Written Answers Nos. 534-553
534. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an assessment of need can be urgently prioritised in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10583/24]
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 Forsa 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
535. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10704/24]
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 Forsa 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
536. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as per the National Development Plan's reference to the need for continued capital investment for youth services, what funding has been made available to youth services under this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10828/24]
View answerFrom 2020 to Budget 2024, Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.8 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall.
My Department has not been allocated any capital funding for youth services in 2024. The funding made available for capital investment in youth services under the National Development Plan for the period 2021- 2023 was €3 million in 2021, €2.7 million in 2022 and a further €2.7 million in 2023. This funding supported small grants which enabled the purchase of essential equipment and the completion of minor works.
This year, my Department has prioritised the direct delivery of services and programmes for young people and has secured an increase of €5 million, or 6.8%, on the 2023 budget for current expenditure. This includes dedicated funding for the support of new universal services and €1 million for the Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative.
My Department will shortly begin to carry out a mapping exercise of youth services sector, which will map out the premises currently used for youth services and help to identify gaps and shortfalls in the availability of spaces for youth services. This analysis is necessary to enable the Department to determine how best to direct capital funding over the period ahead.
537. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the ratification of the Optional Protocol of the UNCRPD. [9818/24]
View answerRatification of the Optional Protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The timeline for ratifying the Optional Protocol was anticipated to follow the conclusion of Ireland’s first review period before the UN Committee. Ireland submitted its first State Report in November 2021 and we await a review date from the UN Committee.
Ireland fully ratified the UNCRPD in 2018 and the government remains committed to continuously advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. Ratification of the Optional Protocol is not a precondition to the implementation of the UNCRPD.
Both Minister O'Gorman and myself are open to earlier ratification of the Optional Protocol, subject to the State being in a position to meet the obligations that arise. In order to map out the requirements for ratification my Department has commissioned external legal advice as part of an ongoing scoping exercise, which I expect to conclude shortly.
Earlier today, Minister O'Gorman briefed Cabinet on plans to accelerate consideration of the issues around ratification and of the intention to establish an inter-departmental group (IDG) to work through the complexities of ratification, which my Department will establish and chair, following receipt of the final scoping advices.
Given the significance and breadth of the issues involved, all relevant government departments, and the Office of the Attorney General, will be invited to participate in the work of the IDG. The group will report back on its work in the coming months so that government can make a fully informed decision on next steps toward ratification of the Optional Protocol.
The ongoing scoping work is a necessary exercise in due diligence for the state to agree to any supra-national review process. Ireland takes its international obligations seriously, and seeks to act in good faith on the international stage; we do not enter into binding international treaties until we are confident that the obligations set out within can be complied with.
It is also important to note that the UN Committee already monitor and evaluate Ireland’s implementation of the UNCRPD through examinations of periodic State Reports. Examinations carried out at UN Reviews are robust and the State takes the Concluding Observations of UN Committees very seriously should implementation in relation to any particular right need to be strengthened.
538. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements his Department has had with Tipperary County Council in relation to the use of HSE owned land in Clonmel for a modular type accommodation centre; details of all plans for the provision of modular type accommodation for use by his Department in Clonmel Co. Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9945/24]
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 to up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
This project – the first of its kind – is an important one as it will provide a blueprint for future developments. As each phase has brought new challenges, these challenges are providing important future learnings.
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.
The emphasis in this programme is on the 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 homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site.
To identify suitable state owned sites for the programme my Department and OPW have engaged with both the DHLGH and other public bodies including the HSE. As part of this process the site in Clonmel was identified and is currently being assessed by OPW for its suitability for the programme. If the site proceeds it will accommodate 62 units.
A comprehensive communications strategy, is being rolled out for each of the sites that have been identified for the programme including Clonmel. Work is now ongoing, in collaboration with the Local Authorities, to ensure that Councillors are updated on investigation works. Further engagement with the Local Representatives and Local County Council Officials will be scheduled should the site be deemed suitable for rapid build homes.
For each of the Rapid Build sites, my Department has put in place structures to ensure planning for the provision of essential and support services, like healthcare and education, are conveyed to the relevant providers in each area. My Department is working with other Departments, State Agencies and stakeholders to ensure these additional resources are in place.
539. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a community neuro-rehabilitation team will be put in place for CHO5; if funding has been allocated in 2024 to provide this service; when recruitment for this team will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9969/24]
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 Forsa 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.
540. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will support the designation of the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea as a hotel for 'dual purpose' thereby supporting local businesses and tourism similar to the designation that he and the Government are now supporting for the D Hotel in Drogheda. [9978/24]
View answerIreland is now accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes over 75,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 27,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that all families and children have been accommodated.
Racket Hall, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, has been in operation as a centre since January 2024 and is providing accommodation for families with children.
There is currently no plan or agreement in place for the property to operate under a dual use model. The dual use model presents significant challenges, such as child protection and safety.
The health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority. IPAS accommodation centres fall within the meaning of a “relevant service provider” for the purposes of the Children First Act 2015 and are required to provide child-safeguarding Statements for their compliance with the Children First Act. Currently, children are only accommodated in centres deemed suitable for families; accommodation assignments are based on overall availability within the IPAS portfolio and family configurations.
541. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill to ensure benefits akin to adoptive and maternity leave are provided for the care of newborn infants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/24]
View answerThe Minister for Health leads on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 which includes provisions in relation to surrogacy and policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. Entitlements to family leaves will be considered in the context of legislative proposals in the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022.
I would like to bring to the attention of the Deputy that, under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended), working parents are entitled to seven weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Parent’s Leave and Benefit will increase by a further two weeks to nine weeks by August 2024.
The intention of this leave is to enable parents to spend time with their child in the earliest years. It is deliberately non-transferable between parents to ensure that both parents are encouraged and supported in taking time out from work to spend time with their child. This is further supported through the provision of Parents’ Benefit.
