Written Answers Nos. 104-123
104. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 18 November 2021, the status of plans for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/22]
View answerAs you are aware, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville. The IRG completed its research in July 2021 and has submitted its report.
The IRG made a number of recommendations in its report, which was published in full last July, including a recommendation that the 60th anniversary of Jadotville be commemorated. Other recommendations relate to the awarding of medals, veterans affairs and honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans. All recommendations have been considered at a high level.
As a matter relating to the IRG recommendations is currently before the courts, the position as set out in response to you on 18 November 2021 remains the same, in that it would not be appropriate for me to provide any further information in relation to the implementation of the various recommendations made by the IRG at this time.
105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces to date; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. The independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020. The Commission’s overall approach is guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces and it's terms of reference encompasses the following matters;
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Leveraging the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
- Governance and high level command and control structures in the Defence Forces.
- The evolution of remuneration systems and structures in the Defence Forces.
- A strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies, recruitment, retention and career progression.
As part of a broad consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on matters related to its terms of reference. The Commission received nearly 500 submissions, all of which have been published on their website.
I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Members of the Commission conducted site visits to a number military locations across the country, meeting nearly 1,000 military personnel.
The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission. The Commission also held two webinars, one in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and one in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
The work of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins this Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030.
The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing the Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report will be fully considered at that point.
106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the annual cost for the provision of aid to the civil power duties at Shannon Airport for 2019, 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/22]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.
The costs associated with Defence Forces personnel performing ATCP roles at Shannon Airport for the years in question, 2019 to 2021, are set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Annual Cost associated with ATCP support at Shannon Airport |
|
2019 |
€ 241,213 |
|
2020 |
€ 270,708 |
|
2021 |
€ 273,027 |
These costs incurred relate to security duty allowance paid to members of the Defence Forces, rations and fuel. The cost associated with this ATCP support is met entirely from the Defence Vote.
107. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Defence the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4227/22]
View answerThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within the time frame sought. At the request of my Department the military authorities are conducting the search, retrieval and collation of same. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
Vendor Name |
Services Provided |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2020 |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2021 |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2022 |
||||
|
LUSK MOTOR FACTORS LTD T/A SWORDS MOTOR Factor |
PPE / Gloves / Wipes / Hands sanitizer |
€26749 |
€0 |
€0 |
||||
|
FURNITURE CLEARANCE CENTRE LTD |
Mattresses |
46,370 |
||||||
|
ENDA MULFAUL T/A GROUSEHALL FURNITURE |
Chairs / Tables |
120,005 |
||||||
|
ARCON CONSULTANTS |
Disinfectant / Pressure Sprayers |
96,410 |
||||||
|
CRS RENT A FRIDGE LTD |
Container ISO Refrigerated x 3 |
368,425 |
||||||
|
AQUILA BIOSCIENCE LTD |
Decontamination Wipes |
62,258 |
||||||
|
ELIS TEXTILES SERVICES LTD |
Laundry Services |
20,881 |
36,027 |
3,194 |
||||
|
CONOR BROWNE WREATHS |
Spirigel 500 Ml Bottles |
36,900 |
||||||
|
FARRELL BROTHERS (ARDEE) LTD |
