Written Answers Nos. 326-340
326. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children taken into State care in each Tusla service area in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021. [49044/21]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
327. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total spend on guardian ad litem arrangements in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the position regarding the proposed legislation to regulate this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49045/21]
View answerGuardian ad litem (GAL) arrangements for children who are the subject of public law child care proceedings are currently provided for under the Child Care Act, 1991. Section 26 of the 1991 Act provides for the appointment of a GAL in respect of care proceedings where a child is not party to those proceedings and where the Court is satisfied that it is necessary in the best interests of the child and in the interests of justice to have a GAL appointed.
The role and function of a GAL is to inform the court of the child’s views and to advise the court of what, in the GAL's professional opinion, is in the best interests of the child. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is obliged to pay fees and costs incurred by GALs in the performance of their functions, but under the 1991 Act has no role in their appointment or oversight.
A breakdown of payments to GALs since 2016 is provided in the following tables.
The Child Care (Amendment) [Guardian ad litem ] Bill 2019 had completed Committee Stage when it fell with the dissolution of the Dáil in February 2020. On the 4th of October 2021, a General Scheme and Heads of Bill along similar lines to the previous Bill was approved by Cabinet and approval was granted for the priority drafting of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2021. The new Bill will include some changes to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
The principal aim of the proposed legislation is to address significant inadequacies in the existing arrangements. The overall objectives are to extend the GAL system to benefit the greatest number of children and young people, and to provide a service that is high quality and sustainable into the future. It is proposed to establish a new national GAL service within an Executive Office of my Department, and Tusla will no longer have any responsibility for payments to GALs.
GAL costs 2016-2020:
|
- |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
GAL Costs Total |
8,150,422 |
7,699,428 |
8,443,092 |
8,349,814 |
7,818,497 |
|
GAL Legal Fees - Counsel |
1,391,676 |
993,637 |
922,556 |
950,419 |
1,193,427 |
|
GAL Legal Fees - Solicitors |
5,679,727 |
5,344,028 |
5,287,156 |
5,212,487 |
5,095,916 |
|
Grand Total € |
€15,221,825 |
€14,037,093 |
€14,652,804 |
€14,512,720 |
€14,107,840 |
GAL costs 2021:
|
2021 preliminary figures to end July |
Total: €8,139,736 |
328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to increasing investment in youth services in line with the proposals of the National Youth Council of Ireland in view of the under provision of youth services and in particular the additional need arising from the impact of Covid-19 on young persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49050/21]
View answerThe allocations under Budget 2022 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2022. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.
In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between the years 2016 and 2021, the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9 million to €66.79 million. This included €5million in additional funding in 2021, the largest increase over that period, indicating my recognition and that of Government for the extremely valuable work of this sector.
It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youthwork services in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. The increased funding in 2021 has enabled DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and it is enabling the introduction of brand new services across the country.
As we begin to move beyond the pandemic, I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
329. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied migrant minors who have gone missing while under Tusla’s care annually since 1 January 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49057/21]
View answerThe Deputy is seeking information on the numbers of separated children seeking international protection who go missing, and as this is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy .
Tusla has a dedicated social work team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP). Over the past 20 years the SCSIP Team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in International Refugee Protection Programmes and by caring for the greater number of separated children seeking international protection who arrive unannounced at Irish ports and airports.
Children who are reported missing from care are recognised as being among the most vulnerable in society. Tusla and An Garda Síochána work together on such cases through a Joint Protocol. The protocol sets out how social workers and social care workers should make a report of a missing child in care; when and how information about the child may be released to the public if the child is not located and arrangements for the return of the child to their care placement when they are found.
330. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the discussions his Department has had with regard to provision for additional capacity across the education sector to allow persons to take up a career within the early years sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49077/21]
View answerWorking in collaboration with representatives of the early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC) sector and with representatives of further and higher education institutions, work is nearing completion on preparation of a Workforce Development Plan for ELC and SAC. The Plan, which will be completed by year-end, is intended to set out an approach to achieve the workforce commitments in First 5 (the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families) relating to early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC), including commitments to ensure sufficient numbers of staff at all levels of qualifications within the sector, and to raise the profile of careers in the sector, along with strengthening leadership development opportunities, and working towards a more gender-balanced and diverse workforce.
In addition to involvement of representatives of the sector and of further and higher education institutions in development of the Plan, public and sectoral consultation on the Plan took place in 2020.
I am not aware of a shortage of places on further and higher education courses for ELC. Rather, the staffing challenges experienced in ELC and SAC services primarily reflect challenges of staff recruitment and staff retention. I believe the key to tackling these issues are improving pay and conditions for ELC and SAC practitioners. A pathway to addressing this is through the ongoing Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process which I commenced in December 2020 in coordination with employee and employer representative organisations.
The strengthening of a career framework and clear career pathways - through the Workforce Development Plan - should complement the efforts underway to improve pay and conditions of employment in the sector.
