Written Answers Nos. 1135-1158
1135. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth her views on the need to avoid further disruption for children who seek refuge in Ireland from Ukraine; his plans to prevent the moving of children once they have been placed in a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20123/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing immediate, temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 15,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority emergency facilities. Given arrival numbers sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
My Department is working very closely with the local authorities, through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify emergency short term options to meet continued demands for accommodation.
The Department understands that offers of accommodation have been pledged through the Irish Red Cross portal and work is on-going involving a number of stakeholders to draw down these pledges.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families.
In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
1136. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022; and when he expects the Bill to be enacted. [20141/22]
View answerThe Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 remains a priority for me as Minister. I published the Bill in January of this year and it completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 10 March. The Bill is due to begin Report Stage in the Dáil on 27 April. My Officials and I are committed to maintaining the progression of the legislation at pace to support timely enactment this year.
1137. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his Department completed its stakeholder consultation on domestic violence paid leave; and if he will publish the outcome of that consultation. [20169/22]
View answerSince its formation, this Government has made it clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence.
The issue of domestic violence leave has been researched by officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. This research has included considering domestic violence leave at international level, identifying best practice and developing a suitable model for roll-out in Ireland.
The Department has engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. This has included consulting with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers' groups and trade unions. Stakeholders of the National Equality Strategy Committees have also been consulted.
I intend to bring to Government shortly a report on this work. The report contains a number of recommendations including how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse and proposals for the introduction of domestic violence leave.
1138. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide Ireland’s combined Fifth and Sixth report to the UN under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. [20230/22]
View answer1139. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 12 October 2021, if Ireland’s combined Fifth and Sixth report to the UN under the Convention on the Rights of the Child included an update on the State’s failure to ratify the Second Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography despite committing to as far back as 2012. [20231/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1138 and 1139 together.
The Deputy will be aware that in February 2022 Ireland submitted its Fifth and Sixth State Report under the Convention to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. The report is publicly available on the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth's website, a link to the relevant page is included below. The report is also available on the UN Human Rights Treaty Body Database.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/a1481d-united-nations-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child/.
The State Report responds to a List of Issues provided by the UN Committee to Ireland in November 2020, as such the content is dictated by the issues on which the Committee has requested information. The List of Issues Prior to Reporting did not include reference to the Second Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography; therefore there is no reference to the issue in the State Report.
The Government continues to be strongly committed to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. I understand that officials in the Department of Justice are giving due consideration to legislative requirements to ensure that Ireland is in compliance with the obligations of the Optional Protocol and that there is engagement with the Office of the Attorney General on this matter.
1140. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in State care in hotel accommodation by month in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20243/22]
View answerTo reply to the Deputy's question my Department requested information from Tusla. They have informed us that Tusla, the Child & Family Agency is committed to ensuring that all children and young people who can no longer live with their parents or guardian at a particular time, are provided with a safe alternative care placement.
Tusla advised that the number of children in state care in hotel accommodation, each month varies for a number of reasons, some of which are multi-factorial in nature. Examples include a break-down in placements; lack of suitable placements; complexity of the young person’s needs, including psychological or mental health issues; criminality; substance abuse or concerns for their safety. As the operating environment for such placements is dynamic, and numbers fluctuate on a daily basis, on average between 9-11 young people are referred for such emergency placements per month.
Tusla further stated that such placements are considered short-term, transitional and exceptional. By way of example, in 2021, Tusla received 72,762 referrals. At the end of January 2022 there were 5,850 children in care. Of the children in care, 90% are in Foster Care, 8% are in residential care and the remaining 2% are in “other” care placements, including supported lodgings, at home under a care order, other residential centres (e.g., disability) or a detention centre.
Tusla further advised that it is currently developing an Alternative Care Strategic Plan to ensure that it continues to improve services for children, young people and their families. The Alternative Care Strategy incorporates a specific plan for Residential Care Services, Foster Care and Aftercare.
The Report on the Residential Care Strategic Plan 2022-25 was approved by the Tusla Board on 25th March. Tusla has committed to delivering the Strategic Plan for Foster Care to the Board by June 2022, followed by the Strategic Plan for Aftercare in October 2022.
Ensuring that the children and young people in the care of Tusla are in the appropriate care placement, with the appropriate support services, is an enduring priority for Tusla, in order to enable the best possible outcomes for every child.
