Wednesday, 17 Jan 2024

Written Answers Nos. 1341-1360

International Protection

Questions (1341)

John Brady

Question:

1341. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unannounced inspections of emergency and permanent IPAS centres providing accommodation to international protection applicants, either by IPAS officials or an independent inspectorate company carried out in 2022 and to date in 2023; the names of the centres which were subject to these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56727/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I thank the Deputy for his question. The information requested is being collated and a response will be provided to the Deputy in the coming days.

Departmental Data

Questions (1342)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1342. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a schedule of the data sets he provides to the Department of Education on an annual basis; and if he will clarify if the data he provides is aggregated or whether it is individual records. [56731/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department shares personal data with the Department of Education in a number of situations.

Since the introduction of the GDPR, it is the policy of my Department that in instances of sharing personal data that appropriate governance arrangements are in place including data sharing agreements.

The personal data sets shared by my Department with the Department of Education are varied in nature depending on the purpose of the data sharing. In accordance with GDPR, personal data is only shared by my Department where there is an appropriate legal basis to do so. Sharing of personal data takes place in accordance with the GDPR principles including purpose limitation, data minimisation and the integrity and confidentiality principles.

A schedule of the data sets shared by my Department with the Department of Education is being collated and will be provided to the Deputy.

Disability Services

Questions (1343)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

1343. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of residential places for people with a disability currently being provided as of 1 December 2023 or latest date available, by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56746/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Due to the Forsa industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October 2023 by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, my Department is providing data from September 2023, the latest available data on the number of residential places for people with a disability.

Residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, 58% of the total budget, and approximately 90 service providers provide residential services to over 8,000 individuals throughout the country. The bulk of these are provided by the 50 highest funded agencies (comprising both Section 38 & Section 39 organisations).

It is important to note that residential capacity in the system can be reduced. When residents of congregated settings sadly pass away, their places are not ordinarily re-utilised. This is in keeping with Government policy which is to move away from institutionalised settings (i.e. Time to Move On from Congregate Settings).

I am informed by the HSE that by the end of September 2023, there were 8355 residential places for people with a disability.

The table below shows the number of residential places available at end of September, broken down by CHO Area. This is the latest data available. 

CHO Area		Residential Places Available September, 2023
CHO 1		694
CHO 2		874
CHO 3		798
CHO 4		1,130
CHO 5		914
CHO 6		552
CHO 7		1,188
CHO 8		945
CHO 9		1,260
Total		8,355

Priority 1 (Emergency) Placements

The table below shows the number of new priority 1 residential placements provided to end of September 2023, broken down by CHO Area.

CHO Area	New Emergency Residential Placements end September 2023
1	6
2	11
3	14
4	13
5	6
6	8
7	17
8	19
9	9
Total	103

In accordance with the NSP 2024, the HSE continues to prioritise residential services include planned and where needed, emergency placements and care. Funding has been allocated to provide a range of residential supports including as follows:

• Provision of circa 100 Priority 1 placements for immediate occupation.

• Increasing the occupancy of existing respite capacity where feasible and alternative respite provision, including in-home respite support hours and group-based targeted measures such as summer camps and evening provision.

• Continue the transition of people from institutional settings to community-based services in line with Time to Move on from Congregated Settings policy and the recommendations of Wasted Lives: Time for a better future for younger people in nursing homes, with a specific focus on continuing to support individuals to move into more appropriate community-based settings, within available funding.

I wish to inform the Deputy that should information become available to December 2023, the HSE will inform the Deputy directly.

Disability Services

Questions (1344)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

1344. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of new emergency places provided to people with a disability as of 1 December 2023 or latest date available, by CHO area, in tabular form. [56747/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Due to the Forsa industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October 2023 by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, my Department is providing data from September 2023, the latest available data on the number of residential places for people with a disability.

Residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, 58% of the total budget, and approximately 90 service providers provide residential services to over 8,000 individuals throughout the country. The bulk of these are provided by the 50 highest funded agencies (comprising both Section 38 & Section 39 organisations).

It is important to note that residential capacity in the system can be reduced. When residents of congregated settings sadly pass away, their places are not ordinarily re-utilised. This is in keeping with Government policy which is to move away from institutionalised settings (i.e. Time to Move On from Congregate Settings).

I am informed by the HSE that by the end of September 2023, there were 8355 residential places for people with a disability.

The table below shows the number of residential places available at end of September, broken down by CHO Area. This is the latest data available. 

CHO Area		Residential Places Available September, 2023
CHO 1		694
CHO 2		874
CHO 3		798
CHO 4		1,130
CHO 5		914
CHO 6		552
CHO 7		1,188
CHO 8		945
CHO 9		1,260
Total		8,355

 Priority 1 (Emergency) Placements

The table below shows the number of new priority 1 residential placements provided to end of September 2023, broken down by CHO Area.

CHO Area	New Emergency Residential Placements end September 2023
1	6
2	11
3	14
4	13
5	6
6	8
7	17
8	19
9	9
Total	103

In accordance with the NSP 2024, the HSE continues to prioritise residential services include planned and where needed, emergency placements and care. Funding has been allocated to provide a range of residential supports including as follows:

• Provision of circa 100 Priority 1 placements for immediate occupation.

