Written Answers Nos. 244-253
244. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a matter will be addressed in relation to preschool accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51736/21]
View answerThe Department of Education Guidelines on the use of School Buildings Outside of School Hours, see assets.gov.ie/24484/ca5b1787db1b47f98de31f57e977dad0.pdf, relate to the use of school facilities mainly for outside of school hours but which includes pre-schools. In line with these guidelines, the issue is a matter for the property owners taking into consideration the needs of the school, staff and students. The guidelines also require that any licence should include a term that the use of facility/portion of site covered by the licence must cease should it be required for school provision.
245. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 648 of 10 March 2021, the position regarding the matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51776/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it would be inappropriate for me as Minister to comment on individual cases. The 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.
246. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding from Budget 2022 that is being allocated to developing women's refuges across the country; the current number of women’s refuges per county; the funding for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51814/21]
View answerThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Separately, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility in terms of capital provision for the development of new refuges. Engagement is ongoing between relevant agencies, Departments and Non-governmental Organisations on this matter.
I was pleased to announce in Budget 2022 that Tusla will be allocated €899m for 2022, which is an increase of €41m over the amount allocated in Budget 2021. With the additional resources being provided to Tusla for 2022, I have expectations Tusla will maintain the heightened level of supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review of refuge provision. However, the specific amount to be used for the purpose outlined by the Deputy is not yet established.
I will shortly issue my Performance Statement to Tusla outlining the overall parameters of Tusla's financial resources, and signalling my priorities for the coming year in accordance with section 44 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. In response to this, Tusla will prepare its annual Business Plan for 2022 in accordance with section 46 of the Act. This outlines the proposed activities for the year and the details of the proposed allocation of total financial resources.
I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the current number of women’s refuges per county and the funding for each county as these are operational matters for Tusla.
247. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown of the measures that will be supported by the allocation of €28 million in Budget 2022 to implement reforms set out in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51868/21]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for her question. €28m has been allocated to DCEDIY in 2022 for implementation of the new model of accommodation and supports for international protection applicants which was outlined in A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. This breaks down as €12.5m in capital expenditure and €15.6m in current expenditure. With this allocation the Transition Team that has been established within my Department to implement the new model will be focused on achieving the following:
- Beginning the transition of international protection applicants out of International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation and into accommodation in the community;
- Acquisition of accommodation in the community through a multi-strand approach including through Approved Housing Bodies and a Rent a Room Scheme;
- Beginning the provision of funding to local authorities to coordinate integration at the local level;
- Beginning the commissioning of NGOs to provide supports, particularly for vulnerable applicants;
- Beginning the roll-out of integration supports at a local level, including income supports and childcare;
- The roll-out of a community integration fund which will support community integration initiatives and deliver benefits for local communities;
- The roll-out of employment outreach supports.
248. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views in relation to a document prepared by an organisation (details supplied) and submitted to Tusla; if he will provide a roadmap outlining the way he plans to bring about pay parity and pay restoration to those working in section 39 organisations whose posts are funded by Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51898/21]
View answerUnder section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla may enter arrangements with organisations to provide child and family services or services associated with the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Section 59 of the Act provides for similar arrangements through a grant or contribution in kind to non-profit organisations for services supplemental to those provided by the Agency. Such services are commissioned under a formal Service Level Agreement and assist Tusla to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and deliver on the Agency's strategic objectives.
Each organisation funded under these arrangements operate independently of Tusla. Each is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which individuals are employed. Section 56(14) of the Act of 2013 stipulates that ‘an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other’.
Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014 some of the organisations now funded under section 56 were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004. In October 2018 the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) reached agreement between the Department of Health and HSE and trade unions representing staff in certain section 39 organisations. Pay restoration in relation to organisations funded through section 39 was applied to organisations who met certain specific criteria. The criteria related to the organisations rather than types of individual workers that are employed in them. The criteria included only organisations who received in excess of an agreed, specified amount from the HSE by way of the Service Level Agreement process. Pay restoration was limited and solely applicable to those organisations included in the initial WRC agreement. This process has reached a final resolution and there is no scope to revisit eligibility criteria.
I am committed to working with colleagues in Government, Tusla and other service delivery partners to address the sustainability of voluntary organisations and ensure that we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland. I greatly appreciate the tremendous contribution made by the Community and Voluntary sector in supporting Tusla to deliver on its challenging mandate.
249. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider backdating the proposed increase to the SUSI maintenance grant announced in Budget 2022 to the 2020-2021 academic year in view of severe poverty facing students [51793/21]
View answerIn Budget 2022 I secured €15 million to enhance our 2022 student grant scheme by increasing all
maintenance grant payments (including the special rate of grant) by €200 per year thus benefitting circa 62,000 Students; expanding the income threshold by €1000 (with the exception of the special rate of grant) and extending the qualifying distance for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant to include those living within 30-45km from the approved institution which they are attending. I have secured an additional €20 million for 2022 within our allocation in anticipation of increased demand on SUSI due to potential change of circumstances from an economic downturn. I had already secured an additional €20million in 2021 to cover the cost of additional demands on the 2021/22 scheme.
The Student Grant Scheme operates in the context of limited public funding and competing educational priorities. The Scheme must also be approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. (The consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform must be sought In accordance with Section 16 of the Student Support Act 2011). I am cognisant of the difficulty that some students are experiencing and so on October 11th, 2021 as part of a €105 million package for Further and Higher Education provided by Government, I announced €17.2 million in student supports through the Student Assistance Fund and €5 million to support student mental health and wellbeing. The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards costs such as food, rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills, books/class materials and costs associated with childcare, transport and medical. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF. My Department's annual allocation is €9.1m per annum to this fund which supports circa 13,000 students.
250. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total saving incurred in 2020 and the projected savings in 2021 as a result of backlogs in apprentices accessing off-the-job training due to the Sate paying less in allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51828/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to savings on off-the-job training in 2020 and 2021 is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
251. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of all NTF provisional expenditure for 2021 and allocated expenditure for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51829/21]
View answerThe National Training Fund (NTF) was established by the National Training Fund Act, 2000, as a dedicated fund to support the training of those in employment, and those seeking employment. The Act also provides for the funding of research to provide information on existing and likely future skills requirements of the economy.
The allocation for each scheme is generally determined as part of the annual Estimates process with the NTF being included as an annex to the published Estimates of my Department.
Following the announcement of Budget 2022 on 12 October 2021, the Estimates for Public Service were published, which contain the current allocations for the NTF in 2022 as compared with the 2021 allocations. In global terms, the allocation for 2021 is €741m while the provisional allocation for 2022 is €752m and details of each line item can be found at the following link:
assets.gov.ie/201262/2512be9b-5409-4a6c-8edd-3d87e2e2fc31.pdf
252. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the Climate Ready Programme; the various types of programmes, the total allocation for 2022, the anticipated cost per participating worker and the planned objectives and outcomes of the programme; the anticipated duration of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51830/21]
View answerLaunched in April this year, Climate Ready is a five-year national climate upskilling initiative developed by Skillnet Ireland in partnership with Chambers Ireland, Wind Energy Ireland and Sustainable Finance Ireland and Central Solutions. Its objectives are to support Government policy outlined in the Climate Action Plan and Low Carbon Development Bill, and to equip businesses with the talent to manage climate change and prepare for the transition to a low carbon economy.
Climate Ready includes three complementary strands:
- the Climate Ready Academy which offers a suite of practical and specialised learning supports for businesses;
- the Climate Ready Cluster which links those Skillnet Business Networks already delivering substantial expertise for Irish businesses in renewable energy and green technology; environmental, water and energy management; and sustainable finance; and
- Climate Ready Insights, a centralised platform dedicated to helping businesses advance their thinking and actions around sustainable practices and climate change.
It is expected that Climate Ready will support some 1,100 companies and 3,000 workers in 2021. A wide range of talent programmes in renewable energy and green technology; environmental, water and energy management; and sustainable finance are available from the Climate Change Academy. These programmes vary in duration ranging from short programmes to longer-term accredited programmes, and similarly vary in cost per programme and participant. Further information on the programmes available under Climate Ready can be found at www.climateready.ie.
My officials will be engaging with Skillnet Ireland in relation to its allocation for 2022, including the budget for the Climate Ready Initiative, in the coming weeks.
253. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of craft and consortia-led registered apprentices; the anticipated increase in both over the course of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51831/21]
View answerIn order to meet the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 target of 10,000 new apprentice registrations per annum by 2025, interim growth targets have been set for 6,450 registrations in 2021 and 7,500 in 2022.
The 2022 breakdown in registrations, indicative targets are for a minimum of 5,625 craft apprentices (787 additional registrations) and 1,875 other apprentices (263 additional registrations).
As of the end Sept 2021 there had been 5,525 apprentices registrations, 4,381 of which are in craft areas.