1141. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on 5 April 2022 seven students and their families were informed with little less than 24 hours notice that they were being relocated from a hotel (details supplied) in Dublin to another hotel in Cork; if he will reconsider this decision to move these students to a different area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20356/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing immediate, temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 15,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies, and local authority emergency facilities. Given arrival numbers sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
The Department understands that offers of accommodation have been pledged through the Irish Red Cross portal and work is on-going involving a number of stakeholders to draw down these pledges.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families.
In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
1142. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the person or body that assumes liability for damages to property with regard to International Protection Accommodation Services contracted properties and an organisation’s (details supplied) pledged own-door properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20385/22]
View answerDeputy, in regard to International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) contracted properties, it is accepted that residents will treat the accommodation and its contents respectfully and no damage above what is considered to be normal use wear and tear by guests is expected. However, in the event of such damage is attributable to residents and on the back of photographic evidence of same, costs associated with repairs will be borne by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS).
In the matter of the referred to organisation, it is my Department’s view that those who pledged properties, either shared or vacant, did so to that organisation. My officials work with implementing parties, including Local Authorities, to put beneficiaries in contact with those pledging properties /rooms.
My Department recommends that a licence agreement is signed between the pledger and beneficiary. A suite of documents to support pledgers and beneficiaries with processes will be made available. However, my Department is not itself a party to this agreement and any matter of liability for damages is a matter between the beneficiary and the pledger.
1143. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding (details supplied) that has been allocated has been drawn down and spent; if there has been a follow-up or appraisal of the funding given under the various programmes or headings; if any of the allocated funding has been recouped or unspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20390/22]
View answerPayments are made to Mayo County council across a number of programme areas in the Department of Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth directly from the Department and through Pobal.
The tables below sets out in summary detail the funding provided to Mayo County Council by or on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) for the period from 1 January 2017 to date.
DCEDIY Payments
In relation to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) payments, while part of the Department of Justice, IRPP and Mayo County Council signed a Direct Award 2 Grant Agreement (and change requests) for a grant totalling €289,039 in respect of Mayo Resettlement Programme. Of this total allocation, there have been payments made to Mayo County Council totalling €267,562. However, only €105,096 (€69,369 and €35,727) of these payments have been made while IRPP has been part of DCEDIY (the remaining payments totalling €162,466 were paid from the Department of Justice). To note, of the €267,572 payments made by IRPP to Mayo County Council for the DA2 Mayo Resettlement Project, €126,976 has been recouped under AMIF.
In relation to the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, this Fund was administered by the Department on behalf of the Department of Health in 2021 in advance of the transfer of Disability Services from Department of Health to DCEDIY.
Pobal Payments
The table of Pobal payments below sets out the budgets, decommittals, payments and reported spend per programme, per year for Mayo County Council, from 1st January 2017 to date.
Mayo County Childcare Committee is under the governance of Mayo County Council and operates under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Council - Mayo CCC is supported in its work by their Board of Management Committee. In that context, and for the purposes of Pobal’s appraisal of the annual CCC Local Implementation Plan, the submission of Annual Financial Statements, Memorandum & Articles of Association and Reserves Policies are not required. The Memo of Agreement and LIP confirms that the Project Management Group (PMG) is responsible for the financial management of Mayo CCC. A presentation of the budget is made at each Project Management Group and also to the full Board of Management Committee. All financial records are kept on Mayo County Council financial system. Spending is overseen and approved by the Mayo CCC Coordinator in accordance with Mayo County Council financial procedures and controls.
Pobal have indicated that Mayo CCC has a good track record in delivery of their Local Implementation Plan and have worked well with Pobal in the past with regard to response to requests for information and case management, compliance and verification processes.
Pobal have advised my Department that all reporting requirements are up to date in regard to these programmes.
Comhairle na nÓg
The Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund is designed to assist local authorities to support the development of Comhairle na nÓg. The fund allocates up to €20,000 funding annual to each local authority, local authorities in the city/county may provide funding and resources for CNN at a local level. Pobal administer the CNN in collaboration with my Department – managing the transfer of payment, annual reporting and funding request process, hosting an online portal to support the administration process and conducting a number of annual verification visits to ensure the administration and expenditure of funding is in accordance with the fund criteria.
My Department manage all Exchequer funding either directly or through Pobal in line with public accounting financial principles, procedures and control framework including the Public Spending Code.
