Tuesday, 21 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 870-894

Departmental Funding

Questions (870)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

870. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of times funding was moved across budget lines within his Department in a process known as virement; the name and purpose of the fund the money was taken from; the name and purpose of the fund the money was transferred to; the dates upon which he approved of such transfers, since he took office; if the Department of Public Expenditure was consulted prior to the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12263/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the Deputy is aware a standard procedure exists under Government financial procedures to allow funds allocated under any subhead that are not going to be used before year end to be reallocated for use under another subhead, a process known as virement. It allows Departments to respond to other resourcing needs and is subject to the prior sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). As requested, the following tables outline the list of virements by year in respect of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and in addition sets out the purpose of the funding in its original subhead and the purpose of the subhead the money was transferred to, since I took office in 2020. All of these transfers were agreed and sanctioned by DPER and in each case the date referred to is the date of sanction from DPER.

2020
Date	Transferred From	Purpose of Subhead	Transferred To	Purpose of Subhead	€
23/12/2020	B03: ECCE and AIM Pre-School Programmes	To meet costs of the ECCE programme. To meet costs for the Access and Inclusion (AIM) which is designed to ensure that children with additional needs can benefit from accessing and participating in the ECCE programme.	A03: Child and Family Agency (Pay)	To meet the operational costs of Tusla.	1,208,000
				Total for 2020	€1,208,000

2021
Date	Transferred From	Purpose of Subhead	Transferred To	Purpose of Subhead	€
12/11/2021	D04: Refugee and Migrant Integration	To meet costs to support a programme of activity on refugee and migrant integration	D08: Equality and LGBTI+ Initiatives	To meet costs of funding for LGBTI+ community services.	250,000
12/11/2021	D07: Positive Action for Gender Equality	To fund projects to support women's return to employment and female entrepreneurship and to fund initiatives to promote equality for women and girls	D08: Equality and LGBTI+ Initiatives	To meet costs of funding for LGBTI+ community services.	150,000
12/11/2021	C09: Magdalen Fund	To meet the cost for claims received under the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme for women in the Magadalen laundries.	D08: Equality and LGBTI+ Initiatives	To meet costs of funding for LGBTI+ community services.	350,000
					750,000
03/12/2021	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services (and others?)	To meet costs of providing accommodation and associated services to international protection applicants (IPAs)	E03: Asylum Migration and Integration Fund	To fund integration projects.	193,000
					193,000
				Total for 2021	€943,000

