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Thursday, 27 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 222-247

Widow's Pension

Questions (222)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

222. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for a Widow's, (Contributory) Pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28895/21]

View answer

Written answers

An application for widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension was received from the person concerned on 14/05/2021.

She does not have sufficient Irish contributions to qualify for a standard widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension on either her own or her late spouses insurance record. The minimum yearly average of contributions required is 24, while she has a yearly average of 14.

We have written to our counterparts in the UK to request a copy of her UK insurance record. When this is received, possible entitlement to a pro-rata widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension will be examined.

As the person concerned is over age 66 and there is a lower minimum yearly average requirement on state pension, an application form for state pension contributory has issued to her for completion and return to the Department.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Departmental Staff

Questions (223)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

223. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29016/21]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) rules, civil and public servants on secondment to other bodies maintain their terms and conditions of employment including salary during their period of secondment. Any additional payments made during that period are non-pensionable.

With regard to the individual in question, prior to her redeployment to my Department in 2012, she was employed by FAS as a clerical officer. She was seconded from FAS to another body for a number of years and was paid at her substantive grade of clerical officer plus an additional non-pensionable allowance, in accordance with DPER rules and the secondment agreement she entered into at that time. During periods of secondment, civil servants may initiate grievances as appropriate under the Civil Service Grievance Procedure in accordance with Department of Finance Circular 11/2001.

Finally, I refer to the Deputy's previous correspondence on behalf of the individual in question and the position remains as set out in my Department's response to him of February 2018. My Department will correspond directly with the individual in question.

Probation and Welfare Service

Questions (224)

Joan Collins

Question:

224. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage and number of young persons aged up to and including 18 years of age that have an active case with the Probation Service that are also subject to a care order through Tusla. [28884/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware from a previous parliamentary question on this topic, Tusla does not collate national information about the number of children with an active case with the probation service who are also subject to a care order. This information will be known at a local area level by the child’s social worker and the Principal Social Worker. Tusla staff and Probation Staff work closely to ensure they are supporting the child in an optimal way.

Tusla has been severely impacted by the cyber-attack on the HSE twelve days ago and as such is significantly limited in its ability to respond to your question.

The Children First Act 2015 places a legal obligation on certain people, many of whom are professionals, to report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to Tusla.

These mandated persons must also assist Tusla, on request, in its assessment of child protection concerns about children who have been the subject of a mandated report.

In 2020 Tusla received 31 mandated reports from probation officers (within the meaning of section 1 of the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983) and five mandated reports from probation officers were received during January and February this year.

Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 86.

Childcare Services

Questions (226)

Denis Naughten

Question:

226. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for the establishment of childcare Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27788/21]

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Written answers

In the Programme for Government we committed to establishing a dedicated agency, Childcare Ireland. The Programme specifies that Childcare Ireland's role will be to assist in expanding high quality early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC), best practice and innovation in community and private settings, along with developing career paths for ELC and SAC staff, and for expansion of the early years curriculum, Síolta.

As a precursor to establishing Childcare Ireland, my Department is carrying out a comprehensive review of the operating model that administers all ELC and SAC schemes and initiatives. This was outlined in 'First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families' which was launched in November 2018.

The ELC and SAC sector has grown substantially in the past decade. The review's objective is to ensure that the operating model is fit for purpose to implement Departmental childcare policy relating to quality, affordability and access, to the scale and standards required in an evolving and expanding sector.

An independent external contractor has been engaged by my Department to undertake an analysis of the current landscape and consideration of options for a future operating model. In this regard the review will aim to explore a variety of options in relation to how best the ELC and SAC operating model can be overseen by my Department in the coming years.

I am pleased to report that this review is well underway, and is due to conclude in the coming months. A review Oversight Group, chaired by my Department, has been established, with regular meetings of that group having taken place throughout the year.

It is envisaged that the analysis carried out through the review will provide a robust evidence base to inform a decision concerning the establishment of Childcare Ireland and the range of functions it may provide. I look forward to bringing a report back to Government on the matter later in 2021.

Disability Services

Questions (227)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

227. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the reports of the disability capacity review and a report (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28934/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment as responsibility for disability services has not yet transferred to my Department. These matters are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.

