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Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos. 1227-1246

Harbours and Piers Funding

Ceisteanna (1227)

Ciara Conway

Ceist:

1227. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the need for the harbour in Dunmore East, County Waterford, to be dredged; if he will ensure that funding for the dredging is made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38580/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre in County Waterford is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department. The need for dredging works at the harbour is indeed recognised by my Department. Reports commissioned have indicated that 80% of the harbour sediment contains Tributyltin (TBT). Unfortunately the costs associated with the disposal of dredge spoil containing TBT is significantly higher than for material that does not contain TBT.

Department officials are currently actively engaged in examining various options to choose the optimum dredging solution and disposal of the resulting dredge spoil. On completion of their examination the position will be reassessed in the context of available exchequer funding and other national priorities.

Milk Quota Trading Scheme

Ceisteanna (1228)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

1228. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the details of the final milk quota trading scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38612/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I recently announced details of the 2014/2015 Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which will be the final scheme prior to the abolition of milk quotas in April 2015. There will be two stages to the Scheme, with a closing date of 11 October 2013 for the first stage, and 7 February 2014 for the second stage. The Scheme will, once again, be comprised of three elements:

- a maximum price priority pool,

- a market exchange, and, if necessary,

- a National pool.

30% of all quota offered for sale will be reserved for distribution at a maximum price of 3 cents per litre from the Priority Pool, and the remaining 70% will be offered for sale on the Market Exchange. In the event that sellers only dispose of some of their quota on the market exchange in their Co-op areas, the balance of their quota may be redistributed, through a national pool, to buyers who have had only part of their demand satisfied on the market exchange in their Co-op areas. Quota purchased under this Scheme will be available to the buyer on 1st April 2014.

Application forms are available from Co-operatives. Detailed rules are available from Co-operatives, or directly from the Meat and Milk Policy Division of the Department, and on the Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/dairy/milkquotas/milkquotatradingscheme.

Young Farmers Installation Scheme

Ceisteanna (1229)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

1229. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions that will be put in place for young farmers who entered farming in 2010 in view of the re-instatement of installation aid for young farmers in January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38632/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applications on 14 October 2008 and I have no plans to reopen the Scheme at this time.

Harbours and Piers Maintenance

Ceisteanna (1230)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

1230. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the works carried out at Howth Harbour under the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure development programme in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [38732/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres (FHC) for which my Department is responsible. Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to be able to advise that in excess of €1.9 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department's Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme since 2011 to date. This investment will result in a significant improvement in the traffic management system, the access available to persons of reduced mobility and the electrical infrastructure available. It will, in addition, serve to act as a catalyst for the enhancement of facilities available to the marine leisure and tourism sector, boat repair facilities and indeed business generally in the harbour.

Fodder Crisis

Ceisteanna (1231)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1231. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure to date under the fodder aid scheme 2013; the total payments to individual farmers where animal welfare issues arose; the number of co-operatives and companies compensated in respect of transport costs arising from the delivery of fodder; his proposals to have all outstanding payments made without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38816/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, earlier this year I announced the allocation of funding for an imported fodder transport scheme, designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. The aid substantially covered the cost of transport into the country, thus reducing the cost to farmers of a bale of hay by approximately one third. While the scheme operated through the co-operatives, marts and other approved agencies, the actual beneficiaries are the individual farmers and primary producers who needed urgent supplies of feed. Operating the scheme in this manner was the quickest and most effective way of getting the fodder to those who needed it.

Of the 81 different concerns which participated in the Scheme, to date, 58 have submitted claims, of which 14 have been fully processed and paid with a further 9 cases cleared to payment stage. Of the remaining 35 cases that have submitted documentation, 17 have yet to submit sufficient documentation. These concerns have been contacted directly and are working with my Department to resolve the outstanding issues. Currently documentation remains outstanding from 23 concerns. An emergency helpline was set up to deal with animal welfare issues emanating from the fodder crisis. Some 1,100 calls were logged to the helpline and 475 farmers were specially aided to a total of over €170,000. The majority of the callers were diverted directly to their nearest Co-Op/ Mart in order to access their nearest source of supply.

However, the Deputy may also be aware that agreement was reached in Brussels last week which provides for an advance payment under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. This will now allow us to make advance payments, at a rate of 50%, to those applicants whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from 16 October, with balancing payments being made with effect from 1 December. My approach to the Agriculture Commissioner had been prompted by the protracted unseasonable weather which prevailed throughout the country, which culminated in the serious national fodder shortage which led to severe difficulties for farmers. Being acutely aware of the significance to farmers and the wider rural economy of the Single Payment, and mindful of the ongoing financial crisis, I have been particularly concerned at the difficulties caused for farmers by the adverse weather conditions during the first half of the year.

The total value of the advance payments, which will begin issuing as and from 16 October, the first day of the new EU financial year, will release payments worth some €600 million. The benefit in making these payments six weeks earlier than otherwise provided for under the existing rules of the scheme will be particularly beneficial at this time, both to the individual farmers concerned and also the wider rural community. I can assure all concerned that my officials will do all that is needed to ensure the maximum number of applicants receive their advance payment at the earliest possible date.

Meat Processing Plant Operation Applications

Ceisteanna (1232)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1232. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application (details supplied); when this application will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38820/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Applications for approval to operate meat processing plants must meet the requirements of the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 432 of 2009) and related EU Regulations. Such applications are dealt with expeditiously and where issues arise these are raised promptly with the applicant. The onus is on the applicant to meet the conditions of approval.