2022
Date	Transferred From	Purpose of Subhead	Transferred To	Purpose of Subhead	€
15/08/2022	D04: Refugee and Migrant Integration	To meet costs to support a programme of activity on refugee and migrant integration	C09: Magdalen Fund	To meet the cost for claims received under the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme for women in the Magadalen laundries.	300,000
					300,000
17/11/2022	Departmental Non-Pay	To meet non-pay administration costs for Department.	B07: Creative Ireland	To meet costs in relation to Creative Ireland Programme.	99,000
					99,000
17/11/2022	Departmental Pay	To meet pay costs for DCEDIY staff.	C06: Adoption Authority of Ireland	To meet AAI running costs for 2022.	800,000
17/11/2022	Departmental Pay	To meet pay costs for DCEDIY staff.	E03: Asylum Migration and Integration Fund	To fund Integration Projects.	960,000
					1,760,000
17/11/2022	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	B03: ECCE and AIM Pre-School Programmes	To meet costs of the ECCE programme. To meet costs for the Access and Inclusion (AIM) which is designed to ensure that children with additional needs can benefit from accessing and participating in the ECCE programme	1,984,000
17/11/2022	B05: Childcare Programmes: Delivery Supports and other Initiatives	To meet costs for capital programmes, quality related measures, and a range of other costs assocated with administration, implementation and delivery of the Early Learning Childcare (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) Programmes	B03: ECCE and AIM Pre-School Programmes	To meet costs of the ECCE programme. To meet costs for the Access and Inclusion (AIM) which is designed to ensure that children with additional needs can benefit from accessing and participating in the ECCE programme	1,361,000
					3,345,000
01/12/2022	D06: Traveller and Roma Initiatives	To meet costs of promoting inclusion and protect rights and to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for members of the Traveller and Roma communities.	D08: Equality and LGBTI+ Initiatives	To meet costs of funding for LGBTI+ community services.	354,000
					354,000
01/12/2022	E05: Ukraine Accommodation and Related Costs	To meet costs of providing short-term accommodation and other supports for Ukranians fleeing the conflict in receipt of temporary protection.	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services	To meet accommodation costs and other supports for international protection applicants and for the implementation of the White Paper to end Direct provision.	6,000,000
01/12/2022	C08: Response to Legacy of Mother and Baby Institutions	To meet costs associated with implementing the government approved suite 0f 22 measures under the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services	To meet accommodation costs and other supports for international protection applicants and for the implementation of the White Paper to end Direct provision.	1,500,000
20/12/2022	D04: Refugee and Migrant Integrtion	To meet costs to support a programme of activity on refugee and migrant integration	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services	To meet accommodation costs and other supports for international protection applicants and for the implementation of the White Paper to end Direct provision	2,000,000
20/12/2022	C03: Miscellaneous Legal Fees and Settlements	To meet legal costs and settlement costs for DCEDIY.	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services	To meet accommodation costs and other supports for international protection applicants and for the implementation of the White Paper to end Direct provision	200,000
20/12/2022	C04: National Longitudinal Study Ireland and other Research Programmes	To meet costs for research, evaluation, evidence and data needs and commitments	E04: International Protection Accommodation Services	To meet accommodation costs and other supports for international protection applicants and for the implementation of the White Paper to end Direct provision	300,000
					10,000,000
20/12/2022	B03: ECCE and AIM Pre-School Programmes	To meet costs of the ECCE programme. To meet costs for the Access and Inclusion (AIM) which is designed to ensure that children with additional needs can benefit from accessing and participating in the ECCE programme	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	1,600,000
20/12/2022	B05: Childcare Programmes: Delivery Supports and Other Initiatives	To meet costs for capital programmes, quality related measures, and a range of other costs assocated with administration, implementation and delivery of the Early Learning Childcare (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) Programmes	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	280,000
20/12/2022	Departmental Non-Pay	To meet non-pay administration costs	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	1,200,000
20/12/2022	A04: Youth Justice including Oberstown Children Detention Campus	To meet operational costs associated with the management of the Oberstown Children Detention Campus	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	350,000
20/12/2022	B06: Youth Organisations and Services	To meet costs to provide the funding to support the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for young people	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	1,350,000
20/12/2022	D07: Positive Action for Gender Equality	To fund projects to support women's return to employment and female entrepreneurship and to fund initiatives to promote equality for women and girls	B04: National Childcare Scheme	To meet costs of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).	300,000
					5,080,000
20/12/2022	D07: Positive Action for Gender Equality	To fund projects to support women's return to employment and female entrepreneurship and to fund initiatives to promote equality for women and girls	Departmental Pay	To meet pay costs for DCEDIY.	130,000
20/12/2022	D07: Positive Action for Gender Equality	To fund projects to support women's return to employment and female entrepreneurship and to fund initiatives to promote equality for women and girls	D03: National Disability Authority	To meet operational costs of the NDA.	150,000
					280,000
				Total for 2022	€21,218,000

Birth Certificates

Questions (871)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

871. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who have applied for birth information since the introduction of the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022; the number who have been granted information; the number who have been refused; and the number for whom a decision is still pending. [12293/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Birth Information and Tracing Act provides a clear and guaranteed right of access to birth, early life, care, and medical information for persons who were adopted, boarded out or nursed out, subject to an illegal birth registration or resided in a mother and baby home or county home institution as a child (known as a relevant person). It also provides a a right of access to this information to the relevant persons families in some circumstances where the relevant person is deceased.

All services established under the Act are open to applications since 03 October and as of Tuesday 14, March a total of 7,333 applications for information have been received by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Of this number, 2,611 cases have been completed of which 2,371 applicants have received their information, while no records were found in 204 cases and 36 applications were deemed invalid. The remaining 4,722 applications continue to be processed.

Asylum Seekers

Questions (872)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

872. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers and refugees who are currently homeless in the State. [12303/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy,

The total number of international protection applicants (IPAs) in the State is a matter for the Department of Justice.

I am unable to comment on the exact number of IPAs who are currently homeless in the State as not all applicants seek accommodation from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.

Currently, there are just over 20,100 people accommodated in IPAS centres. This compares with circa 8,500 people accommodated at the same time last year.

