipt of grants from research funders, a number would be receiving institutional or other scholarships, while others would be self-funded.
PhD students undertake a range of elements designed to further their training and development. In particular PhD students, in addition to conducting research, participate in other activities to develop generic and transferable skills, which can include a range of activities, such as taking tutorial groups, demonstrating at practical classes, co-supervising undergraduate projects and student mentoring.
I do not have full information on the hours involved by the PhD students in these activities to determine the basis upon which to make an estimate taking all of these factors into account.
454. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider allowing social care students who are working in care settings and also studying to use these qualifying paid work hours as required work placement hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27535/21]
View answerPlacements for social care students are organised at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution (HEI), as part of their programme offerings to be delivered in conjunction with relevant placement providers. Where appropriate, each HEI will develop their programme offerings to meet the accreditation standards of relevant regulatory and professional recognition bodies including where placements are a requirement. In relation to health and social care programmes, the principal regulatory body is CORU, an Agency under the remit of the Department of Health, which sets the standards of education and training required for the professions which fall within its remit.