The recent cyber attack on the Department of Health has rendered them unable to access their IT systems.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (228)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

228. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the decision to reduce the number of entry points to the ECCE from three to one per year; the cost saving to the Exchequer from the move; if any research has been carried out on the impact of the decision on low-income families who have to pay for their child to attend pre-school if they are outside the allocated timings; the educational impacts of limiting it to one entry point a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/21]

View answer

Written answers

The ECCE Programme was established in 2010 to provide children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school.

When first introduced, the ECCE Programme was delivered over 38 weeks in a given ECCE Programme Year and children were required to be between the ages of 3 years and 2 months and 4 years and 7 months in September in the year they enrolled.

In accordance with recommendations in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment and the Report of the Expert Advisory Group on the Early Years Strategy, Right from the Start, this Programme was extended in September 2016. Under this expanded Programme children were eligible to enrol in the Programme at age three, and remain in Programme until they transitioned primary school (or reached 5 years 6 months). Under this extension, three enrolment points were introduced – September, January and April.

The ECCE Programme was extended again in September 2018. Since then, children qualify for two years of pre-school under this Programme and can enrol when they are 2 years and 8 months of age in September in the year they enrol and continue until they transfer to primary school (or reach 5 years 6 months).The changes to the ECCE Programme in 2018 fulfilled a committed in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

The return one enrolment point in 2018 ensured all children have equitable access to the ECCE Programme.

With three enrolment points, the number of ECCE weeks a child availed of averaged at 61 weeks but this ranged from 38 weeks and 88 weeks depending on the child’s date of birth of and school starting age. The single enrolment point ensured all children could avail of 76 ECCE weeks. Moreover, the return to one enrolment point helped to streamline the administration process to make it easier for pre-school providers to operate and budget for the programme year.

Funding for the ECCE Programme was increased by €26m in Budget 2018. This funding was for this extension of the ECCE programme and a 7% increase in ECCE capitation. Bot changes were introduced from September 2018, therefore funding allocated under Budget 2018 does not reflect full year costs of these measures.

With regard to the impact of this change to the ECCE Programme on low-income families who have to pay for their child to attend pre-school if they are outside the eligible age ranges.

It is open for these families to apply for supports under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).

The NCS, introduced in November 2019, represents the first ever statutory entitlement to financial support for early learning and childcare.

It marks a shift away from previous schemes, which were based on medical card and social protection entitlements to a more progressive system of universal and income-based subsidies.

Under the NCS, significantly more families are eligible for support.

NCS makes early learning and childcare more affordable, and in some instances free, to these families - with those on lowest incomes receiving the greatest level of support.

NCS is designed to ensure that access provided is at a level necessary to support positive child development outcomes regardless of whether parents are in work or study.

Where parents are not engaged in work or study, the NCS subsidises up to 20 hours per week (standard hours).

Where parents are engaged in work or study, the NCS subsidises up to 45 hours of per week (enhanced hours).

Depending on the age of the child, low income families with pre-school children will be eligible for up €102 per week in NCS subsidies where parents are not engaged in work or study and €229.50 per week in NCS subsidies where parents are engaged in work or study (as outlined in the table provided).

Child’s Age

Maximum Subsidy Per Hour

Maximum Standard Hours Subsidy

Maximum Enhanced Hours Subsidy

Less than 12 months old

€5.10

€102.00

€229.50

12 to 35 months old

€4.35

€87.00

€195.75

3 years old or older and not yet qualifying for ECCE

€3.95

€79.00

€177.75

Childcare Services

Questions (229)

Neale Richmond

Question:

229. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to childcare providers that will be forced to close due to forthcoming fire regulations from Tusla that are due to come into force on 1 November 2021; the course of action for small providers that do not believe that they can meet these regulations and will be forced to close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29031/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the supporting documentation required as part of the re-registration process for early years services, which, for most services, was due to take place at the end of 2019. Services were required to provide Fire Safety Certificates as part of the re-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 August 2019, Tusla issued guidance for registered providers of early years services on the fire and planning requirements for the re-registration process. It is important to note that these were not new regulations, but guidance on the submission of documentation for the purpose of re-registration. Registration of early years services is granted only where Tusla is satisfied that the premises, operation and location of the service poses no unmanaged risk to children. All registered services are expected to have the appropriate fire certification in place.

In an effort to assist providers in meeting the re-registration deadline, Tusla divided the process into two parts. The first part, including submission of an application form and critical supporting documentation, was completed at the end of 2019 and the deadline for the second part (submission of remaining documents) postponed until June 2020. Due to the unprecedented situation with Covid–19, a decision was taken to further defer the deadline for submission of remaining supporting documentation to 1 November 2021.

