Written Answers Nos. 104- 130
104. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the provisions that his Department are making in view of a recent survey showing that over seven in ten young persons are considering leaving Ireland for a better quality of life, to deliver improved youth services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50740/22]
View answerI am aware of the survey the Deputy refers to and the findings are a matter of concern. One of the key goals underpinning my Department’s work is to help young people achieve their potential.
In regards to the delivery of youth services and supports, my officials and I have a very good working relationship with the National Youth Organisations, including the organisation that conducted the survey, the National Youth Council of Ireland.
As the Deputy will know, in recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing support to young people, funding for youth services and programmes increased further in Budget 2023. The current funding has risen from €61.789 million in 2020 to €72.948 million, an increase of 18% increase overall.
The funding supports the delivery of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. The majority is distributed through the targeted UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. UBU serves to improve the seven personal and social developmental outcomes. These are:
1. Emotional Intelligence
2. Communication Skills
3. Confidence
4. Planning and Problem Solving
5. Creativity and Imagination
6. Relationships, and
7. Resilience and Determination
There is strong evidence showing that building social and emotional capabilities such as these can have greater long-term impact than focussing on reducing the "symptoms" of poor outcomes for young people.
The Education and Training Boards advised that over 80,000 young people benefited from UBU Your Place Your Space in 2021. Also, over 70,000 young people benefit from youth clubs supported through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme in a typical year.
Young people were severely affected by the restrictions to protect public health during the pandemic. In recognition of the tremendous support provided by the youth sector to young people, funding levels were maintained in full. An additional €1.7 million in minor grant schemes was made available in 2020 and in 2021 to address Covid-19 related costs. Services that were active operated in line with public health guidance.
It must be emphasised, however, that a whole of Government approach is ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive location and continues to have a lot to offer for its young people. I support the work of my fellow cabinet members with responsibility for priority areas in young people's lives including education, arts, sport, health, housing, employment, and social protection.
107. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the commitment to excavate the burial site at Tuam; when the director for authorised intervention will be appointed; the support that will be provided to the director in ensuring that excavation works can commence on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50738/22]
View answerThe Institutional Burials Act 2022 came into effect on 15 July last. It provides the underlying legislative basis for an intervention to recover and respectfully re-inter the remains of those who were buried in a manifestly inappropriate manner. It also provides for the identification of remains and their return to family members, where possible.
The legislation requires that the excavation, recovery and post-recovery analysis of remains is undertaken by appropriately qualified persons at a forensic standard and in accordance with international best practice and professional rules and guidelines.
On 4 October, Government agreed to make an Order under the Act to establish an independent Office to lead an intervention at the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam, Co. Galway. The making of the Order follows on from Resolutions in the Dáil on the 14th September and the Seanad on the 21st September approving the draft Order that was agreed by Government in July.
Arrangements for recruitment of a Director to head up the Office are currently being finalised and my officials are liaising with the Public Appointments Service in this regard. It is expected that once the post is advertised, the appointment of a Director will take a number of weeks.
Once appointed, the Director will then engage a range of appropriately qualified experts to undertake the excavation, recovery and post-recovery analysis processes. Engineering works and the construction of onsite facilities will also be required in advance of excavation of the site, which it is expected can begin in early 2023. Funding of almost €7 million has been provided in Budget 2023 for the 2023 costs of the excavation in Tuam.
Importantly, the Office of the Director will be independent in the performance of its functions but my officials will provide support as required in the initial establishment phase to ensure excavation works can commence as soon as possible.
108. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will introduce some flexibility in the ECCE scheme to enable children with disabilities to repeat a pre-school year if needed in order that they can have a successful primary school transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50602/22]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range.
One of the commitments within First 5, A Government Strategy for Babies and Children, was to undertake an end-of-year-three evaluation of AIM. The report is due to be published over the coming weeks. Subject to evaluation findings and other relevant developments, Department officials will be considering enhancements to, and/or extension of, AIM to, for example, all ELC services and/or to children outside of the eligible age range for the ECCE programme.
This will also link in with the current 12 month review of the ECCE scheme, which is due for completion in Q3 2023. The review will consider whether the programme is meeting its objectives and subject to the findings consider whether any changes need to be made. As part of this review, there will be wide stakeholder engagement.