Payments to Mayo County Council By Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 To Date |
Total |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Payments Directly from the Department |
22,122 |
26,650 |
26,325 |
24,549 |
162,596 |
35,727 |
297,969 |
|
Payments through Pobal |
424,013 |
416,978 |
399,666 |
386,257 |
376,692 |
185,256 |
2,188,863 |
|
Total |
446,135 |
443,628 |
425,991 |
410,806 |
539,288 |
220,983 |
2,486,832 |
Payments by DCEDIY to Mayo County Council
|
Programme Area/ Project |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
Participation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
14,000 |
12,000 |
24,000 |
16,500 |
15,227 |
|
81,727 |
|
Play Day and Recreation Week |
2,350 |
|
1,500 |
2,000 |
3,000 |
|
8,850 |
|
ICT hardware Capital Grant Comhairle na nÓg 2020 |
|
|
|
5,869 |
|
|
5,869 |
|
Comhairle na nÓg |
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
Early Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Siolta Rollout |
5,772 |
14,550 |
825 |
180 |
|
|
21,327 |
|
Irish Refugee Protection Programme |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mayo Resettlement Programme |
|
|
|
|
69,369 |
35,727 |
105,096 |
|
Disability Equality |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disability Participation and Awareness Fund |
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
75,000 |
|
Total Awarded from 2017 - 2022 |
22,122 |
26,650 |
26,325 |
24,549 |
162,596 |
35,727 |
297,969 |
Payments to Mayo County Council through Pobal
|
Description |
Measure |
Budget |
Decommittal |
Paid 2017 |
Paid 2018 |
Paid 2019 |
Paid 2020 |
Paid 2021 |
Paid 2022 |
Paid 2017-2022 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2017 |
30,205 |
0 |
30,205 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30,205 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2018 |
27,705 |
0 |
0 |
27,705 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27,705 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2019 |
20,415 |
-1,203 |
0 |
0 |
20,415 |
0 |
-1,203 |
0 |
19,213 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2020 |
20,730 |
-12,414 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
19,528 |
-11,212 |
0 |
8,316 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2021 |
13,230 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
13,230 |
0 |
13,230 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Implementation CCC 2022 |
17,010 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,505 |
8,505 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Level 3 EDI Training 2021 |
7,500 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7,500 |
0 |
7,500 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
AIM Level 3 EDI Training 2022 |
1,800 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1,800 |
1,800 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2017 |
333,000 |
0 |
284,837 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
284,837 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2018 |
331,285 |
0 |
48,369 |
282,916 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
331,285 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2019 |
325,159 |
-1,020 |
0 |
47,142 |
278,017 |
-1,020 |
0 |
0 |
324,139 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2020 |
331,243 |
-7,219 |
0 |
0 |
47,362 |
283,881 |
-7,219 |
0 |
324,024 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2021 |
343,965 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
17,818 |
326,147 |
0 |
343,965 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
CCC Core Funding 2022 |
346,538 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
17,818 |
155,451 |
173,269 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Childminding Development Grant 2015 |
6,093 |
-562 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-562 |
0 |
0 |
-562 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Childminding Development Grant 2014 |
2,107 |
-468 |
-468 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-468 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Childminding Development Grant 2017 |
12,500 |
-1,386 |
11,938 |
0 |
0 |
-824 |
0 |
0 |
11,114 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Childminding Development Grant 2018 |
16,434 |
-484 |
0 |
15,048 |
0 |
902 |
0 |
0 |
15,950 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Early Years Capital CCC 2020 |
11,428 |
-182 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11,428 |
-182 |
0 |
11,246 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Early Years Capital CCC's 2015 |
15,000 |
-1,863 |
-1,863 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-1,863 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
First Aid Response Funding |
14,400 |
-5,055 |
0 |
0 |
14,400 |
0 |
-5,055 |
0 |
9,345 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
First Aid Response Funding 2020 |
14,400 |
-8,890 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9,345 |
-3,835 |
0 |
5,510 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
First Aid Response Funding 2021 |
13,890 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,890 |
5,000 |
13,890 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 1 |
27,420 |
-12,781 |
-11,083 |
0 |
-1,698 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-12,781 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 2 |
12,900 |
-8,177 |
-5,061 |
0 |
-1,729 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-6,790 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 2018 |
14,250 |
0 |
0 |
14,250 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14,250 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 2020 |
12,750 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12,750 |
0 |
0 |
12,750 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 2021 |
8,250 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,250 |
0 |
8,250 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 3 |
960 |
-960 |
0 |
0 |
-960 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-960 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund 4 |
10,680 |
-4,440 |
5,340 |
0 |
-4,440 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
900 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund Bursary 2017 |
28,500 |
-989 |
27,750 |
0 |
0 |
-239 |
0 |
0 |
27,511 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Learner Fund Bursary 2019 |
8,250 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,250 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,250 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
