Written Answers Nos. 126-150
126. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the work undertaken to date to fulfil obligations arising from an amendment to a private members motion on the Mother and Baby Homes Commission which was passed and provides an entitlement to a full medical card for all persons that spent any time in a mother and baby home. [48517/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG has been guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April.
As the proposals for the Scheme have not yet been agreed by Government I cannot provide specific detail regarding eligibility for enhanced medical cards at this point.
I understand how important this Scheme is to many former residents and I look forward to bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval in October. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will continue the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
127. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is proposed to expand the capital grant scheme for the provision of upgraded and or additional childcare accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48632/21]
View answerCapital investment in early learning and childcare will be delivered through the National Development Plan (NDP) during 2021-2030. Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars : Modernisation, New Capacity and First 5 Initiatives. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP as follows:
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase.
In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives : First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, access to affordable early learning and childcare is inherently linked to creating an equitable society, sustainable communities and a thriving economy. Early learning and childcare provision is therefore considered under the National Development Plan, along with housing, schools and health facilities as an integral part of national infrastructure.
128. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an adoptee organisation (details supplied). [48685/21]
View answer135. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a recommendation in a report by an adoptee organisation (details supplied). [48684/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 135 together.
I am aware of the Adoptee Voices report published by Aitheantas in July this year, and have given careful consideration to this report, in the context of wider engagement with adoption stakeholders. I have also met with Aitheantas a number of times during 2020 and 2021 as part of my engagement with adoption stakeholders.
With regard to the recommendations concerning a review of historic adoptions, I am very conscious that every record on adoption represents the lives of a number of individuals. There are major ethical issues at play where the reality, identity and family and legal relationships that people have lived their whole lives may be fundamentally impacted. I am also conscious that, in some cases, records may simply not exist anymore.
From listening to those most centrally affected, I believe that what is important as an immediate priority is access to birth certificates and birth and early life information for adoptees. The Deputy will be aware that the Birth Information and Tracing legislation is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. If enacted, this legislation will, for the first time, enshrine in law the clear right of access to birth certificates, and other birth and early life information.
The legislation will provide the necessary legal framework for a strong and supportive information and tracing service. It will ensure that any individual with a question about their origins is empowered to access their own records and is supported with regard to any related needs.
With regard to counselling, Barnardos provides a service for adopted adults and parents. In addition, the National Counselling Service provides a service for individuals who were resident in Mother and Baby Homes or whose births were illegally registered. The proposed Birth Information and Tracing legislation also deals with the provision of supports to adopted persons and parents.
129. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made implementing the Report of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Protection Process. [47520/21]
View answerEarlier this year, I published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. As outlined in the Programme for Government, the recommendations of the Advisory Group on the Provision of Support including Accommodation to Persons in the International Protection Process, which was chaired by Dr Catherine Day, fed directly into the development of this White Paper.
I will now describe the steps we have taken to date to implement these reforms.
A staff team has been established in my Department to lead the transition to the new model and has developed a detailed implementation plan.
I have appointed a Programme Board, including independent members, to oversee the transition.
Working with the Housing Agency, my Department has begun to acquire the accommodation needed for Phase Two - that is, after people have completed their initial four-months in a Reception and Integration Centre and move into the community.
An allocation key to determine the spread of this accommodation across all counties has been agreed by Local Authorities.
Working with the housing experts on the Programme Board, my Department is preparing advice on the optimal ownership model for the accommodation, as well as on the funding model to enable Approved Housing Bodies and other not-for-profit organisations to act as our delivery partners for the accommodation and support elements of the new system.
Policy on the International Protection Support Payments is being developed in consultation with the Department of Social Protection.
My Department has also begun to develop the integration policy for the new model, based on the principle of 'integration from day one' set out in the White Paper.
130. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1237 of 27 July 2021, the status of the report of the interdepartmental group set up to develop detailed proposals for the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions; if he has received the report to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48522/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG was guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a strong response received to that consultation process.