It is important to note that the suitability and safety of premises is a key concern in the assessment of quality provision for children in early years services. Section 58G of the Child Care Act, 1991 (as amended by Part 12 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013) places an onus on the providers of early years services to ensure that they take all reasonable measures to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of children.

Given the absolute priority to keep children safe in these services, I have allocated funding under my Department's Annual Capital Programme 2021 to assist services complete any outstanding fire safety works required to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate. A total of €5 million has been allocated across 643 services to carry out remedial works to ensure these services will be fully compliant with fire safety standards as set out in Tulsa's registration requirements.

Immigration Policy

Questions (230, 231)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which integration is being seriously pursued with a view to ensuring that the best possible options are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the degree to which integration is being satisfactorily pursued as a policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29078/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The Migrant Integration Strategy is the central policy framework adopted by Government to promote the integration of all migrants who are legally in the State. It contains 76 targeted actions aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of Irish society, including increased focus on social inclusion measures and improved access to public services. It also aims to addresses racism and xenophobia, representing a whole-of-Government approach.

The implementation of this strategy is overseen by a steering committee which draws together State and non-State actors to deliver a better quality of life for all through targeted actions to promote social inclusion and improved access to public services and I chair the meetings of the committee charged with the monitoring and oversight of this strategy.

In November 2020, I announced the extension of the MIS to the end of 2021 due to the impact of Covid-19 on the Committee’s ability to engage and report on the Strategy actions. This extension will enable the actions of the Strategy to continue to be implemented while facilitating the preparations for a new strategic policy approach to migrant integration.

Building on the work of the MIS Mid-Term Progress Report, my Department is also continuing with existing plans to have an independent evaluation of the Strategy in 2021 which will form part of future strategic planning.

As part of this work to inform the development of a robust successor strategy to the MIS, I will work with stakeholders to examine what has been achieved over the term of the MIS and how we can bring forth the next iterations of those strategies and ensure they are even more effective.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 230.

Equality Issues

Questions (232)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which equality issues continue to arise within his Department; the extent to which these issues are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29079/21]

View answer

Written answers

Significant advances have been made in recent years to address inequality in Irish society, with the Government’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equal society re-affirmed through the Programme for Government commitments to achieve social solidarity, equality of opportunity and economic equity for all.

The suite of national equality strategies, overseen and coordinated by my Department, act as the central policy framework adopted by Government to address inequality across Irish society. The strategies include the National Strategy for Women and Girls (NSWG), the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS), the Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS), the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS), the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, the National LGBTI+ Strategy for Youth and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES).

The implementation of each equality strategy is overseen by a steering committee which draws together State and non-State actors to deliver a better quality of life for all through targeted actions to promote social inclusion and improved access to public services. I chair the meetings of the committees charged with the monitoring and oversight of the strategies, with the exception of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy steering group which is chaired by my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Anne Rabbitte, and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities which is chaired by Fergus Finlay.

As some of these strategies near their conclusion, I will work with stakeholders to examine what has been achieved over their term and how we can bring forth the next iterations of those strategies and ensure they are even more robust and effective.

The role of monitoring the prevalence of discrimination and prejudice in Irish society is undertaken by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) which is Ireland’s national human rights and equality institution and is an independent public body that accounts directly to the Oireachtas. Its purpose is to promote and protect human rights and equality in Ireland and build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding in the State. In mid-October 2020 the transfer took place of the Governance function of IHREC from the Department of Justice and Equality to my Department.

The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to examine the introduction of a new ground of discrimination, based on socio-economic disadvantaged status, to the Employment Equality and Equal Status Acts. Work is underway to examine how this commitment can be implemented.

Youth Services

Questions (233, 234)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to liaise with youth organisations with a view to maximise beneficial contact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29080/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent and level of his Departments interaction with youth and youth organisations with a view to identifying and meeting specific targets in relation to issues of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29081/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

My Department maintains close contact with the national youth organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme and I, and officials from my Department, meet formally with these organisations twice a year to share knowledge and information on developments in the youth sector. Although this schedule has been impacted by Covid-19, my officials and I have maintained engagements with the National Youth Council of Ireland, Youth Work Ireland, Foróige and Scouting Ireland, among others, in recent months. Officials from my Department meet formally with youth organisations on an individual basis when the need arises and also maintain informal contacts.