National Childminding Action Plan Funding |
2,000 |
-1,448 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,000 |
-1,448 |
0 |
552 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
National Childminding Action Plan Funding 2021 |
2,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,000 |
0 |
2,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
National Childminding Action Plan Funding 2022 |
2,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
NCS CCC Training |
9,163 |
-500 |
0 |
0 |
9,163 |
-500 |
0 |
0 |
8,663 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Parent & Toddler Initiative 2017 |
14,050 |
-478 |
14,050 |
0 |
0 |
-478 |
0 |
0 |
13,572 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Parent & Toddler Initiative 2018 |
10,395 |
-115 |
0 |
9,917 |
0 |
363 |
0 |
0 |
10,280 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Parent & Toddler Initiative 2019 |
11,001 |
-1,115 |
0 |
0 |
10,886 |
-1,000 |
0 |
0 |
9,886 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Parent & Toddler Initiative 2020 |
12,865 |
-10,065 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12,865 |
-10,065 |
0 |
2,800 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Parent & Toddler Initiative 2021 |
10,050 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10,050 |
0 |
10,050 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2017 |
20,000 |
0 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2018 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2019 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2020 |
20,000 |
-1,975 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20,000 |
-1,975 |
0 |
18,025 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2021 |
25,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25,000 |
0 |
25,000 |
|
Mayo County Childcare Committee |
Comhairle na nÓg Beneficiary Payments 2022 |
25,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12,500 |
12,500 |
|
Total |
|
2,583,521 |
-83,788 |
424,013 |
416,978 |
399,666 |
386,257 |
376,692 |
185,256 |
2,188,863 |
1144. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans that are in place to increase the fostering allowance for foster parents in line with escalating costs particularly for the over ten-year-olds. [20536/22]
View answerThe Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, stipulates that the allowance payable to foster carers and relatives shall not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.
The foster care allowance was last increased on January 1st 2009. Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
If required, Tusla can also provide additional financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments. Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised fostering allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager. Each application for an additional payment will be accompanied by supporting documentation evidencing the need.
Enhanced allowances for foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid in respect of children aged between 0-18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs.
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after the foster child. In considering any enhanced allowance the assessing social worker is required to evidence that the standard fostering allowance does not adequately provide for the cost of caring for the child.
A request for enhanced supports must certified by the Principal Social Worker and approved by the Area Manager following submission of an assessment of the child’s needs and supporting documentation. A review arrangement for the enhanced allowance must be part of the submission for approval.
In addition to the foster care allowance, foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan.
Pre-assessment and ongoing training are compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality care. Recognising the specific dynamics and the personal nature of relative care, Tusla addresses the training needs of relatives who are foster carers separately. In addition, Tusla provides funding for the Irish Foster Care Association which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a telephone advice service.
The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs. Tusla have advised that they have recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation. Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted the need for the foster care allowance to be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. Tusla is currently preparing a paper on this matter, which will then be considered by my Department.
The rate of the foster care allowance is kept under review by officials within the Department and at present there are no plans to change the rate. However, the Department is undertaking an extensive review of the Child Care Act 1991 and the provisions in relation foster care will form part of this review.
1145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department can reimburse a service provider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20633/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that a payment has issued to the service provider on foot of an invoice and related supporting documents received.
1146. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff within his Department who availed of a secondment from January 2019 to date on the basis that it was not the intention of the staff member to return to his or her position within the Department. [20636/22]
View answerMy Department operates the guidelines in relation to secondments which are set out by DPER and approved by the Civil Service Management Board and can be found at hr.per.gov.ie/en/corporate-pages/career/mobility/secondment/.
1147. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of all youth services in Dublin 1, 3, 7, 9 and 11 under the remit of his Department, including the name, location, amount of funding and number of young people engaged in each programme, in tabular form. [20684/22]
View answerMy Department provides a range of youth funding nationally through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), acting as a funding intermediary for my Department. While my Department does not allocate funding on the basis of parliamentary constituencies or postal areas, the ETB’s which provides for areas in Dublin 1, 3, 7, 9 and 11 are City of Dublin ETB and Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB.
