Written Answers Nos. 102-123
102. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what engagement he has had with the relevant stakeholders, including foster families, on the proposed national standards for children’s social services; what future he envisages for the 2003 standards; what role will be there for foster families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55561/23]
View answerIn 2019, HIQA began the process of developing the National Standards for Children’s Social Services.
HIQA conducted an evidence review of international practice with regard to standards development. The countries and areas focussed on are predominantly English speaking and have common law legal systems, with one exception, Sweden. It should be noted that the evidence review does not provide evidence for improved outcomes for children using these services as a result of the standards applied. The drivers of improved outcomes are adequately resourced, trained and co-operative workforces in key services such family support, child protection, education, health and disability services.
Following completion of the evidence review, HIQA convened an advisory group to provide input and expertise to the development of the Standards. The membership of the advisory group was broad and included the Irish Foster Care Association, Empowering People in Care (EPIC), the HSE, Tusla, the National Disability Authority, National Youth Council of Ireland, the National Educational Psychological Services, the Irish Association of Social Workers, Social Care Ireland, Barnardos, An Garda Síochána and the Irish Youth Justice Services. The Department was represented on the group by the Chief Social Worker and Social Work Specialist.
A draft of the proposed standards was then made available for a six week public consultation. Following the public consultation on the proposed standards, the Minister received 15 representations from foster carers and two PQs on the topic of the proposed standards. All representations expressed serious concerns about the proposed standards and foster carer’s opposition to the adoption of the proposed standards.
These new standards will, if approved, replace the four separate sets of existing standards:
• National Standards for Foster Care, 2003
• National Standards for Children’s Residential Centres, 2018
• National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2012
• National Standards for Special Care Units, 2015
• The proposed draft standards are underpinned by four ‘principles’ which will form the basis of all further standards development by HIQA. These are a human rights based approach, safety and wellbeing, responsiveness and accountability.
• The rationale for one over-arching set of standards is that there is frequent repetition across the four sets of standards. HIQA also states that the new approach is more consistent with practice internationally, citing examples of the UK, Western Australia and Vermont, USA in particular.
• I am also aware of the concerns and issues of foster parents and I understand that HIQA has engaged with Tusla with a focus on communication and implementation tools associated with the new standards.
• My officials will continue to engage with Tusla around the received HIQA proposed guidance document and fostering assessment and judgement framework as part of my Department review of same.
103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is proposed to increase capital investment in the early learning and childcare sector for 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55735/23]
View answerSome €69 million has been allocated over the period 2023-2025 to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare across three pillars:
Building Blocks - Improvement Grant;
Building Blocks - Capacity Grant; and
Building Blocks - Innovation Grant.
Under the Building Blocks - Improvement Grant, €9 million was allocated earlier this year in grants ranging from €35,000 to €75,000 for energy upgrades and retrofit projects, which supported services in need of upgrading, such as kitchen refurbishments, roof repairs and the replacement of flooring.
Last week, I was pleased to announce Pillar 2 - the Building Blocks Capacity Grant. Under the Grant, €45m will be made available over 2024 and 2025 to deliver additional early learning and childcare places. The primary focus of the Grant is to increase capacity in the 1-3 age range for full day or part-time care.
The Capacity Grant will be split into two strands, an Expansion Grant Scheme, and a larger-scale Extension Grant Scheme. Both schemes will operate from 2024, to fund expansion projects in areas of identified undersupply. Funding under the Expansion Grant Scheme will be made available to providers from early 2024, with the larger scale Extension Scheme to be made available later in 2024.
The Capacity Grant will be open to Core Funding partner services. The awarding of grants will be informed by the results of a detailed needs analysis, which is currently underway, and which will identify capacity gaps and areas and categories of need.
A full mid-term review of the NDP will be undertaken in 2025, to allow Government to:
• take stock of progress in terms of delivery of the planned projects and programmes; and
• review and reaffirm investment priorities of Government.
The review will be carried out in order to prepare and publish a new updated 10-year plan for public capital investment in 2026, covering the period 2026 to 2035.
104. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the transfer of residents from a direct provision centre in Cork (details supplied); the engagement his Department has had with residents; if the decision to transfer people will be reviewed considering many include school-going children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55286/23]
View answerIreland is currently accommodating approximately 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes nearly 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and 26,000 International Protection applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
Unfortunately, despite the tireless efforts of my Department, all of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used, and there is an accommodation shortfall, particularly with respect to adult males.