A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date and a child cannot turn 5 years and 6 months of age during the course of the ECCE programme year.
Overage exemptions to the upper age limit of the ECCE Programme were introduced in 2010 in a context where the ECCE programme was for a year only; and the supports provided under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) did not exist. It is important to note that the overage exemption for the ECCE programme was never intended as a mechanism to delay a child’s entry to primary school.
A review of overage exemptions, undertaken by the National Disability Authority, concluded that children with disabilities would be better served by starting school with their peers and that overage exemptions should cease once enhanced transition supports available to children.
Pending the development of these enhanced transition supports, as committed to in First 5, overage exemptions remain available in certain circumstances. Parents can get information on how to apply for an overage exemption from their local County Childcare Committee, details of which can be found on www.myccc.ie
I would encourage parents of children attending the ECCE Programme to discuss their concerns as early as possible with the provider and with the Better Start AIM team. Further information on the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) can be found on aim.gov.ie
111. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the implementation of the core funding scheme in relation to the early childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49600/22]
View answer115. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the main developments under the core funding partner service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50361/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 115 together.
As I referenced earlier, the new Core Funding Scheme commenced on 15 September. While only in operation since then, Core Funding has already achieved significant success. 91% of services are in contract for Core Funding.
This means that a fee freeze now applies to the overwhelming majority of families using early learning and childcare services. It also means the ECCE Programme and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are being offered to all eligible families in these services.
This is particularly important in the context of rising prices for goods and services across the economy and in light of the significant additional investment that I secured for the NCS in Budget 2023. Core Funding has also supported the agreement of historic Employment Regulation Orders leading to wage increases for the large majority of staff in the sector.
There is also evidence of increased capacity in the sector, with initial analysis showing that increased child places funded through Core Funding are the type of capacity that is in highest demand relative to supply, particularly more baby and toddler places, as well as school-age places. The geographical breakdown across the country also indicates expansion in urban and commuter areas where there has been significant pressure on places.
In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €52 million to meet the cost of this increase in capacity in Year 1 of the Scheme. I also secured an additional €28 million to increase the Core Funding allocation to €287 million for Year 2 of the Scheme.
Already I have committed €4 million of that additional allocation bring further improvements to workforce pay and conditions (through the removal of 3-year experience rule for graduate premium) with the remaining €24 million to introduce other developments to the Scheme – that will continue to focus on meeting the combined objectives of Core Funding - improved quality for children, including through pay and conditions for staff in the sector, improved affordability for parents, as well as ensuring a stable income to providers.
112. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which his Department is supporting the expanded facilitation of breastfeeding in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50310/22]
View answerOn 20 September, the Government gave its approval for the publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022. The primary purpose of the Bill is to provide for transposition of elements the EU Work Life Balance Directive and to extend the current entitlement to breastfeeding/lactation breaks under the Maternity Protection Acts from six months to two years.
The extension of breastfeeding breaks is an important support for mothers returning to the workforce after the birth of their child, and will facilitate the combination of breastfeeding and working in line with the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding, in combination with suitably nutritious and safe complementary foods, until children are two years old.
The proposals are in line with commitments in FIRST 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families and the National Strategy for Women and Girls. Officials in my Department undertook targeted consultations with employer representative groups and social partners in relation to this proposed extension.
The Minister for Health holds the policy on the broader promotion of breastfeeding from a public health perspective.
113. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the report from an organisation (details supplied) concerning urgent action to address accommodation crisis for persons seeking protection in Ireland. [50330/22]
View answer130. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) published that states that the Irish protection system is in crisis, that there has been a serious and unprecedented breakdown in Ireland's reception system and that a whole-of-Government response is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50635/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 130 together.
Deputy, I am aware of the Irish Refugee Council’s report. The Government will assess the report and its recommendations once reviewed. I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is of the highest priority.
As you will know, my Department is currently providing accommodation to over 57,000 people - approximately 41,000 displaced Ukrainians and over 16,000 international protection applicants. At this point in 2021, the figure was approximately 7,250.
The availability of accommodation to house international protection applicants remains a very significant challenge. My Department is actively engaged in the sourcing of emergency accommodation to ensure that we can continue to meet our international obligations to those seeking refuge in Ireland. My officials continue to seek accommodation solutions to the increasing numbers of international protection arrivals.
