Written Answers Nos. 113-132
113. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1155 of 17 January 2024, if he will advise on fencing with regard to traditionally unfenced uplands; if it is also not necessary to fence those areas under payment scheme guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4345/24]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions of the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based schemes specifically covers the situation where there are no fences or physical boundaries present for reference parcels, as can be found in areas traditionally unfenced, such as uplands. "In circumstances where there is no clearly visible physical boundary on the imagery but where a boundary exists on the ground, then other reference sources can be provided by applicants to validate their requests, for example folio maps.
This typically will arise in cases of unenclosed lands, particularly commonages, but also callow type land." Therefore, from a scheme compliance perspective the absence of fencing on lands, where traditionally none has existed, is not deemed a compliance issue nor are there are scheme consequences where livestock subsequently leave the applicants lands due to the lack of fencing once the reference parcel boundary corresponds to a folio boundary or an administrative boundary.
114. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he intends to publicise the departmental public consultation on electric shock collars; what steps he intends to take following receipt of all submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4385/24]
View answerThe public consultation process in relation to the use of remotely controlled electronic shock collars on dogs and cats has been publicised by my Department. Numerous stakeholder groups have been contacted directly by email. This has been accompanied by an information note and contact details on my Department's website inviting direct engagement from the public. Officials in my Department have engaged with a number of queries from national print and broadcast media, resulting in several stories on this consultation being run in the national print and broadcast media.
My Department also issued a press release, relaying details of the consultation process and inviting submissions. This week my Department is placing an advertisement inviting submissions in the national print media. My Department is accepting submissions in relation to the consultation until the 16th of February 2024. Officials within my Department will then review all the submissions received. These submissions will then inform further consideration of this question, including discussions with the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare.
115. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the progress made in afforestation efforts, particularly in relation to the targets set for 2024; what measures are being implemented to ensure sustainable forestry practices in these operations; how these trends align with the national forestry management strategies and environmental conservation efforts; the impact of the ash dieback scheme and the native tree scheme on biodiversity and forest health in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4396/24]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2023-2027 aims to expand the national forest estate, encompassing both public and private lands, in a manner that will provide lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, water quality, wood production, economic development, employment, and the overall quality of life. It is the most environmentally-friendly programme to date, and encompasses measures which promote sustainable forest management.
The new Afforestation Scheme under the Programme offers land owners a choice of 12 Forest Types, and attractive premiums and grants, with 20 year premiums available to farmers. My Department has the capacity to issue 1,000 new afforestation licences in 2024, under our Forestry Licencing Plan, to facilitate increased planting. This will of course be dependent on uptake and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to encourage a substantial increase in afforestation applications and to remind those with active licences to plant trees. It is worth noting that we have approved 1,599 hectares of afforestation since the new Scheme opened in September, 2023.
In terms of roads applications, my Department issued 8 road licences in January 2023 and 67 in January 2024. As regards felling licences, there are two types, thinning licences and felling licences. In January 2023 my Department issued 45 thinning licences and 205 clearfell licences. This compares to 18 thinning licences and 183 clearfell licences in 2024. All such licences are assessed so that they fully comply with environmental requirements and furthermore my Department has published guidance on tree felling and crop management here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/19b8d-tree-felling-licences/
The Native Tree Area Scheme supports small scale planting of native trees which enhance biodiversity and contribute to diversity in the forest estate and in consequence will impact positively on overall forest health. Support will take the form of an establishment grant and annual premium payments over a ten year period totalling €22,060 per hectare for NTA 1 and €22,840 per hectare for NTA 2. Applicants can have approval in a matter of weeks and to date there are 62 decisions issued.
I am keenly aware of the impact of Ash Dieback which is why a detailed Ash dieback action plan is being prepared by my colleague Minister of State Pippa Hackett for submission to Cabinet for approval in the very near future. This will outline comprehensive actions by my Department to deal with the issue of ash dieback. Detailed deliberations are taking place to ensure an efficient, appropriate and proportionate response and to ensure that biodiversity is maintained on these sites.