At present, intending parents from a surrogacy agreement may be entitled to Parents’ Leave, depending on their circumstances. The father of a child born through surrogacy can qualify for Parents’ Leave if he is the biological father of the child and declared to be the parent of the child. In these circumstances, the father's partner may qualify for Parents’ Leave if they are married to, or in a civil partnership with, the child’s biological father, or have cohabited with the child’s biological father for over 3 years.
542. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a crime has been committed at the Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre, Meelick, County Clare (details suppled) which has led to a resident being moved to another facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/24]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) requires all residents and staff in Accommodation Centres to be treated with respect. To this end, IPAS has produced a Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Policy and House Rules and Procedures for Reception and Accommodation Centres, which outline the procedures followed by IPAS following any allegations of misconduct.
IPAS cannot comment on any alleged individual incidents. Where any person suspects that a crime has been committed, this should immediately be reported to An Garda Síochána. IPAS is committed to engaging with An Garda Síochána on any investigation.
543. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if person (details supplied) can be considered for a place in KITE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/24]
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 Forsa 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.
Answered By HSE.
544. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the granting of an extension for a childcare service (details supplied) under the building blocks improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10025/24]
View answerUnder the Building Blocks - Improvement Grant, €9 million was been allocated in 2023 for energy upgrades and retrofit projects. This scheme is now closed and all grant recipients are contractually obliged to have completed works and submitted expenditure returns by 31st December 2023.
Pobal has advised that they are in correspondence with the service in question with the latest communication having been received on 19th February.
Pobal further advise that their Grant Appraisals and Appeals Committee will consider the issues raised by the service and will reach a determination by 20th March. The service will be advised of the outcome shortly thereafter.
545. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers currently residing in a property (details supplied); if his Department keep records of the number of asylum seekers who are eligible to take up employment; and if so, the number of asylum seekers currently residing at the property who are in employment. [10031/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Community Engagement Team has been established within my Department which stands ready to respond to queries of this nature, and they may be contacted directly at community@equality.gov.ie
546. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if asylum seekers have to contribute to their accommodation; and the cost to the state per asylum seeker per night. [10032/24]
View answerThe 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 (IP), 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.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to IP applicants who wish to accept an offer of accommodation from the Irish State.
This offering includes all meals and utilities. Full access to public medical services is provided and a weekly personal allowance is also paid to each person.
IPAS does not request a contribution from IP applicants residing in IPAS accommodation centres.
The total spend for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation at year end 2023, was €640,064,470, with 26,279 residents accommodated at 31 December 2023. The cost includes all accommodation and related costs, including transport, facilities management and other related expenditure.
The average cost of accommodating an IP applicant in IPAS accommodation is currently €76.80 per night.
547. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the level of support for people with muscular dystrophy in Ireland in relation to universal design within higher education institutions; if the Department has any up-to-date data or figures on the number of people in Ireland living with muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10035/24]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that Higher Education Institutions do not fall within my remit as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. However, I am aware that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is providing funding for Universal Design under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH).
As this question regarding numbers of people with muscular dystrophy 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 Forsa 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.
548. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the rationale for the State agreeing to pay for the role of safeguarding officer in St. Johns Ambulance; and to explain if this will be a mechanism available to other organisations in financial distress. [10045/24]
View answerThe issues identified by Dr Shannon, and the recommendations made by him in his Independent review report into the Handling of past complaints of Abuse by the organisation, remain of the highest importance to the Department. Departmental officials have continued to liaise with the organisation regarding the implementation of all the recommendations contained in Dr. Shannon's report
549. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline whether any conditions will be imposed on St. Johns Ambulance in return for the State paying for the role of safeguarding officer. [10046/24]
View answerA key recommendation of Justice Dr Geoffrey Shannon’s Independent review report on the handling of past complaints of abuse in St John Ambulance, which was published on March 16 2023, was the appointment of a National Safeguarding officer by the St. John Ambulance Ireland organisation.
Three separate progress reports or ‘response documents’ have been published by the organisation during 2023 outlining the organisation’s progress on the implementation of recommendations made by Dr Shannon in his Independent Review. These documents were published by SJAI in March, July and November 2023.
On 4 of January 2024, officials from my Department met with the Commissioner and Interim Chair of the Board of SJAI to discuss the November update in relation to implementation of the recommendations made by Dr Shannon in his Independent Review.
The Safeguarding Lead will be a mandated person ensuring that they will be responsible for reporting any concerns regarding a child’s safety or welfare. The implementation of this role is part of the overall strengthening of governance and ensuring the safeguarding of children. A service level agreement will be put in place.
St John’s Ambulance Ireland are committed to a robust implementation of child safeguarding practices and procedures. St John’s Ambulance Ireland have measures in place now to ensure the organization will never be complacent about child safeguarding and are committed to maintaining best practice on a continuous basis.
DCEDIY will continue to engage with SJAI in terms of on going developments and compliance with recommendations set out.
550. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of hours companies that deliver care in the home to those with a disability that are reimbursed to the HSE annually (details supplied); how the hours are calculated, invoiced and paid for in advance of the knowledge of missed hours being informed to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10098/24]
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 Forsa 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.
551. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that there are no specific individualised transport budgets for individuals with additional needs to transport them to respite services; if he plans to address this issue to allow all of those who are provided with a respite service to attend that service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10100/24]
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 Forsa 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.
552. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of delays to the opening of a creche (details supplied); when the Health Information and Quality Authority and Tusla will conduct final inspections to allow the creche to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/24]
View answerTusla 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.
553. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide, in tabular form, the number of children waiting on an assessment of needs in CHO9; the estimated wait time before they receive an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10147/24]
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 Forsa 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
