Tuesday, 27 Feb 2024

Written Answers Nos. 428-447

Departmental Reports

Questions (428)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

428. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the interdepartmental committee that was established to examine the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality and the Special Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality compiled a report of the submissions received in the public consultation that closed on 19 May 2023; if so, if the report has been published; if not, his plans for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8814/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Two Referendums are planned to take place on 8 March 2024. In line with the McKenna and McCrystal principles on the use of public funds in a referendum, all papers in the relation to the work of the Interdepartmental Group are precluded from publication until after the referendum votes have taken place.

Two Referendum Bills have passed all Stages in the Houses of the Oireachtas which will, if enacted:

-  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 to insert a new Article 42B to recognise family care.

As the Bills have now been passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, it is the responsibility of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission, to 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 is also the function of the Electoral Commission to promote public awareness of referendums and to encourage people to vote.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (429)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

429. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the review of equality legislation; the timeline for the completion of the review; the expected timeline for when legislative proposals arising from the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

It is planned that legislative proposals arising from the Review of the Equality Acts will be brought forward in the coming months. 

The Review  is examining the operation of the Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under their redress mechanisms. It is also examining the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles which preclude or deter them from taking an action.

In July 2021, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth launched a public consultation process as part of the review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) to examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.

The Department invited written submissions to the public consultation from 6 July 2021 to 8 December 2021, and was pleased to receive an extensive response to the consultation. The public were asked for their views on the functioning and accessibility of the acts; the scope of the current grounds; whether existing exemptions should be modified or removed; and whether the legislation adequately addresses intersectionality. A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation was published on the 12 July 2023 and can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cafb4-minister-ogorman-publishes-report-on-the-submissions-to-the-public-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-equality-acts

Disability Services

Questions (430)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

430. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children with disabilities on waiting lists for overnight respite care within CHO7; and the number of those who currently receive respite care but who require additional nights. [8871/24]

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 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.

Disability Services

Questions (431)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

431. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the caseload and headcount of staff and children awaiting intervention at a centre (details supplied). [8872/24]

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 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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (432)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

432. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE social workers and dietitians attached to a centre (details supplied) in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [8873/24]

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 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.

Asylum Seekers

Questions (433)

Emer Higgins

Question:

433. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what efforts are being made to promote awareness of Irish legislation in reception centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8898/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

All individuals living in Ireland who hold citizenship of a country from outside the European Union can vote in local elections only. These individuals may vote in a local election regardless of the type of residence they hold, including if they are an International Protection (IP) applicant and have not had a decision on their application.

Following a request made to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth by the Electoral Commission (EC) on contact information for a number of categories of organisations including Anti-Racism organisations; Gender Equality organisations and Traveller and Roma organisations, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has provided the EC with information relating to International Protection Accommodation Centres.

International Protection

Questions (434)

John Brady

Question:

434. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the properties for which his Department currently has lease arrangements for the provision of direct provision and other accommodation for international protection applicants; if he will provide a corresponding list of the service providers in each of these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8907/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Please note that the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) does not hold lease agreements but instead has contracts or licence to use agreements.

The current classification of properties that are in operation across the IPAS system are as follows:

- 49 Permanent IPAS Accommodation Centres

- 218 Emergency Accommodation Centres

- The National Reception Centre

- The City West Transit Hub

- 3 Tented Accommodation Centres

In relation to service providers contracted by IPAS to provide accommodation services to International Protection (IP) applicants, the Department publishes reports on all payments over €20,000. These are published, once per quarter, on gov.ie.

(www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/#2022).

Due to both safety concerns and the Department's responsibility to protect the right to confidentiality of each international protection (IP) applicant, it is not possible to provide further breakdown or lists of locations. However, IPAS releases weekly statistics in relation to IP applicants. This includes a per county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing. These statistics are also published on gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/publication/07027-ipas-statistics/).

International Protection

Questions (435)

John Brady

Question:

435. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the properties for which his Department currently has lease arrangements for the provision of direct provision and other accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection; if he will provide a corresponding list of the service providers in each of these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8908/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Since the outset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Ireland has provided accommodation to over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This includes approximately 73,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine currently residing in State supported accommodation and approximately 27,500 International Protection applicants currently in IPAS accommodation. Prior to the war in Ukraine, there were 8,300 applicants for international protection in State supported accommodation.

My Department does not publicly detail the current locations of accommodation centres for BOTPs in the interest of the privacy and security of residents and providers.

A breakdown of service providers which have contractual arrangements with my Department at County level is provided below. I should point out to the Deputy that that these figures provide an overview at a point in time and is contingent on a number of factors that are subject to change including accommodation availability, providers in contract at any given time, configurations, transfers resulting from contracts ceasing.

Awaiting additional information from Department.

Direct Provision System

Questions (436)

Duncan Smith

Question:

436. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the short and medium-term plans for Mosney direct provision centre; if there are any plans to transfer residents to other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8914/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Mosney Accommodation Centre is currently in use by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth to accommodate people seeking International Protection.

Given the present high numbers of applicants seeking International Protection, the Department will continue to utilise Mosney Accommodation Centre in the short and medium term.

As you will be aware, despite tireless efforts of this Department, there is currently an accommodation shortfall for arriving International Protection (IP) applicants. This shortfall is currently in respect to single adult males but the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is now experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children.