Last week, as part of the 2022 tender process for IPAS own-door accommodation, my Department opened the Finn Accommodation Centre in Ballybofey, Donegal. This facility has over 45 high quality apartments that have been recently renovated. The capacity is 179 people. These apartments has been made available to families seeking international protection in Ireland. The first families have already moved to the centre.
Added to this, 10 new contracts/properties have been identified, subject to contract, which are expected to result in additional bed spaces. This tender was re-advertised on 6 October 2022 with a response deadline of 8 November 2022 in a further effort to increase capacity in the system.
As the Deputy will be aware, as part of the Programme for Government, a commitment was made to deliver a new model of accommodation and supports for International Protection applicants. As part of this process I published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service in February 2021.
In the nineteen months since its publication, my Department has made considerable progress in delivering these reforms, including:
- recruitment of a team dedicated to drive the implementation of the new programme,
- establishment of governance structures to oversee transition to the new model - a Programme Board and an External Advisory Committee,
- development of an integration programme to support the principle of ‘integration from day one’,
- advancement of our Communication Strategy, including a dedicated webpage where members of the Public can find updates on the progress being made, and,
- initiation of a planning process for Phase One Reception and Integration Centres.
A new integration fund, offering grants to civil society organisations for projects supporting the integration of international protection applicants, was also launched in August. The fund will be awarded shortly.
I have secured 22m euro in Budget 2023, an increase of 41% on this year's allocation, to move ahead with key reforms envisaged in the White Paper. The increased budget will be focused in particular on enhancing the supports provided to international protection applicants.
I envisage an expanded role for NGOs in the delivery of such supports, particularly to vulnerable applicants.
114. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has had any discussions with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Cabinet in relation to a ban on evictions, given the current crisis in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50100/22]
View answerI have met with my cabinet colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and held discussions on housing matters, particularly concerning youth homelessness and housing for individuals who have refugee status granted to them, along with ongoing significant challenges arising from Ireland's humanitarian response to the displacement of people from the war in Ukraine.
As policy matters related to the regulation of private rented accommodation fall within his remit, I have not discussed a proposal to ban evictions within private rental accommodation in a one on one meeting at this juncture. The Deputy will appreciate my remit presently requires mobilisation of a significant emergency accommodation response itself of an unprecedented scale in this State's history.
116. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to end the wardship system. [50333/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to the abolition of wardship and to replacing it with a more person-centred and rights-based functional capacity model. The enactment of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 will allow for the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act) is a very important piece of legislation that changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
It will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.
Amendments are required so that full commencement of the 2015 Act can take place. The amendments will streamline processes, in the interests of those using its provisions. They will also strengthen the safeguards included in the 2015 Act. A number of measures in the Bill will also give further effect to the state’s ratification of the UNCRPD.
The Amendment Bill is currently progressing through the Seanad, having cleared all Dáil Stages. It is intended to have the Bill enacted, and the 2015 Act commenced, at the earliest possible opportunity.Once the amended Act is commenced, the Decision Support Service (DSS) will become fully operational. The DSS is the organisation that will operate the progressive provisions of the 2015 Act and will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. To date, the Decision Support Service has made considerable progress in putting in place the administrative and IT systems needed to operate the 2015 Act. These preparations have been supported by an Inter-Departmental Steering Group.
€8.3 million was secured for the DSS in 2023. This represents the third consecutive budgetary increase for the DSS and reflects government’s commitment to the abolition of wardship and the replacement of that system with the appropriate suite of rights based decision supports.
117. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which his Department will implement a secure application process for persons seeking paid domestic violence leave. [49601/22]
View answerThe Government has approved the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 to provide for a form of domestic violence leave. The amendments will amend the Parental Leave Act 1998 and will provide for 5 days paid leave for victims of domestic violence. The provisions will be guided by the recommendations of the Report on Domestic Violence Leave but will not include a requirement for proof.
Once they meet their statutory obligations, employers are free to provide a more extensive entitlement to their employees.
In line with the recommendation of the Domestic Violence Leave Report, Minister O’Gorman will commission the drafting of policy templates which are intended to allow employers develop their own Domestic Violence Leave policies. This will help foster a culture of openness and support for employees who may be experiencing domestic violence.