The work of the Interdepartmental Group is effectively complete, and I look forward to receiving its final report very soon and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval this month. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will then begin the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
131. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the advice he sought from persons and bodies with expertise in GDPR concerning subject access requests by survivors seeking personal information from the archive of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48686/21]
View answerIn order to assist the processing of subject access requests from individuals seeking personal information from the archive and to vindicate the rights of data subjects, my Department has put in place a multi-disciplinary team which includes legal and data protection expertise. Officials in my Department who process SARs from individuals completed data protection training delivered by external consultants to ensure that they are appropriately equipped to respond to requests in respect of the archive. My Department has sought and obtained legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General on a range of issues relating to subject access requests by survivors seeking personal information from the archive of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes.
In addition, my Department has engaged external data protection consultants to support the processing of requests from data subjects and, in consultation with the Attorney General, has developed guidelines which set out the steps that must be taken in response to each subject access request.
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. [48751/21]
View answerEarlier this year I published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
The new system has a particular focus on the needs of children who come to Ireland with their families or as unaccompanied minors. All staff working with applicants will undertake the ‘Children First’ e-Learning programme.
The White Paper commits local Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSCs) to developing a clear action-focused plan for the coordination and provision of services and supports from CYPSCs. Play facilities will also be available for children.
Tusla services will input into the key areas of provision, to include Prevention, Partnership and Family Support, and Educational Support Services. Unaccompanied minors will be prioritised to ensure a first decision before the applicant reaches 18.
The reform programme set out in the White Paper is comprehensive and will take time to implement. The measures relating specifically to children and young people will be undertaken in tandem with other measures as the programme progresses.
A staff team has been established in my Department to lead the transition to the new model and has developed a detailed implementation plan.
I have appointed a Programme Board that includes the Children’s Rights Alliance.
Working with the Housing Agency, my Department has begun to acquire the accommodation for Phase Two - that is, after people have completed their initial four-months in a Reception and Integration Centre and move into the community.
Work is continuing in parallel with this process to move families with children currently living in IPAS accommodation into own door or independent living accommodation, where possible.
134. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the current review into the national childcare system; the expected timeframe for completion of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48614/21]
View answerThe 12 month review of the National Childcare Scheme, as required under Section 26 of the Childcare Support Act 2018, commenced at the end of March 2021. It is an independent assessment of the implementation and impacts of NCS during its first year of operation and will provide key data and information to support the future development of the NCS.
The report is in the final stages of completion by the consultant tasked with the review of the NCS and it is intended that the report will be submitted to the houses of the Oireachtas in Q.4 of this year.
The review was undertaken to provide a basis for my Department to consider how effectively the NCS is operating and whether it delivered on its objectives within the first year.
The review, once completed, will provide an opportunity for my Department and me to consider how the NCS meets its policy objectives, of improved children's outcomes, parental engagement in work or study and reduced child poverty, and support those most in need in the best evidence informed manner.
136. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes to applications will be opened. [48558/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG was guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a strong response received to that consultation process.
The work of the Interdepartmental Group is effectively complete, and I look forward to receiving its final report very soon and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval in October. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will then begin the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
137. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress on the successor to the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48709/21]
View answerBetter Outcomes, Brighter Futures – The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020 concluded at the end of 2020. My Department’s Research and Evaluation Unit is preparing a review of the BOBF Indicator Set between 2014 and 2020, the lifespan of the policy framework. A final Annual Report for 2020 is due for publication by the year end.
The research and review stage of development of the BOBF successor framework has now commenced, in parallel with the development of an action plan and enabling framework for the EU Child Guarantee and reporting to the United Nations Children’s Rights Convention. Prioritisation of the latter documents in 2021 was required to ensure appropriate consideration and to meet the necessary deadlines.
The integrated approach being adopted in developing these documents will inform the strategic approach to improving outcomes for children, young people and their families that will be pursued under the successor policy framework to Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures .
It is envisaged that the full successor framework will be published by end of 2022.
138. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to increase specialist supports for children with additional needs attending afterschool services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47694/21]
View answerSpecialist supports provided by my Department for children with additional needs in early learning and childcare services operate through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) universal pre-school programme.