I remain committed to working closely with the forestry sector, to support landowners to plant and manage their forests in a manner that will provide lasting climate, biodiversity, wood production, employment and wider societal benefits.
116. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will have the IT system in place to pay those persons who are part of a partnership arrangement (details supplied) who have applied under the ACRES scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4433/24]
View answerThe persons named were approved into Tranche 1 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2023.I can confirm that the ACRES claim for the persons named is progressing through the necessary validation checks. This claim is one of a batch of partnership claims that have not issued and officials are working actively to facilitate payment as soon as possible.
117. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4437/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Liming Programme was launched in March 2023 to incentivise the use of ground limestone, a natural soil conditioner which corrects soil acidity, makes nutrients more available for plant uptake, and improves overall soil health.
The Terms and Conditions for the Programme state "To qualify for support under the Programme ground limestone must be purchased directly from a quarry licenced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine".
On the 6th of October 2023 the named individual was notified by email that he was ineligible for aid under the Programme as the claim submitted didn't comply with this Condition. This position was further confirmed by email to the named individual on the 15th of November in response to a query raised by him.
On the 28th of November 2023 the named individual submitted a formal appeal. This was considered by the Department and the decision regarding that appeal issued to the named individual on the 26th of January 2024.
118. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will create a centralised database for dog microchips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4588/24]
View answerMy Department is responsible for S.I. No 63/2015, the Microchipping of Dogs Regulation 2015 and S.I. 427/2015 - Microchipping of Dogs (Amendment) Regulations 2015. Under these Regulations, all dogs over 12 weeks of age (or younger if sold before 12 weeks) must be microchipped.
It is illegal to sell/supply a dog that is not microchipped. The microchip number must be registered; this helps to ensure the traceability of a dog that strays and improves the chance of return to owner if a dog is stolen.
The question of a centralised database for dog microchips remains under consideration by my Department. A recently announced proposed regulation at EU level to improve the traceability of dogs and cats includes a proposal for each member state to establish a national microchip database for dogs and cats inter-operable with similar databases in other Member States. These proposals are currently being assessed and considered.
Under the current system, there are four microchip databases in Ireland, run by private operators. These companies are authorised by my Department to register owner details for dog microchips.
As specified in the Regulation, the database operators must provide details of microchips they hold to Europetnet, an umbrella group of associations across Europe which register owner information in relation to uniquely identified dogs.
When a chip number registered to one of the four authorised databases in Ireland is entered into the publicly accessible search tool, Europetnet will state which affiliated database the chip is registered to. This enables follow-up with the relevant database.
119. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what engagement his Department has had with Scottish authorities on matters of biosecurity with specific reference to the bark beetle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4628/24]
View answer123. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has given consideration to a request from an organisation (details supplied) to temporarily suspend the importation of timber into Ireland while simultaneously setting up a taskforce and a National Forestry Strategy in his Department to oversee and investigate the biosecurity failings that allowed bark beetle to enter County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4633/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 123 together.
Under my Department’s Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2020-2025 my Department is committed to the establishment of a Forest Health Stakeholders’ Engagement Group which will provide the mechanism for direct stakeholder engagement with my Department on forest health issues including bark-beetles. It is important that forest owner groups, including the IFA, are active members of this group.
My Department cannot unilaterally suspend imports from the Scottish Pest Free Area.
It is currently prohibited to import conifer roundwood into Ireland from areas known to be affected by quarantine bark beetle species. The only area internationally from which imports into Ireland of coniferous roundwood with bark is permitted is a specific UK Government authority assigned ‘Pest Free Area’ (PFA) in the West of Scotland.
As long as the Scottish authorities are in position to continue to demonstrate the area from which logs are being sourced is free from the regulated bark beetles Ireland is bound to recognise this area freedom under the phytosanitary trading rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures.
Therefore, my Department will continue to engage directly with Scottish forestry authorities, Northern Ireland and the European Commission to ensure that the pest free status of the island of Ireland is maintained.
120. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about the issue of ash dieback in respect of roadside recovery and felling, who is responsible for clearing ash dieback effects from the roadside; what role his Department has in this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4629/24]
View answer121. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will engage with local authorities on the recovery of ash dieback from the roadside; if he has a role in requesting a local authority to remove ash dieback related debris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4630/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
I am aware that as ash dieback disease progresses nationally and within individual ash plantations, the potential health and safety risks associated with forest plantations, roadside and parkland ash trees will become an issue of increasing importance for landowners, workers and visitors.
My Department does not have responsibility for the removal of roadside trees or for private homeowners living in the countryside with ash trees in their rural gardens. As with any other health and safety matter, site-specific issues together with any measures, including any risk assessments required, are in the first instance the responsibility of the individual landowner.
In relation to roadside trees, my colleague, Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport has previously stated that Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. He further stated that this responsibility includes the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of any such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question. It is thus advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal of dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority. Trees outside of a forest may, subject to certain conditions, be felled without a felling licence, where it is dangerous to persons using the public road on account of its age or condition.
However, my Department, last year, published guidance on the subject of roadside trees - “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”. This publication provides information on how to identify trees that have ash dieback and outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work. It also gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees.
My Department produced this publication in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and can be found on my Departments website at: gov.ie - A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees (www.gov.ie)
122. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he will ensure biosecurity measures at Irish points of entry are increased as a preventative step; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4631/24]
View answerMy Department has resources in place at Border Control Posts to carry out plant health checks. All regulated third country wood products are subject to inspection at the point of entry into Ireland and the EU. Prior to Brexit there were no border controls for UK imports. In relation to roundwood log imports in 2024, all consignments will receive a documentary, identity and physical check.
All wood packaging material – wooden pallets, crates, boxes, dunnage etc. associated with imports into the EU, including Ireland must be treated and marked in accordance with the international standard ISPM No.15 for Regulation of Wood Packaging in International Trade.
124. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine about the significant lack of confidence from farmers in respect of the delays with the forestry programme and the need for the urgent establishment of a national forestry strategy taskforce to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4634/24]
View answerFollowing on from State Aid approval from the European Commission, the Government adopted the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 on 6 September 2023. This was a significant milestone for forestry that will allow for the expansion, protection and development of Ireland’s forests and forestry sector.
I was conscious of the delay in the launch and therefore to bridge the gap between the new and old programmes, my Department introduced an Interim Afforestation Scheme, an Interim Forest Road Scheme and an interim Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme via General De Minimis.
This ensured that those with valid afforestation licences issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed under the new Programme. Likewise, those with valid road licences and approvals under the Ash Dieback Scheme at the end of 2022 could avail of the higher grants and enhanced payment rates as proposed under the new Programme.
To date, significant improvements have been made in the licensing system. My Department will continue to build on these efficiencies into the future and is ready to issue sufficient afforestation licences to meet the annual planting target of 8,000 hectares, as set out within the Climate Action Plan. However, in order to achieve this it will be necessary to engage with all farmers, highlighting the complementary nature of forestry to farming and building confidence in the options for forestry available to them.
The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry. This can be seen in our increased premia rates for Afforestation. These increases range from between 46% to 66% , along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers across most Forest Types.
My Department has also launched the new Native Tree Area Scheme recently, which builds on an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is our objective to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting, and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.
As part of the Forest Strategy Implementation plan, my colleague, Minister of State Hackett, is establishing a Forestry Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC). The purpose of the FSCC is to:
• Act as a consultative group to make contributions to the development and implementation of the Forest Strategy in Ireland.
• Receive updates on the implementation of objectives and deliverables for the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
• Represent views and contributions from a broad selection of stakeholders nominated by Minister of State Hackett.
• Provide feedback and help to orientate the communications and stakeholder engagement work of the DAFM Implementation team.
Minister of State Hackett has written to relevant stakeholders asking them to nominate a member to represent their organisation on the Committee. Responses have been received and invitations will issue in the coming weeks. On-going stakeholder engagement is essential to ensure a successful outcome for the Forest Strategy implementation Plan and the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.
125. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of modular homes that have been built for Ukrainian accommodation; the provider of such homes; the planning requirements relating to these homes; the reason why modular homes are being used for Ukrainian accommodation but are not being permitted for homeless citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4434/24]
View answerAs part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the government has developed a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation up to 2,800 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection at several sites across Ireland. While these rapid build units will initially be used to temporarily house people fleeing Ukraine, they have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
Questions regarding the extension of the use of Rapid Build homes for other uses should be directed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.
OPW are leading on the development of the programme in conjunction with my Department. OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select one contractor to carry out site enabling works, and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of rapid build units. John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Limited was appointed as the Main Contractor through this process. In addition OPW established a standard for rapid build manufacture, following which potential contractors bid to be placed on a framework to manufacture the rapid build homes. The framework was subsequently established of five suppliers with the capacity to produce the homes to the required standard.
Work has been completed on the first seven sites at; Mahon in Cork, Farnham Road in Cavan, Doorly Park in Sligo, Thurles in Tipperary, Claremorris in Mayo, Clonminch in Offaly and Rathdowney in Laois. These sites comprise of 310 rapid build homes and are accommodating approximately 1240 individuals. The final stage of the programme will be delivered in 2024.The emphasis in this programme is on delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments and this has been a priority.Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build units will be energy efficient and durable, and the sites will be developed in a way that enhances the local area.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an assessment of need can be urgently facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4341/24]
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.
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 through the auspices of the WRC in an effort to resolve the dispute but a resolution has not been reached as of yet.
127. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is happy with the current standard of childcare in Ireland; if he believes we are doing enough to ensure the protection of children, given that in 2021 a newborn baby was allowed to stay in the care of two heroin addict parents, the baby did not survive past seven weeks and nobody was held accountable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4372/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising what is clearly an extremely tragic situation. I have requested my officials to make direct contact with the Deputy's office to seek further information which will allow them query this specific tragic case.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, are responsible for the assessment and child safeguarding response for children referred to them under the provisions of Children First and the Children First Act 2015. This includes any concern about a child that reaches the threshold of “reasonable grounds for concern” or harm as defined by the Children First Act.
Where harm has been identified Tusla will seek to engage the family in a participative safety planning process, a process where they work collaboratively with the child and family toward the achievement of safety goals. Where the threshold of significant harm has been reached a child protection case conference may be convened which will consider all matters including potential care order applications. Where there is an immediate risk to the child's safety Tusla will apply to the District Court for an Emergency care order. Where children are likely to experience significant harm, specific child protection safety plans are put in place. All safety plans are monitored over time to promote the best interests of children to remain at home safely. Where the threshold of harm is not reached Tusla offers a range of local voluntary, and community supports to assist families with difficulties they may be experiencing.
As Minister for Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, I am not in a position to intervene in individual cases as Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is required by law to be independent in its work as set out in Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.
128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if in relation to the provision of accommodation for those seeking international protection, he will take steps to ensure that training for new accommodation providers is not only provided but rigorously applied and tested as much as possible; is he aware that while experienced accommodation providers know the supports and services that are available, there are reports that new providers do not and will he acknowledge that these gaps must be addressed by ensuring appropriate training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4465/24]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has a dedicated Training Unit that develops training sessions in line with general IPAS Policies and Procedures. The IPAS Training Unit conducts overview sessions with new and existing accommodation providers on a weekly basis. The overview sessions include, but are not limited to:
• House Rules and Procedures
• Vulnerability assessments.
• Critical Incidents
• Suicide Awareness
• Child Protection and Welfare
• GDPR
These overview sessions allow providers to ask questions or seek advice from the IPAS staff.
IPAS works in collaboration with other Government Agencies, such as the HSE, Tusla, NGOs and other approved service providers.
The IPAS Training Unit continually engages with accommodation providers in relation to their specific training needs.
IPAS also provides specific briefings on the IPAS Child Protection Policy and Practice Guide to staff at accommodation centres. All staff in accommodation centres where children and families are accommodated are required to complete the Tusla online Children First eLearning course, and to obtain a certificate of completion for the course.
129. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that at IPAS accommodation in Inchicore, food vouchers for Tesco are distributed but that there is only a Tesco Express in that area which is limited and expensive; if he will direct the changing of food vouchers to another supplier as the accommodation provider is happy to do so upon his instruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/24]
View answerProviders of International Protection (IP) accommodation who operate a self-catering model, as with Inchicore Suites, have two options for food provision; vouchers or top-up card.
The voucher system is arranged by the provider with a shop in the area whereby residents receive a voucher for the relevant number of points (e.g. 62 points/€62 for a single adult) at that shop for the purchase of food. Points are limited based on the cohort and unused points should be able to be carried from week-to-week by residents.
Top-up cards are arranged with any number of card service providers for residents to spend at a shop of their choosing which accepts card payments, again to the same point values. The same rules apply as with vouchers.
The Tesco in question is the nearest shop to the centre being roughly a 2 minute walk away and is also the largest shop in the immediate area, however the provider could transition to a card based system to provide access to a greater number of shopping locations.
There will need to be some time allowed for this course of action to allow for the necessary administration to be put in place for the card system. Alternatively the provider could be requested to change voucher system to another shop deemed suitable by the Department.
130. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide all Members of Dáil Éireann with the contract that is provided to new IPAS accommodation providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/24]
View answerContractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) are commercially sensitive.
The health and wellbeing of all residents in IPAS centres is of the highest priorit.
All of the Department’s international protection accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. Accommodation centres that offer catered options provide three meals per day, however they must also have a range of snacks available including fresh fruit and drinks.
In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in IPAS and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In IPAS accommodation centres that provide for self-catering, a food hall is available to provide food and other household and hygiene products free of charge through a points based system. The foods available to residents in such centres generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods. Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. There is also a contractual obligation for the service provider in these centres to consult with residents on the foods and other items made available.
When new accommodation centres are contracted by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) through a Request for Tender (RFT) process, there are strict requirements in the form of supports and services that must be provided for children, if accommodated at the centre.
Supports and services for children are required to ensure that they are safe from harm, active and healthy and achieving their full potential in their development. This includes (but is not limited to) education-related supports including access to a quiet space for homework/study, sporting and recreational activities and age-appropriate toys and equipment.
Access to a range of adequate and accessible play, sports and recreational facilities, both indoor and outdoor, within the locale must be provided or facilitated to meet the needs of children or young people.
Children under school-going age must have access to a crèche/ pre-school within walking distance.
Children First training is provided to all staff in IPAS accommodation centres and the training is provided by IPAS.
The staffing service must include provision for:
• Identifying and linking young people and families with the appropriate community supports;
• Supporting young persons to identify their interests and to support parents with parenting.
A member of the centre's management team must be designated as a Child and Youth Support Officer assigned particular responsibility for providing age-appropriate services and supports for children and young people.
The Child and Youth Support Officer must be fully trained in Child Safeguarding and Children First procedures as required under legislation and have appropriate experience and training in working with children and young people. They also must hold at minimum a QQI Level 6 qualification in social care or equivalent.
Within the accommodation centre, information including notices about online safety must be available to children, young people and parents.
In terms of Emergency accommodation centres, the following services and supports are included in the contract for providers:
• Garda Vetting is a requirement for any staff who undertake work, which a necessary and regular part of consists of having access to, or contact with, children;
• The accommodation provider must comply with and implement the provisions of the Children’s First Act 2015, in particular the requirement to have a Child Safeguarding Statement and acceptance of the requirement for accommodation managers and/or designated liaison persons to be "mandated reporting persons" within the meaning of the Act;
• A suitable private area must be available for the use of the international protection applicant, IPAS and the agencies providing services to applicants such as HSE, Department of Social Protection and Tusla Education Support Services; and
• The accommodation provider is required to make suitable arrangements for transport as required including to and from schools.
131. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of education welfare officers across the State, broken down by local area office, for 2022 and 2023. [4478/24]
View answerStatutory 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.
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacancies for education welfare officers across the State, broken down by local area office. [4479/24]
View answerStatutory 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.