In 2022, over €17.5 million has been allocated to CDETB and over €9 million has been allocated to DDLETB. The more significant elements of these figures are:
|
The UBU - Your Place Your Space – scheme |
CDETB €15,220,766 DDLETB €8,118,094 |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) |
CDETB €391,667 DDLETB €398,889 |
|
Youth Information Centres (YIC) |
CDETB €105,232 DDLETB €135,247 |
|
ETB Youth Grant |
CDETB €1,064,705 DDLETB €672,931 |
*(Capital and LGBTI+ Initiatives allocations yet to be confirmed)
A detailed breakdown of the CDETB and DDLETB organisations funded under the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme in 2022 is provided below:
|
CITY OF DUBLIN EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD |
UBU Funding |
|
|
|
|
Funded Organisation |
TOTAL BASE 2022 inc 3% increase |
|
Adventure Sports Project |
€253,990 |
|
An Siol |
€54,137 |
|
Ballybough Youth Project |
€262,128 |
|
Ballyfermot Youth Service |
€550,094 |
|
Ballymun Regional Youth Resource |
€1,194,532 |
|
Belvedere Youth Project |
€76,285 |
|
Bradog Youth Service |
€468,529 |
|
Bru YS |
€372,221 |
|
Cabra for Youth |
€275,232 |
|
Canal Communities |
€316,775 |
|
Candle Community Trust |
€140,896 |
|
Cavan Centre |
€358,161 |
|
CDETB Arts Support Project |
€54,899 |
|
CDETB Youth Work Support Project |
€71,791 |
|
Cherry Orchard Youth Service |
€349,168 |
|
Clay Youth Project |
€303,190 |
|
Core Youth Service |
€372,781 |
|
DCC Facilities |
€1,111,745 |
|
DCC Sports |
€660,107 |
|
Donnycarney YP |
€190,920 |
|
Eastwall Youth Development |
€135,369 |
|
Eco Unesco |
€77,848 |
|
Exchange House |
€353,839 |
|
FAI |
€200,261 |
|
FamiliBase |
€393,712 |
|
Finglas Youth Resource |
€590,132 |
|
Finglas Youth Service LEAPP |
€137,843 |
|
Focus Ireland |
€433,143 |
|
Fountain Youth Project |
€142,995 |
|
Kilmore West Youth Project |
€155,576 |
|
Le Cheile |
€175,168 |
|
Lourdes Youth and Community |
€138,910 |
|
Poppintree Youth Service |
€239,981 |
|
Rialto Youth Project |
€443,037 |
|
Ringsend and Irishtown Youth Project |
€198,885 |
|
South Area Youth Service |
€300,230 |
|
Sphere 17 |
€867,742 |
|
Sphere 17 Kilbarrack |
€212,717 |
|
St Andrews YP |
€291,321 |
|
St John Bosco YS |
€199,659 |
|
St Monicas YP |
€121,677 |
|
St Ultans Childcare |
€60,201 |
|
Stoneybatter YS |
€421,747 |
|
Swan Youth Service |
€450,062 |
|
SWICN Computer Clubhouse |
€170,519 |
|
TravAct Traveller Youth Prog. |
€87,708 |
|
Trinity Youth Service |
€136,393 |
|
YES Separated Children |
€94,752 |
|
YMCA City of Dublin |
€109,118 |
|
|
|
|
Solas Project (New)(5 months in 2021, Full year in 2022) |
€319,040 |
|
Sphere 17 Hard To Reach (New) |
€123,600 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ALLOCATION |
€15,220,765 |
|
DUBLIN AND DUN LAOGHAIRE EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD |
UBU Funding |
|
|
|
|
Funded Organisation |
TOTAL BASE 2022 inc 3% increase |
|
Barnardos Blanchardstown |
€54,297 |
|
CARP Killinarden |
€50,298 |
|
Clondalkin Traveller Development |
€43,685 |
|
Corduff Sports and Leisure |
€146,126 |
|
Crosscare Clondalkin |
€416,561 |
|
Crosscare Dun Laoghaire |
€867,966 |
|
Crosscare Dundrum |
€456,434 |
|
Crosscare Lucan |
€128,464 |
|
Crosscare Swords |
€388,484 |
|
Crosscare Tallaght Travellers |
€138,529 |
|
CTC Dun Laoghaire Drug Prevention |
€44,276 |
|
Cuala Sports and Integration |
€51,267 |
|
DDL Education and Training Board |
€707,081 |
|
DLR CC Facilities |
€135,197 |
|
DLR CC Youth |
€233,542 |
|
DLR Drug Task Force |
€43,385 |
|
FAI Street Leagues |
€2,297 |
|
Foroige Balbriggan |
€128,476 |
|
Foroige Blanchardstown |
€963,252 |
|
Foroige Coastal North Dublin |
€141,716 |
|
Foroige Tallaght Youth Service |
€901,750 |
|
Foroige Tyrrelstown |
€141,336 |
|
Foroige Whitechurch |
€100,022 |
|
Huntstown |
€72,715 |
|
KCCYP Tallaght |
€122,957 |
|
Knockmitten Youth and Community |
€93,149 |
|
Ronanstown Youth Service |
€601,486 |
|
SDCP Clondalkin |
€44,557 |
|
South Dublin CoCo |
€618,971 |
|
STAG Dun Laoghaire |
€133,223 |
|
YMCA Tallaght |
€95,118 |
|
Remember Us Balbriggan |
€51,478 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ALLOCATION |
€8,118,094 |
These areas will also benefit from €12m funding nationally under the Youth Service Grant Scheme to support more universal service provision to 30 national or regional organisations such as Scouting Ireland, Foróige, Youth Work Ireland etc.
My Department does not collate the information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of young people engaged in each programme. Keeping records of this information is a matter for the youth organisations and services themselves.
1148. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review correspondence regarding direct provision in County Monaghan (details supplied); if he will urgently review this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/22]