AIM provides both universal and targeted supports. In its current form, the targeted supports within AIM are exclusively tied to the ECCE pre-school programme, and so targeted supports are not available in afterschool settings. Some of the universal supports within AIM, however, such as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training, may benefit all children attending services that take part, which include some services that offer both early learning and care and school-age childcare.
First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families , commits to consider enhancements to, or extension of AIM, following completion of the evaluation of AIM. Such an extension might involve younger children, longer hours of availability of targeted supports, children with additional needs other than a disability, or children attending school-age childcare services. Any decisions on extension or reform of AIM will be informed by the findings of the end-of-year-three evaluation of AIM, which is currently underway, with the final report due to be published in February 2022.
139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his proposals to ensure that childcare providers have the resources to pay adequate wages to staff in childcare centres in order for childcare to become an attractive career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48303/21]
View answer148. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he plans to take to improve the pay and conditions of childcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47518/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 148 together.
I am conscious of the need for significant improvement in pay and conditions of employment for early learning and childcare professionals. The level of pay they receive does not reflect the value of the work they do for children, families and the wider society and economy.
The State, however, is not the employer and therefore cannot determine wages in the sector. Nevertheless, I am committed to doing what is in my power. That is why last December, I began a process to examine the possibility of regulating pay and conditions in the sector and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee (or "JLC"). In agreement with IBEC/Childhood Services Ireland, and SIPTU, I appointed Dr Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, to be the independent chair of this process.
On foot of Dr Duffy’s report, on 11 March, I wrote to the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, recommending the establishment of a JLC for the sector.
In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the Labour Court recommended establishment of a JLC, and the Minister of State has now accepted the Labour Court’s recommendations.
I am pleased to confirm that the Establishment Order came into effect on 1 July last. The JLC will provide an opportunity for unions and employer representatives to work together to determine pay and conditions for early learning and childcare professionals.
Work is also progressing on a new funding mode for the sector, with recommendations from the Expert Group due to be made in November. I anticipate that the report will offer potential new avenues through which the State can support providers to improve pay and to meet the requirements of any future Employment Regulation Order that may arise from the JLC.
Work on a new Workforce Development Plan is also well advanced, with the final report due for completion by the end of the year.
140. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he recognises the supports offered by parent and toddler groups; the way he plans to support such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48701/21]
View answerI fully recognise that local Parent and Toddler Groups are providing support to parents, grandparents and childminders, as well as to young children throughout the country. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families new to a community.
My Department funds a national network of County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who work directly both with existing Parent and Toddler groups and in supporting the set-up of new groups.
In 2021 my Department made €250,000 available to support Parent and Toddler Groups, this funding seeks to support the establishment and operation of such groups through financial assistance in areas such as training for parents, purchase of equipment and/or contributions towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment.
The CCC’s are responsible for the promotion, assessment and administration of the Parent and Toddler grants at a local level and provide information which promotes the provision of a quality service, they can also signpost participants to other useful agencies or organisations.
Applications for the 2021 Parent and Toddler grant closed on 10 September however any individual or group interested in setting up a Parent & Toddler group in 2022 can contact their local CCC for advice and support.
Contact details for all CCCs are available at myccc.ie
141. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the barriers faced by persons within the naturalisation process in accessing further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48669/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment on these matters which are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
142. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has considered greatly expanding the role of the county childcare committees in order that they could drive the development of childcare facilities in their county. [47856/21]
View answerThe City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) were assigned by the National Childcare Strategy (2000) as the key local component in the development of a co-ordinated approach to quality childcare. There are 30 CCCs, located nation-wide, who are funded by my Department to provide support and guidance to local early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC) service providers and to parents. CCCs act as the local agent of my Department in the coordination and delivery of the national early education and childcare programmes and the implementation of Government policy at a local level, and in facilitating and supporting the development of quality, accessible ELC and SAC services for the overall benefit of children and their parents.
In 'First Five, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families', my
Department committed to completing a comprehensive review of the operating model for ELC and SAC
in this country. This includes, amongst other organisations, the 30 CCCs.
The ELC and SAC sector in Ireland 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, with the citizens of Ireland at its heart as core beneficiaries.
