Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extra funding provided to disability organisations for new services this year; the number of new services provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32071/23]
View answerThe Department of Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth does not directly fund any charitable voluntary groups. Under Section 38 and Section 39 of the 2004 Health Act funding is provided by the Health Service Executive. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
101. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking, including what engagement he has had with the Minister for Housing, to ensure that the human rights of homeless children and children at risk of homelessness are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32512/23]
View answerThe primary responsibility for housing and managing homelessness lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities.
This area of work requires a whole-of-Government approach, with a multitude of key stakeholders playing a vital role in addressing the fundamental issues arising in addressing homelessness.
Stable and appropriate accommodation is an essential pre-requisite for the well-being of children. Given the significant levels of family homelessness it is important to prioritise action aimed at preventing homelessness, accelerating exits from homelessness, and mitigating the impact of inappropriate housing. Government has identified family homelessness as a focus area for the Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach. While housing policy generally has a significant momentum and existing oversight arrangements, the Programme Office will help to provide a focus on how other measures can assist in preventing family homelessness and helping those in homeless services as they transition to more stable housing arrangements.
My Department will work closely with the Programme Office to progress this priority.
My Department is also represented on the National Homeless Action Committee (NHAC) which is chaired by the Minister for Housing allowing for the sharing of information and co-ordination of relevant actions.
Tusla provides family support and prevention and early intervention services for children and their families through a multiagency and coordinated response. Tusla works in partnership with Local Authorities, the HSE and the community and voluntary sector focusing on prevention and early intervention community-based family support through Children and Young People's Services Committees and Child and Family Support Networks. Family support staff throughout the country are providing practical supports to families at risk of homelessness, including:
• The ‘My place to Play’ initiative for families living in homeless accommodation.
• Assisting with the completion of relevant forms
• Working with families to signpost the relevant services.
Furthermore, the National Childcare Scheme includes specific arrangements for vulnerable children and families to be referred to the Scheme by certain statutory bodies. This arrangement (commonly referred to as a 'sponsor referral') will enable such children to avail of free childcare under the Scheme. Under this arrangement Local Authorities can refer homeless persons with children who are homeless or moving out of homelessness to enable them access childcare services. The payment is made directly to the service provider on behalf of the child and the parent is informed that additional fees are not payable in respect of the hours of childcare under the sponsor referral.
A key theme of the next national policy framework for children and young people is that the rights and best interests of the child should be a central consideration in all decision making which affects them. The Blueprint for the Framework, published last year, commits to a number of high level systemic actions which address how children's rights are taken into account in how government does business. These actions are based largely on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the General Measures of Implementation. They include the development of Child Rights Impact Assessments, a review of legislation for compliance with the UNCRC, the development of child budgeting, and further development of the participation of children and young people in decision making.