IPAS is working intensively to procure additional emergency accommodation for those who have not been accommodated since the paused entry to Citywest began. This pause occurred in order to ensure the health and safety of all everyone in that facility.

As of 16 March, the total number of people who have not been accommodated by IPAS since the paused entry stands at 295. The total number of people who were originally not accommodated by IPAS but have since been offered accommodation stands at 322.

IPAS are currently contacting people who have arrived on 13 February to offer them accommodation and are operating a strict queueing system in chronological order of arrival date to ensure fairness.

Efforts to source emergency accommodation continue each day. However, the shortfall caused by elevated numbers of people arriving and hotel contracts coming to an end in March and April has placed my Department in an extremely challenging position. Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been over 90 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 17 counties.

My Department will continue to work hard to find solutions.

The number of refugees who are homeless is a matter for the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

International Protection

Questions (873)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

873. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors seeking international protection who have gone missing while in the care of the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [12304/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Child Protection

Questions (874)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

874. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children who have gone missing while in the care of the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023; the number who were later found; and the number who remain unaccounted for. [12305/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this relates to Tusla operational matters, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

International Protection

Questions (875)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

875. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who have died in the State while seeking international protection in each of the past ten years, by cause of death, age and nationality, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12306/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Deputy,

IPAS has a policy on the recording and reporting of deaths of residents in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres, and as part of that policy, IPAS publishes resident death statistics on a biannual basis with the most recent publication in June 2022.

This information is available on the Gov.ie website and can be found at the following link:

gov.ie - Statistics on Deaths of International Protection Accommodation Service Residents (www.gov.ie)

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Disability Services

Questions (876)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

876. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Farrelly Commission of Investigation has concluded its work; if so, the date upon which it was concluded; if not, the date upon which it will conclude; if a final report has been issued to the Government; if so, the date upon which the report issued; and the status of same. [12338/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The functions vested in the Minister for Health with respect to the Commission of Investigation (certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) (under S.I. No. 96 of 2017) transferred to my Department on 1st March 2023 as part of the transfer of functions of specialist community based disability services. Following an application by the Sole Member of the Commission of Investigation for an extension of time and following consultation with my colleague, Minister Anne Rabbitte T.D., I have granted the Commission of Investigation an extension of the timeframe for completion of its final report, for a period of twelve months, from the 12th March 2023.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Questions (877)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

877. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when overdue payments for accommodating Ukrainian refugees will issue to a hotelier (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12361/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department has engaged over 750 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.

My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.

I am advised by my officials that two Invoices for the first mentioned hotel in the Details Supplied have been processed and payment is expected to issue shortly, pending final checks. Three further Invoices required correction and I am advised that my officials have engaged with the supplier on this matter. One invoice is awaiting a Purchase Order number and this will issue this week.

With regard to second mentioned hotel, I am advised that the December and January Invoices were paid on 9th of March 2023. Two further invoices are in hand and will be prioritised for processing, with payment set to issue in the coming weeks, subject to final checks.

The delay in payment is due to the large volume of invoices being received by my Department. Additional resources have been assigned within my Department, in addition to outsourcing of some tasks to accelerate processing. The volume of payments issuing is steadily growing. My Department will continue to press on to eliminate the backlog while ensuring appropriate governance is in place to safeguard the proper spending of Exchequer funding.

Disability Services

Questions (878)

Michael Ring

Question:

878. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason staff that are being moved from a newly designated service (details supplied) given the impact this is having on the clinical services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12381/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Youth Services

Questions (879)

Marian Harkin

Question:

879. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will put in place a sustainable investment strategy to ensure that all young people have access to youth workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12403/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department ensures that delivery of all of our priorities is underpinned by strategic investment and robust financial planning.

A key priority of my Department is to develop and enhance youth service provision in Ireland, including through the reform of youth funding programmes and strengthening of youth quality initiatives. My Departments UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme which provides targeted support to disadvantaged young people is being implemented on a continuous improvement basis, to ensure that it can be reviewed to ensure the best outcomes for the young people it supports.

In addition, I have initiated a reform of the Youth Service Grant Scheme which provides universal access to youth services nationwide. The review will consider how to ensure the widest possible access by young people to youth services and youth workers. I have also commissioned research to inform plans to modernise youth information services, which provide phone and on-line support services to young people.

With regard to the level of investment for the youth sector, that is a matter for the annual Budgetary process.