Desks / Wardrobes / Pedestals |
36,322 |
||||||
|
SEMAD |
LTD Hand Cleaner Gel / Sanitiser Wipes / Spirigel Bottle / Spirigel 5 Ltr |
33,086 |
||||||
|
CODEX LTD T/A CODEX OFFICE SOLUTIONS |
Spirigel 500 Ml Bottle |
26,015 |
||||||
|
MEDINA PROMOTIONS T/A COSMETIC CREATIONS LTD |
Spirigel |
25,928 |
||||||
|
SHERRY TEXTILES LTD T/A LINEN DIRECT |
Pillow Cases / Quilt Covers / Sheets |
25,233 |
||||||
|
SPERRIN METAL PRODUCTS LTD |
Lockers |
25,033 |
||||||
|
GAS & CONTROLS |
CO2 Monitors |
123,000 |
||||||
|
CREATIVE ACTIVITY |
Supply of hand sanitiser |
50,000 |
||||||
|
RIDGEDALE CONSTRUCTION |
Preparatory / Electrical works for use as DF quarantine locations or for transfer to the HSE – Coolmoney, Kilbride, Glen of Imaal |
112,501 |
||||||
|
CHUBB IRELAND LTD |
Upgrades to the Fire Detection and Alarm system to prepare wards in St. Bricins for use as DF quarantine locations or for transfer to the HSE. |
66,171 |
||||||
|
G DUFFY BUILDLING CONTRACTORS LTD |
Works to the Band Hall to ensure compliance with Covid regulations in place at that time, Custume Barracks, Athlone |
38,817 |
||||||
|
KENNETH KEANE ELECTRICAL |
Preparatory works on emergency lighting for use as DF quarantine locations or for transfer to the HSE - Kilbride/St Bricins |
31,315 |
||||||
|
HSE-DUBLIN MID LEINSTER |
Funds Transfer Request PPE Costs - HBS Procurement HSE |
669,324 |
||||||
|
TAILORED IMAGE LTD |
Face Covering Black |
270,695 |
190,404 |
|||||
|
MERVUE LABORATORIES LTD |
Gel Hand Cleaner Personal |
317,955 |
||||||
|
IPPG GIFTS LTD T/A IDENTITY PROMOTIONS |
Visor Full Face Disposable / Face Masks |
202,950 |
||||||
|
BUNZL CLEANING & SAFETY SUPPLIES |
Facemasks / Gloves/ Respirators / Wipes |
111,172 |
25,000 |
|||||
|
JW BALFOUR LTD |
Facemasks / Laundry Bags / Disposable Gloves |
89,200 |
, |
|||||
|
UNIPHAR WHOLESALE |
Disposable Face Masks |
70,725 |
||||||
|
OFFICE DEPOT (IRELAND) LTD |
Gel Hand Cleaner Personal |
49,446 |
||||||
|
DANIEL TECHNOLOGIES |
Gel Hand Cleaner Personal / Spectacles Safety |
25,535 |
||||||
|
HIBERNIA EVROS TECHNOLOGY GROUP |
Communication Equipment |
292,430 |
||||||
|
BUTLER TRANSTEST LTD T/A BUTLER TECHNOLOGIES |
Radio Equipment |
171,927 |
||||||
|
MJ FLOOD IRELAND LTD |
Computer Laptops |
161,536 |
||||||
|
TELENT TECHNOLOGY SERVICES LTD IRL |
Device Ambulance Patient Care Record / Mobile Data Terminal |
160,408 |
||||||
|
VOYAGER IP INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LTD |
Cellular Solution Construction & equipment |
180,608 |
||||||
|
SIGMA WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS LTD |
Motorola Radio Equipment |
93,813 |
||||||
|
EDUCOM LTD |
McKee Covid JTF Installation / TVs LG etc |
47,397 |
||||||
|
KEDINGTON COMPONENTS |
IT Storage equipment |
32,084 |
||||||
|
CLUB TRAVEL LTD |
Flights home for serving members and their families at onset of pandemic |
97,104 |
9,219 |
|||||
|
OMAN MOVING & STORAGE T/A BOND BUSINESS SUPPORT LTD |
Household items for serving members and their families shipped home by aOman. |
39,398 |
||||||
|
ACA INTERNATIONAL |
PPE for Missions |
30,990 |
5,461 |
|||||
|
CRUINN DIAGNOSTICS LTD |
Covid Tests / Machine PCR Real Time / Cepheid Gene Xpert |
109,265 |
64,427 |
|||||
|
ADVANCED MEDICAL SERVICES |
IRO Tests |
120,878 |
5,633 |
|||||
|
MEDGUARD HEALTHCARE LTD |
Mask Looped PPE / Gloves / Sani-Cloth |
28,859 |
||||||
|
TOTAL |
€4,501,240 |
€574,416 |
€8,827 |
|||||
|
Vendor Name |
Services Provided |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2020 |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2021 |
Total Spend Incl. Tax 2022 |
|
Pilatus (Switzerland) (Aircraft Ltd) |
Aircraft |
€5,232,360.71 |
||
|
Pilatus (Switzerland) (Aircraft Ltd) (Goods) |
Aircraft Equipment |
€55,508.40 |
||
|
Pilatus (Switzerland) (Aircraft Ltd) (Goods) |
Aircraft Equipment |
€25,729.08 |
||
|
Pilatus (Switzerland) (Aircraft Ltd) (Service) |
Aircraft Equipment |
€40,414.49 |
||
|
ACCENT SOLUTIONS |
Cleaning Services |
€718.70 |
€29,305.58 |
|
|
ALLPRO SERVICES |
Cleaning Services |
€31,757.40 |
€25,276.62 |
|
|
FARRELL BROTHERS |
Office Furniture |
€39,871.00 |
||
|
QUADRA LTD |
Risk Assessment |
€25,512.59 |
||
|
Theya Healthcare Ltd |
PPE |
€73,800.00 |
||
|
Total ICT Services |
ICT equipment |
€116,696.22 |
||
|
TOTAL |
€5,576,985.00 |
€119,965.79 |
108. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education the current or planned funding streams for which schools can apply to complete energy efficiency projects on site such as the installation of solar panels; and her views on whether such projects being substantially awarded would have the dual benefit of reducing the carbon footprint of the schools whilst also reducing energy costs. [3659/22]
View answerMy Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