View answerAs you may know, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, 2018, the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) cannot share any information with a third party without the express consent of the individual concerned. It would be advisable that the person referenced in the Deputy's question or her legal representative contact IPAS directly at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie to make the request known. I will ask IPAS to review the matters set out in the information provided.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the vulnerability assessment pilot programme overseen by my dedicated IPAS Resident Welfare Team. IPAS makes a written offer of a vulnerability assessment to all persons who make an application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO).
Assessments begin with an initial interview with a Vulnerability Assessment Officer from the Resident Welfare Team. The purpose of these assessments is to determine if, by virtue of a particular category of vulnerability, an applicant is deemed to have special reception needs, what those needs are and what actions are required to address those needs.
All residents also have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the Department. IPAS is also working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. Specific needs can be raised with IPAS through these options.
1149. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ask officials in charge of a Tusla facility at Ferryhouse, Clonmel, County Tipperary whether they will engage with a person (details supplied) regarding a previous agreement allowing members of a club to use parking facilities on the grounds of Ferryhouse when fishing on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/22]
View answerI have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy as the matter raised is an operational matter for Tusla.
1150. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of reception centres that have been brought into use to accommodate Ukrainian refugees; the centres that have been opened, remain open or have been discontinued by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20756/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 16,500 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority emergency facilities. Given arrival numbers sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
The Department understands that offers of accommodation have been pledged through the Irish Red Cross portal and work is on-going involving a number of stakeholders to draw down these pledges.
My Department is working very closely with the local authorities, through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify emergency short term options to meet continued demands for accommodation. The management and operation of these reception centres is the responsibility of the local authorities.
My Department operates a facility in City West to process the requests for accommodation of those fleeing Ukraine.
1151. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will place one State official in each refugee reception centre to act as a liaison officer for persons in those centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20758/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 16,500 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, pledges of accommodation, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority emergency facilities.
Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge and appointing liaison points in each individual centre of accommodation is not possible as this time. However, in each Local Authority Area community fora have been established to bring together supports for those who require it and to act as a conduit for information for those in accommodation in these areas. This aspect of the response is being coordinated by colleagues across Government in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and in the Department of Rural and Community Development.
My Department is working very closely with the local authorities, through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify emergency short term options to meet continued demands for accommodation. The operation and management of refugee reception centres is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
My Department is overseeing a reception centre at City West focused on those arriving at Dublin Airport and supports are available at this centre for those who require it focused on providing short term accommodation services.
The Department continues to cooperate with colleagues across Government on an all of Government response to this challenge.
