Written Answers Nos. 236-257
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which health services for children with special needs are being improved; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15899/23]
View answerAs this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he proposes to address issues affecting persons with disabilities, whether in relation to access to jobs, housing or social services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15900/23]
View answerAs the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are supported to live the lives that they want to live and are provided with equal opportunity to do so. This is in line with the State's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ireland ratified in 2018.
To date, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS), has been the national framework for coordinating policy and action on disability issues. The NDIS covered the period from 2017 – 2022 and concluded in December of last year.
Following the conclusion of the NDIS, the focus of my Department is now on the development of an ambitious successor strategy. The new national disability strategy will also satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a plan to coordinate continued implementation of the UNCRPD in Ireland.
The development of the new national disability strategy is complex, as it needs to provide the blueprint for further comprehensive realisation of the UNCRPD. It needs time at development stage in order to produce the best possible framework for UNCRPD advancement.
With this in mind, my Department is conscious of the need to ensure that, in line with our UNCRPD obligations, the voices of people with disabilities and their representative organisations inform the scope and focus of the strategy. The phrase 'nothing about us without us' is very important to the Government. Inclusive strategy development is the key to ensuring that we take action to address the challenges and barriers that would make the most significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Ireland.
In the interim, both I and my colleagues in Government continue work to advance disability rights and issues. I will, on April 26th, commence the Assisted Decision-Making Acts, bringing wardship to and end and replacing it with a system of rights based supported decision-making. That legislation will also advance a number of key elements for further compliance with the UNCRPD, such as increasing the statutory minimum target for the employment of people with disabilities from 3% to 6%.
It should be highlighted that implementation of the UNCRPD requires a whole-of-government approach. This aligns with Ireland's long-standing mainstream-first approach to disability policy. All Government departments and agencies are responsible for implementing the UNCRPD, and action, where it relates to employment, housing and social inclusion will continue in to be led on by relevant Ministers and Departments.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he continues to promote integration in all circumstances throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15901/23]
View answerThe Migrant Integration Strategy was launched by my Department in 2017 and concluded at the end of 2021. The Strategy forms the central policy framework adopted by the Government to promote the integration of all migrants and their Irish-born children across ten areas of public policy. The Strategy aimed to enhance diversity, inclusion and equity for migrants across all aspects of Irish society. Additionally, the Strategy focused on social inclusion measures, improved access to public services and aimed to address racism and xenophobia and support integration and social cohesion at a local level.
My Department has commissioned a study to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies, the Migrant Integration Strategy as well as the National Strategy for Women and Girls and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The study is expected to be published in 2023, with work to build the new Strategies taking place thereafter.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that the Government will develop and implement a new Migrant Integration Strategy. The successor strategy will build on the momentum of the previous strategy and the scope has been expanded to ensure the challenges faced by all migrants are addressed. The consultations to develop a successor to the Migrant Integration Strategy will begin this year and will seek input from a wide range of migrants including second and third generation migrants.
A range of funding programmes have been made available in order to support integration within Ireland.
The National Integration Fund promotes the effective integration of migrants and Irish citizens with a migrant background into wider communities with measures targeting areas such as increasing mutual understanding between host communities and migrants; combating racism and xenophobia; and providing training to public and private sector organisations on equality and integration. Grants are provided through a competitive funding process to national and larger-scale initiatives for integration projects. In 2017, grants totalling €1.9 million were made available to 15 projects over a three-year period, and in 2020 approximately €750,000 in funding was made available to 14 projects, with almost €2.3 million in total funding being committed to the programme over a three-year period.
The Communities Integration Fund provides small grant funding to local community-based projects to support the integration of migrants and host communities. Projects take an inclusive approach aiming to bring migrants and host communities together. Each year local community based groups and centres can apply through a competitive funding process for grant funding of between €1,000 and €5,000. Since its inception in 2017, the Communities Integration Fund has supported over 710 projects with grant funding totalling €3.32m.