The Centre mentioned is being used to accommodate families in the International Protection (IP) system under an emergency contract. The operators of this centre have successfully completed a tender process with the Department for the provision of accommodation, with this centre is now been utilised in line with the terms of the new contract.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently in the process of relocating families at this address to alternative suitable accommodation in order to meet the terms of this new contract. This is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The families in question are a mix of current IP applicants, as well as families who have acquired status and are no longer entitled to IP accommodation. Notwithstanding their status, IPAS are making alternative accommodation arrangements. In the case of families with status, this includes working with established integration teams to identify all possible avenues of support.
IPAS makes every possible effort to minimise the disruption created for families taking into account of any identified vulnerabilities in doing so. To date IPAS has taken account of and resolved a number of specific issues raised by the families that are due to move. However, options are constrained overall by the severe pressures on IP accommodation availability.
105. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the number of vacancies in the CDNT in CHO 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55840/23]
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. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
106. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will fund research by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to barriers to foster care in order to build fostering back up as a key pillar in society as how we treat and care for the most vulnerable. [55775/23]
View answerFirstly, I would like to state that foster care remains a key pillar of the alternative care system, with 90% of children in care residing in foster care. This figure compares favourably internationally and underscores the commitment among foster carers to providing safe, stable accommodation to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the State.
I can inform the Deputy that Tusla provides grant funding to hundreds of organisations under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, to provide services on behalf of Tusla and the State. The organisation referred to by the Deputy is one such organisation. Funding to each organisation is agreed annually, by way of Service Level Agreements with Tusla. Funding for the organisation in question is therefore primarily a matter for Tusla, rather than my Department.
In relation to the research referenced in the question, I can inform the Deputy that section 8 (1) (f) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 allows Tusla to undertake or commission research in certain circumstances as set out in the Act. I would encourage the organisation in question to make contact with Tusla, through Tusla’s National Lead on Foster Care, to progress this matter. The subject matter in question, that of barriers to foster care, is of interest to both Tusla and myself, as Minister.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my commitment as Minister to prioritising foster care within my Department and I will continue to engage with Government colleagues and other stakeholders, seeking to improve the suite of supports for foster carers.
107. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on establishing a longitudinal study in relation to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on child development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55557/23]
View answerThe Growing Up in Ireland study is uniquely placed in being able to capture contemporary information from participants on how they experienced the Covid-19 pandemic.
A special Covid-19 survey was issued to two Growing Up in Ireland cohorts in December 2020. The special Covid-19 survey collected information on the experiences of children and young people during the pandemic at key stages in both of the cohort’s lives. This included information on emotional well-being, remote learning, their interaction with others and more.
Cohort '08 were around 13 years old at the time the survey was taken and thus many were making the transition from primary to secondary education. Cohort '98 participants were around 22 and many were beginning to take early steps in their careers.
The special Covid-19 survey added to the growing body of Growing Up in Ireland data, which can be compared to data collected in past waves and data that will be collected during future waves. The Growing Up In Ireland data allows for within-cohort and cross-cohort comparisons across a wide range of variables, and will continue to provide insights on all areas of children and young peoples' lives into the future, including analysing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A key findings report from the special Covid-19 survey can be found on the Growing Up in Ireland website along with publications from all of the other waves of data collection.
108. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that civil society organisations have said the wording of the proposed referendum on care is significantly different from that recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and the Citizens' Assembly on gender equality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55578/23]
View answerThe Government has published two Referendum Bills:
- The Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (The Family) Bill 2023; and
- The Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution (Care) Bill 2023
These Bills give effect to the Government's proposals for referendums to:
- amend Article 41 of the Constitution to provide for a wider concept of Family; and
- delete Article 41.2 of the Constitution to remove text on the role of women in the home, and insert a new Article 42B to recognise family care.
The referendums will be held on 8 March 2024.
The two Referendum Bills were published on 8 December. The Bills will be debated at Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 14 December.
Following the passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission, will prepare a statement or statements containing a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposals for the referendums and of the text thereof in the relevant Bills and any other information relating to those matters that the Commission considers appropriate. It shall also be the function of the Electoral Commission to promote public awareness of referendums and to encourage people to vote.
109. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has received submissions on the excessive administrative burden associated with the Core funding scheme; and if modifications are possible. [55780/23]
View answerAt my request, officials from my Department have, in recent weeks, engaged with the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF) on issues raised by providers on the financial reporting requirements under Core Funding.
To date, four meetings have taken place on the 7th, 20th and 27th November and again on 1st December, involving members and nominees from Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), Childminding Ireland, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), the Association of Childhood Professionals Ireland (ACPI), the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP), the National Childhood Network (NCN), the National Community Childcare Forum and Seas Suas as well as representatives from City/County Childcare Committees (CCC), Ernst and Young, and Pobal.
The engagement with these stakeholders has been very constructive and arising from these meetings my officials have developed and discussed proposals to significantly simplify and streamline the reporting requirements under Core Funding and to support providers in preparing and submitting these returns.
My officials are now in the process of finalising updated financial reporting requirements and templates. Once finalised, updated financial reporting requirements will be shared with providers and all communications, including templates and training material will be updated.
While this work is underway, my officials have asked CCCs to pause any ongoing training. Officials have also written to providers asking that any provider currently in the process of completing the financial reporting using the current list of nominal codes in the Core Funding Chart of Account to pause this work, pending updates.
Financial reporting requirements attached to Core Funding was a recommendation of the Expert Group in their report ‘Partnership for the Public Good’ who identified the need for robust data to underpin funding policy. These essential data will inform the allocation model for year 3 of Core Funding as well as preparations for the next Estimates process, ensuring continued progress can be made on Government's objectives of affordable, quality, inclusive and sustainable early learning and childcare services.
My Department and I acknowledge the new demands this financial reporting requirement places on providers and the importance of taking steps to simplify and streamline these requirements, where possible. We would like to thank all providers for their recent feedback and for the very constructive engagement of members and nominees of the ELCSF on the matter.
Moreover, my Department has allocated €32.13 million for administration under Core Funding in year two, and €35.34m for the third year of the scheme.
In any instances where a service is experiencing difficulty, they can reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee and avail of Case Management Supports. This can include operational supports as well as financial supports through Sustainability Funding if deemed appropriate.
110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1493 of 11 September 2023, if the negotiation process between the expert negotiator and religious orders, with regard to contributing to the mother and baby institutions redress scheme, has been completed to date; if not, the expected timeline for the conclusion of the negotiation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55650/23]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes made significant findings in relation to the failings of the State and religious bodies, who together ran Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Government believes all relevant parties have a collective responsibility to respond to the legacy of these institutions.
In May the Government approved my proposal to appoint Ms Sheila Nunan to act on my behalf in leading negotiations with religious bodies which had a historical involvement with Mother and Baby Institutions. This is with a view to securing a financial contribution towards the cost of the Payment Scheme and it followed on from a series of meetings that I myself held with the bodies. These negotiations, while ongoing, are being treated as confidential. A full report will be provided to Government once the negotiations are concluded.
111. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on any plans he has to introduce changes to the current situation in respect of the accommodation offered to Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55625/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response my Department has worked extensively to support approximately 101,800 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 80% of whom have sought State supported accommodation.
The situation in relation to the availability of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) arriving in Ireland remains challenging. My Department continually analyses the level of offers being made, the numbers which are contracted following due diligence checks and projected BOTP arrivals in the coming months.
The Temporary Protection Directive was recently extended to 4 March 2025 and will be in place for a longer timeframe than originally envisaged at the time of the decision to activate it in March 2022.
Following extensive discussions, the Government has decided to bring Ireland more into line with other European countries in how we assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Under the revised approach, newly arriving Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine who seek State accommodation will be provided with accommodation for a maximum of 90 days, during which time they will also receive reduced social protection payments.
These changes will come into effect early in 2024. There will be no change for those currently in State accommodation. However, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are advised that State accommodation is by its nature short-term.
These changes will be communicated through various channels to ensure that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who are considering travelling to Ireland are fully aware of the level of assistance being offered, and the need to find accommodation after 90 days.
These changes are required to ensure that Ireland can continue to meet its obligations to help Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, while ensuring Ireland’s approach remains in step with other EU Member States.
112. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the reporting mechanism being requested by his Department from childcare providers is not workable and is creating unnecessary paperwork and cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54570/23]
View answerAt my request, officials from my Department have, in recent weeks, engaged with the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF) on issues raised by providers on the financial reporting requirements under Core Funding.
To date, four meetings have taken place on the 7th, 20th and 27th November and again on 1st December, involving members and nominees from Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), Childminding Ireland, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), the Association of Childhood Professionals Ireland (ACPI), the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP), the National Childhood Network (NCN), the National Community Childcare Forum and Seas Suas as well as representatives from City/County Childcare Committees (CCC), Ernst and Young, and Pobal.
The engagement with these stakeholders has been very constructive and arising from these meetings my officials have developed and discussed proposals to significantly simplify and streamline the reporting requirements under Core Funding and to support providers in preparing and submitting these returns.
My officials are now in the process of finalising updated financial reporting requirements and templates. Once finalised, updated financial reporting requirements will be shared with providers and all communications, including templates and training material will be updated.
While this work is underway, my officials have asked CCCs to pause any ongoing training. Officials have also written to providers asking that any provider currently in the process of completing the financial reporting using the current list of nominal codes in the Core Funding Chart of Account to pause this work, pending updates.
Financial reporting requirements attached to Core Funding was a recommendation of the Expert Group in their report ‘Partnership for the Public Good’ who identified the need for robust data to underpin funding policy. These essential data will inform the allocation model for year 3 of Core Funding as well as preparations for the next Estimates process, ensuring continued progress can be made on Government's objectives of affordable, quality, inclusive and sustainable early learning and childcare services.
My Department and I acknowledge the new demands this financial reporting requirement places on providers and the importance of taking steps to simplify and streamline these requirements, where possible. We would like to thank all providers for their recent feedback and for the very constructive engagement of members and nominees of the ELCSF on the matter.
Moreover, my Department has allocated €32.13 million for administration under Core Funding in year two, and €35.34m for the third year of the scheme.
In any instances where a service is experiencing difficulty, they can reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee and avail of Case Management Supports. This can include operational supports as well as financial supports through Sustainability Funding if deemed appropriate.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which Tusla remains well placed to protect children who may be in danger of becoming homeless or are under potential threat of abuse from whatever source; the degree to which all complaints are adequately investigated and followed up in all circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55727/23]
View answerTusla is cognisant of the challenges the current housing crisis poses for the families they work with in communities across the country, and young people who receive services or are in aftercare.
Given the multiple and complex needs which often underpin homelessness, Tusla recognises homelessness as not just a housing issue but an issue that affects how Tusla practitioners and Tusla-funded organisations work with children and families. Tusla seeks to support children and families to live happy and fulfilled lives and where difficulties arise, to support them in managing these challenges so that children are not harmed. This can be more challenging when families are homeless and their ability to maintain connections with the extended family and support networks are diminished.
Referrals to Tusla are made in line with Children First Guidance and Legislation. The immediate safety of the child is the first consideration for Screening/ Intake Social Workers when receiving a report and whether urgent action is required. All reports to Tusla should be screened on the day they are received, irrespective of the source. When screening the report, Tusla also considers whether the worries relate to other children in the family.
In addition, Tusla workers also consider whether the report is mandated under the Children First Act 2015, when a report is submitted by a mandated person when they have any knowledge, belief, or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances.
The current housing crisis requires a whole-of-government approach under ‘Housing For All’, with a multitude of key stakeholders playing a vital role in addressing the fundamental issues arising in addressing homelessness. Whilst Tusla does not have a role in securing homeless accommodation, they do advocate strongly for these services on behalf of children and families who are engaged with their services. Tusla works in partnership with Local Authorities, the Health Services Executive and the community and voluntary sector focusing on prevention and early intervention community-based family support through Children and Young Peoples Services Committees (CYPSC) and Child and Family Support Networks. Tusla’s high-level actions are outlined in the ‘Dublin Regional Homeless Executive Homelessness Action Plan and ‘Youth Homelessness Strategy
Tusla Educational Support Service has a designated Educational Welfare Officer for families who are experiencing homelessness and require a school place for their child.
Family Support staff and Children and Young Peoples Services Committees (CYPSC) throughout the country are providing support to parents and their children.
