Written Answers Nos. 493-507
493. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the recent funding challenges faced by WALK’s residential services and what steps are being taken to ensure the continuity of quality care for vulnerable individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7690/24]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
WALK, provides day services to over 230 adults with an intellectual disability and is also an important provider of residential services in Dublin 12 for 27 people with disabilities or mental health issues. I acknowledge the good work being done by WALK for service users and their families
WALK is funded under Section 39 of the Health The organisation’s service agreement is with the HSE, and it is the HSE which has operational responsibility for oversight of delivery of services in accordance with the service agreement.
In 2023 WALK was in receipt of over €8m in funding from the HSE. I understand that funding is one of a number of issues that is under active consideration by the HSE with the organisation. In 2023 WALK was in receipt of over €8m in funding from the HSE.
I am informed by the HSE that an amount of funding was withheld from WALK in 2023, due to service users being transferred to nursing home placements or in acute hospital due to a decline in health.
2023 has seen work done by the HSE with WALK. Early in the year the HSE commissioned a Service User Review of the organisation’s services, with a focus on funding and its utilisation. The draft report has been shared with the organisation’s CEO.
I am informed that there is ongoing engagement between the HSE and WALK. A meeting took place between the WALK CEO, the HSE Head of Disability Services, and their management teams earlier this month.
The management teams have agreed to work together to progress a programme of work under the following themes:
- funding,
- residential placements,
- the governance and staffing structures of the organisation,
- risk assessment and safeguarding issues,
- and clinical input.
The HSE and WALK will consider these areas to agree a Service Improvement Plan to work together to address matters raised.
It is important that the engagement that is currently underway is supported, that the parties are given space to address concerns, and that the engagement continues.
My department and the HSE are committed to ensuring that appropriate funding is available to give stability to voluntary organisations that provide essential services for people with disabilities, such as WALK.
Funding of almost €2.9 billion for Disability services has been allocated for 2024, providing the basis to continue to improve access to enhanced disability services throughout the country.
The overall increase in recent years from €1.7 billion at the close of 2017 to close to €2.9 billion in 2024, reflects the Programme for Government commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, signalling to those with a disability that this Government is serious about making a difference.
494. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children availing of the national childcare subsidy in 2022 and 2023, and the total cost in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/24]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help parents meet the cost of childcare. It is available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla registered childcare service, including any Tusla registered childminder. The success of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in meeting families needs is evidenced through the increased level of participation in the Scheme. In 2023, a total of 181,786 unique children benefitted from a successful NCS claim - a 47% increase on the previous year.
A further breakdown, including the total value of claims, is detailed in tabular form below.
|
Year |
No. unique children with a successful claim |
Total value of successful claims |
|
2022 |
123,439 |
€191,090,147.83 |
|
2023 |
181,786 |
€340,550,528.88 |
495. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current positions within the Monaghan CDNT that are currently unfilled either due to vacancy or leave; the length of time in each instance that the post has been unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/24]
View answer496. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current status of the position of manager at Monaghan CDNT; if the current manager, temporary or otherwise, has the full authority to make decisions relating to the care and treatment of children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/24]
View answer497. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in County Monaghan currently receiving OT services through the CDNT; the number therein who require additional hours; the number therein who receive this service through an outsourced or private body; his proposals to increase the level of OT services provided in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7747/24]
View answer498. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether those families who are forced to source services such as OT due to lack of availability within the CDNTs will have their costs recouped by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7748/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 495 to 498, inclusive, together.
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 likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
499. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an application has been received from an organisation (details supplied) for funding that would allow this service to provide day respite to children on Saturdays and Sundays in the modern, purpose-built facilities that are available; the status of such an application; when the funding will be allocated for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/24]
View answer500. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a business case developed by an organisation (details supplied) that would enable it to provide overnight respite services; if he will ensure that the necessary funding is provided to bring this proposal to fruition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 500 together.
As these questions refer to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended.
