Written Answers Nos. 470-489
470. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide all documents and relevant information on the timing and pathway to the designation and development of the Waterways Sallins, as a centre for those seeking international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40961/23]
View answer493. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide information on a matter (details supplied). [41434/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 493 together.
Contractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are deemed confidential and commercially sensitive. It would not serve the public interest to divulge documents or contracts held to contractors for services, as it could prejudice the Department's negotiating position to deliver value for money with respect to other accommodation providers and locations.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Waterways Hotel, Sallins, Co. Kildare, was offered to the Department through its Request for Tender (RFT) for "Bespoke Panel Agreement for the Provision of Accommodation Services and Related Services for Persons Seeking International Protection" which was published in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Department is now in the process of agreeing a contract with the Tenderer.
A contractor who offers a building for use as accommodation for applicants for International Protection, whether through a tender process or emergency accommodation proposal, is required to ensure that any change of use to IP accommodation is compliant with planning law. In the event that a change of use is required, the contractor may rely on SI 376/2023 which applies to both IP and BOTP accommodation (superseding SI 605 of 2022 which applied to IP only).
The published Term of any resultant contract awarded under the RFT is for a period of two (2) years. The Tender submitted for this property was for Type 1 (adult) accommodation.
The property will provide 56 double and twin rooms. It is expected that this property will be available for occupation, following carrying out of mobilisation works, by year end.
A new community engagement and communications approach has been developed in partnership with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach, as well as other key departments and agencies. The newly established Community Engagement Team will develop more effective co-ordination across Government Departments, agencies, local authorities and communities, regarding the movement of people in and out of accommodation centres, and ensure coherent messaging and strong communications on migration.
My Department will continue to liaise with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in regard to the services offered by those Departments in supporting the provision of extracurricular and recreational activities for persons here seeking international protection and welcomes their input into programmes and projects that assist in integrating new arrivals into their community.
471. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any plans for additional funding for the disability participation and awareness fund in 2023/2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41002/23]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that I will be seeking funding as part of Budget 2024 for a further iteration of the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund. The exact provision of funding to be made available in 2024 will be dependent on the outcome of the annual budgetary process.
To date, I am delighted to say that the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund has supported a wide range of projects and initiatives across the country, with funding of €2.5m approved in the first year of the Fund in 2021, supporting projects across all 31 Local Authorities. Further funding of €3m was approved to support a range of initiatives under a budget allocation secured in 2022, and a further tranche of funding of €3.5m is available to support projects in 2023.
The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is designed to support the active participation of people with disabilities in local activities, to help remove barriers to community involvement and to support the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities. The fund provides opportunities to apply for grant supports relating to this purpose.
472. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when funding will be provided for support staff to enable a person to live independently (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41008/23]
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.
473. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the contingencies in place for refugees and international protection applicants who are being accommodated in tents when a weather warning is in place, or where heavy rain downpours occur. [41043/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to supporting all those seeking refuge in Ireland and is considering all offers of accommodation. The department is currently availing of repurposed office buildings, decommissioned Defense Forces barracks and tents to try to address shortfalls in reception capacity.
Each centre where applicants for International Protection are being provided with accommodation in tents, has designated an individual who assumes responsibility for monitoring the weather forecast. In certain locations, there may be capacity to provide residents with shelter in on-site buildings that are sufficiently spacious to offer comfortable accommodation for the duration during of weather warnings.
The tents that are providing accommodation for International Protection applicants are suitable for use in up to 120km/h winds. In cases where permanent buildings are not accessible, and if forecasted maximum wind speed exceed 120 km/h, contact will be made with the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), who will immediately arrange for alternative locations to move residents to for the duration of the weather event, in so far as possible.
Once the weather event has passed, the residents will be transported back to their accommodation. During periods of heavy rain or strong winds, all tent entrances are securely sealed to prevent any water ingress, ensuring residents remain dry and safe.
474. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 980 of 21 March 2023 and No. 153 of 31 May 2023, if he will report on progress to address the matters raised (details supplied). [41044/23]
View answerRegarding the Core Funding fee review process, I must note that Pobal, in their role as scheme administrator, are currently assessing the case referred to by the Deputy, and hence I am not in a position to comment on its status or potential outcome.
Partner Services must uphold their obligations regarding Fee Management as laid out in the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. In this Funding Agreement, Partner Services agree not to increase the fees charged to parents from those charged on 30 September 2021. An increased charge of any kind for an existing and unchanged Service Type will be in breach of Core Funding rules.
A Core Funding Fee Review can be requested through the City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), and where appropriate, the case will be escalated to Pobal, and my Department.
Further guidance on Fee Management and the Core Funding Fee Review Process can be found here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Together-for-Better-Guidelines-on-Fee-Management-7.pdf.