My Department and Tusla will continue to engage on a regular basis regarding issues impacting on children in the care of the State, including those at risk of homelessness.
Tusla's founding legislation contains strong provisions in relation to complaints against Tusla. Tusla take complaints seriously and report on levels of complaints and compliments in each of their annual reports. All complaints to Tusla are recorded on the National Incident Management System. Data for the last complete year of 2022 show that Tusla witnessed a continued increase in local resolution of complaints, with 62.14% being locally resolved, which is an increase on the 2021 percentage.
I would like to advise the Deputy that Tusla will receive a record high level of funding for 2024 which will exceed €1.1bn and I feel that equips Tusla well to deal with the serious matters they are facing. My Department and I will continue to work with Tusla as they help families and children in need.
114. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he and his Department have mapped the existence of youth-focused community projects and staff across the State; and if they are aware of gaps in coverage, or large and populous areas without or with inadequately resourced projects, and how they intend to resolve this. [49716/23]
View answerAcross the State there are hundreds of youth-focused community projects in which many thousands of young people meet every week to make friends, develop their skills, contribute to their community and realise their potential. My Departments supports many of these groups through a number of funding schemes, with a total budget of €77.95 million for 2024. These groups vary greatly in terms of size, in their activities, and in the makeup of the young people who attend them.
I recognise the need to better understand the precise distribution of youth work services across the State and this is an area of priority for my officials. This process is underway with an initial focus on mapping the more than 260 projects funded through the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme which is administered and governed through the 16 Education and Training Boards. This initial work will be expanded in the course of 2024 to include the mapping of youth work services funded through other schemes such as the Youth Services Grant Scheme.
115. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the new core funding chart of accounts requirement for the early years sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55875/23]
View answerAt my request, officials from my Department have, in recent weeks, engaged with the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF) on issues raised by providers on the financial reporting requirements under Core Funding.
To date, four meetings have taken place on the 7th, 20th and 27th November and again on 1st December, involving members and nominees from Childhood Services Ireland (CSI), Childminding Ireland, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), the Association of Childhood Professionals Ireland (ACPI), the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP), the National Childhood Network (NCN), the National Community Childcare Forum and Seas Suas as well as representatives from City/County Childcare Committees (CCC), Ernst and Young, and Pobal.
The engagement with these stakeholders has been very constructive and arising from these meetings my officials have developed and discussed proposals to significantly simplify and streamline the reporting requirements under Core Funding and to support providers in preparing and submitting these returns.
My officials are now in the process of finalising updated financial reporting requirements and templates. Once finalised, updated financial reporting requirements will be shared with providers and all communications, including templates and training material will be updated.
While this work is underway, my officials have asked CCCs to pause any ongoing training. Officials have also written to providers asking that any provider currently in the process of completing the financial reporting using the current list of nominal codes in the Core Funding Chart of Account to pause this work, pending updates.
Financial reporting requirements attached to Core Funding was a recommendation of the Expert Group in their report ‘Partnership for the Public Good’ who identified the need for robust data to underpin funding policy. These essential data will inform the allocation model for year 3 of Core Funding as well as preparations for the next Estimates process, ensuring continued progress can be made on Government's objectives of affordable, quality, inclusive and sustainable early learning and childcare services.
My Department and I acknowledge the new demands this financial reporting requirement places on providers and the importance of taking steps to simplify and streamline these requirements, where possible. We would like to thank all providers for their recent feedback and for the very constructive engagement of members and nominees of the ELCSF on the matter.
Moreover, my Department has allocated €32.13 million for administration under Core Funding in year two, and €35.34m for the third year of the scheme.
In any instances where a service is experiencing difficulty, they can reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee and avail of Case Management Supports. This can include operational supports as well as financial supports through Sustainability Funding if deemed appropriate.
116. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what measures are being taken to address the staff shortage and retention issues in childcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55562/23]
View answerI acknowledge that many early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services report staffing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention.
In general, staffing pressures in the sector are caused not by insufficient supply of qualified personnel, but by high levels of staff turnover.
Providers of ELC and SAC are private businesses. As the State does not employ staff in ELC and SAC services, neither I nor my Department can set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.