1152. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20813/22]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help parents meet the cost of childcare and to support better outcomes for children. While the NCS is an initiative of the DCEDIY, a Scheme Administrator has been engaged to manage the operation of the Scheme on the Department’s behalf. Pobal acts in this capacity as Scheme Administrator, and it is their role to follow up on individual cases.
Officials in my Department have been in contact with colleagues in Pobal who have reviewed the documentation submitted by the applicant, including the correspondence between the parent and service provider. Pobal have advised that this is a matter between the applicant and the service provider to resolve and that it would fall outside the scope of an NCS Review or subsequent Appeal.
In cases such as these, the applicant and service provider can avail of supports from the local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC), to help support a resolution process regarding fees.
We would urge the parent to follow up with the service provider again with their Childcare Identifier Code Key (CHICK), for the service provider to register the CHICK and the applicant to confirm their claims for current childcare provision.
The contact details for all CCCs can be found on myccc.ie/.
1153. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20815/22]
View answerPobal are the administrators of all childcare funding programmes on behalf of my Department, including the ECCE scheme, which is the subject of this question.
Pobal have informed my Department that there has been no withdrawal of ECCE funding for the child referred to in this question. My Department has directed Pobal to continue to fund this child's ECCE place until the end of the ECCE term in late June, so that she can return to her pre-school and complete the ECCE session with her friends.
If the child's parents have any on-going concerns about access to ECCE they and the pre-school provider can get support and advice from their local County Childcare Committee (CCC). Details of the local CCC can be found on the website myccc.ie.
1154. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider allowing non-birthing parents the entitlement to paid leave to attend the 20-week scan in addition to the last two ante-natal classes which are provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21035/22]
View answerSection 15A(2) of the Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 provides for a right to paid time off to attend the final 2 ante-natal classes in a set of such classes to an expectant father. This entitlement is available once only. The purpose of this entitlement is to allow the expectant father to prepare for the birth of the child.
Family leave entitlements are kept under review to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of parents and children. However, there are no plans at present to amend the entitlements currently provided for under the Maternity Protection Acts.
1155. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has examined the way that the increase in the cost of living is impacting on foster carers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21106/22]
View answerFoster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
If required, Tusla can also provide financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments. Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised fostering allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager. Each application for an additional payment will be accompanied by supporting documentation evidencing the need.
Enhanced allowances for foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid in respect of children aged between 0-18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs.
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after the foster child. In considering any enhanced allowance the assessing social worker is required to evidence that the standard fostering allowance does not adequately provide for the cost of caring for the child.
A request for enhanced supports must certified by the Principal Social Worker and approved by the Area Manager following submission of an assessment of the child’s needs and supporting documentation. A review arrangement for the enhanced allowance must be part of the submission for approval.
In addition to the foster care allowance, foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan.
Pre-assessment and ongoing training are compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality care. Recognising the specific dynamics and the personal nature of relative care, Tusla addresses the training needs of relatives who are foster carers separately. In addition, Tusla provides funding for the Irish Foster Care Association which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a telephone advice service.
The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs. Tusla have advised that they have recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation. Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted the need for the foster care allowance to be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. Tusla is currently preparing a paper on this matter, which will then be considered by my Department.
The rate of the foster care allowance is kept under review by officials within the Department and at present there are no plans to change the rate. However, the Department is undertaking an extensive review of the Child Care Act 1991 and the provisions in relation to foster care will form part of this review.
1156. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if all of the locations that comprise group and congregated settings in counties Louth and Meath which have been deployed to date to accommodate refugees from Ukraine; the number of persons who have been accommodated in this way to date in both counties; his Department’s plans to utilise additional locations in the counties in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21138/22]
View answerMy Department is providing accommodation where requested to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Over 16,500 people have been provided with International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, accommodation pledged by the general public, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary organisations, and local authority facilities. In addition, arrangements are also in place with Airbnb to use some of their accommodation.