I would encourage any parent with concerns or questions about fees to contact their local CCC for support and guidance or to initiate a Core Funding Fee Review. The first point of contact for parents and providers in the Core Funding fee review process is their local CCC.
475. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the location of each assistive technology and specialised seating department (ATSS) in the state; which CHO area they cover; whether they are directly run by the HSE or are run on behalf of the HSE by another organisation; the number and role of staff employed in each of these services; and the average timeframe from application to receiving an appointment with the ATSS. [41054/23]
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.
476. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether data is collected on rates of child poverty, particularly in areas of deprivation, as defined by Pobal, by his Department or any relevant bodies; the methods used; the subsets under which this data is collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41136/23]
View answerThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth does not itself collect data on child poverty or deprivation; rather the Department uses Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, for instance its Survey of Income and Living, Growing up in Ireland, Quarterly National Household Survey and Census data.
The Central Statistics Office makes extensive use of the HP Deprivation Index which is also called the Pobal index of deprivation. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth follows the CSO in defining poverty and deprivation as these definitions are long standing, well understood and allow international comparisons
477. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a personal assistant will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/23]
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.
478. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the Roadmap for Progressing Disability Services; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41149/23]
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.
479. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what action is taken when a vulnerability assessment is received on behalf of an individual in IPAS accommodation; how long it takes for that action to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/23]
View answerVulnerability assessments are administered using a questionnaire and referral process. Questionnaires are available to applicants in a number of languages in all International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation centres, and via the IPAS website.
The Resident Welfare Team (RWT) has four Assessment Officers and three Social Work professionals seconded to it on a full time basis who can make a determination of a person’s vulnerability status and reception needs.
Assessment Officers from the RWT review all returned questionnaires and referral forms in order to make a determination of the applicant’s vulnerability status. Where the assessment indicates that the person has one or more vulnerabilities within the meaning of the law governing vulnerability assessments, the person’s reception needs will be determined in the light of the vulnerabilities identified.
Not every vulnerability requires special intervention – for example, every child or pregnant woman is identified by default as ‘vulnerable’ under the Regulations, but their needs are routinely met in IPAS accommodation or through referral to other relevant public services.
Where a vulnerability is identified which may require special intervention, and consent is given by the applicant, the Assessment Officer may contact them to discuss their vulnerabilities and reception needs further by scheduling a telephone appointment for the next available date.
In some cases, where an assessment indicates high levels of vulnerabilities, the Assessment Officer may refer the person for further assessment(s) with an IPAS Social Worker.
The RWT also holds regular vulnerability assessment clinics in IPAS centres, where residents have an opportunity to discuss any special reception needs with the RWT directly. Where possible, these clinics are held in conjunction with the consultative clinics held by the IPAS Customer Service Team, ensuring that residents have an ongoing opportunity to engage directly with IPAS staff, and any issues can be addressed quickly and effectively by IPAS.
Given the ongoing challenges faced by IPAS with sourcing accommodation, the RWT has been working closely with the IPAS Customer Service and Centre Management teams, as well as centre staff and NGOs, to ensure that any special reception needs can be addressed in the person’s centre through the provision of relevant training and guidance for centre staff and advice and support for those who require it.
In cases where significant vulnerabilities or complex needs have been identified, the RWT may refer a person to the Intake and Reception and Resident Mobility Teams in IPAS to address specific accommodation recommendations or requirements. These teams will then identify the most suitable accommodation for the applicant. This is done within the overall constraints of the accommodation available, which means that it is not always possible for IPAS to address all identified vulnerabilities optimally when allocating accommodation. Where possible, IPAS will improve the alignment between accommodation and vulnerabilities where accommodation that is more appropriate becomes available.
Ongoing demands on the service due to the significantly increased numbers of arrivals has resulted in wait times for assessments being affected. However the programme remains available to all IPs who wish to access it, and every effort is made to prioritise cases where a vulnerability has been identified.
480. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the mother and baby scheme will open for applications; if his Department is aware that some legal firms are advertising services to assist in applying for the scheme; if it is anticipated that legal support or advice is required to submit an application; if there will be a requirement for applicants to supply their records when they are submitting an application; if his Department has a timeline on when information and supports will be available to assist with the application process. [41192/23]
View answerI am acutely aware of the sense of urgency surrounding the establishment of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and I am focused on delivering the Scheme as soon as possible. To that end, a significant milestone was achieved on 11 July with the enactment of the underpinning legislation - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023.
This Act allows for the establishment of an Executive Office in my Department to administer the Scheme and the appointment of the Chief Deciding Officer to head up that office. It also allows for the making of the necessary regulations which must be in place prior to the Scheme opening and provides a lawful basis for access to records and other information which are essential to processing of applications.
Intensive work is underway to conclude the work on the administrative structures in as timely a manner as possible in order to transition to a live Scheme.