The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) supports national and EU initiatives that promote the efficient management of migration flows and the implementation, strengthening and development of a common Union approach to asylum, migration and integration. One of the objectives of the AMIF 2014-2020 national programme is promoting and contributing to the effective integration and social inclusion of third-country nationals.
Ireland’s AMIF funding is distributed in a number of ways in order to help Ireland meet these objectives in the 2014-2020 national programme:
- ‘Open Calls’ for proposals provided €8.2m of grant funding to approximately 30 successful non-governmental organisations.
- ‘Direct Awards’ provided €4.9m of grant funding to public bodies that provide specific integration measures.
In response to the arrival of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, the EU agreed to extend the AMIF 2014-2020 programme, bringing the effective programme end-date to June 2024
Additionally, under the European Social Fund+ 2021-2027: Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (‘EIST’) Programme grants totalling €2.7 million to promote and provide employment support for migrants were announced by my Department in 2022. Seven projects will be delivered across Ireland over the next three years to increase the employability of migrants who may be experiencing barriers to entering the Irish labour market. Projects will provide a range of practical supports including English language classes, individual actions plans and work experience.
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he continues to prioritise for funding the childcare sector with a view to continued improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/23]
View answerThere has been an unprecedented increase in State investment in early learning and childcare since 2015, albeit from a low base.
Over the period 2015-2018, investment increased by 84 per cent – rising from €265 million per annum to €485 million per annum. This increased investment provided for a doubling of State-funded pre-school under the ECCE Programme – from one year to two – as well the introduction and roll out of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) among other initiatives.
First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies Young Children and their Families was published 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 identified as the key vehicle to ensure that such significant additional investment delivers for children, families and the State.
Further to Budget 2023, that investment target will be reached this year, five years ahead of schedule.
The investment in 2023 includes €266 million to support 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 of €59 million 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.
In addition to the continued support for the new Core Funding Scheme, Budget 2023 allocates €357.6 million for the 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 additional funding of €121 million ensuring the hourly universal subsidy under the NCS could increase from 0.50c per hour to €1.40 per hour from January 2023.
Funding in 2023 also provides €308.2 million for the continuation of the ECCE programme that will benefit more than 108,000 children in 2023 and the continuation of the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to ensure more than 5,000 children with a disability can access and meaningfully participate in the ECCE Programme.
Finally, €84.5 million was allocated to support the delivery of a range of regulatory and quality supports for the implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding, Nurturing Skills: the Workforce Plan, and the ongoing development of the registration and inspection system as well as policy development commitments set out in First 5 and the Programme for Government.
With investment in the sector to be €1.025 billion in 2023 –the total percentage increase over the period 2015-2023 is 388%.
Exceeding the investment target of approximately €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.
I recognise that however that, despite this progress, investment in Ireland remains low be international standards and I am committed to securing further increases in future Budgets. A revised investment target will be considered in the context of the second implementation plan for First 5, to be finalised in 2023.
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to receive updates in respect of children at risk and act upon same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/23]
View answerStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. As Minister, I am not in a position to intervene in individual cases as Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is required by law to be independent in its work as set out in Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 that "the Agency shall be independent in the performance of its functions".
Tusla acts urgently on notification of an immediate risk to a child. Children who are in a situation of immediate risk may initially be dealt with by An Garda Síochána or by Tusla, but in the main both agencies work together in such cases.
Tusla has an out of hours emergency number for An Garda Síochána which provides advice based on the circumstances and also can identify whether a child of concern is listed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS). The Child Protection Notification System is a Tusla owned secure database, which lists children who are considered to be at ongoing risk of significant harm.
There is a 24/7 'out of hours' social work team available in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Cork and on call social workers in other areas through out the country. Tusla has a network of emergency foster care placements for children in need of emergency care out of hours.
Gardaí have specific powers under Section 12 of the 1991 Child Care Act to remove a child from a situation of danger, and under Section 13 of that same act, to deliver that child into the custody of Tusla. Tusla will at that point carry out an assessment to determine the child's needs. This may in some cases include applying for an Emergency Care Order. In all cases, a plan will be put in place to ensure that the child is safe from harm. Where a child is already in care, Tusla will make a determination as to whether the child is safe in their placement or if they need to be moved.