The templates will support employers in activating policies best designed to sensitively and appropriately respond to employees who have been victims of Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence , including the provision of leave. These will be of particular assistance to Small and Medium Enterprises. The templates will also support and guide employees in respect of use of the leave.
118. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his intentions to provide further financial supports to parents to combat rising childcare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50707/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023, I announced major reforms to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) from January 2023, which will substantially improve the affordability of early learning and childcare for families.
Additional funding of €121 million has been allocated to the NCS from January 2023 so all families accessing registered early learning and childcare will receive a minimum hourly NCS subsidy of €1.40 off the cost of early learning and childcare. With the current minimum hourly NCS subsidy set at €0.50 per hour, the represents an additional €0.90 per hour off the cost of early learning and childcare. This translates to up to €63.00 off families weekly bill for early learning and childcare per child. With up to €22.50 currently available per week, this represents up to an additional €40.50 off weekly costs.
From 2nd of January 2023, any family who is not already at the maximum hourly subsidy under NCS (see Table) will see an increase in their subsidy. For those who receive a subsidy based on an income assessed subsidy, the amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly subsidy rate. The amount of increase individual families will see in their per hour subsidy, will differ widely depending on their current subsidy.
Table 1: Maximum Income Assessed Subsidy
|
Child’s age |
Per Hour |
|
24 weeks to 12 months |
€5.10 |
|
12 to 35 months |
€4.35 |
|
3 years or older and not yet in school |
€3.95 |
|
School age (or 6 years to 15 years) |
€3.75 |
In addition, on 15th September, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. This new funding model will support delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families.
Together for Better brings together three major elements, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the NCS and Core Funding.
Core Funding is the new funding stream in operation since 15 September 2022. A central condition of Core Funding is that providers agree not to increase fees above those which were charged last year. This gives parents greater certainty about what they will be charged and ensures that increases to NCS subsidies are not absorbed by fee increases. The approach to fee management will be developed further over time.
Participation in the Core Funding is optional and a list of participating services is available online here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/together-for-better/. To date, more than 91% of services are signed-up and thereby agreeing to operating the fee conditions. Parents should also be receiving a copy of their Partner Services fees policy outlined in the Parent Statement. I would encourage parents to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for support and guidance. Contact information for City/County Childcare Committee is available here: myccc.ie/
119. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration will be given to increasing the foster care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50533/22]
View answerFoster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Approximately 89% of children in care are currently being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment.
Foster carers are paid at a rate of €325 per week for a child under 12, and €352 per week for a child over 12 and under 18. In certain circumstances, where the necessary criteria are met, enhanced and additional payments may be made.
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.
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.
I am aware of the fact that the basic rates of the foster care payment have not been increased since 2009, and I am acutely aware of the disappointment of foster carers that no increase was granted in the recent budget. Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers. I recognise that foster carers, like many others, are experiencing cost of living pressures and both myself and Tusla want to respond to this in a positive and meaningful way.Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment is to be paid in respect of each child in foster care. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12 and under 18 years. It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers, including foster carers working with private providers.
I hope that this once off payment will go some way to alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing. I will continue to engage with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers, and I will make every effort in future budgets to address the issue of an increase to the rates of the foster care allowance.
Separately the Tusla Board has on Friday 30th September 2022 considered a major improvement plan for foster care covering a wide range of issues. I am committed to working with Tusla on the issues raised in that review and in the consultations, including with foster carers, that contributed to its development.
120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can provide international comparative data to show if the State has improved in recent years in terms of public spending on childcare; the way the new investment measures planned to come into effect in 2023 will mean in terms of Ireland's poor comparative position on same; his new goal for State investment in the early years in view that the Government's 2028 goal of €1 billion per annum has been reached five years ahead of schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50208/22]
View answerFirst 5 was launched in 2018 with an ambitious investment target of at least doubling expenditure in the sector by 2028 to approximately €1 billion. A new funding model was to be the key vehicle to ensure that such significant additional investment delivers for children, families and the State. Further to Budget 2023 announcements, that achievement will be reached in 2023, five years ahead of schedule, with commitment to spend over €1 billion on early learning and childcare. This significant investment will be delivered through Together for Better, the new funding model which is now in place. The table below sets out the steady increase in investment over the past number of years.