My Department is aware that some legal firms are advertising services to assist in applying for the Scheme and I have been in contact with one of them directly on this matter. Legal support or advice will not be required in order to make an application to the Scheme. The application process will be straightforward and there will be no requirement for applicants to supply their records when they are submitting an application, unless they wish to do so.
An information awareness campaign will take place in Ireland and abroad in advance of the Scheme opening. Arrangements are currently being made in this regard by my officials, with the assistance of colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Once the Scheme is open, applicants will be supported throughout the process with information and advice if they need it.
481. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that full-time AIM supports were initially granted to a child (details supplied) and subsequently withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41252/23]
View answerIf any family is experiencing challenges in accessing a place or supports for their child in an early learning and care service, the family's best route is to contact their local city or county childcare committee (CCC) funded by my Department. CCCs are available to support parents and children at a local level. Contact information for the relevant CCC is available atwww.myccc.ie.
Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth administers AIM. Officials in my Department reached out to Pobal, who advised that shared Level 7 support was granted for the child in this case on 14 September and that the supports have not been withdrawn at any stage.
482. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update for a person (details supplied) regarding the mother and baby redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41255/23]
View answerIt is not possible to to provide an update in respect of a person's potential eligibility for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme in advance of the Scheme being open for applications. Opening the Scheme as soon as possible is a priority for me and my Department. I would encourage any person who thinks they may be eligible for the Scheme to make an application when the Scheme is open. The Deputy may be aware that underpinning legislation for the Scheme - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 was passed into law on 11 July 2023.
This Act allows for the establishment of an Executive Office in my Department to administer the Scheme and the appointment of the Chief Deciding Officer to head up that office. It also allows for the making of the necessary regulations which must be in place prior to the Scheme opening and provides a lawful basis for access to records and other information which are essential to processing of applications.
Intensive work is underway to conclude the work on the administrative structures in as timely a manner as possible and to transition to a live Scheme.
483. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the analysis of the breakdown of the overspend by the Department contained in the fiscal monitor report of August 2023, conducted by the Parliamentary Budget Office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41263/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, my Department has faced significant challenges in 2023 particularly in the areas of international protection and the humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis.
My officials have been working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and reporting to Government throughout the year in relation to the monitoring of expenditure as the situation, particularly in relation to Ukraine, is ever evolving and as the level of expenditure required in 2023 becomes more evident.
The overall Vote outturn to the end of August showed gross expenditure of circa €4.63 billion. This represented over profile expenditure of €704 million. The areas of International Protection Accommodation Services and Ukraine account for €675 million of this.
In recent years, there have been record increases in the number of new arrivals seeking international protection in Ireland with 23,194 International protection applicants being accommodated at the end of August.
In relation to the humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis, an additional 22,033 temporary protections orders had been granted in 2023, bringing the total number of temporary protection orders granted since the start of the war to 92,554. Over 70,000 Ukrainians are now being accommodated in state funded/supported accommodation.
Officials, along with Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform colleagues, will continue to monitor expenditure over the Vote through the rest of this year.
484. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he intends to increase funding to disability services in CH07 in order to provide badly needed residential care places to adults with complex needs, who currently have been recommended for such care but cannot be accommodated due to a lack of funding; and if he will do so in the case of a person (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41295/23]
View answerAs the query refers to an individuals case, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
485. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the case of adoptees, illegally adopted in the past, who are now being offered €3,000 in compensation, and not €4,000, as had been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41312/23]
View answerIn March 2022, I published the report of Professor Conor O’Mahony, the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection on Proposals for a State Response to Illegal Birth Registration in Ireland. The report's recommendations included a recommendation (recommendation 16) regarding a payment towards legal costs associated with, for example, a declaration of parentage.
Following receipt of the recommendations, I established a payment scheme to make once-off payments of €3,000 to the individuals affected by confirmed illegal birth registration. These payments will represent a contribution towards costs which may arise in relation to DNA testing or legal fees which may be incurred in respect of seeking information on the implications of their birth registration in the context of their particular individual circumstances. The scheme is being administered by Tusla.
Neither I nor my Department is aware of any agreement relating to a figure of €4,000.
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 contains important provisions to support those with an illegal birth registration. In addition, Tusla, through Barnardos, provides a therapeutic service and counselling support to those whose births were illegally registered.
486. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, as part of Budget 2024, he will ensure that sufficient funding is in place for an organisation (details supplied) opening the remaining four beds in their respite facility and ensure that all beds are open 52 weeks in the year. [41319/23]
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.
487. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, as part of Budget 2024, he will ensure that sufficient funding is in place for MS to replicate the physio offering of CHO2 region across all CHO regions. [41320/23]
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.
488. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding the personalised budget to support a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41324/23]
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.
489. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding that has been spent by children's disability network teams on outsourcing to private providers in order to maintain a level of service provision in 2022 and to date in 2023; if this data can be provided for every CHO and for each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41354/23]
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.
