Written Answers Nos. 1207-1221
1207. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 536 of 28 March 2023, the date on which payments were made available to international protection applicants at a location (details supplied). [16883/23]
View answerDeputy,
The process to make Daily Expenses Payments to IPAs at Citywest Convention Centre commenced on 1 March 2023 with the first payments received on Monday 6 March. This intensive process continued on site for a number of weeks resulting in approximately 600 people benefitting from the new process.
Applications continue to be received and are processed offsite at Asylum Seekers Unit in North Cumberland Street.
The process to pay arrears due has commenced and the first payments will be received with customers weekly payment on Thursday, 20 April 2023. Payment is in the amount of €100 per week and will continue at this amount each week until the complete entitlement has been discharged.
1208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a childcare facility (details supplied) can urgently be considered for DEIS status. [16887/23]
View answerI am committed to tackling disadvantage through high quality early learning and childcare that is affordable and accessible.
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.
I presume that it is to this commitment that the Deputy is referring rather than DEIS model supporting primary and post-primary schools. Queries in relation to the DEIS model itself should be directed to the Department of Education.
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.
The design phase of this model is in progress. An objective and evidence informed methodology underpinning a selection process to identify services for targeted supports is also under design as part of this work. As such it is not yet possible to comment on the inclusion of any particular service.
1209. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) proposed actions in relation to the well-being of people seeking asylum, most of which are based on the Government commissioned Catherine Day Advisory Group; if he will work with his ministerial colleagues to action these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16945/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the current system. Since publishing the White Paper my Department has placed a significant focus and drive on delivering these reforms. A revised implementation plan is being developed to take account of the impact of the war in Ukraine and of the significant increase in international protection applicant arrivals which is greatly in excess of the assumptions underpinning the Catherine Day Advisory Group report.
In relation to the specific issues raised in relation to persons with status, international protection applicants who have been granted an international protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) or a permission to remain have the same access to housing supports and services as Irish and EEA nationals, including to rent a room schemes. The tools of Homeless HAP are available to those with status in IPAS accommodation once the LA has assessed them as eligible for such.
There are a number of supports available to persons with status to assist in accessing housing in the community when leaving accommodation centres. The Department has a specific team in IPAS who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association to collectively support residents with status, or a permission to remain, to access housing options.
In addition to assisting with housing applications, both DePaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust support the person’s integration into the community as fully as possible. This includes providing information about vocational and training courses, such as suitability, locations and eligibility, CV preparation and aid with medical issues, should they arise.”
The right to work was introduced in June 2018 for all applicants who have not had a first decision on their claim within 9 months. In January 2021 a new measure was introduced allowing applicants to seek work 6 months after they make their application, and extending their permission to work to 12 months (up from 6 months). Any further questions on the right to work should be directed to Department of Justice.
International protection applicants who are not initially accommodated at the time of their application for international protection can access a payment which is the equivalent of the Daily Expenses Allowance. They are also entitled to access Exceptional Needs Payments.
My Department is working intensively to respond to the current demand for accommodation for international protection applicant arrivals and will continue to prioritise the implementation of the reforms set out in the White Paper.
1210. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update in the case of therapy sessions for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17175/23]
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.
1211. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the Disability Capacity Review Action Plan; when the action plan will be published; the reason for the delay in the publication of the action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17245/23]
View answerThe 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.
1212. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding provided by the HSE to the National Multiple Sclerosis Care Centre in 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023, in tabular form. [18041/23]
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.
1213. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many young adults with an intellectual disability on the northside of Dublin are on the waitlist for day services. [18155/23]
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.
1214. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unfilled posts in the disability services area; the proportion of those posts that are full time permanent contracts; and what proportion that are fixed term or temporary contracts. [18162/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked the HSE to respond directly to you on this matter.
1215. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a facility (details supplied) is fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18164/23]
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.
1216. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the staffing levels for the children's disability network teams in Roscommon and Galway. [18167/23]
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.
1217. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when an organisation (details supplied) can expect to receive agreed funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18232/23]
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.
1218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he might make further comment on the subject matter of the issue raised by this Deputy by way of topical issue on 30 March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18315/23]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, is the State agency responsible for supporting and promoting the welfare and protection of children.