A large portion of the new investment will be channeled through a new funding scheme, Core Funding, worth €266 million in 2023 and through significant developments to the National Childcare Scheme which will be worth €358 million in 2023, along with investment of €308 million in the Early Childhood Care and Education programme including the Access and Inclusion Model.
The UNICEF-recommended investment level in ELC and SAC is 1% of GDP while the OECD average is 0.9% of GDP.
It is important to note that Irish GDP is seen as an extremely poor point of international comparison. A more appropriate comparator for the Irish context recommended by the Economic Statistics Review Group is modified GNI. (GNI*). This is designed to exclude globalisation effects that disproportionately impact the measurement of the size of the Irish economy. In 2021, Ireland’s modified GNI was €234 billion. Investment of 1% or 0.7% of modified GNI would therefore equal €2.3 billion and €2.1 billion respectively.
In international comparison terms, it is also relevant to note that in general children start primary school in Ireland somewhat earlier than in many other countries. Investment in the early years of primary school is not included in the expenditure figures above.
Exceeding the investment target of €1 billion five years ahead of schedule is a clear demonstration of the value Government places on early learning and childcare, given the benefits it confers to children and their families, society and the economy.
A revised investment target will be considered in the context of the second implementation plan for First 5, to be finalised in 2023.
|
2015 |
€260m |
||
|
2016 |
+€85m(+32%) |
€345m |
Expansion of ECCE programme from September 2016 so that children can enrol in pre-school at age three, and remain in pre-school until they start primary school, introduction of three enrolment dates (September, January and April) and restoration of the ECCE capitation rates to pre-2012 levels Introduction of AIM from September 2016 A range of quality measures (i.e. audit of quality, Learner Fund, Síolta Quality Assurance Programme, enhanced inspection, including introduction of education focused inspections A School-Age Childcare Capital Fund An additional 8,000 places under the Childcare Subvention Scheme and funding to establish a project to commence work on developing the NCS |
|
2017 |
+€121m(+35%) |
€466m |
Full year cost of ECCE expansion and AIM Introduction of the NCS from September 2017 (to include a new universal subsidy for children under 3 and targeted subsidies for children from 0-15) The introduction of a new Programme Support Payment (PSP) A range of quality measures (i.e. sustainability fund, enhanced inspection) |
|
2018 |
+€19m(+4%) |
€485m |
Expansion of the ECCE programme to 2 full years and a 7% increase in ECCE capitation (standard rate increased from €64.5 to €69 and higher rate increased from €75 to €80.25) Increase in the PSP A range of quality measures (i.e. CCC funding, sustainability fund, enhanced inspection, capital) |
|
2019 |
+€89m(+18%) |
€574m |
Full year cost of ECCE expansion Increase in funding for NCS and legacy schemes Introduction of a one off NCS Transitional PSP Increase in AIM funding Increase in PSP A range of quality and other measures (i.e. enhanced inspection, First 5 development, childminding initiative, capital |
|
2020 |
+€64m (+11%) |
€638m |
Increase in funding for NCS and legacy schemes to increase the minimum and maximum NCS hours from September 2020 (from 15 to 20 and 40 to 45 hours respectively), and to provide for a further full year of NCS ‘Savers’ Increase in AIM funding A range of quality and other measures (i.e. enhanced inspection, First 5 implementation, development of a new funding model initiative, sustainability funding) |
|
2021 |
- |
€638m |
Increase in AIM Level 7 Capitation from €195 per week to €210 per week |
|
2022 |
+€41m(+6%) |
€679m (plus once off €37m in Covid-19 supports) |
Introduction of NCS universal and discontinuation of practice of deducing hours in pre-school and school against NCS hours Introduction of Core Funding |
|
2023 |
+€346m (+51%) |
€1,025m |
Continued implementation of the Core Funding Scheme for the first full programme year, September 2022 to August 2023 and into the next programme year from September 2023, with additional funding being made available to cover the costs of increased levels of capacity and numbers of graduates in year one and for a number of enhancements in year two of the Scheme - Continued implementation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), offering supports to a greatly expanded cohort of children and families at significantly higher subsidy levels– with the hourly universal subsidy under the NCS increasing from 0.50c per hour to €1.40 per hour from January 2023 |
121. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his engagement with the Minister for Education to identify school buildings for after-school childcare services to increase on the current 14% level nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50597/22]
View answer149. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on whether school premises could make a greater contribution to support the development of children in early childhood and outside of school hours; and if he will consider funding some demonstration projects for schools willing to be pioneers in developing a campus of activities to meet community needs. [50641/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 149 together.