Youth Services

Questions (880)

Marian Harkin

Question:

880. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department’s plans to ensure that youth work is properly and sustainably funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12404/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department is making a significant investment in youth services in 2023, building on the increases in recent years and securing the achievements into the future.

The full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is €75 million. This includes €72.95 million for current funding and €2.7 million in capital funds for minor works, equipment, and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities.

From 2020 to Budget 2023, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €72.948 million, an 18% increase overall.

With regard to future funding of youth work, the total amount allocated to this area will be determined in the annual budgetary process.

Youth Work Projects

Questions (881)

Marian Harkin

Question:

881. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of young people across Ireland that are involved in universal youth work; how he plans to increase this percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department published a report Spotlight report on Yong People's Participation in Youth Organisations on 28 February 2023. The report sets out key data on young people’s participation in youth organisations based on factors such as financial situation, housing tenure and disability, which will inform the ongoing implementation of youth-related policies and strategies. I am happy to note that young people’s participation in youth organisations in Ireland over the last decade has remained higher than the European average.

The data is sourced from European surveys and from Growing Up in Ireland, the national longitudinal study on children and young people.

Some of the key findings from the report are:

- In 2021, 23% of 16-30-year-olds in Ireland reported having ever joined a youth organisation, compared to 14% in the EU27 as a whole.

- In both Ireland and the EU27, young people who were still studying had higher percentages of participation in youth organisations than those whose education had ceased.

- The percentage of 15-30-year-olds in Ireland who participated in a youth organisation was highest for respondents living in small/mid-size towns when compared to those living in rural villages or large towns.

- In Ireland, where the household financial situation was categorised as “not enough money for basic bills”, a higher percentage of respondents reported that they had ever joined a youth organisation compared to those in other household financial situations.

- Young people’s participation in youth clubs was greater for those living in rented housing than those living in owned housing.

The data from this report will assist my Department in increasing young peoples engagement in youth services, particularly those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable.

Link to the full press release and report: Minister O’Gorman publishes Spotlight report on Young People’s Participation in Youth Organisations

Youth Work Projects

Questions (882)

Marian Harkin

Question:

882. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how he and his Department are supporting the youth work sector to engage as many young people as possible, given that youth work is an effective form of early intervention and prevention for a range of adverse outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12406/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

From 2020 to Budget 2023, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €72.948 million, an 18% increase overall.

The funding provided by my Department has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. The increased funding since 2020 has enabled DCEDIY to offer more supports to existing services, to help them reach more young people, and has enabled the introduction of brand new services across the country.

My Department supports youth service providers though a number of key funding streams:

- the Youth Services Grant Scheme supports universal service providers, to give all young people access to out of school youth activities;

- the UBU scheme, which is delivered in co-operation with the Education and Training Boards, supports targeted interventions for disadvantaged and marginalised young people; and

- Youth Information Centres provides targeted information for young people on a range of issues, such as mental health, education and access to local youth services and other supports.

I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and to society as a whole.

Disability Services

Questions (883)

David Cullinane

Question:

883. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children on disability service waiting lists for children's disability networks teams, by CHO/CDNT for January and February 2019 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form; the average length of wait; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12409/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (884)

David Cullinane

Question:

884. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people on disability service waiting lists for each service type, excluding children's disability network teams, for January and February 2019 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12410/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (885)

David Cullinane

Question:

885. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children on waiting lists for an assessment of needs for January and February 2019 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form; and the number overdue for completion; the average length of wait. [12411/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (886)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

886. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost of hiring four additional administrative staff per children's disability network team, in tabular form. [12428/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (887)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

887. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost of filling all whole-time equivalent posts in each children's disability network team, in tabular form. [12429/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (888)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

888. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action he will take to tackle the waiting lists for necessary children's disability services for example, psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy in the north Dublin area CHO9; the length of the waiting lists for the services; his advice for parents who may be waiting upwards of three years for an initial appointment; his plans to shorten these wait times to ensure children are assessed in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12431/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services

Questions (889)

Pauline Tully

Question:

889. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeframe for the publication of the Disability Capacity Review Implementation Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12452/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032 and it is intended to address the capacity deficits in a phased approach over this period. This reflects the obligation under the UNCRPD for progressive implementation of social, cultural and economic rights.