The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
501. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a business case developed by an organisation (details supplied) that would enable it to provide additional residential places in this north Monaghan community; if he will ensure the necessary funding is provided to bring this proposal to fruition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/24]
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 likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs.
502. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children's disability services regional assessment hubs that have been established as of 13 February 2024 in both the CHO 7 and 9 areas. [7837/24]
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 likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
503. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that, to date, three crèches have withdrawn from core funding due to the funding not covering operational costs in an area (details supplied), resulting in fees increasing by up to 28%; if he will increase the core funding or provide top-ups for crèche operators experiencing difficulties; the other measures he is taking to support crèche operators experiencing financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7920/24]
View answerMy Department received reports on withdrawn services on the 15th February from the scheme administrator, and as of this date my Department is not aware of any services withdrawing from Core Funding in the Dublin South West constituency to increase their fees.
Investment in early learning and childcare is at unprecedented levels with public funding exceeding €1.1 billion in 2023 for early learning and childcare – a clear demonstration from Government of the value of the sector.
The overwhelming majority of this funding is allocated through Together for Better, the new funding model, which comprises the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE programme), including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), and Core Funding, with a fourth programme, the Equal Participation Model in development.
One of the key objectives of Core Funding is to support the sector as a whole with the introduction of direct supply-side funding, in addition to the ECCE programme and the NCS, to create a more stable and sustainable financial environment.
Core Funding in Year 1 – with an overall allocation of €259 million contributed to services’ sustainability and significantly increased income for the overwhelming majority of services while providing greater funding stability.
For Year 2 of Core Funding, the budget has increased by 11% to reach €287 million, providing a sustainable platform for investment with increases for all services.
The additional funding for Core Funding Year 2 is being allocated as follows:
• €8.47 million towards funding the natural growth of the sector,
• €6.11 million towards non-staff overheads, to support services with increases to non-staff costs, while maintaining the fee management system,
• €2.2 million towards administrative staff time,
• €4 million towards the removal the year 3 requirement for the Graduates Premiums, underpinned by EROs, and
• €7.22 million for new targeted measures which are aimed at improving the sustainability of smaller and sessional services. These include a flat rate allocation of €4,075 for all sessional-only services, which will benefit approximately 1,700 services delivering ECCE, and a minimum base rate allocation of €8,150, which will benefit small, part time and school-age services.
Budget 2024 allocated an additional €37.4m to Core Funding. This increase on the 2023 allocation will support continued implementation of the scheme for the second programme year (September 2023 to August 2024) and into the third programme year from September 2024.
With additional funding of €14.65m being made available from September 2024, this translates into a full year allocation of €331m for year 3 of Core Funding, an increase of €44m, or 15%, on the current allocation of €287m.
This will support the delivery of a range of enhancements in Year 3 of the scheme to support improved affordability and accessibility for families, improved pay and conditions for the workforce and improved sustainability for providers.
While my Department cannot mandate providers to participate in schemes, every effort has been made to carefully design the schemes to meet the policy objectives, including achieving high levels of participation by ensuring that the schemes are attractive to providers.
The Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement lays out the key conditions of the scheme. The Funding Agreement states that Partner Services must provide 3 months’ notice before terminating the funding agreement. The exact clause of the Funding Agreement states the following: "Except as provided by the provisions of sub-clause 9.2, this Agreement may be terminated by either party by serving 3 months’ written notice to the other party."
It is a matter for providers to decide whether they wish to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme, the significant financial supports it provides to providers and the certainty it provides to parents through the associated fee freeze.
Special supports are available from my Department where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability, accessed through local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC). This support can take the form of assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, financial support for partner services, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
I would encourage any service experiencing financial difficulty and who would like support to contact their City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) to access case management supports.