IPAS is currently accommodating over 27,000 people in over 200 accommodation centres throughout Ireland. Of these people, approximately 6,000 have been granted International Protection or Leave to Remain.

Given this and Ireland's legal obligation to provide accommodation to IP applicants, those who have held Leave to Remain in Ireland for a considerable length of time may be transferred to alternative emergency accommodation settings. This policy is in place to help ensure accommodation in non-emergency settings is available to newly arrived persons seeking IP.

Under The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, IPAS continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.

IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.

Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently being offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation.  Currently singles or couples with Leave to Remain over 12 months and families with status over 2 years have been notified of the offer of emergency accommodation.

All those with Leave to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of PMVT/Depaul are available to them. In the past 12 months, over 2,000 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community.

Departmental Funding

Questions (437)

Alan Dillon

Question:

437. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding available for a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8919/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The club referred to by the Deputy is part of the National Federation of Arch Clubs, which is funded by Department under the Youth Service Grant Scheme (YSGS). The National Federation of Arch Clubs received €64,275 in YSGS funding in 2023, and this has increased by 5% to €67,488 in  2024.

In addition, my Department is providing total funding of €2.5 million in 2024 to the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) which supports local volunteer-led youth work activities.  These grants are administered through the 16 Education and Training Boards, and in 2023 supported 1,400 local youth clubs.

ETB will shortly issue details to youth organisations and clubs in their areas on the application process for this grant scheme.

Childcare Services

Questions (438)

Duncan Smith

Question:

438. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the delay in the inspection by HIQA and Tusla of a crèche (details supplied); if he will ensure the process is prioritised due to the current pressure on child care waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8925/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Tusla is the independent statutory regulator for the sector and is wholly responsible for the registration of all early learning and care and school age childcare services.  As this is a matter for the regulator, I cannot intervene in specific cases.

It is a legal requirement under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 for those proposing to open an early years service to submit an application for registration with Tusla at least three months before they intend to commence operation. This is to allow for sufficient time for the processing and approval of such applications in line with the relevant statutory requirements. The requirements and timelines for the processing of applications are clearly communicated to the sector by the Inspectorate.

It is the responsibility of the providers of early years services to ensure that the premises is ready for a Fit for Purpose inspection. In order for Tusla to assess whether the premises is safe and suitable for children, the prospective premises - including the indoor play area - must be furnished, stocked and ready for occupation by adults and children. This must include the provision of thermostatically controlled hot water and the rooms appropriately heated and ready for occupation. Registration of early years services can be granted only where Tusla is satisfied that the premises, operation and location of the service pose no unmanaged risk to children.

Tusla has informed my Department that they process applications as quickly as possible once the completed registration documentation is submitted to them and that all registrations are completed within the statutory timelines and, in many cases, much sooner. In the interests of a fair and transparent process, Tusla will only review applications in the order of receipt.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (439)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

439. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a child (details supplied) in south Tipperary will have a full cognitive assessment funded privately due to long delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8951/24]

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 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.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (440)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

440. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of early years education settings receiving public funding in the Gaeltacht, and the number of which operate in the medium of Irish. [9045/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The table below, supplied by the scheme administrator Pobal, show the number of services in each Gaeltacht region who have contracted with my Department to provide Early Learning and Care.

The table also shows the number of services that report as a Naíonra as well as those that don’t. It should be noted that this information is self-reported by services and has not been verified by Pobal. In addition there may be services located in these Gaeltacht areas offering early learning and care in a private capacity without funding under subsidy programmes funded by my Department.  

Gaeltacht Region	Naíonra	Non Naíonra	Total in Region
CORK	3	3	6
DONEGAL	23	8	31
GALWAY	19	37	56
KERRY	7	8	15
MAYO	6	3	9
MEATH	2	1	3
WATERFORD	2	1	3
Grand Total	62	61	123

International Protection

Questions (441)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

441. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the payment rates per resident per night to each property owner accommodating international protection applicants; how the rate is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As at 18 February 2024, there are almost 27,500 International Protection (IP) applicant’s accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation system as a whole.

The average cost of accommodating an IP applicant in IPAS accommodation is currently €76.80 per night.

Contractual arrangements for the IPAS accommodation centres are deemed confidential and commercially sensitive. 

It would not serve the public interest to divulge the value of contracts for services, as it could prejudice the Department's negotiating position to deliver value for money with respect to other accommodation providers and locations.

Children in Care

Questions (442)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

442. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of special emergency accommodation companies that have been set up, or contracted, by Tusla in Ireland in each of the past ten years, for the purposes of accommodating children in State care; the names of such companies; and the amounts paid to each company, per child per year, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [9103/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this relates to Tusla operational matters, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy. 

Health Services

Questions (443)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

443. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to indicate if an ADHD assessment can be secured for a person (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9116/24]

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 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.

Disability Services

Questions (444)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

444. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide information (details supplied) for the CDNTs in CHO 6 for each month from January 2022 to April 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9144/24]

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 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.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (445)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

445. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the regional assessment hubs for CHO1 will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9159/24]

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 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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (446)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what steps are being taken to increase recruitment of SLTs, OTs, physiotherapists and psychologists for organisation (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/24]

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 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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (447)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what steps are being taken to fill specialist posts in an organisation (details supplied) in County Cavan, such as dieticians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9161/24]

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 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.