To date 695 people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine have been accommodated in Louth and Meath combined, placed in 18 separate accommodations including hotels, B&B’s, county council provided emergency accommodation and guesthouses. A list of accommodations provided is below.
|
Louth Total Occupancy |
Locations |
|
248 |
37 Laurence St |
|
Crowne Plaza Dundalk |
|
|
Dundalk Sports Centre |
|
|
GlenGat B&B |
|
|
Louth Community Centre |
|
|
Rock House, Drogheda |
|
|
Nanny's B&B |
|
|
Newgrange Lodge |
|
Meath Total Occupancy |
Locations |
|
447 |
Mullingar B&B |
|
Dunboyne Castle |
|
|
Navan Rest Centre |
|
|
Nanny's B&B |
|
|
Navan Lodge Clongill |
|
|
Newberry Hotel, Mullingar |
|
|
Newgrange Lodge |
|
|
Reddans B&B |
|
|
The Lodge, Lerrigh Hotel |
|
|
The Rock House |
1157. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of times he has met with the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection since he took office; and the dates upon which those meetings took place. [21157/22]
View answerSince I took office I have met virtually with the Special Rapporteur for Child Protection on two occasions, and have had a number of calls directly with him on various issues. The dates of which are as follows:
|
Date |
Meeting Type |
|
01/12/2020 |
Virtual Meeting |
|
05/03/2021 |
Phone Call |
|
24/03/2021 |
Phone Call |
|
09/06/2021 |
Virtual Meeting |
|
09/09/2021 |
Phone Call |
|
24/01/2022 |
Phone Call |
1158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has discussed the issue of private family care arrangements with the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection; if he plans to bring about an end to private family arrangements; and if so if the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21158/22]
View answerTusla’s statutory obligations in relation to children and families stem primarily from the Child Care Act 1991. Tusla is responsible for promoting the welfare of children not receiving adequate care and protection. In doing so, the best interests of the child are paramount, but Tusla also seeks to have regard to the rights of parents and to the principle that it is generally in the best interests of a child that they are brought up in their own family. Tusla’s statutory responsibilities include children in care and family support.
In this context, Tusla may take a child into care, in accordance with the statutory provisions, either in a voluntary care arrangement or under a court order. The thresholds which must be met for taking a child into care are set out in the Child Care Act.
There is no formal definition of “private family arrangements”, but there are a number of circumstances in which Tusla may engage with a child and their family, where the child is not in care under the Child Care Act.
As part of Tusla’s intervention, a parent and their wider family may agree to a plan that sees a child living with extended family, relatives or friends. Such arrangements can be a key component of a safety planning process where there are ongoing concerns of harm to a child that require Tusla’s ongoing involvement to assure the child’s safety. Tusla remains involved in such cases until such time as the child’s safety has been evidenced over time or until a decision is made to invoke formal care arrangements, which can be in the form of relative foster care.
A parent and their extended family can also agree a temporary arrangement to support the care of the child while the parent gets respite and support. Where support is required Tusla can provide such support to the child, parent and carer through what is often referred to as a family support plan. There are also legal provisions under guardianship legislation for the family to have such arrangements made more formal through the appointment of a temporary or full guardian. Tusla is often made a notice party to such applications to support the Court in its decision making process.
A parent/family may also enter into a temporary care arrangement with a relative where no support is required and where Tusla has no involvement. Where a parent enters into a private care arrangement with someone who is not a guardian or relative and where Tusla has not had any involvement, the Child Care Act (Part IVB) requires the parent to notify Tusla of such an arrangement. Tusla has the authority to determine the suitability of such an arrangement if required and to apply to the District Court for directions if it believes the arrangement is not in the child’s best interests. Such notifications are rare.
Dr. Conor O’Mahony, the current Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, has commented on private family arrangements in the context of research undertaken by UCC, which he co-authored and published in 2021. Contained within this research, titled Voluntary Care in Ireland Study, the co-authors stated, a “significant number of participants in the study expressed positive views in support of the use of PFAs”. However the authors added that, “the existing ad hoc approach to PFAs raises considerable concerns” and “notwithstanding the support amongst some practitioners for the use of PFAs”, the authors concluded that “the better solution is to bring all kinship placements under this heading in the existing model and to discontinue reliance on ad hoc, unregulated PFAs.”
While I have not discussed the issue of private family arrangements directly with Dr. O’Mahony, I am aware of his views, as set out above.
Issues in relation to private family arrangements and engagement by Tusla with children and families in care and in the community will be considered in the context of the ongoing review of the Child Care Act 1991. The Heads of Bill/General Scheme are due for completion by the end of 2022.
Consideration of the role of Tusla in supporting children and families in the community and in the formal care system forms part of the review. Relevant reports and comments, including those made by the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, will inform the deliberations. The review is a complex process, involving detailed stakeholder engagement. The specific issue of private family arrangements is being actively considered and final decisions have not yet been taken.