• Increasing the occupancy of existing respite capacity where feasible and alternative respite provision, including in-home respite support hours and group-based targeted measures such as summer camps and evening provision.

• Continue the transition of people from institutional settings to community-based services in line with Time to Move on from Congregated Settings policy and the recommendations of Wasted Lives: Time for a better future for younger people in nursing homes, with a specific focus on continuing to support individuals to move into more appropriate community-based settings, within available funding.

I wish to inform the Deputy that should information become available to December 2023, the HSE will inform the Deputy directly.

Disability Services

Questions (1345)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

1345. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people with a disability in receipt of personal assistance hours in each LHO area as of 1 December 2023 or latest date available; the number of people currently on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting less than 6, between 6-12, 12-18 and more than 18 months, in tabular form. [56748/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As 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.

Disability Services

Questions (1346)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

1346. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people with a disability in receipt of home support hours in each LHO area as of 1 December 2023 or latest date available; the number of people currently on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting less than 6, between 6-12, and the number waiting less than 6, between 12-18, and more than 18 months, in tabular form. [56749/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As 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.

Pension Provisions

Questions (1347)

Emer Higgins

Question:

1347. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase the pension contributions or pay increases per child for foster carers who are unable to take up other employment due to their role as a foster carer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56761/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

It was a priority of mine to secure a meaningful increase to the foster care allowance in Budget 2024 in order to support the vital role being carried out by foster carers. The Foster Care Allowance rates are being increased on a phased basis. The first increase was payable from 1st January 2024, with a further increase to be payable from 1st November 2024.

As and from 1st January 2024, payments under the Foster Care Allowance Scheme were increased by €25 per week per child, from €325 to €350 for a child aged under 12, and from €352 to €377 for a child aged over 12.

As and from 1st November 2024, payments under the Scheme will further increase by €50 per week, from €350 to €400 for a child aged under 12, and by €48 per week, from €377 to €425 for a child over 12.

These increases mean that foster carers will receive over €1,700 additional funding per child over the course of 2024 and in 2025 foster carers will receive an additional €3,900 over the course of the year.

In respect of foster carers taking up paid employment outside the home, Tusla has advised that the assessment of any foster carer must consider the foster carer’s expected availability to meet and support the needs of a child who has come into care. I have been further advised that the assessment and approval process explores what type of care the prospective foster carer can best offer to a child depending on factors such as accommodation, the age of any children in their home, the foster carer’s availability and their experience. Tusla does consider working foster carers but the main consideration will be their availability to meet the child’s needs. For many children it will be necessary for one carer to be at home full-time.

Foster carers are not employees and accordingly Tusla does not make pension contributions on their behalf. The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the child in foster care. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax. The allowance is one element of the support provided by Tusla to foster carers when they provide a home and care to children who may have additional and sometimes significant vulnerabilities.

In respect of the issue of eligibility for the State Pension (contributory), I am aware that this is an area of concern for foster carers. I have highlighted this matter with the Minister for Social Protection and engagement between our two Departments on this issue is ongoing.

International Protection

Questions (1348)

Gary Gannon

Question:

1348. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of residents at a location (details supplied), broken down by gender, relationship status and the number who are children, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56777/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Ireland is now accommodating over 101,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes almost 75,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 26,000 IPAs currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.

The Government is committed to supporting all those seeking refuge in Ireland. The State has a legal obligation to assess the claims of those who seek International Protection, and in that time, to provide accommodation and supports in line with the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), to those that require it.

Two Gateway, East Wall is a mixed purpose centre and is accommodating single adults, couples and families with children.

As at 7th January, there are 479 people, including 71 children, residing in Two Gateway, East Wall.

Mother and Baby Homes

Questions (1349)

Peter Burke

Question:

1349. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on when applications for compensation for mother and baby homes in Tuam will be opened. [56795/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I take it the Deputy is referring to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. This will be the largest scheme of its type in the history of the State with an anticipated 34,000 people eligible for its benefits. Given its scale and significance the Scheme has been placed on a statutory footing and enabling legislation was signed into law last July.

A comprehensive body of work has been undertaken to develop the substantial administrative framework required to deliver a scheme of this size. This work includes:

• the making of the necessary regulations which must be in place prior to the Scheme opening;

• making arrangements for the staffing necessary to deliver the Scheme;

• Developing a comprehensive training programme for all staff involved in the Scheme;

• Developing hard copy and online application systems;

• Developing the case management IT infrastructure for the Scheme;

• Preparing for a substantive public awareness campaign to be delivered in Ireland and overseas. To this end, a recent stakeholder engagement process for the Payment Scheme has just concluded with representatives reviewing some of the application and information materials for the proposed scheme.

Opening the Scheme as soon as possible is an absolute priority for me and my Department and the Scheme will open in Q1 this year.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme is one element of a comprehensive package of support measures agreed by the Government as part of the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. Other important measures contained in the Action Plan response include access to birth information provided through the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022, the intervention at the site of the former Tuam Mother and Baby Institution and the establishment of a National Centre for Research and Remembrance on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (1350)

Mark Ward

Question:

1350. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of young people who have had reassessments for autism spectrum disorder in children's disability network teams, by year since 2020; the reason for reassessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56803/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As 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.