My officials are in regular contact with Tusla in relation to all aspects of its work. Tusla submits monthly and quarterly performance reports which are reviewed by the Department. Furthermore, Tusla submits 'Need to Know' notifications to this Department. The purpose of a Need to Know notification is to alert myself and my officials to serious incidents and to provide the information on what action is being taken.
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he proposes to take to address any or all inequalities affecting children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/23]
View answerWhile the Department of Social Protection has lead responsibility on the issue of child poverty, my Department has taken steps to contribute to the addressing child poverty and related issues.
My Department is preparing a new policy framework for children and young people (0-24), covering the period 2023-2028 for publication later this year. This framework is adopting a rights-based approach, focused on realising the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and recent international initiatives aimed at addressing the specific vulnerabilities of those aged 18-24.
While the framework will work towards realising the rights of all children and young people, I am mindful that there are groups of children and young people with vulnerabilities which need to be specifically addressed. In drafting the framework, my Department is mindful of recent data and evidence on the needs of vulnerable groups of children, as well as the findings of consultations with children and young people from affected groups, and working across Government to ensure their vulnerabilities are addressed to the greatest possible extent.
Growing Up in Ireland, the national longitudinal study of children (funded and co-managed by DCEDIY since its inception in 2008), aims to inform Government policy relating to children, young people and their families. A key objective of the study is the identification of sources of inequality across all aspects of child development; this includes inequalities relating to gender, family structure, socio-economic status, and other socio-demographic indicators (including membership of minority groups). Across 11 waves of data collection from around 20,000 young people and their families (with extensive plans for increased data collection and a new birth cohort in the coming years), the study has repeatedly highlighted inequalities in terms of education, physical and mental well-being, and economic engagement (amongst other outcomes of child development). The study has and will continue to act as a key source of robust, reliable and contemporary information on the nature and extent of inequalities experienced by children and young people in Ireland today.
My Department is also committed to tackling disadvantage through high quality early learning and childcare that is affordable and accessible. The Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) which enjoys uptakes rates in excess of 95% - has removed barriers to accessing pre-school education, with data from Growing Up in Ireland showing that more than 60% of low income families would not have been able to send their child to pre-school without this programme.
In addition, the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) – through a combination of universal and targeted subsidies, as well as sponsorship arrangements for vulnerable children, is substantially reducing the out of pocket early learning and childcare costs for families – with the highest levels of subsidies available to families on the lowest incomes.
Record numbers of children – more than 117,000 - are currently benefitting from the NCS – 59,000 more children than this time last year. Moreover, the number of providers offering the NCS has increased by more than 17% - owing to contractual conditions underpinning the new Core Funding Scheme.
Recent OECD data shows Ireland’s performance in supporting families, and particularly lone parent families, with the cost of early learning and childcare is markedly improving - with Ireland having the highest decrease in early learning and childcare costs to families across the EU over the period 2019-2021 and in 2021, net childcare costs as a share of the household's net income for lone parents on low income fell below the EU average.
The data does not take account of significant enhancements I introduced to the NCS under Budgets 2022 and 2023 or further impacts of Core Funding – that included a freeze on fees.
In line with a commitment in First 5, and informed by recommendations in Partnership for the Public Good, officials in my Department are currently developing a tailored policy response in order to progress the development of a new strand of funding - Tackling Disadvantage: the Equal Participation Model.
Through this work, services will be provided with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage. The consultation and engagement phase is underway to inform and shape this work, following on from a detailed scoping phase.
A pilot of the provision of hot meals to children in early learning and care settings has begun as one potential support.
I trust that this information on my Department’s efforts to tackle inequalities affecting children is helpful.
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department has noted various experiences of women and children who may be under threat from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including those in the care of the State and-or by orders of courts; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/23]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. Supports are generally provided through funded NGO service providers.