I am pleased to report that this review is well underway, and is due to conclude shortly. 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. This has involved significant stakeholder engagement, including with the 30 CCCs. An Oversight Group, chaired by my Department, has also been established and is meeting regularly.
I look forward to bringing a report to Government on the matter in the coming weeks.
143. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of work by the expert group established in September 2019 to develop a new funding model for ELC and SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48706/21]
View answer144. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the development and roll-out of a new funding model for childcare, for early learning and care and for school-age childcare in view of the recent crèche closures and fee increases in childcare facilities in an area (details supplied). [48516/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
First 5 commits to increasing investment in early learning and childcare to up to €1 billion by 2028 and a new funding model will be a key vehicle to ensure that such significant additional investment delivers for children, families and the State.
An Expert Group was established in September 2019 to develop a new funding for the sector. The Group is tasked with examining the current model of funding, its effectiveness in delivering quality, affordable, sustainable and inclusive services and considering how additional resourcing can best be structured in order to achieve these objectives.
The Group has met nineteen times to date, its report is currently being drafted and is on track to be submitted to me in November.
The development of the new funding model is supported by a significant programme of research. The research partner of the Expert Group has produced a series of working papers examining Ireland’s approach to this sector in an international context including papers on reducing costs to parents and mechanisms to control fees. The Group has also engaged in an extensive and detailed stakeholder consultation process.
Material relating to the work of the Expert Group, including reports from consultation and engagement, meeting documentation and research papers are available on a dedicated website, www.first5fundingmodel.ie.
In the immediate term, in addition to my Department's funding schemes, all services can participate in the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). This provides an average of 50% of normal operating costs for services, at a value of some €34m to the sector each month. The EWSS has been paid at enhanced rates since October 2020. Most businesses must demonstrate a 30% reduction in turnover to be eligible for supports under the scheme. When the EWSS was introduced in August 2020, I negotiated a special arrangement for registered early learning and childcare services to be exempt from this turnover test. These arrangements remain in place. Government has assured businesses that there will be no cliff-edge in the removal of supports, and my officials are working on a smooth transition from EWSS for the early learning and childcare sector.
I recognise that early learning and childcare services are private businesses and are free to set their own policies regarding the charging of fees and contract conditions and I am aware that some services have notified parents of a future significant increase in fees. Given the substantial additional supports allocated to the sector, and the assurance that there will be no sudden withdrawal of Government supports, I do not believe there is a case for an increase to fees paid by parents at this time.
145. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is the policy of his Department to extend parent’s leave in 2022 and in subsequent years; the final total parent’s leave entitlement will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48198/21]
View answerThe Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced 2 weeks' paid parent's leave to each parent of a child born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019. The leave was to be taken during the first year of a child's life, or in the case of adoption, within 1 year of the placement of the child with that family.
The Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021 extended paid parent's leave to 5 weeks leave to be taken during the first 2 years or a child's life, or in the case of adoption, within 2 years of the placement of the child with that family.
Any decision on further extension of this leave will be taken in consultation with the Minister for Social Protection, who is responsible for the payment of parent's benefit, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Ireland has obligations with regard to the duration of paid leave arising from Article 5(2) of Directive 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council on work-life balance for parents and carers which requires Member States to provide each worker with two months of non-transferable parental leave (known as parent's leave). Article 8(3) of the aforementioned Directive requires that this leave is paid.
The Directive requires Ireland to provide 7 weeks of paid parent's leave by 2 August 2022. Member States must provide a final 2 weeks of paid parent's leave by 2 August 2024.
146. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commitment will be given to increase the number of domestic violence refuge spaces above the current allocation of one refuge space for every 10,000 persons; his views on the current review being undertaken by Tusla into emergency accommodation; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48269/21]
View answerThe Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, better known as the Istanbul Convention, is a human rights treaty of the Council of Europe.
The Istanbul Convention sets out signatory obligations. However, it does not set out a single standard or recommended number of refuge spaces. Article 23 specifically refers to shelters, which should be accessible and “in sufficient numbers” to provide a place of refuge to victims.