My Department’s Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects.
Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 Building Energy Ratings since 2009 with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher performance than required by the current Building Regulations, along with 10% of primary energy provided via photovoltaics and infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.
All new technologies and approaches are tested to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements. Successful and repeatable results are then incorporated into all new school designs and refurbishments. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty three research projects at various stages including the energy website www.energyineducation.ie.
which is a joint partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
In the interest of sustainability, it is critical that renewable applications are properly suited to the schools needs so as to reduce energy costs and carbon and not just applied for the sake of having renewables. It is also critical that we minimise the demand for energy before we invest in renewable energy applications. This has been assisted in previous years with the wall and attic insulation programme and the water conservation programme.
My Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications established a jointly funded pathfinder programme with the SEAI, testing and demonstrating energy efficiency and decarbonisation retrofit approaches. This pathfinder is a great example of collaboration ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the educational environment on an evidence based approach.
This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national schools’ programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008 as included in the National Development Plan. It is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options, which will have been tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the schools’ sector.
The longer-term outcome of the pathfinder will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across Ireland. The deep energy retrofit programme for schools built prior to 2008 is due to be rolled out as included in the National Development Plan.
The pathfinder programme has retrofitted 41 schools across Ireland to date with work on an additional 9 schools added in 2021 underway. 2022 sees six additional schools undergoing deep retrofit to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B with renewable heating systems. Each school undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the measures are suitable for that school and will deliver value to both the school and learnings for the national retrofit programme
109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an application for funding under the summer works scheme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3665/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the school to which he refers applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2020 under Category 2 for roof works. The application was refused on the basis that a major project is being planned for the school.
However, as the timeline for this major project is still at the planning stage, the school has been advised that any interim urgent works issues in relation to the roof can be considered and dealt with as appropriate under the Department's Emergency Works Scheme.
110. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter in relation to school transport for a child (details supplied) [3666/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Pupils who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of conditions including that there is a suitable service, as determined by Bus Éireann, operating into their education centre and that there is spare capacity on the service.
Bus Éireann has advised that an application for Post-Primary School Transport (mainstream) was received for the child referred to by the Deputy to the school they are attending. However, Bus Éireann has also confirmed that the child is not attending their nearest school and that there is no service that the child can be accommodated on to their school of attendance.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
School Transport Section of my Department has advised that they have not received an application under the terms of the scheme for children with special educational needs for the child referred to by the Deputy. The parent of the child is advised to contact the school principal to liaise with the SENO that is affiliated with the school with regard to an application for transport under the scheme for children with special educational needs.
111. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will allow seat access for children (details supplied) for a school transport route. [3783/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on will be accommodated on school transport services for the 2021/22 school year where such services are in operation.
Following an application for school transport, children who are not eligible based on the criteria set out above are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats and can only be offered once there is spare capacity available.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy resides 2.6kms from the school that they are attending and therefore they are not eligible for school transport. There was no spare capacity available to the pupils in question under the selection process for concessionary seats for the 21/22 school year.
112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will reassess the policy in relation to the Irish exemption and autism to offer an exemption on the basis that a child has a significant processing disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3805/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that in accordance with the circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish (0052/2019 primary and 0053/2019 post primary), the Department has commenced an initial review of the operation of those circulars.
In recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and the importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed on a number of occasions by the State, including most recently in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 .
Recent changes to the Irish curriculum both at primary level and at junior cycle are informed by the principles of inclusion and the benefits of bilingualism for all pupils. The Primary Languages Curriculum (2015) is an integrated Irish/ English Curriculum designed for all children of all abilities in all school contexts. It recognises and supports pupils’ engagement with Irish and English at different stages and rates along their language-learning journey. It builds on the language knowledge and experience that pupils bring to the school.
The Progression Continua in the Primary Language Curriculum provide a framework for teachers to identify the pupil’s stage of language development and to plan interventions that support the development of language skills and competences in Irish and in English in an integrated manner, emphasising the transferability of language skills across languages
Building on students’ language learning experience as provided for in the Primary Language Curriculum, the specification for Junior Cycle Irish (2014) aims to consolidate and deepen their knowledge, understanding, values and language skills supporting their personal, cognitive and social development. The learning outcomes presented in the specification apply to all students. Students should be encouraged to study the language and achieve a level of personal proficiency that is appropriate to their ability.
However, the circulars provide that in some exceptional circumstances, an exemption from the study of Irish may be considered. The criteria for those exceptional circumstances are now being reviewed.
113. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the lack of sex education available in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3830/22]
View answerAccess to sexual and health education is an important right for students. Schools have a responsibility to provide for this, in consultation with parents, having regard to the ethos of the school. Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary junior cycle. Relationships and Sexuality Education (or RSE) is required at all levels, from primary through to senior cycle.
The Programme for Government states that ‘this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships’.
In April 2018, the then Minister for Education and Skills asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to undertake a major review of RSE in schools across all stages of education to ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of young people today in modern Ireland.
The NCCA was asked to look at a number of specific issues in respect of RSE and the curriculum. These included but were not limited to consent; developments in relation to contraception; healthy positive, sexual expression and relationships; safe use of the Internet and social media and its effects on relationships and self-esteem; and LGBTQ+ matters.
The NCCA has established two development groups, one for primary and one for post-primary, to oversee the work in this area and support the development of guidance material for schools.
The immediate focus of the NCCA work has been on creating support materials for teachers for publication online as part of an Interim Guidance Toolkit. The toolkit's purpose is to support effective teaching and learning of SPHE/RSE linked to the current curriculum and to provide guidance on how SPE/RSE may be approached in a comprehensive way that meets the needs of young people today. These resources cover all topics including many of the topics that have been raised in the media during recent days as important for young people's education - there are resources to help teachers in teaching about rights and responsibilities in relationships, how to recognise healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship, how to interact safely and respectfully (both online and face-to-face), the influence of the media (including pornography) on young people's understanding and expectations, sexual consent and assertive communication.
The NCCA Toolkits will be expanded during 2022 to include further age and stage appropriate guidance for teachers on how to address these and other related topics within the SPHE classroom. The Toolkit provides practical help designed to deepen teachers' understanding and skills so that they feel more confident in addressing important and sensitive topics.