In the course of its work, Tusla will also become aware of instances of DSGBV through the provision of its other services such as child protection and welfare and alternative care. Domestic abuse also constitutes a form of child abuse, as detailed in the Children First National Guidance Tusla may instigate child protection and welfare assessments and interventions where they receive a referral of domestic abuse.
These are operational matters for Tusla and I as Minister am not made aware of individual cases, nor do I have a role in intervening in individual cases.
Funding of DSGBV services has increased from €23.8m in 2018 to €30m in 2022 and €38.534m in 2023.
Tusla currently provides funding to approximately 60 DSGBV services, including 22 providing emergency refuge accommodation, and 16 rape crisis or sexual violence services. Tusla has a specific unit dedicated to DSGBV services, which has greatly raised awareness of the sector and fostered relationships with key service providers and NGOs. Funding to these services through Tusla has afforded the establishment and expansion of phone helplines and availability of services from NGOs.
Tusla’s approach reflects community-focused integrated response for victims, where community-based organisations and outreach supports are in place alongside refuges.
Tusla is increasing its focus on child protection in domestic violence cases through the allocation of Domestic Violence Support Workers to each Tusla Area (representing an additional 13.5 whole time equivalent specialist workers). This arose from engagement with DSGBV services, demonstrating an increased need for specialist child protection focus in domestic violence cases in addition to care for adult victims. This initiative will enable child protection teams to enhance their response to child protection and welfare referrals.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed that the Department of Justice will be the lead Department with responsibility for responding to DSGBV, and that responsibility for policy, accommodation and services will also sit within the Department of Justice. Tusla will continue to have responsibility for accommodation and services while the new administrative arrangements are put in place. A new dedicated agency for DSGBV will be established under the Department of Justice in 2024.
The establishment of this new agency by the Department of Justice will not impact the continued provision of child protection services in domestic violence cases by Tusla.
The Department of Justice launched the ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy in 2022, which commits to doubling the number of refuge places within its lifetime. The Zero Tolerance Strategy also commits to examining other options for victims of domestic violence, such as addressing barriers to remaining in the home if that is their preferred option. The overarching priority over the lifetime of this Strategy is to ensure that everybody who needs a refuge space will get one.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill has passed all stages in the Oireachtas, and when enacted will introduce a new right to domestic violence leave. Ireland will become one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
The Department of Social Protection has also introduced a rent supplement for survivors of DSGBV.
It is important that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible.
243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of his Department and are within the revised national development plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15906/23]
View answerMy Department successfully secured €70 million under the revised National Development Plan (NDP) allocation for the Building Blocks Capital Programme, designed to meet current and long-term Early Learning and Childcare infrastructure needs. The Building Blocks Capital Programme includes three Pillars:
- An Improvement Grant to improve energy efficiency standards, while also supporting the continuous improvement of the physical environment of services.
- A Capacity Grant to address capacity gaps, to fund an expansion in existing services and investing in the development of new services where most needed
- An Innovation Grant to pilot a range of innovative initiatives such as outdoor early learning and childcare services.
My Department has allocated €9m for The Building Blocks - Improvement Grant for Early Learning and School-age childcare facilities. Grants will range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. The Green Energy Strand will support the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aim to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. Applications for this grant is now closed. It is my intention that applicants will be advised of the outcome of the appraisal process shortly and works are due to be completed by year-end. Work is underway in the design and delivery of the Capacity and Innovation Grant schemes and I hope to announce details of these schemes later this year.
Since publishing A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to establish a New International Protection Support Service , my Department has placed a significant focus and drive on delivering these reforms including delivery of a significant capital programme that includes six new Reception and Integration Centres and accommodation in the community. Significant progress has been made and priority was placed on progressing elements of Phase Two including the acquisition of 37 properties. Work is currently underway to operationalise the houses in partnership with an Approved Housing Body.
However, the war in Ukraine has had an unavoidable impact on the timelines and deliverables for the White Paper. Alongside this, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people seeking International Protection with over 15,000 new people seeking accommodation in 2022. It is not clear if the increase in International Protection arrivals is a once-off impact due to the pent up demand after Covid and the impact of the war in Ukraine or is a trend that will continue into the future. This increase in numbers has huge implications for the implementation of the White Paper as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3500 new arrivals each year, which is based on 20 years of data.