However, there is now, through the independent Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate terms and conditions of employment including minimum pay rates for different roles in ELC and SAC services. In line with the provisions of the Industrial Relations Acts, the JLC is independent in its functions, and I do not have a role in its statutory processes. It is my understanding that the JLC is continuing to meet to discuss possible changes to Employment Regulation Orders first introduced in 2022.
I am also committed to addressing other issues which may impact on recruitment and retention. In December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: the Workforce Plan for ELC and SAC 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills includes specific actions for moving to a graduate-led ELC workforce by 2028, establishing a career framework for staff working in the ELC and SAC sector, including role profiles and qualification requirements, and the strengthening of career pathways. Nurturing Skills includes actions to support recruitment and retention of staff with the necessary qualifications, and ongoing staff training and development, to create a workforce which feels valued and is motivated to deliver the best possible service to children.??
I have recently established a sub-group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum to discuss issues of recruitment and retention with stakeholders in the sector. The first meeting of the sub-group took place on 13 December.
117. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider increasing the NCS subsidy for after-school care to correct the anomaly whereby some parents are paying more for part-time care than they were for full-time care due to the difference in the subsidy rate. [55841/23]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a subsidy provided to help parents to meet the cost of childcare and allow children to access Early Learning and School Age Childcare.
It is not clear what potential anomaly would give rise to the situation described.
The rate of subsidy for families availing of the NCS depends on a number of factors including the level of family income, the child's age, educational stage and the number of children in the family. There is a small decrease in hourly subsidy from ECCE education stage to the school education stage (20c per hour maximum). However the level of childcare usage will also fall and cost of that delivery will also be lesser which informs the levels of subsidy available.
A change in costs of the nature described may have arisen from the manner in which the provider has chosen to structure their fees. As the Deputy may be aware, providers of ELC and SAC are private businesses. Whilst there are certain fee increase conditions for providers under core funding arrangements, the State does not set childcare fees as this is a local arrangement between parents and providers.
The parent should be advised to contact their local CCC who may be able to provide guidance. Contact details are available at: www.myccc.ie
118. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the steps he is taking to address the accommodation crisis for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55624/23]
View answer131. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans that are in place to provide accommodation for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54572/23]
View answer134. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his accommodation plans for new international protection applicant refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55577/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 131 and 134 together.
My Department is currently accommodating approximately 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes nearly 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and 26,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
Department officials are working intensively to bring more bed spaces into use, and since January 2022 have brought over 10,000 bed spaces into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking International Protection (IP).
Unfortunately, despite the tireless efforts of the Department, there is currently an accommodation shortfall, particularly with respect to adult males.
As all of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used, and given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department has no option but to consider all offers of accommodation made to it to address the accommodation shortfall. Various issues beyond the control of the Department have resulted in offers not being progressed, and accommodation not contracted, swiftly enough to meet the demand.
Cabinet has now approved a proposal, in line with EU’s Reception Conditions Directive, for the provision of contingency supports for International Protection (IP) applicants who Ireland is not in a position to accommodate.
The EU Reception Conditions Directive outlines the necessary reception conditions for receiving IP applicants. In line with this Directive, in circumstances where the State temporarily runs out of accommodation, the State can exceptionally offer different reception conditions.
As part of these arrangements, the Government has agreed to a temporary increase in the Daily Expense Allowance for IP applicants who are not in receipt of an offer of accommodation. This increase is in line with payments made to IP applicants by other European Countries in circumstances where applicants are not in state supported accommodation.
In addition to this increase in the Daily Expense Allowance, a system of triage of adult males is being implemented to ensure that those who are most vulnerable are prioritised for the provision of accommodation.
Drop-in day services are provided to all non-accommodated persons who wish to avail of them. In such centres, IP applicants can access facilities including hot showers, meals and laundry services seven days a week. They also provide tents and sleeping bags, where required. Currently my Department has agreements with two charities to provide these services in Dublin.
119. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware The Health Information and Quality Authority has raised concerns with the Government over why staff in accommodation centres housing Ukrainian refugees, including children, are not being vetted by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55579/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response my Department has worked extensively to support over 101,700 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 73,300 of whom have sought State supported accommodation.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in approximately 990 mainly commercial settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.?
My Department was in communication with HIQA in June of this year in relation to the matter of Garda Vetting in accommodation settings for BOTPs that are funded by my Department.