First 5, the whole-of-government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families recognises the potential for the use of school facilities for after-school early learning and care and school-age childcare.
The Department of Education has advised that the use of school facilities lies with the relevant school authority in consultation with the property owner and having regard to the needs of the school, staff and students.
The Department of Education policy is to encourage the use of school facilities, where possible, for community, training and education-related activities, including early learning and care and school-age childcare.
To assist schools in considering applications for use of their facilities, the Department of Education in consultation with representatives of schools has drafted guidelines on the use of school property outside of school hours, which is available here:
www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours.pdf .
These guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive but are provided to assist schools in considering applications for the use of their facilities.
In line with First 5, the Department of Education plans to conduct a survey of a representative sample of schools on the use of school facilities for early learning and care and school-age childcare services. The results of this survey, which is due to commence in Quarter 1 2023, will be used to inform a review of the Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours.
122. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made in relation to implementing the report of the advisory group on the provision of support including accommodation to persons in the international protection process. [50589/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is responsible for the provision of accommodation to persons in the International Protection process and I will provide an update on the progress made to replace the current system of accommodation and supports. All other matters relating to the implementation of report of the advisory group should be directed to Department of Justice.
Since publishing A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service in February 2021, my Department has placed a significant focus on delivering these reforms. As will be appreciated, the war in Ukraine has had an unavoidable impact on timelines for the implementation of the White Paper. Alongside this, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people seeking international protection with over 10,000 arrivals in the first three quarters of 2022 alone. Overall my Department is now accommodating over 50,000 people, compared with 7,000 at this time last year.
In this vastly changed context, an overall review of the projected timelines and deliverables in the White Paper is currently underway. This is a complex exercise that will take account of both the delays that have arisen as a consequence of the war in Ukraine and the impact of the substantial increase in numbers seeking International Protection.
The review is reassessing the assumptions underpinning the White Paper with respect to numbers of arrivals and how this impacts on key deliverables. The review will also focus on identifying new approaches that will help the system to manage with the uncertainty and its demand led nature and address future needs.
An initial paper with some options and recommendations has been brought to the White Paper Programme Board for their input and feedback.
Notwithstanding the impact of the Ukraine crisis, the implementation of reforms is and will continue to be a key priority for the Department.
123. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his engagement with the Red Cross on pledged accommodation to progress Ukrainians currently in hotels and temporary type accommodation arrangements are matched to these pledged accommodations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50596/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed an incredible level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department is proactively working with Implementing Partners across the country to activate pledges. These include all Local Authorities and a number of NGOs. Irish Red Cross is one of the core NGO support partners activating pledges across the country and they are tasked with matching BOTPs to pledges, including offering integration supports and logistics arrangements.
My Department has since March supported the Irish Red Cross pledge process to activate as many suitable pledges as possible and engagement is ongoing with them since then as part of this process. I receive regular updates on this work.
The Irish Red Cross, along with other NGOs, supported my Department with moves from Student Accommodation during the summer months. Their staff and volunteers specifically provided support to BOTPs who had to vacate Maynooth University accommodation and Dublin student accommodation.
The Irish Red Cross are now focused on offering pledges to those residing in Temporary Rest centres in Dublin and have also been specifically requested to support Donegal Local Authorities to offer pledges of accommodation to BOTP residing in hotels in that county.
To date over 4,500 are in accommodated in pledged accommodation which has emerged from the Irish Red Cross pledge process, this number increases each day. Private pledges also take place.
124. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details concerning his engagement with disabled persons’ organisations concerning the Assisted Decision- Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022. [50332/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to the abolition of wardship and to replacing it with a more person-centred and rights-based functional capacity model. The enactment of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 will allow for the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act) is a very important piece of legislation that changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
It will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement. The Decision Support Service (DSS) will operate the progressive provisions of the 2015 Act and will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties.