My Department continues to fund a number of workforce training and development initiatives, including Higher Capitation payments for ECCE services with graduate room leaders, the Learner Fund, and the LINC (Leadership for Inclusion) programme. These initiatives have had a positive impact on the increasing qualification levels in the sector. The proportion of staff in centre-based ELC services with higher qualifications than the minimum has been steadily increasing, with the proportion of the workforce holding a qualification at level 7 or above on the National Framework of Qualifications estimated at 27% in 2020, up from 12% in 2012.
331. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding his Department will be providing to re-engage young people with youth services and to increase volunteer and staff recruitment for youth services following the recent new report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49078/21]
View answerThe allocations under Budget 2022 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2022. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.
I would like to reiterate the significance and value I place on the contributions made by volunteers to the community life of our country and to supporting our most vulnerable. In the youth sector, the work of some 40,000 volunteers has been key to the ability of youth work organisations to function effectively prior to the pandemic.
My Department sits on the Implementation Group of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025. The purpose of this Strategy, led by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is to recognise, support and promote the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society. A number of representatives of the voluntary youth sector are represented on subgroups under the Strategy working to advance actions in the areas of volunteer support and training as well as youth engagement .
As the Deputy will be aware, I provided an increase of €5 million in funding for youth services in 2021, bringing the total from my Department to €66.8 million this year.
Each year, my Department funds universally focused, volunteer led, youth work through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. A number of National Youth Organisations will benefit from over €12 million in funding under this scheme in 2021. This represents a 6% increase over the funding provided in 2020. I believe that the youth work carried out by these volunteer groups is transformative for young people.
Additionally, the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports volunteer-led youth work activities at a local level. The funding for this scheme increased by 7% to €2.3m in 2021. This scheme supports 1,400 clubs or groups nationwide.
I have consistently recognised the significant role that the youth sector plays in the lives of young people today, and the extremely valuable role that volunteers play in this. Given the strong commitment of our volunteers, I am very hopeful that as public health matters improve; as more people are vaccinated; and as Youth Organisations are better positioned to support volunteers once again, we will see volunteers returning.
The Deputy will be aware that youth funding was maintained through the Covid-19 restrictions and various supports provided. As Ireland's phased re-opening progresses, it is of the utmost importance that youth work organisations are supported to restore their volunteer positions so that the resumption of youth services can continue and I am committed to continuing to support youth work services to do so.
332. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proactive steps his Department will take over the next 12 months to address youth unemployment in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49079/21]
View answerThe issue of employment is a key consideration for both myself and my Government colleagues. Indeed, in the past few weeks I attended a round table discussion convened by the Tánaiste involving Ministers and officials from relevant Departments and the youth sector to consider this issue. I issued a joint press release on 24 September detailing this meeting which may be of interest to the Deputy.
My colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has recently published Pathways to Work 2021 -2025 with a number of key goals. Youth employment and youth employability generally comes within their remit.
With respect to employability and a role for youth services, my Department is working with the Education and Training Boards on a Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative, beginning in 2021 and for the full year of 2022. This Initiative is supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund. This initiative builds on a similar previous initiative which was reviewed and found that small group and 1 to 1 interventions by youth services proved beneficial in helping hard to reach young people. The ETBs have recently completed an application process and I anticipate that I and my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development will receive a submission shortly. This iteration will focus on mentoring, leadership, local networks of NGOs and statutory bodies and outreach programmes.
Further, my Department provides significant funding in both the targeted and universal space to support young people to address range of needs including the provision of age appropriate tools and information related to the acquisition of employment and life skills. Of the over 250 UBU Your Place Your Space funded organisations, 75% include identified target groups of a) youth unemployment or b) young people not in employment, education or training.
333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will intervene to increase grant support for students unable to secure accommodation and forced to commute. [48755/21]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The aim of the student grant scheme is to make a contribution to the cost of going to college. The scheme includes a "non-adjacent" rate of grant which is a higher rate of grant which takes into consideration the additional costs which may be associated with living further away from college, such as accommodation costs.
Student maintenance grants are payable at either the adjacent or non-adjacent rate, depending on distance to the college attended. The adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in the case of students whose normal residence is 45km or less from the approved institution which he or she is attending. The higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases. In this way the scheme is responsive to eligible students who reside further away from college by providing an increased rate of student maintenance grant.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. To take forward this commitment I established a review of the Student Grant Scheme. This review is currently underway, and being conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants, under the direction of a steering group chaired by my Department and comprising a number of stakeholders.
It is anticipated that the review will be completed later this year and will inform future priorities regarding the development of student grant policy, including in the context of forthcoming Estimates process for 2022.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, 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. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
334. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who received SUSI grants in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48824/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
The application process generally opens in late March/early April. When students apply for grant support, the application is assessed and the student is notified of the decision in principle. This allows the student an opportunity to appeal a decision before a final decision is made. In a small number of cases, some students don’t subsequently qualify for grant support.