Garda Vetting of employees is a matter for employers in these commercial settings to manage in accordance with national law. My Department does not directly employ any staff in accommodation settings for Ukraine. It is incumbent on accommodation providers, under contract to my Department, to inform themselves of their legal obligations in this regard, and take all necessary and appropriate steps. Each contractor is responsible for their Child Safeguarding policy and for assessing whether they have an obligation under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to vet their staff.
My Department makes specific reference to legal, industry requirements and best practices in contracts agreed with providers, and it is incumbent on providers to adhere to them. Under their contracts, Service providers are obliged to adhere to good industry practice and comply with all applicable laws including but not limited to all obligations in the field of health and safety, environmental, social, child protection and labour law. It should be noted that the vast majority of children seeking shelter in Ireland remain in the care of the parents / guardians while in State secured and private accommodation. Any unaccompanied children are assisted by Tusla.
120. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm a breakdown of new ELC and SAC services that are entirely new services and not corporate acquisitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54567/23]
View answerTusla is the independent statutory regulator for early years services, including both early learning and care (ELC) and school-age (SAC) services, and is responsible for maintaining the register of services under the Child Care Act 1991. It is a legal requirement for a service proposing to operate to submit an application to Tusla under section 58D(2) of the Child Care Act 1991, at least 3 months before it intends to commence operation. Tusla provides my Department with registration data a month in arrears, to allow time for verification, and so the most recent available new registration figures are for end-October 2023.
It is important to note that the data is not disaggregated to reflect corporate acquisitions. Corporate acquisitions could include take-overs of existing services which may not be reflected in data on closures and new registrations (except in rare circumstances where a company chooses to close an existing service and open the service as a brand new service). If a service is bought through a corporate acquisition, it is not always necessary for the new registered provider to make an application for a new registration for the service. If an acquisition was intending to result in a significant number of changes to a service such as staffing, number of children, or service type, the service must submit a new registration application. If, however, the sale resulted in a change of owner with no other significant changes, the new registered provider could submit a Change in Circumstances application to Tusla and this would suffice for regulatory purposes.
With this caveat that the data for both new registrations and service closures may - to the same degree - include some corporate acquisitions, the number of new services registered this year until the end of October is 74 new ELC registrations and 200 new standalone SAC registrations.
121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors or separated children currently seeking asylum in the State; and the types of care settings they are in, that is, foster care, residential care, emergency accommodation and so on. [55426/23]
View answerTusla has a dedicated social work team that supports unaccompanied minors seeking international protection, referred to as the Team for Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP). Over the past 20 years the SCSIP Team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in International Refugee Protection Programmes and by caring for separated children seeking international protection who arrive unannounced at Irish ports, including airports.
As of the 7th of December 2023 there are 316 unaccompanied children in the care of the State. Of these there are 29 in foster care, 26 in supported lodgings, 61 in residential settings and 200 in special emergency placements.
There is a growth in provision of the service regarding residential units as follows, 52 additional beds to date in 2023 with proposed of 72 in total for 2023 and 56 additional beds for Quarter 1 2024. Tusla have indicated that despite the increase in beds available the demand for special emergency accommodation will continue.
122. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the current vacancies in the CDNT in Mayo; to outline the impact this is having on service delivery; to outline how this matter can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55646/23]
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. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
123. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way he is supporting youth clubs and youth services nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55806/23]
View answerMy Department is making a significant investment in youth services in 2024, building on the increases in recent years and securing the achievements into the future.
The full package of current funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is €77.95 million, an increase of €5 million, or 6.8%, on the 2023 budget.
€74.45m is being provided for youth services funded under the existing funding schemes. In addition, €1 million is being provided to establish a new Youth Employability Scheme which aims to help young people to participate in the workforce, education, or training.
€2.5 million is being provided to support the expansion of universal youth services, which are provided by volunteer led youth organisations around the country. This funding will enable more groups to support young people and will create more places in youth groups.
From 2020 to Budget 2024, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall.
My Department provides funding to all 16 Education and Training Boards to support youth services in their area. Youth Officers are supported to provide an important function for my Department in the co-ordination and administration of youth services at local level. My officials hold quarterly meetings with representatives of the ETBs. These meetings assist my Department in identifying service needs and emerging issues, particularly for vulnerable young people.
I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.