The Deputy may be aware that we provide funding to all 16 Education and Training Boards (ETB) around the country to support youth services and that each ETB has a Youth Officer. Youth Officers provide an important support role to my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. My officials hold quarterly meetings with them and these meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.

My Department has engaged with the youth sector during Covid to develop sector specific guidance which are updated in tandem with the evolving Covid-19 developments. My officials continue to engage regularly with youth sector representatives in relation to the impact of the pandemic and associated health restrictions on young people and youth services.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 233.

Equality Issues

Questions (235)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which equality issues are being addressed with particular reference to persons of all ages with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/21]

View answer

Written answers

Equality issues are addressed in the policy initiatives taken forward by the Government on disability while policy on equality also integrates disability as a core element.

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) recognises that people with disabilities may have different needs depending on their ages. It includes actions, for instance, on education, specifically targeted at younger people with disabilities. It also includes actions specifically targeted at older people such as in relation to access to housing adaptation grant schemes.

The equality needs of people with disabilities are also taken into account in the national equality strategies. One of the aims of the National Strategy for Women and Girls, for instance, is to ensure that women with disabilities can participate fully in Irish society.

There is a linkage between policy on disability and equality in the work of the Equality Budgeting Working Group jointly chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department. Disability and gender are two of the strands of equality budgeting currently being advanced. Equality budgeting examines the impact of expenditure decisions on specific equality outcomes, including in relation to disability.

Disability Services

Questions (236)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which children with disabilities can expect to receive adequate care and attention and access to services now and in the future; the degree to which his Department has identified issues of interest in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29083/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment as responsibility for disability services has not yet transferred to my Department. These matters are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.

The recent cyber attack on the Department of Health has rendered them unable to access their IT systems.

Children in Care

Questions (237)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently in foster or other care in State or private institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/21]

View answer

Written answers

The recent cyber attack has impaired access to and communication with public bodies including Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla's response to the incident continues to be focused on the primary goal of prioritising the well-being and protection of children.

Tusla regularly publishes data on it's data hub, available here:

data.tusla.ie/

Below you will find recently published information for January 2021 from Tusla in relation children in care.

The preference is always to place a child in a family environment. Ireland has consistently had in excess of 90% of children in care in foster care placements, with 91% of children in foster care placements in January 2021.

Recently available data from other jurisdictions indicate that Ireland compares favorably to other countries in the level of foster or family care placements. England Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland had between 62% and 78% of children in care in foster or family based care placements. Australia had 91% of children in foster or family care care placements.

There was a total of 5,872 children in care at the end of January 2021; 10 fewer than December 2020 (5,882) and the fewest number for the period December 2019 to January 2021. This is 99 fewer children in care at the end of January than the same time last year (5,971).

65% (3,815) of children in care are in general foster care, 26% (1,521) are in relative foster care, 7% (422) are in residential care and 2% (114) are in “other” care placements.16 (4%) of the 422 children in residential placements are in special care722 (12%) children in care at the end of January 2021 were in placements with private providers; seven fewer than December 2020 (729)and 33 (5%) more than January 2020 (689).57% (413) of children in placements with private providers were in foster care, one more than December 2020 (412) and 11 more than January 2020 (402).38% (269) of children in placements with private providers were in residential care, four fewer than December 2020 (273). This number (269) is up 15 on January 2020 (254).

Children in Care

Questions (238, 240)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the degree to which the welfare of children continues to be provided for all circumstances whether in State or other care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29085/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the obvious steps that can be most readily taken to ensure that individual cases referred to Tusla or other bodies are likely to receive urgent and ongoing attention of the highest quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together.

All organisations including government departments, schools, health services, religious bodies, public sector agencies, clubs and leisure sector, funded organisations, private and voluntary bodies that are in contact with or providing services to children have an overall corporate duty and responsibility to be mindful of the welfare of children and it is expected they would actively be:

- promoting the general welfare, health, development and safety of children

- adopting and consistently applying a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers

- developing tailored guidance and procedures, in accordance with Children First: National Guidance, for staff and volunteers who may have reasonable grounds for concern about the safety and welfare of children involved with the organisation

- identifying a designated liaison person to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection and welfare concerns. The designated liaison person is responsible for reporting allegations or concerns of child abuse to the Child and Family Agency or to An Garda Síochána

- ensuring that the organisation has clear written procedures on the action to be taken if allegations of abuse against employees/volunteers are made

- raising awareness within the organisation about potential risks to children’s safety and welfare

- developing effective procedures for responding to accidents and complaints

Organisations should contact Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, where they are concerned about a child’s welfare and co-operate with the statutory bodies in the ongoing assessment and management of the case.