A policy document "Combating Violence Against Women: Minimum Standards for Support Services", published by the Council of Europe, references two standards: either one shelter space per 10,000 head of adult population, or one shelter space per 10,000 head of female population. These standards employ specific mechanisms for measuring population and calculation of shelter spaces.
In line with reporting conventions previously used by the Department of Justice, Tusla has applied the standard of one shelter space per 10,000 head of female population. This reflects the community-focused integrated response for victims, where community-based organisations and outreach supports are in place alongside refuges. This is in contrast to some other states that may not have a range of other support services such as those available in Ireland.
Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication. Once this process is completed, the Review will then be published by Tusla, which I anticipate will be over the coming weeks. The Review assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities.
The Review represents my commitment to prioritising and supporting victims of DSGBV. My Department will engage with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations, that play a key role in this area, other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Justice, to progress work in this area. It is important that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible.
147. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is the case that some survivors submitting subject access request applications for their records are being informed they cannot have their records until they nominate a general practitioner and that it is the role of the general practitioner to then decide if it is appropriate to pass their own medical records to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48271/21]
View answerAt the outset, I want to make it very clear that it is my position that is in not acceptable that a survivor has to give their GP's contact details before they get access to their health data on their file from the Commission archive.
Since this issue was brought to my Departments attention we have worked hard to resolve it.
Currently, under S.I No. 82 of 1989 – Data Protection (Access Modification) (Health) Regulations, 1989, as amended by section 68 of the Data Protection Act 2018, a data controller who is not a health practitioner is required to consult with an appropriate health practitioner before supplying any health data to the data subject concerned.
My Department, as a data controller, must apply the Regulations when records contain health data. Unfortunately, the Regulations do not enable the exercise of any discretion by the data controller and require consultation with an appropriate health practitioner in all cases.
As I have stated previously, I am not satisfied with the requirement to consult with an appropriate health practitioner in all cases. As the Regulations concern access to health data, the Minister for Health and his officials are leading on progressing new Regulations. Officials in my Department are engaging directly with officials in the Department of Health with a view to progressing the new Regulations as a priority.
The making of new Regulations continues to be an important matter for me and my Department. In the interim, my Department has advised requestors of a possible alternative option to access their health data, which is through Freedom of Information legislation. This route allows access to the same health information without any need to consult a health practitioner. A number of people have to date received their health data under FOI.
I am conscious that the current situation is very unsatisfactory for individuals seeking information, and I want to see the matter resolved as soon as possible. I will continue to work with the Minister for Health to address the situation.
149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which reports relating to children at risk have been updated during the lockdown; the extent to which appropriate action was taken in circumstances in which it was necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48447/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is asking about an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply issue to the Deputy in due course.
However, I can advise that throughout the pandemic planning for children in need of safety and protection continued as an essential service. Tusla continued to provide all necessary services throughout the pandemic, including management of referrals and providing a social work response to children at risk. Where immediate risk exists to a child, an immediate response is provided.
150. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way his Department is assisting Youth Climate Justice efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48695/21]
View answerMy Department’s Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to eligible youth organisations for youth-led initiatives working to achieve a range of youth climate justice goals. Funding of €500,000 was made available in both 2020 and 2021 to support climate youth justice projects within the areas of network-building and communications, research, awareness-raising, influencing policy-makers, the development of resources and digital tools, and introducing practical climate justice changes within local communities.My Department facilitated the Environmental Protection Agency’s consultation with young people on its strategy and priorities for the period 2021-2025.
Additionally, my Department designed and facilitated climate conversations specifically for young people, and hosted in-depth local and national youth climate conversations, to input into the National Dialogue on Climate Action.
Furthermore, my Department supports the work of the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive which addresses Climate Change with a specific focus on “sustainable transport solutions” as voted by Comhairle members during Dáil na nÓg 2019, held in Leinster House .
My Department will establish a Youth Climate Council as an enduring structure to support young people’s input into policy developments, based on input from a Youth Advisory Group and feedback from the National Dialogue conversations.
Later this year, my Department will host an event to celebrate the achievements of young people to date in respect of the Youth Climate Justice Fund and to hear their views on its future development.