During the preparation of the General Scheme of the Bill careful attention was given to discourse and commentary on the 2015 Act, which has stretching back to the passage of that Act, and for which significant consultations were undertaken. In that regard it should be noted that the Amendment Bill is primarily by way of procedural improvement to the 2015 Act, in the main it does not represent significant policy change from the 2015 Act itself.
It should be also be noted that a consultation process took place at the beginning of the year on the codes of practice that will accompany the commencement of the Act, and that regular engagement between the Department and disability groups has take place in various fora. Whilst not a full consultation, updates and discussions on the progress of the legislation have taken place on a regular basis with members of the Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG) at my Department's Disability Consultative Committee (DCC) meetings and the full meetings of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group (NDISSG). Most recently, the legislation was discussed at my Department's DCC on 20th September and an update was provided at the NDISSG on 4th October. The DSG is a voluntary group that oversees implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and provides input to wider government disability policy. It is comprised of individuals and groups with experience of disability issues, whether lived experience, professional or academic expertise, advocacy or civil society experience, or as representatives of disabled person's organisations (DPOs). A high-level Steering Group comprising senior officials from my Department, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission, the Courts Service and the HSE, together with the Director of the DSS, has overseen the preparations for commencement of the Act and these officials have also engaged with various bodies in relation to Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, many of whom have run their own engagement and consultation processes around the Act over the period of time since development of the 2015 Act.
125. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of pledges made by members of the public to house Ukrainian refugees; the number of these that have been activated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50362/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed an incredible level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has been proactively engaging with the Local Authorities and NGOs over the last five months to distribute suitable properties for allocation to beneficiaries. A total of 10,587 potential pledges have been forwarded by my Department to Local Authorities and NGOs for activation (3,342 vacant and 7,245 shared). A large number (5,377, 51%) have now been excluded because they have been withdrawn, uncontactable or otherwise unsuitable.
1,718 have been taken up by beneficiaries with a split of 63% shared pledges and 37% vacant properties. Over 4,500 BOTPs have now been placed in pledged accommodation by implementing partners and this number increases daily. Private pledges also take place.
Approximately 3,390 pledges are still in progress with Implementation Partners and every effort will be made to activate them if suitable. While some have been assessed as viable and available, it is reported that a significant number are located in rural locations with less access to transport links or social supports such as schools and GPs and as such there is some hesitancy to move to them.
126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that the Government has not ratified the optional protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which would provide a mechanism for persons to challenge when their rights are not being upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50638/22]
View answerIreland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 20 March 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the Convention in 2007.
I recognise the importance of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD. As the Deputy will be aware, the Optional Protocol is an international treaty that establishes procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Convention.
Ratification of the Optional Protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and it was always the intention of Government to ratify once the State's first periodic review before the UN Committee had concluded. Ireland submitted its first State Report to the UN Committee in November 2021, and we had anticipated the review to conclude this year. However, due to delays at UN level, I understand that Ireland’s appearance before the Committee will now be delayed, possibly for some time.
In light of this, both Minister O' Gorman and I have indicated that we are open to earlier ratification.
Ratification, when it occurs, will be contingent on the State being in a position to meet its obligations thereunder. This is reflective of the State’s longstanding approach to entering into binding international obligations in good faith, and at a point where the State is in a position to meet its obligations.
Work is underway to determine in full the requirements for ratification to occur at the earliest possible date. One key action required for ratification is the full commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. This Act is a key requirement for compliance with a number of measures related to the UNCRPD. Amending legislation is required to commence the Act in full and this is before the Houses at the moment. The Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 has cleared all Dáil Stages and completed Committee Stage in the Seanad on 6 October.
Alongside this work, my Department has engaged with internal legal advisors, and on an initial basis with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to assist in scoping any further domestic requirements for ratification. Should any such requirements be identified, they will be addressed as a matter of priority.
127. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which the proposed average 25% reduction in fees for childcare users will apply to recipients of income-assessed national childcare scheme subsidies and those who only receive a universal subsidy; if the overall progressivity of NCS subsidies are retained after the new rates come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50385/22]
View answerBudget 2023 introduced further enhancements to the NCS to take effect from January 2023. An additional investment in the National Childcare Scheme will increase the minimum subsidy from 50c to €1.40. This translates to up to €63.00 off families’ weekly bill for early learning and childcare per child. With up to €22.50 currently available per week, this represents up to an additional €40.50 off weekly costs.