In tandem with this work, preparation for the broader redeveloping and updating of the SPHE curriculum has begun. Updated curricula will be developed for Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. It is expected that a revised Junior Cycle specification will be completed by the end of 2022, following a period of public consultation. Updated specifications for primary and senior cycle will follow immediately afterwards.
In redeveloping the SPHE curriculum, the NCCA will be making explicit the importance of fostering young people's self-awareness and self-esteem and building the foundational skills and dispositions needed for building caring and healthy relationships (including respectful communication, showing empathy, appreciating difference). The new specifications will also foster skills needed for dealing with challenging times. Consent education will be included within the learning outcomes for RSE, across all levels, based on the principle that consent is a core dimension of all healthy interpersonal relationships.
114. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education if she will approve funding for an autism spectrum disorder building for a school (details supplied) in view of the urgent need for such a facility within the catchment of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3843/22]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently approved funding for the provision of permanent additional accommodation, including a two class special education needs base (ASD) at the school in question. The school authority has been contacted directly with the decision.
115. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that recipients of the widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner’s pension can receive illness benefit. [3752/22]
View answerMy Department provides social insurance and social assistance payments to those who are experiencing a particular contingency. Social insurance schemes are paid to those covered by the Social Insurance Fund, whereas social assistance payments are designed to support those most in need and are based on a means-test. However, there is a general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the Irish social welfare system.
Given the contingency-based nature of this system, even if the person experiences more than one contingency at the same time, generally, they can receive only one of those payments to help meet the person’s income needs. This means that a person will not be able to claim Widow’s Pension, Widower's Pension or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension and Illness Benefit at the same time.
It should be noted, however, that people might be eligible to claim one of the supports below in addition to their Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension.
Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly means-tested tax-free payment available to employees with children. A person can receive Working Family Payment (if they meet the criteria) and get a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension at the same time. Full details are available and updated regularly on the www.gov.ie website. The Widow's, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension is assessed as means.
A person might also be eligible to receive Living Alone Increase, Fuel Allowance or Household Benefits Package depending on their living circumstances and their age.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance is available to people struggling financially. This is a means-tested payment. It is administered by this Department’s Community Welfare Service and can be accessed by customers through their local Intreo office. The Department may also make an Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
Full details of the above and further rules and guidelines are available and updated regularly on the www.gov.ie website.
The Department will continue to keep the range of supports under review. However, changing the underlying one person, one payment principle would involve significant additional expenditure which could prove unsustainable in the long-term, and which would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
116. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3774/22]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 July 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received on 24 January 2022 and the case in question has now been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
117. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if social care workers who have provided essential frontline care at considerable risk to their own health during the pandemic to children, persons with disabilities and those at risk (details supplied) will be included in the recently announced €1,000 bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3797/22]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
118. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the one-parent family payment in each of the years 2011 to 2021, by county in tabular form. [3810/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department publishes recipient numbers by county in annual and quarterly formats. Annual reports, including an archive of reports dating from 1998 onwards, are available through gov.ie/dsp/statistics. Quarterly data is available through the national open data portal, data.gov.ie. The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
119. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1759 of 19 January 2021, if he will account for the drop-off of recipients between 2014 and 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3812/22]
View answerThe figures to which the Deputy refers indicate that the number of recipients of One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) in County Clare reduced from 1,175 in 2014 to 646 in 2015. This is not surprising given the changes to the eligibility rules for OFP and the introduction of the Jobseeker’s Transition Payment (JST) during that period.
Budget 2012 included a number of significant reforms to the OFP scheme. In particular, the age of children in respect of whom a person could qualify for OFP was reduced. Originally, a person could receive OFP until their youngest child was aged 18 years or 22 if they remained in full-time education. The reduction in the age threshold of the youngest child was implemented on a phased basis during the period 2013 to 2015. Once the reforms were fully implemented a lone parent’s entitlement to OFP would continue until their youngest child’s 7th birthday (subject to continuing to satisfy the other qualifying conditions).