The numbers of students who received SUSI grants in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are set out in the table.
|
- |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
|
Total |
77,498 |
74,588 |
71,397 |
74,849 |
Information at 1st October 2021
Please note that data for 2021/22 is not currently available. First payments will be made on 8th October.
335. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who appealed a SUSI grant refusal in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48825/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc.
The Student Grant Scheme is administered by the centralised national grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), a business unit of CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board), on behalf of the Department. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
The numbers of students who appealed a SUSI grant refusal in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are set out in the table.
Data as on 04/10/2021
|
- |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
Refusal and Appealed to SUSI |
3,512 |
3,751 |
3,667 |
4,142 |
2,232 |
*Please Note Current year (2021-22) may change as processing is ongoing.
336. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who were successful in their appeal of a SUSI grant initial refusal in the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48826/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc.
The Student Grant Scheme is administered by the centralised national grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), a business unit of CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board), on behalf of the Department. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
The numbers of students who were successful in their appeal of a SUSI initial grant refusal in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are set out in the table.
|
- |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
Upheld after a Refusal |
1,527 |
1,733 |
1,472 |
1,540 |
587 |
The numbers of students who were successful in their appeal of a SUSI initial grant refusal as a result of new information or a change in circumstances in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021 are set out in the table.
|
- |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
"Change in Circumstances or New Info" of Refusal and Upheld |
1,482 |
1,590 |
1,421 |
1,471 |
553 |
*Please Note Current year (2021-22) may change as processing is ongoing.
337. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he will take regarding a CAO appeal by a person (details supplied). [48965/21]
View answerI appreciate that it can be quite upsetting for an applicant to realise their examination information was incorrect. If Ms Donegan feels that she has been unfairly treated in this matter, she may seek redress via the office of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free dispute resolution service, and the CAO falls within the remit of the office of the Ombudsman. In addition, it may be noted here that under Section 40 of the Disability Act 2005, redress may be sought via the Office of the Ombudsman if the difficulty in question is due to the CAO having failed to carry out their accessibility responsibility under Sections 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 of the Act.
Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO. The CAO is responsible for the processing of applications for undergraduate - and some postgraduate - courses on the behalf of Higher Education Institution, who make decisions regarding admissions that are in line with their institutional autonomy. Following these decisions, the HEIs then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. As such, my Department and I have no remit to overrule the CAO on the matter of CAO appeals.
338. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will request the Central Applications Office to review the graphical user interface of its application system to ensure it is compliant with the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48972/21]
View answerThe CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of Higher Education Institutions. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs, in line with their institutional autonomy, who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, and it is not within my remit to influence their operation.
If the CAO are failing to comply with Sections 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 of the Disability Act 2005, the affected party may make a complaint in writing by themselves or through a person referred to in Section 9(2) of the Act. If this process is not successful, then the CAO falls under the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman and as such the Ombudsman may examine complaints from members of the public who believe that they have been unfairly treated by certain prescribed bodies. If a member of the public feels that the CAO are failing to comply with the accessibility provisions of the Act, then under Section 40 it is open to them to contact the Office of the Ombudsman if a direct complaint has not been resolved to their satisfaction. The Ombudsman provides an impartial, independent and free dispute resolution service.
The contact details for the Ombudsman are as follows:
Office of the Ombudsman
Address: 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, D02 HE97
Phone: +353 1 639 5600
Email: info@ombudsman.ie
339. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to offer the positions of director and chief scientific adviser at Science Foundation Ireland to the same person; his views on the positives and negatives that the impact of such a move would have on both positions; if a final decision has been made on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48974/21]
View answerThe substantive post of Chief Science Advisor was abolished in 2012 and the current Director General of SFI has been given the title of Chief Science Advisor on an unremunerated basis.
My Department is conducting a review of science advisory structures, including whether there is a role for a chief science advisor, to see how best to meet future needs in this regard. This review is ongoing and will take account of the views of stakeholders.
340. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice when she will publish a gambling control Bill; and the reason for the delay given the commitments made by the Government that the Bill would be published by the end of quarter 3. [48792/21]
View answerThe Justice Plan 2021 identifies the enactment of legislation to licence and regulate the gambling industry as a key objective. Work on the General Scheme of the Gambling Bill is at an advanced stage. The Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, I expect to be in a position to publish the Scheme shortly. There is a clear path towards the regulator being fully operational in early 2023.
When it is established, the regulator will have the necessary enforcement powers for licensing, and powers to take action where individuals or operators are failing to follow rules and regulations. Operators offering activities in whole or in part online, will be subject to the licensing terms and conditions as set out by the regulator. Matters regarding enforcement will also be for the gambling regulator. Key objectives of the regulator will be preventing gambling from being a source or support to crime, ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way for companies to make decisions in certainty, and requiring safeguards including in relation to gambling advertising. Furthermore, given the size, complexity and technological development of the modern gambling industry and having regard to the current outdated and complex arrangements, it will be important that the regulator will be established on a sound footing and be adequately resourced to carry out this important task. Further details on the functions and powers of the regulator will be outlined in the Scheme.