Following the commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government to work towards implementing the findings, a Disability Action Plan Framework was published in July 2021 alongside the Terms of Reference for an interdepartmental Working Group to develop this Action Plan.

The Working Group has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan, which will be an implementation plan for the first phase, is currently being finalised for approval. This detailed Action Plan sets out the first phase of work over the 2023-2026 period to build the necessary capacity. This Action Plan aims to

- build the capacity of disability support services to meet changing needs;

- improve timely access to services;

- do the groundwork to tackle constraints on the development of services;

- strengthen the focus on individualised services and supports to enable people with disabilities to live a life of their choosing in the community;

- begin the realignment of services to deliver better value with a particular focus on early intervention;

In recent years, significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services. Building on the previous year, an unprecedented level of funding for Disability services has been allocated for 2023. This follows substantial increases in the budget in 2021 and 2022; and reflects this Government’s commitment to strengthening the funding provided for the disability sector and working to act to address the shortfalls identified in the Disability Capacity Review.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (890)

Holly Cairns

Question:

890. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the provision of community neuro-rehabilitation teams in each CHO. [12455/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

Questions (891)

Holly Cairns

Question:

891. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to oversee the services provided to Ukrainian refugees accommodated in hotels. [12458/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, the Department Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine, coming to over 76,000 people, of which over 56,000 have sought accommodation.

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, the Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 720 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.

The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.

I am advised by my officials that as part of our contractual arrangements with accommodation providers we set out a number of requirements which providers must meet in terms of service provision, including delivery of key services, laundry, meals (including cultural/dietary requirements) in serviced accommodation and cooking facilities in self-catering accommodation, and compliance with all obligations in terms of health and safety, child protection etc. Any alleged breaches of the foregoing are investigated by the Department.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Direct Provision System

Questions (892)

Holly Cairns

Question:

892. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will engage with a group (details supplied) concerning a shortfall in funding for a direct provision centre. [12459/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are funded by the Exchequer for all of the costs of their operations. They can engage directly with the International Protection Accommodation Service with regard to any cost shortfalls.

With regard to funding for community groups supporting international protection applicants, earlier this year my Department launched the Communities Integration Fund (CIF) for 2023 where €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants. Within the CIF, grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.

The press release launched by the Department on 15 February 2023 provided detailed information on where applicants can source guidance on accessing this fund through the Gov.ie website under the Community Integration section.

For each of the past six years a total of €500,000 has been made available to local community based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local area. An additional €66,492.60 was made available for CIF 2022, of which €64,015 was awarded to projects assisting Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland.

In addition, on 24 January 2023, Minister Joe O'Brien launched the €50 million Community Recognition Fund which is a major initiative to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. The fund will provide assistance to sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups and is the first of its kind designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries. Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:

- the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities;

- the upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens;

- the purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations;

- the enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends; transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (893)

Holly Cairns

Question:

893. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to address transphobia. [12460/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Ireland’s National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy provides the key mechanism by which the Government can provide for an Ireland where LGBTI+ people are visible and included, treated equally, healthy, and feel safe and supported. The Strategy includes a suite of actions in line with these aims.

In line with a commitment in the Strategy, my Department is currently engaged in a review of the Equality Acts, including in relation to strengthening protections for transgender people. I will consider proposals that emerge from that process, and I anticipate legislative proposals arising from the review to be brought forward this year.

The Strategy also includes a commitment to ensure that legislation concerning hate crime and hate speech is sufficiently robust to protect LGBTI+ people. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 has been published and has completed Committee Stage in the Dáil. Protected characteristics include sexual orientation and gender, including gender expression or identity, to ensure appropriate protection for members of the LGBTI+ community under the provisions of the Bill.

We know that the availability of better information on the population and needs of LGBTI+ people in Ireland is necessary to inform the development of effective policy. My Department is well advanced in its LGBTI+ research programme based on gaps and priorities that have been identified. Work is underway with IPSOS MRBI to shape a baseline of public attitudes on all equality groups, including LGBTI+ persons, and this survey covers the acceptance of LGBTI+ identities.

Additionally, under the 2021 and 2022, LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call, my Department has provided funding for a range of projects aimed at supporting transgender persons.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (894)

Holly Cairns

Question:

894. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children and young persons on waiting lists for an assessment of need in each LHO, in tabular form, with a monthly breakdown of waiting times. [12465/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.