Additionally, I would encourage any parent with concerns or questions about fees to contact their local CCC for support and guidance. Contact details for the CCCs can be found at: myccc.ie/
504. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many crèches have withdrawn from the core funding scheme nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7921/24]
View answerInvestment in early learning and childcare is at unprecedented levels with public funding for the first time reaching more than €1 billion in 2023 for early learning and childcare – a clear demonstration from Government of the value of the sector.
Core Funding is in operation since 15 September 2022 and has achieved very significant success in terms of the high levels of participation. With 95% participation in year 1 and to date, 94% or over 4,300 providers have signed up for Core Funding Year 2, with applications still open. There are officially more services contracted for Core Funding year 2 than there were at the peak of Core Funding year 1.
Participation in Core Funding is optional but it remains open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding.
Core Funding has increased by 11% to reach €287 million for year 2 of the scheme, providing a sustainable platform for investment with increases for all services.
Budget 2024 allocated an additional €37.4m to Core Funding. This increase on the 2023 allocation will support continued implementation of the scheme for the second programme year (September 2023 to August 2024) and into the third programme year from September 2024.
In Core Funding Programme Year 1, ONE Service, crèche(s) has withdrawn from the core funding scheme nationwide.
In Core Funding Programme Year 2, THREE Services, crèches have withdrawn from the core funding scheme nationwide.
The above figures account for services who had an active contract during the relevant programme call (i.e. between 14th September 2022 – 31st August 2023 for year 1, 1st September 2023 – present for year 2) and have an application status of withdrawn – meaning they withdrew from the scheme and remained open.
It is a matter for providers to decide whether they wish to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme, the significant financial supports it provides to providers and the certainty it provides to parents through the associated fee freeze.”
However, I am confident that given the level of investment and associated supports, services should not need to take this step.
There is extensive engagement with provider representatives and providers of all types, via various specific consultation activities and through various fora, including through the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum.
In addition, special supports are available from my Department where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability, accessed through local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC). This support can take the form of assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, financial support for Partner Services, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
I strongly encourage services to avail of these case management supports as an alternative to withdrawing from Core Funding.
505. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if home care or respite can be made available in the case of a family (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7927/24]
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 likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Fórsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
506. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an underage exemption can be approved for persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7929/24]
View answerThank you deputy for your correspondence in relation to the ECCE programme.
Exemptions to the upper age limit in the ECCE programme are only granted in a very limited number of circumstances and an exemption has already been granted for the named children for the current programme year. There is no provision for granting a second overage exemption.
In deciding on applications for exemptions to the ECCE age requirements, my Department is guided by a review of the over-age exemption process which was carried out in 2018 by the National Disability Authority (NDA) for my Department and the Department of Education.
In their published report, the NDA concluded that it is in the best interest of children with additional needs to transition to primary school with their age cohort.
Supports are available for school aged children through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), affiliated to the Department of Education, to support children in the primary school setting. I would urge the named children’s parents to contact their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for further assistance at NCSE.
507. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when grants will be available for childcare providers to extend their premises; the details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7934/24]
View answer€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.
Some €45 million has been set aside for early learning and childcare capital projects over 2024 and 2025. On 7th December last, I announced details of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant scheme, to be operated over 2024 and 2025, which is aimed at addressing capacity gaps by expanding existing provision through internal renovations and extensions where most needed. Funding will be split into two strands.
The Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme is due to open for applications in the coming weeks. The scheme will provide grants for the renovation or reconfiguration of existing Early Learning and Care facilities. Applicant Guidelines will be provided this month, outlining the rules and requirements of the scheme along with the eligibility criteria and a further Press Release will issue announcing the opening of the application process.
Further details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme will be announced later this year. This strand will provide grants for larger scale extension projects.
In the case of both the Expansion Grant Scheme and the Extension Grant Scheme, priority will be given to the extension of full-time and part-time places within the 1 - 3-year-old (pre-ECCE) age groups, within areas of identified undersupply. Both schemes will be open to early learning and childcare services that are Tusla registered and are in contract with Core Funding, at the time of application.