In this vastly changed context an overall review of White paper is underway. The review is reassessing the projections underpinning the White Paper with respect to numbers of arrivals and how this impacts on key deliverables and timelines. I anticipate the review to be completed early in quarter two with a new set of proposals and timelines to be then brought to government. Notwithstanding the impact of the Ukraine crisis, the implementation of the new model is and will continue to be a key priority for my Department.
Tusla, the Child and Family agency, have an appropriated capital investment programme which is funded under the NDP. Their key aim is to provide fit-for-purpose accommodation for the provision of safe and quality services. Tusla’s investments cover construction and purchase of facilities, upgrading and renovation works to existing facilities as well as maintenance costs. Tusla are also investing in key ICT infrastructure and are engaged in a fleet replacement programme to ensure a more sustainable transport fleet is available to Tusla team members whose roles involve accessing vulnerable children and families wherever they may be. Tusla provide updates on the delivery of their plans in annual business plans and annual reports. Tusla are accomplished at maximising their investments in each year and prioritise investments to ensure they make use of all capital funding available to them. Tusla’s Business Plan for 2022 and their Financial Statement for 2021 refer.
I trust that this information outlining my Department’s progress on our NDP commitments is helpful.
244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the treatment of children in residential care or fosterage, or those placed with a guardian by court order, with particular reference to the need to ensure their welfare and well-being on follow-up in relation to issues of any concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15907/23]
View answerAt the end of 2022, which is the latest data published by Tusla, there were 5,759 children in the care of the State. Of these, 89% (5,112) of children in care were in foster care (general and relative) and 7.6% (439) were in a residential (general and special care) placement.
Both Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and my Department are committed to promoting safe and high quality practice in all areas of Alternative Care. This is achieved through the application of Regulations and Standards that govern the placement of children and young people.
The Child Care Act 1991 is the statutory framework for child welfare and protection in Ireland. The legislation places a statutory duty on Tusla to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. It sets the legislative provisions in relation to taking children into care, and the responsibilities of the Sate in that regard, which aim to improve outcomes for looked after children.
The placement of children in Residential Care is governed by the National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres 2018, and underpinned by the Child Care (Placement in Residential Care) Regulation 1995, and the Child Care (Standards in Children’s Residential Centres) 1996. The placement of children in Special Care is governed by the National Standards for Special Care Units 2014, as well as the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Children in Special Care Units) Regulations 2017, Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Children in Special Care Units) (Amendment) Regulations 2018, and the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres) (Special Care Units) Regulations 2017.
HIQA carries out announced and unannounced inspections of statutory Children’s Residential Centres and Special Care units. HIQA carry out these inspections against the identified Regulations and Standards. Tusla is the statutory regulator of Private and Voluntary Children’s Residential Centres, and is therefore responsible for the registration and inspection of these centres in accordance with Regulations, standards, and the relevant provisions of the Child Care Act 1991.
The foregoing sets out the safeguards are in place with regard to all placements of children in residential and special care. Tusla in discharging its statutory responsibilities under the Child Care Acts must have the best interests of the child as its paramount consideration. It actively monitors every placement of every child in care to ensure its appropriateness to the needs of that child, and any concerns or breaches of standards or Regulations are addressed in this context.
The Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 sets out that in any matter relating to placing of a child in foster care, or the review of the case of a child in foster care, a health
board shall, having regard to the rights and duties of parents, whether under the Constitution or otherwise, regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration, and in so far as is practicable, give due consideration, having regard to his or her age and understanding, to the wishes of the child.
HIQA is authorised under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991 as amended by Section 26 of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 to inspect foster care services provided by the Child and Family Agency and to report on its findings. HIQA monitors foster care services against the National Standards for Foster Care, published in 2003.
These standards set out management and monitoring of foster care services. Systems are in place to ensure that resources are matched to the needs of children who require out-of-home placement and provide a range of services including residential care and foster care.