In addition to the welfare work Tusla undertakes my Department also has numerous initiatives enacted to monitor and improve the welfare of children.

Such initiatives as Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (BOBF) was the first overarching national policy framework for children and young people (aged 0-24 years). Almost all policy areas have a direct or indirect effect on children and young people’s lives. The purpose of this framework was to coordinate policy across Government to achieve better outcomes. A follow on to the good work of BOBF is being derived at the moment.

My Department also takes into account the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which sets out the basic human rights every child is entitled to. These include:

- Survival rights such as nutrition, shelter and access to medical services

- Development rights such as education, access to information and freedom of thought

- Protection rights such as protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation

- Participation rights such expression of opinions and taking part in social and cultural activities

The Convention protects these rights by setting minimum standards that governments must meet in providing healthcare, education and legal and social services to children in their countries.

My Department works closely with the Children’s Rights Alliance and other Departments in relation to the UNCRC, allowing for issues of concern relating to children in care to be raised and appropriately addressed.

Tusla is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving child welfare and protection outcomes for children. Since its establishment in 2014, it has led a comprehensive reform of child protection, early intervention and family support service. Tusla represents a fundamental shift in the provision of family support, child protection, educational welfare and alternative care services. Central to their vision is the development of services that ensure children are safe and achieving their full potential. Tusla also recognises from a rights perspective that children and families should be active participants in the development and delivery of Tusla services.

Tusla has a Child Protection and Welfare Strategy 2017-2022, it outlines their strategic vision to provide an appropriate, proportionate and timely response to children at risk or in need of support in Ireland. Similarly its business plan and corporate strategy are all orientated to improve services including those for children in care.

Services provided by Tusla are subject to internal reviews and audits and are also the subject of HIQA inspections in relation to Child Protection Services, Foster Care Services, Special Care and Tusla run Children's Residential Centres. This monitoring of provided services ensures issues that are identified can be addressed and the quality of service is maintained or improved. In addition the Ombudsman for Children and Tusla’s own National Review Panel will report on specific topics relating to the work of Tusla which prompts further improvements in Tusla services.

Throughout the pandemic and current effects of the cyber-attack of Friday 14 May 2021 Tusla continues to provide a frontline service to the vulnerable cohort of children in care.

The pandemic saw Tusla and my Department take numerous steps to respond to the public health crisis including:

- Increasing the number of foster carers through the implementation of emergency measures to allow swift recruitment and approval of foster carers.

- Liaising with stakeholders including HIQA and the Irish Foster Care Association regarding a potential amendment and temporary suspension of certain aspects of the regulations relating to the placement of children in foster care, to ensure that family based care remains as the main form of alternative care in Ireland.

- Supporting Tusla to draft a proposal outlining an alternative, remote assessment of potential foster carers to join an emergency panel of carers.

- Suspending a requirement to allow for more than two unrelated children to be placed with approved foster carers, if necessary.

- Redeploying Youth Workers into the Children’s Residential Care Sector in order to supply a potential shortfall in care staff. This will allow Youth Workers to voluntarily redeploy into the children’s residential care sector for the period of emergency measures.

- Maintaining contact between children in care and their families in line with HSE guidance and GDPR.

The recent cyber-attack on HSE IT systems has impacted on the operations of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla continues to provide their full range of services and supports, with social workers and social care workers around the country continuing their core work with children and families, supported by manual systems. Priority is being accorded to Child Protection and Children in Care Services (including assessment of risk). While the referrals portal for this service is impacted, referrals are being taken via phone and post and anyone with a concern is being asked to contact their local duty social work office. Contact details are available on Tusla's website at www.tusla.ie/about/ict-update/The National Childcare Information System (NCCIS) remains unavailable and at this point. Tusla is continuing to examine the risks and challenges to all operating systems and databases. It is important to note that the investigation into the cyber attack is ongoing and will take some time. Tusla is actively engaged with key partner agencies, including An Garda Siochana, the Courts Service and family support services and is providing guidance and information to all staff, service users and the public via the Tusla website homepage. Tusla continues to liaise with the HSE on the restoration of systems and have deployed significant ICT resources to enable safe access to internal systems as soon as possible.My Department continues to work closely with Tusla in supporting their response to addressing the impact and implications of the Cyber-attack which has effected Tusla systems and operations.