Disability Services

Questions (1351)

Colm Burke

Question:

1351. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update in respect of an application (details supplied); when a decision will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56812/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will be aware that due to the ongoing industrial action by FORSA administrative and management grade staff in the HSE (which commenced on 6 October, 2023), delays remain in receiving answers to parliamentary questions and ministerial representations. 

The HSE has been engaged with Forsa on the dispute through the auspices of the WRC and in that regard the WRC has invited the HSE and Forsa to a further hearing next Wednesday, 17 January, to seek to find a resolution to the dispute.

Mother and Baby Homes

Questions (1352)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1352. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of any engagement he has had with survivors’ groups since the announcement of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme; if his Department keeps a record of the number of former residents of mother and baby institutions, and in particular the number who have passed away since the announcement of the payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56813/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will be the largest scheme of its type in the history of the State with an anticipated 34,000 people eligible for its benefits. Given its scale and significance the Scheme has been placed on a statutory footing and enabling legislation was signed into law last July. A comprehensive body of work has been underway to develop the substantial administrative framework required to deliver a scheme of this size.

I am acutely aware of the urgency in opening the Scheme and I am very conscious that many potential applicants to the Scheme are elderly. In that regard I made provision in the underpinning legislation for the Scheme that priority may be given to an application depending on the applicant’s circumstances, including their age and their health.

In the legislation I also provided for the personal representative of a deceased eligible person to make applications for a financial payment where the person died on or after the date of An Taoiseach’s apology to survivors on 13th January 2021.

My Department and I communicate directly and regularly with some 1,200 survivors and representatives who have asked to join our mailing list and we operate a helpline to assist callers with queries. We also engage directly with representative groups both at home and abroad and will launch a public information campaign to publicise the Scheme when it opens. A recent stakeholder engagement process for the Payment Scheme has just concluded with representatives reviewing some of the application and information materials of the proposed Scheme.  Over and above these engagement processes and the Department's responsibility to hold the archive of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, it does not hold any other current record of all former residents of Mother and Baby Institutions. 

Disability Services

Questions (1353)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1353. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a child (details supplied) in County Donegal will recommence physiotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56819/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As 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.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (1354)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1354. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review correspondence (details supplied); his Department’s plans to help in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56830/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Providers that had an active Core Funding Contract during the 2022/2023 Programme Year must provide validated Financial Returns as per their Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. 

At my request, officials from my Department have engaged with the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF) on issues raised by providers on these financial reporting requirements under Core Funding.  

Following constructive engagement with members and nominees of the ELCSF, including 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, my officials have now finalised transitional arrangements for financial reporting to cover year 1 and year 2 of the scheme. 

Financial reporting requirements in this transitional phase have been significantly simplified and streamlined. Specifically, in this transitional phase, the financial reporting requirement is for an income and expenditure report based on a significantly reduced set of Core Funding Chart of Accounts nominal codes.  

The deadline for submission of returns for year 1 has also been extended to 22 March 2024. My Department will, in exceptional circumstances, accept a draft income and expenditure report by this deadline, however a validated income and expenditure report will be required before services contract for year 3 of Core Funding.  

The revised reporting template and a set of FAQ are currently available on the HIVE. My officials are also working on other supports for providers in preparing and submitting these returns, including training supports and targeted financial supports for those that may need it.  

My officials will continue to engage with members and nominees of the ELCSF on this and have committed to continued engagement on future development to the financial reporting requirement under Core Funding from year 3 of the scheme. 

Question No. 1355 answered with Question No. 1335.

Child and Family Agency

Questions (1356)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1356. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of separated or unaccompanied children who underwent an eligibility assessment for Tusla services to date in 2023; the number of those who were deemed ineligible for Tusla services; the number who underwent a second eligibility assessment; the number who were deemed eligible for Tusla services after a second assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56843/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Child and Family Agency

Questions (1357)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1357. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of separated or unaccompanied children who have an allocated social worker, broken down by age, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56844/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Statutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Disability Services

Questions (1358)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1358. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children with disabilities in each CHO requiring an emergency/crisis residence and package of supports known to the HSE currently. [56865/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As 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

Disability Services

Questions (1359)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1359. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of adults with disabilities in each CHO requiring an emergency/crisis residence and package of supports known to the HSE currently. [56866/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this is a service matter, 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 2023, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.

Disability Services

Questions (1360, 1361, 1362)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1360. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children with disabilities in each CHO who were offered and accepted a residence in 2023 outside the county in which their family resides. [56867/23]

Pauline Tully

Question:

1361. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children with disabilities in each CHO who were offered and accepted a residence from for-profit service providers in 2023 outside the county in which their family resides. [56868/23]

Pauline Tully

Question:

1362. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of adults with disabilities in each CHO who were offered and accepted a residence in 2023 outside the county in which their family resides. [56869/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1360, 1361 and 1362 together.

As this is a service matter, 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 2023, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.