All children in foster care are registered in compliance with statutory requirements contained within Article 12 of the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995 and Article 12 of the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations 1995.
Tusla gathers and analyses information about their foster care services to enable them to monitor the number and type of available foster placements and the level of unmet need. The systems also gather information on foster care reviews, foster care placement breakdowns, children awaiting foster placements in other care arrangements, complaints and allegations.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children sets out the steps which should be taken to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm. This also outlines the roles of the main statutory bodies involved in child welfare and protection: Tusla - Child and Family Agency, and An Garda Síochána. The guidance is just one of the resources available to assist with child protection and Tusla have a number of additional child protection and safeguarding information resources.
In regards to care orders, children are only removed from their home setting when Tusla has formed the view that, at least for the time being, their health, development or well-being cannot otherwise be ensured. There are a number of ways in which a child may come into the care of Tusla. Section 4 of the Child Care Act allows for a child to be taken into the care of Tusla on a voluntary basis for a determined period of time without the need for a care order, subject to the agreement and wishes of the parent. Where agreement is not possible, Tusla may apply to the courts for one of a number of care orders to ensure the safety and well-being of the child concerned.
The Child Care Act 1991 provides the legislative basis to remove a child from their family environment, following a successful application for a care order to a Court. The Act specifies the different types of care order, which will determine the type and duration of the subsequent alternative care placement. These include Emergency Care Orders, Interim Care Orders, Care Orders and Special Care Orders. The conditions required for a court to make a Care Order in respect of a child are specified in Part IV of the Act.
245. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the Tusla supports and safeguards in place for people who find themselves in a situation where their parental status is in doubt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15713/23]
View answerIn January 2022, the Government agreed that issues relating to international surrogacy required further detailed consideration and agreed to the establishment of a Special Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy.
Following the publication of the Final Report of the Committee in July 2022, officials from my Department joined colleagues from the Department of Health and Department of Justice to form an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) to analyse the report and make legislative proposals.
Based on the work of this Group, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Justice and myself agreed draft policy and legislative proposals in respect of both the regulation of international surrogacy and the recognition of past surrogacy arrangements (domestic and international). These proposals were brought to Government and approved in December 2022. Their aim is to establish a legal process to allow for the recognition of parentage in future international surrogacy arrangements and a legal process to enable recognition of parentage in respect of surrogacy arrangements – both domestic and international – undertaken prior to the commencement of the new law.
The Minister for Health is the lead Minister in respect of development of the legislation. I understand that it is his intention to bring the proposals as amendments to the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill at Committee Stage in the Dáil. The formal drafting process in respect of those amendments is well underway by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, in conjunction with the three Departments.
246. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 23 March 2023, the expected dates on which the relevant sections of both the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022, and the necessary statutory instruments permitting certain persons to access the register, will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15917/23]
View answerThe 2015 Act is an important piece of legislation that represents significant legal reform. It changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a more rights based and flexible approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
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), which is the organisation that will operate the provisions of the 2015 Act, will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. To date, the Decision Support Service has made considerable progress in preparing to operate the 2015 Act, including the development of a searchable register that will allow permitted persons to access certain information in relation to decision support arrangements.
Officials are currently engaged with the Office of the Attorney General to draft the necessary regulations required for the operation of the 2015 Act. Among other Regulations required for the new system to operate, this includes a Regulation permitting access to the register of decision support arrangements which will be maintained by the Decision Support Service. The Regulation will include a list of particular parties that will be permitted to access the register. Under the Assisted Decision-Making legislation, as amended, the Director of the Decision Support Service will also have discretion to allow persons with a legitimate interest to access the register.
The Decision Support Service will ensure that proper mechanisms are in place to the safeguarding of persons' data. The register will become operational following the commencement of relevant sections of both the 2015 and 2022 Acts and the signing of the necessary Statutory Instrument permitting certain persons to access the register.
The Government remains committed to commence both the 2022 Act, and the 2015 Act, on 26 April 2023. It is expected that this will include the signing of the Statutory Instrument facilitating access to the register the Deputy refers to.
247. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of critical incidents reported to his Department in relation to the accommodation or welfare of beneficiaries of temporary protection and international protection; the breakdown of reports per month since March 2022 to date in 2023; the nature of the reported issues; and the number still under investigation. [15970/23]
View answerThank you for your correspondence. My officials will require more time to collate the information in order to answer this query. My officials will contact the Deputy with the details as soon as it is complete.
248. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of providers of emergency accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection and international protection that are currently contracted by his Department in each county; the standards being used to determine their suitability; the number of contracted accommodation locations that have been inspected to assess their suitability; and if he will clarify whether HIQA has the authority to inspect the centres. [15971/23]
View answerPlease see the number of emergency accommodation locations in use for international protection applicants per County in tabular format below:
|
County |
Number of Emergency Accommodation locations |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
4 |
|
Clare |
2 |
|
Cork |
4 |
|
Donegal |
13 |
|
Dublin |
38 |
|
Galway |
6 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
|
Louth |
5 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
|
Meath |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
2 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
|
Total |
119 |
The information for locations of emergency accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection can be found here:
In relation to the standards being used to determine the suitability of accommodation locations, in relation to permanent (non-emergency) IPAS centres, IPAS has taken steps to support adherence to the National Standards through its contract arrangements with accommodation centres. All properties selected under IPAS’ most recent tender process are required to be able to implement the National Standards. The National Standards meet the requirements of the relevant legislation – the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive which Ireland opted into in June 2018. These standards were adopted by Government in 2019 and have been in effect since the beginning of 2021.
Emergency accommodation centres are not subject to inspections on a regular basis due to the nature of the contractual arrangement with them.
In relation to BOTP accommodation, the priority is to place people fleeing the war 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.
It is the Government's intention that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) will monitor permanent International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres against national standards as part of transitional arrangements for moving to the new model. It is important that compliance with the national standards should be measured through on-site assessment. Planning is well advanced on this process.
My Department has worked intensively with HIQA over the past two years to prepare for its monitoring role, and it is my intention that HIQA will commence inspections in 2023 once legislation is in place.
249. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider the provision of respite services for children and adults with a disability by approved private providers where this is an inadequate public service at present, such as in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16001/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
250. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when additional respite places for children and adults with a disability will be provided in Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16002/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when additional places will be provided for trainees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16003/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
252. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of accommodation locations being provided for IPAS in Dublin 1, 3, 7 and 9. [16006/23]
View answerThank you for your correspondence. Further to your query, please find in tabular format a list of International Protection Accommodation centres in the Dublin 1, 3, 7 and 9 areas.
|
Centre |
County |
Eircode |
Occupancy |
Of Whom Children |
|
The Central Inn |
Dublin 1 |
D01WR94 |
109 |
19 |
|
Belvedere Guest House |
Dublin 1 |
D01K6W9 |
56 |
0 |
|
Bolton Street |
Dublin 1 |
D01C1K2 |
26 |
0 |
|
Clifton Court Hotel |
Dublin 1 |
D01V6F4 |
77 |
0 |
|
Dublin City Dorms |
Dublin 1 |
D01DH95 |
92 |
0 |
|
69 Lower Gardiner Street |
Dublin 1 |
D01FH28 |
23 |
0 |
|
Meaghers Guest House |
Dublin 1 |
D01W896 |
20 |
2 |
|
Parnell Square West |
Dublin 1 |
D01N9E4 |
51 |
0 |
|
Sinclair Guest House |
Dublin 1 |
D01H9X7 |
27 |
0 |
|
The Address Connolly |
Dublin 1 |
D01X6P6 |
419 |
113 |
|
The Avenue B&B, 12 Parnell Square East |
Dublin 1 |
D01FY23 |
60 |
2 |
|
Croke Park Stadium |
Dublin 3 |
D03P6K7 |
98 |
0 |
|
Two Gateway, East Wall |
Dublin 3 |
D03A995 |
410 |
49 |
|
No 36 Charles Street, Inns Quay |
Dublin 7 |
D07P497 |
35 |
0 |
|
Travel Lodge, Ballymun |
Dublin 9 |
D09W8H7 |
227 |
11 |
I trust this information clarifies the matter.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the higher education grant or similar payment can be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16038/23]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
The student referred to by the deputy supplied official documentation to SUSI in relation to legal guardianship for the academic years 200/21 and 2021/22 and was deemed eligible for the Special Rate of grant.