Child and Family Agency

Questions (239)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which Tusla has adequate resources at its disposal in order to deal with any issues reported to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29086/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am satisfied that Tusla is well resourced to meet its statutory obligations and address issues arising although I am aware of many areas of need that could benefit from additional resources.

For 2021, my Department increased the allocation to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to a total of €894m. This is an effective increase of €46m over the final equivalent allocation for 2020 (€848m). The additional resources allow Tusla to:

- Continue work to reduce the number of children awaiting the allocation of a social worker (reduce number of unallocated cases),

- Address significant demand led cost pressures in residential care,

- Provide care and protection through quality services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence,

- Continue to improve organisational and service performance to achieve better outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families,

- Support Tusla to meet our commitments to transfer additional unaccompanied children in Greece to Ireland as quickly as possible,

- Manage and safeguard records following their transfer from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla),

- Improve and embed robust processes to adhere to GDPR regulations and address the Data Protection Commissioner’s concerns,

- Increase capital investment to support Tusla services, and advance the Agency’s Estates Strategy.

Tusla’s annual Business Plan 2021 has been published on its website. Tusla's Corporate Plan 2021-23 has recently been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Both documents outline key priorities as well as resource allocation and challenges.

My officials are in contact with Tusla on a regular basis, both in regard to its financial position and its capacity to deliver front line services to children and families. I am satisfied that Tusla can deliver on its objectives in 2021. I will engage with Tusla over the coming weeks with regard to its budget profile for 2022, as part of the official Estimates process.

Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 238.

Emergency Departments

Questions (241)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if adequate provision is in place to ensure that children with disabilities do not have to wait unnecessarily at accident and emergency departments in the event of being referred there for other than their own specific disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29088/21]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment as responsibility for disability services has not yet transferred to my Department. These matters are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.

The recent cyber attack on the Department of Health has rendered them unable to access their IT systems .

EU Programmes

Questions (242)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

242. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will re-examine whether the European Globalisation Fund could be accessed for the Irish tourism sector or specific areas within the sector in view of the recent EU Commission decision to grant Estonia access to the European Globalisation Fund for job losses in the tourism sector linked to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28861/21]

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Written answers

The Estonian application in November 2020 was based on 10,080 redundancies across 14 NACE/ economic sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was approved under the 2014-20 EGF Rules on an exceptional basis due to the serious impact these job losses had on employment and the national economy. The mass redundancies in the Estonian tourism industry were argued to impact the national economy. The unemployment rate in Estonia increased from 4.4% in 2019 to 6.8% in 2020.

By comparison the unemployment rate in Ireland increased from 5% to 5.7% in the same period reflecting the range of measures introduced by the Government to provide income support for those whose employment has been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.

The Regulations governing the EGF for 2021-27 reduce the minimum required number of redundancies from 500 to 200 redundancies. The 200 redundancies can occur over a four month period in a single company (including suppliers /downstream producers) or in a number of companies, particularly SMEs operating in the same or different economic sectors in a particular NUTS 2 region; or over a six-month period in a number of companies, particularly SMEs operating in a particular economic sector in one or two adjoining NUTS 2 regions. Temporary lay-offs do not constitute redundancies within the scope of the EGF.

All reasons for restructuring are now eligible for support, including the economic effects of the coronavirus crisis and larger economic trends such as decarbonisation and automation. Job losses arising from changing trade patterns or as a consequence of the financial and economic crisis for which workers can currently receive support, also continue to be eligible. Cases can continue to be approved in exceptional circumstances, where the redundancies will have a serious impact on employment and the local, regional or national economy, up to 15% of the maximum annual EGF budget of €186m.

My officials in the EGF Managing Authority monitor the number and timing of redundancies notified by employers to the Minister of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to assess the potential for EGF applications.

Separately my Department has a Job Loss Response Protocol with the Departments of Social Protection and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In a situation of job losses and redundancies, the Department of Social Protection is the lead Department. The protocol puts in place all the efforts to assist the impacted workers, including welfare entitlements, job-search assistance and access to the wide range of upskilling and reskilling opportunities available.