For those in receipt of the universal subsidy they will see their subsidy increased from 50c per hour to €1.40. For those in receipt of income assessed subsidies, it will mean that any family who is not already at the maximum hourly subsidy will see an increase in their subsidy (see table below). For those who have an award less than the maximum subsidy, the amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly subsidy.
Table 1: Maximum Income Assessed Subsidy
|
Child’s age |
Per Hour |
|
24 weeks to 12 months |
€5.10 |
|
12 to 35 months |
€4.35 |
|
3 years or older and not yet in school |
€3.95 |
|
School age (or 6 years to 15 years) |
€3.75 |
In terms of income the largest increase (an extra 90c per hour) will be seen by those on net income of €60,000 and above; all families with reckonable income of €26,000 and above will see some level of increase with the rate of increase tapering off as they move closer to €26,000. Those at €26,000 and below are already on the highest levels of subsidy.
While the greatest increase in subsidies are seen by those with higher levels of reckonable incomes, the overall progressivity of the NCS remains intact with those at the lower end receiving the maximum awards available under the NCS.
The exact reduction in costs will be unique to each family depending on their personal circumstance and childcare needs. However, a subsidy copayment tool will be made available in the coming weeks to help estimate increased subsidies available. It will be available on ncs.gov.ie
128. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the widespread anger at his decision not to go ahead with an independent review of the testimonies given by survivors of mother-and-baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50636/22]
View answerI have always recognised the importance of these testimonies. This is why I went to some lengths to secure the audio recordings when originally they were believed to have been deleted.
Many of the witnesses who described their personal experiences to the Confidential Committee did so in the legitimate expectation that their confidentiality would be protected after the dissolution of the Commission. I know the anger and frustration many survivors felt when they saw their testimonies abbreviated, or condensed with the testimonies of others. They wanted their own words to stand as part of the historical record. This is what I want to achieve too.
I believe that a process with the capacity to record, preserve and recognise survivors’ personal accounts, presents the most meaningful opportunity to address the concerns expressed to me. Such a process can restore choice and agency to survivors. The accounts will be housed in the National Centre for Research and Remembrance. This rightly places the lived experience of survivors at the heart of our National Archives in a visible and powerful way.
This new initiative will focus on respectful recording and acknowledgement of the lived experiences of those who spent time in institutions. The process will have a statutory basis and operate with the consent of participants. Those who recounted their experiences to the Confidential Committee will have the option of permitting the reuse of this testimony and/or offering new or additional oral or written testimony. Importantly, the process will be underpinned by human rights principles and overseen by a team with expertise in human rights, trauma and memory, communications and oral history.
In advancing our deliberations we are consulting with relevant legal and technical experts to develop the initiative in the context of work on the National Centre for Research and Remembrance. Most importantly, we will also consult survivors on their views. This initiative demonstrates the State’s willingness to hear and formally acknowledge the deeply personal accounts of survivors. I will bring specific proposals on the initiative to Government for approval by the end of the year.
129. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of service providers that dropped out of the early childhood care and education scheme for the 2022/2023 year; the number that did not register; the number that have indicated that they will not re-register for the 2023/2024 year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50212/22]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and runs from September to June each year, aligned with the primary school calendar.
Data provided by Pobal, who are the administrators of the ECCE programme on behalf of my Department, show that the number of Early Learning and Care (ELC) providers who signed an ECCE funding agreement in the 2021/22 programme year but have not to date, signed for the current programme year 2022/23 is 304. From this cohort Pobal are aware that 84 services are open, 92 services are fully closed and 128 closed due to a change of circumstance.
A change of circumstance occurs where there is a transfer of ownership, change of legal status or change of address and the ELC service must request a new service reference number from my Department. Following a change of circumstances, the ELC Provider can sign a new ECCE Funding agreement with my Department under the new service reference number. In addition, some or all of the 84 open services may still sign up to ECCE.
It is normal for some ECCE services to close every year and services close for many reasons. A significant proportion of ECCE services operate from the homes of childcare providers, and when these providers choose to retire, onward sale of the business can be very restricted.
ELC providers are not required to notify Pobal of their intention to register for ECCE in the 2023-24 programme year so this data is not collated.