The Jobseekers’ Transitional Payment was introduced to provide income support for lone parents with older children. It can be paid until the youngest child’s 14th birthday. These changes mean that lone parents whose youngest child was age 7 or over, but under age 14 would have moved from OFP to JST during the period in question.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
120. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the tendering process used by her Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4236/22]
View answerDetails of all new contracts granted by my Department in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic are set out in tabular format below:
|
Contract - Year |
Contractor |
Value excl. VAT |
Tendering process |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices -2020 |
Datapac |
€770 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices- 2020 |
Data direct |
€13,181 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Covid-19 PPE Equipment and Supplies - 2020 |
Matbel Ltd |
€23,760 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices- 2020 |
DCB |
€31,058 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
To purchase two (2) guillotines for Computer Control - 2020 |
Neopost Ireland Ltd |
€31,570 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Purchase of two Folders/Inserters/Envelopers for Computer Control - 2020 |
Pitney Bowes |
€32,838 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Covid-19 Signage – 2020 |
The Printed Image |
€36,552 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Covid-19 PPE Equipment and Supplies - 2020 |
J&C Hendrick Ltd |
€46,780 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices - 2020 |
IP Connect |
€48,746 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices- 2020 |
Bechtle |
€56,542 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Webex Licences - 2020 |
Vodafone |
€71,763 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Supply of Laptops - 2020 |
PFH Technology Group |
€72,500 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Covid-19 PPE Equipment and Supplies - 2020 |
Codex Ltd. |
€81,002 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Provision of laptop peripheral devices - 2020 |
IT Quotes |
€115,755 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Supply of Laptops - 2020 |
Dell |
€136,900 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
The Supply of Call Centre Services in support of COVID-19 services – April 2020 |
Abtran |
€139,000 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
The Supply of Call Centre Services in support of COVID-19 services- Oct 2020 |
Abtran |
€139,000 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Covid-19 PPE Equipment and Supplies - 2020 |
Energy Distribution |
€204,285 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Supply of Face Masks - 2020 |
J&C Hendrick Ltd |
€266,500 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
|
Supplementary Request for Tender (sRFT) for Management Support and Assistance in the establishment and ongoing operation of two new business units (i) the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) scheme area and (ii) the new Jobseekers National Processing Unit - 2021 |
BearingPoint Ireland Ltd |
€122,508 |
Supplementary Request for Tender to DSP Framework |
The statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal. No new contracts were entered into by the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council or the Social Welfare Tribunal in response to COVID-19.
Details of all new contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 by the Citizens information Board are set out in tabular format below:
|
Contract - Year |
Contractor |
Value excl. VAT |
Tendering process |
|
Covid-19 Materials Supply & Installation -2020 |
3 Rock |
€644.57 |
Request For Quotes |
|
Covid-19 Materials Supply & Installation- 2020 |
Universal Graphics |
€5,896.08 |
Request For Quotes |
|
To provide technical support in the rapid development and rollout of the ‘Request A Call Back service’ hosted on the CIB website, as an effective alternative customer pathway for Citizens Information Service customers, following the suspension of local drop-in services and unprecedented demand levels on the national Citizens Information Phone Service. 2020 & 2021 |
Enclude |
€12,950 -2020€750 - 2021 |
Single Supplier Procurement |
In the management and reaction to Covid-19, additional drawdown on existing contracts was required and in some instances contract modifications were necessary, for example to undertake the advertising of the Pandemic Unemployment Payments (PUP) and Covid-19 Call Centre helplines etc. In order to facilitate PUP it was necessary to divert Department IT staff and IT contractors from existing work and contracts, to Covid-19 related work, such as the payment of PUP.
I am satisfied my Department and bodies under the aegis of my Department have used existing contracts where possible, since the beginning of the pandemic. However, due to the urgent requirement for some goods and services and the difficulty sourcing supplies during the pandemic, it was necessary, on occasion to award new contracts to a single supplier, without a competitive procurement.
121. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated total income, public money and parental fees, respectively that is paid to providers in a year; if the suggestion in a report (details supplied) in relation to the make-up of provider income still stands; and if not, if the rates have changed following the impact of Budget 2022 provisions. [3650/22]
View answerMy officials have estimated that the total income to the sector of both public funding and parental fees is approximately €1 billion. 60% of the sector's income is estimated to come from the State with the remaining 40% from parental fees.
The Deputy will be aware that the amount of State funding provided to the sector continues to increase. Budget 2022 makes provision for €69 million to be invested in the sector between September and December through a new funding stream called Core Funding. This is equivalent to €207 million in full year costs from 2023. Adding the full year cost of this additional budget line, and assuming no other changes, would equate to an income breakdown of 66% from State funding, 34% from parental fees.
Budget 2022 makes provision for a €37 million Transition Fund to support services following the end of EWSS until the introduction in Core Funding. This is a one-off Covid-19-related measure.
A number of enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme were also announced in Budget 2022. These changes will result in changes to the breakdown in income to the sector between public funding and parental fees, but the precise impact depends on a number of factors, including changes in the capacity of the sector, parental usage and fees, and scheme uptake.
These figures exclude State funding provided outside of my Department's schemes, notably the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), which represents a substantial support for the sector. EWSS at enhanced rates amounts to €34 million per month, and at standard rates it amounts to €22 million per month.
122. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated total wage bill of the childcare sector; the estimated number of providers covered by public funding; and the schemes that provide same. [3651/22]
View answerTo estimate the wage bill of the sector, my officials have analysed data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2019/20, gathered in Spring 2020. This analysis estimates the (pre-Covid-19) wage bill. This data is assessed to be a better predictor of likely wage costs during Covid-19, given the distorting impact of both public health measures and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme on pay costs.
Using available data for directly employed staff working with children on average hours worked, average wages, including PRSI and holiday pay, costs were derived. The cost per week of directly employed staff working with children is €11.5m. Using a similar methodology for managers and other ancillary staff who do not work with children, the cost is €1.9m per week. Taken together, this amounts to €13.4m. Applying an uplift to the number of staff at a similar rate across a number of years pre-Covid-19 (3%) and staff pay increases (1% in 2021, based on initial analysis of 2020/21 Sector Profile data; and 3% in 2022, based on typical pre-Covid-19 annual increases in pay), the weekly cost of directly employed staff is estimated to be €14.8m in 2022. Approximately, 38% of staff work 38 weeks per year. It is assumed the remaining 62% hold 52 week contracts. Based on this data, the annual cost of directly employed staff in 2022 (pre-Covid-19 conditions) is estimated to be €690.9m.
This figure does not take into account the income currently received by those working in the sector who are self-employed and who derive their income from profits rather than wages.
Using a similar methodology, the weekly cost of staff on State employment and training schemes is estimated to be €0.97m. This can be uplifted to €1m for 2022. Again, assuming the variance in weeks worked, the annual cost of these staff in 2022 is estimated to be €48.4m.
Based on the above, the overall annual staff cost is estimated to be €739.3m.
There are 4,311 services that have received funding under at least one of my Department's schemes, listed below, in the 2021/22 programme year:
NCS
ECCE
CCSP
AIM
PSP
Capital Ventilation Grant
123. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017; when it will be published; and if he will ensure the final report is published in Irish Sign Language. [3779/22]
View answerThe Irish Sign Language Act was signed into law on 24th December 2017 and it was jointly commenced by Minister Rabbitte and me on 23rd December 2020.
Implementing the Irish Sign Language Act requires a whole of government approach. As such, all public bodies have obligations to fulfill. Under section 10 of the Act, my Department has an important role to play in monitoring the implementation of the Act to ensure that users of Irish Sign Language have equal access to the services of the State and equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Section 10 of the Act requires that a report on the implementation on the Act be produced. That report has been prepared by the National Disability Authority and it will be sent to Cabinet very shortly. Thereafter it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the website of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth concurrently with an Irish Sign Language translation of the report.