Third Level Admissions

Questions (243)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

243. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the accommodation that has been made to ensure that students of the class of 2020 that never got to finish their courses, that received calculated grades in 2020, sat the leaving certificate in 2020 and are being expected to await the first round of CAO offers in September in 2021 to know their fate in relation to their preferred choice of university course thus forcing them to compete for limited places in specialist courses such as radiography or biomedical science with the leaving certificate class of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28916/21]

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Written answers

Universities and Institutes of Technology are autonomous and determine their own procedures for admission. The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on their behalf.

Decisions on admissions are made by the higher education institutions who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Therefore neither I nor my Department have a function in relation to such matters and it is not within my remit to determine admissions criteria or direct HEIs to admit certain students.

It is my understanding that a total of 632 CAO offers have been made to students whose results in the 2020 written Leaving Certificate examinations brought them into consideration for a higher preference offer, based on their 2020 CAO application. These students will have the option to take up these offers for the 2021 academic year. While the offers have already been confirmed to students, they will be formally made as part of CAO Round A, which takes place in July.

Students who sat the 2020 written examinations but did not achieve the points needed for a higher preference offer had the option to apply for the 2021 academic year using their updated results. However any offers made to these students will be on the basis of the 2021 points requirements, and will be made as part of CAO Round One.

The CAO system is a system that works on the assumption that grades obtained in the Leaving Certificate by candidates determine their points. It is on this basis that the CAO system allocates places to applicants including those from different years. To ensure impartiality, the automatic CAO points systems have been created in a way that does not allow for different treatment to be applied to different sub-groups, or students with results from different years.

Third Level Fees

Questions (244)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

244. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure justice for international students who have had their education in Ireland affected by the Covid-19 crisis but who are being refused refunds on any fees by the university, specifically in the case of a university (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/21]

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Written answers

Higher education institutions are autonomous institutions as provided for in legislation. The determination, as to the total level of fees to be charged for non EU students is a matter for each institution in accordance with its own particular operational conditions and circumstances in ensuring quality education provision.

Under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID all further and higher education institutions will deliver the majority of their classes online with only essential activities held on site. It would also not be feasible for student to undertake any planned international travel element of their chosen programme. While I appreciate that this is disappointing for students, these measures were necessary to support halting the spread of the Coronavirus.

Higher education institutions report that the actual cost of delivering such programmes has not reduced as a consequence of the pandemic and have experienced a range of additional costs in continuing to deliver programmes during the unique circumstances of the pandemic. In 2020 the Government has provided funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education for the academic year 20/21. This included €150million in new funding and a re-prioritisation of €18million. For the Education providers under the remit of my Department, the allocation includes funding towards Support to Front line response; Immediate ICT costs relating to online provision; Health and Safety Costs; Research costs and funds towards assisting the enrolment of International Students

I am very aware of the difficulties facing students during this pandemic. In general there is a real requirement in these exceptional times to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways. I would encourage all institutions to engage with students in relation to any issues, including fees.

Additional supports announced in July 2020 include a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education and an additional €3m provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Notwithstanding the above position, officials in my department and the HEA have sought additional information from University of Limerick who advise that “ Changes in university teaching delivery has had a significant impact on the costs and benefits of higher and adult education. First, it changes the nature of a university’s costs, reducing operational expenditure on utilities and services, but increasing the cost of IT services, staff training in new technologies and the provision of additional counselling and support services for students. On balance, the costs of higher education are higher in a blended model, and this has been reflected in additional government grants to universities.

The budgeting process and Masters programme pricing is completed by the Postgraduate Studies office in consultation with the faculty Deans. The eventual price of the Masters programme depends on a range of factors including the cost of delivery and the support structures including everything from administrative support to estate maintenance. The total fee after scholarships is approximately split 50/50 with central administration and the faculty. As an aside, scholarships for all programmes increased this year as a tacit acknowledgement of the impact of the pandemic. Within the Kemmy Business School, the fees received do not have a list of sub accounts where the monies are allocated to various costs.

The cost of the virtual workshop this year was significant and the time and effort put into the delivery of that workshop was equivalent or greater to the organisational effort for an international trip. For the KBS, the key task was to ensure that students achieved the learning outcomes as per our mandate from Higher Education Authority (HEA) and audited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). We are confident that these outcomes were achieved.

The cost of delivery between the international trip and virtual workshop or other alternatives cannot be distinguished. While it is true to say that some operational costs such as heat, light, etc. have decreased other costs have increased. These increased costs include considerable human and technological resources into pivoting to online delivery at very short notice. These costs are spread across the campus and it is not possible to allocate them to particular programmes.