For the 2022/23 academic year, the applicant submitted their renewal application , however the details of the legal guardianship provided through court order documentation differed from the previous academic years. Confirmation of new guardianship was requested and not was not submitted by student.
As the original guardian was not included on the renewal application, the application was cancelled giving the applicant an opportunity to reapply with the details of their court appointed legal guardian.
A letter dated 24 Nov 2022 was issued to the applicant which confirmed SUSI was unable to be process the application and gave instructions on how to reapply.
If the applicant wishes to reapply, she can request a late application as the online application system for the 2022/23 academic year has closed. Details of the late application process can be found on the SUSI website www.susi.ie/how-to-apply/late-applications-process/index.html
255. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure there is a sufficient number of construction workers to meet demand. [11119/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to increasing the workforce to meet demand and our Housing for All and Climate Action Plan targets. This Department published the Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & Retrofitting 2023–2030 and the corresponding action plan in December 2022. My Department is working with colleagues in SOLAS, the HEA and other Departments to respond to projections of skills needs in the construction sector and to increase skills supply through the current network of tertiary skills provision. My Department is putting in place reporting and monitoring arrangements so that the projections in the report are kept under review, and the appropriate education and training responses are delivered.
We are increasing the number of apprentices we train. In recent years, annual intake in construction-related apprenticeships has steadily been increasing. In 2022 there were 4,797 registrations on construction apprenticeship programmes, with a further 831 on construction-related apprenticeship programmes. As of February 2023 (the latest full month figures available), there have been 881 registrations on construction apprenticeship programmes and 119 registrations on construction-related apprenticeship programmes.
The Department also provides other routes for workers into construction, so that the sector can fully utilise available expertise. In December 2022 a new QQI Level 3 Construction Skills Programme was launched under Laois-Offaly ETB. This enables those without previous skills in construction start a career in the sector. It will be rolled out by other ETBs this year.
The range of CAO options has been changed to ensure school leavers are aware of their options and will be expanded further to include traineeships, some of which will help with supplying skilled workers for the sector.
We have established three Centres of Excellence for NZEB and retrofit skills. Courses are also being delivered in Cork ETB and Mayo-Sligo-Leitrim ETB with further provision due later this year and next. The number of workers availing of these free, short courses has increased each year since opening the first centre in 2020. Enrolments rose from 793 in 2021 to 2,034 enrolments in 2022.
The Department is also leading a Focus Group on Careers in Construction, looking at how to attract people into the industry to meet the skills required. The Group will deliver an action plan by Q2 2023.
With the Government’s commitments to ‘Housing for All ’ and the several educational and vocational initiatives provided by this Department and partners, there are clear pathways to a career in construction, which will help to promote the sector.
257. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline his plans to increase the number of places for those wishing to study veterinary medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15825/23]
View answerIt is a priority for my Department to ensure a supply of qualified Vets to meet the demands of the sector.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Higher Education Authority is close to concluding a process to identify where additional capacity could be built in the higher education sector in a number of key disciplines including veterinary. Through the process, the HEA is examining opportunities for new programme provision as well as the expansion of current programmes, and will determine a final list of options. The HEA appointed an Expert Advisory Panel to review new programme proposals. The panel included representatives of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the statutory body responsible for the regulation of veterinary medicine in Ireland, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Deputy will understand that, before making any determinations regarding additional places on existing or new programmes, my Department must first consider potential options having regard to workforce plans and projected demand for graduates from relevant line Departments. As such, on receiving recommendations from the HEA, I will engage with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to his Department's assessment of the scale of the demand for veterinary graduates. I look forward to receiving the final report of options from the HEA for my Department to review shortly.