The Child and Family Agency Act 2013 states that Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions and requires the Agency to consider the best interests of the child in all matters.
The Children First Act provides for a number of key child protection measures, including raising awareness of child abuse and neglect and providing for reporting and management of child protection concerns. The obligations in the Act are intended to ensure that children at risk of harm are brought to Tusla’s attention as quickly as possible.
Under the Child Care Act of 1991, Tusla is the State Agency with responsibility to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. This Act makes provisions for the State, as a last resort, to intervene in the place of a child’s parents, in line with Article 42A.2.1 of the Constitution. Under this act Tusla may also apply for court orders where there is a child safety concern. These orders can grant Courts decision-making powers regarding care arrangements and access to the child for parents or other relatives. In such cases, the Court has the power to direct Tusla, with regard to the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.
Section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991 provides for the appointment, by the Courts, of a guardian ad litem (GAL) in respect of child care proceedings. The Courts are, with the exceptions of the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their statutory functions and the conduct of any family law case is a matter for the presiding judge.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enact a Family Court Bill. The Family Court Bill will be a key element in the development of a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts families at the centre of its activities, provides access to specialist supports and encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution in family law proceedings. My colleague the Minister for Justice received Government approval in November 2022 to publish the Family Court Bill and the first National Family Justice Strategy, marking a significant step towards reform of the family justice system.
My Department is represented on the Family Justice Oversight Group, led by the Department of Justice, and is closely involved in the planned reforms, particularly as they relate to child care proceedings, and in ensuring that children’s best interests are central to this process.
As Minister with responsibility for Children, I am committed to upholding the best interests of Children in all situations.
Ireland held the presidency of the Council of Europe in 2022. One of the priorities chosen for the Irish Presidency was “Hear our Voices”, which had a particular focus on youth engagement. As part of this, I was delighted to host a conference in October 2022 focusing on The Rights and Determination of the Best Interests of the Child in Parental Separation and in Care Proceedings.
The main purpose of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 is to extend and regulate the guardian ad litem system for children involved in child care proceedings. The provisions of this Act are intended to enhance the rights of children and the capacity of the courts to make the right decisions in helping children and their families.
This Bill provides for reform of guardian ad litem arrangements in child care proceedings, addressing significant shortcomings in the current system, and providing a presumption in favour of appointment of a guardian ad litem in all child care proceedings. However, private family law is not covered by this legislation.
Legislation related to private family law is under the remit of the Department of Justice. Section 32 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 (as inserted by section 63 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015) provides that a court may appoint an expert to determine and convey the child’s views (known as a 'voice of the child report').
Any person who knows or suspects that a child is at risk of harm should report this to Tusla without delay and to An Garda Síochána if there is suspicion that a crime has been committed.
1219. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if staff shortages in section 38 and 39 organisations running CDNTs is similar to the staff shortages in the HSE-ran CDNTs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16099/23]
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.
1220. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he outline the progress relative to the pay parity issue for section 39 staff employed in the disability sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16371/23]
View answerWith the transfer of responsibility for the provision of disability services to my Department, I would like to acknowledge the important role of Section 39 organisations and employees in the health sector.
Although the Deputy’s question relates specifically to employees of Section 39 agencies who provide disability services to the community, this reply necessarily draws attention to the cross sectoral issue of pay adjustments affecting a number of Government Departments and aegis bodies providing funding to the Community and Voluntary sector, and cannot be considered in isolation.
The Government recently committed to a process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations. Matters relating to pay adjustments for these organisations have since been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission, and the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have agreed to attend in an exploratory capacity.
While the Government has committed to a process, it should be noted that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run. Accordingly, the terms and conditions of Section 39 employees are ultimately a matter for the employer and employee to negotiate.
1221. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unfilled positions for speech and language therapists in each of the community disability network teams in Cork, broken down by area. [16520/23]
View answer1222. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unfilled positions for occupational therapists in each of the community disability network teams in Cork, broken down by area. [16521/23]
View answer1223. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unfilled positions for physiotherapists in each of the community disability network teams in Cork, broken down by area. [16522/23]
View answer1224. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unfilled positions for psychologists in each of the community disability network teams in Cork, broken down by area. [16523/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1221 to 1224, inclusive, together.
As this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