Overall, responding to the pandemic has changed the way that we provide education, but it does not mean that either the cost of provision or the value of the student learning is diminished. Despite the very real challenges, we have continued to adapt our education delivery in order to teach, assess and graduate students with the same high qualifications and skills”.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (245)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

245. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of all State funding in the area of cyber-security since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28954/21]

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Written answers

For operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate to disclose details, including any budgetary matters, of my Department’s cyber security arrangements, or those of state agencies under my remit. Any disclosure of information in relation to cyber security matters could assist malicious actors in identifying potential vulnerabilities and potentially compromise my Department’s information security posture.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (246)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

246. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of each time the HEA enlisted the services of consultants since 2016; the date and value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28970/21]

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Written answers

All of the details sought by the Deputy are not readily available in my Department. Officials have requested the information from the Higher Education Authority which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Higher Education Institutions

Questions (247)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

247. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied) in the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29045/21]

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Written answers

As the deputy will be aware, higher education institutions are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation and are responsible for the day-to-day management and operational affairs of the institution including the determination of postgraduate tuition fees and refund policies. The matters raised are an internal matter for the University of Limerick (UL) and my Department is therefore not in a position to intervene in the related policies of the University.

Under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID all further and higher education institutions will deliver the majority of their classes online with only essential activities held on site. In accordance with Public Health advice, in the majority of circumstances it has also not been possible for students to undertake planned international travel as part of their chosen programme. While I appreciate that this is disappointing for students, these measures were necessary to support halting the spread of the Coronavirus.

I am very aware of the difficulties facing students during this pandemic. In general there is a real requirement in these exceptional times to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways. I would encourage all institutions to engage with students in relation to any issues, including fees.

In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students, financial assistance will be provided in academic year 2020/21 to all students who avail of SUSI grants and to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state. Under this initiative students who avail of the SUSI grant will receive a €250 top-up in their grant and students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state can reduce by €250 any outstanding student contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution. This builds on the additional supports announced in July including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education and an additional €3m provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.

Higher education institutions report that the actual cost of delivering such programmes has not reduced as a consequence of the pandemic and have experienced a range of additional costs in continuing to deliver programmes during the unique circumstances of the pandemic. In 2020 the Government has provided funding in the amount of €168m to support the return of students to further and higher education for the academic year 20/21. This included €150million in new funding and a re-prioritisation of €18million. For the Education providers under the remit of my Department, the allocation includes funding towards Support to Front line response; Immediate ICT costs relating to online provision; Health and Safety Costs; Research costs and funds towards assisting the enrolment of International Students

Notwithstanding the above position, I sought additional information from University of Limerick which has advised that “ Changes in university teaching delivery has had a significant impact on the costs and benefits of higher and adult education. First, it changes the nature of a university’s costs, reducing operational expenditure on utilities and services, but increasing the cost of IT services, staff training in new technologies and the provision of additional counselling and support services for students. On balance, the costs of higher education are higher in a blended model, and this has been reflected in additional government grants to universities.

The budgeting process and Masters programme pricing is completed by the Postgraduate Studies office in consultation with the faculty Deans. The eventual price of the Masters programme depends on a range of factors including the cost of delivery and the support structures including everything from administrative support to estate maintenance. The total fee after scholarships is approximately split 50/50 with central administration and the faculty. As an aside, scholarships for all programmes increased this year as a tacit acknowledgement of the impact of the pandemic. Within the Kemmy Business School, the fees received do not have a list of sub accounts where the monies are allocated to various costs.

The cost of the virtual workshop this year was significant and the time and effort put into the delivery of that workshop was equivalent or greater to the organisational effort for an international trip. For the KBS, the key task was to ensure that students achieved the learning outcomes as per our mandate from Higher Education Authority (HEA) and audited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). We are confident that these outcomes were achieved.

The cost of delivery between the international trip and virtual workshop or other alternatives cannot be distinguished. While it is true to say that some operational costs such as heat, light, etc. have decreased other costs have increased. These increased costs include considerable human and technological resources into pivoting to online delivery at very short notice. These costs are spread across the campus and it is not possible to allocate them to particular programmes.

Overall, responding to the pandemic has changed the way that we provide education, but it does not mean that either the cost of provision or the value of the student learning is diminished. Despite the very real challenges, we have continued to adapt our education delivery in order to teach, assess and graduate students with the same high qualifications and skills”.

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