The applicant in this instance has been requested to provide clarification in relation to the proposed scale of activity. The application will be considered further upon receipt of this information.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (1233)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

1233. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total expenditure under the disadvantaged areas scheme in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and the total financial provision under the scheme for 2013; the total payments made to date this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Payments under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 25 September 2013, in line with commitments under the Farmers' Charter. The following table details the payments under the Scheme in each of the last three years, 2012, 2011 and 2010, as requested.

Scheme Year

Number of farmers paid

Amount paid

2012

95,915

€209,746,680

2011

101,122

€222,950,438

2010

100,678

€222,477,385

It will be recalled that, for budgetary reasons, the annual funding for the Scheme had initially been reduced to €220 million in 2009 (effective for 2009, 2010 and 2011) and subsequently to €190 million for the 2012 Scheme. However, notwithstanding ongoing severe budgetary constraints, I succeeded in obtaining agreement on an increase to €195 million for the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (1234)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

1234. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department intends to take to ensure semi-State bodies and other organisations and bodies under its remit advertise vacant positions through the Public Appointments Service and publicjobs.ie, that is, in a clear and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39249/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The position is that recruitment to posts in semi State bodies is a matter for the agencies themselves. All recruitment to posts within the Department are undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set down by the Commission for Public Appointments Service.

State Bodies Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (1235, 1236)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1235. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full-year saving to the Exchequer if the pay of CEOs in all commercial semi-State bodies under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39257/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1236. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full-year saving to the Exchequer if the pay of CEOs in all non-commercial State sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39265/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1235 and 1236 together.

The details of the salaries of the Chief Executive Officers of the Non Commercial State Bodies and the Commercial State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the following table. Some of the State Bodies are self-financing and therefore a salary reduction does not result in a saving to the exchequer.

Non-Commercial State Bodies

Body/Agency

Salary

10 % Reduction

An Bord Bia

€149,175.00

€14,917.50

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

€121,151.04

€12,115.10

Marine Institute

€136,496.00

€13,649.60

National Milk Agency

€80,977.00

Self-Financing

Sea Fisheries Protection Agency

Chairperson position is based on the Salary of Principal Officer (Higher ) scale

Not Applicable

Teagasc

€149,175.00

€14,917.50

Veterinary Council of Ireland

€109,174.80

Self-Financing

Commercial State Bodies

Body/Agency

Salary

10 % Reduction

Bord na gCon

€160,531.00

Any reduction in fees payable to the Chairman of HRI and BnG would not result in any saving to the Exchequer as the amount voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund as part of the Budget will be paid to HRI (80%) & to BnG (20%) in accordance with legislation.

Coillte

€265,252.00

Self-Financing

Horse Racing Ireland

€190,773.00

Any reduction in fees payable to the Chairman of HRI and BnG would not result in any saving to the Exchequer as the amount voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund as part of the Budget will be paid to HRI (80%) & to BnG (20%) in accordance with legislation.

Irish National Stud

€133,419.00

Self-Financing

State Bodies Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (1237)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1237. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full-year saving to the Exchequer if fees to board members of all State agencies, non-commercial State sponsored bodies and commercial semi-State companies under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39275/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The annual savings to the Exchequer if State Agencies were reduced by the percentage indicated by the Deputy is €118,311.

Early Years Strategy Implementation

Ceisteanna (1238)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1238. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the future need for preschool and crèche services to meet the national quality standards as outlined in Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36909/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Early years services contracted to deliver the free pre-school year are required to use Síolta and Aistear to provide an appropriate educational and care programme for children in their pre-school year. Participating service providers may be supported in meeting this requirement by a range of designated support services and agencies, including their local City or County Childcare Committee. Service providers must facilitate visits and use advice from designated support staff from such organisations.

Síolta is designed as a self evaluation quality improvement tool. Not all early years services have the capacity to use Síolta optimally and to do so in the absence of a national mentoring service. As a quality improvement measure and to help develop the capacity of early years services, I announced earlier this year that new National Pre-School Standards are being developed and will be implemented later this year. These standards will replace all current guidelines and will be implemented and inspected in line with improved inspection systems. These standards are part of the agenda I am working to in improving early years provision.

Children in Care

Ceisteanna (1239, 1264)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

1239. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will include a provision to have grandparents made a party to proceedings for children in care and to support the work done by grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren on a consistent and regular basis. [36962/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

1264. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the role and rights of grandparents in cases where children are in care; if grandparents can be made party to proceedings from the outset; if there are situations which would allow for a near parental role to be ascribed to grandparents in circumstances where either parent is deemed unable to function in a parental role; if further rights could be ascribed to grandparents under the Rights of Grandparents Bill 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38271/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1239 and 1264 together.

Under the Child Care Act 1991, the HSE has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. If a child is in need of care and protection and is unlikely to receive it at home, then the HSE has a duty to ensure they receive appropriate care. In cases where parents are unable to cope due to illness or other serious problems they may agree to their children being taken into the care of the HSE on a voluntary basis. Where the HSE has serious concerns for the care and wellbeing of a child, and where it is not suitable or the parent is not agreeable to a voluntary care arrangement, it may apply to the courts for a care order.

When a child cannot live with his or her parents either on a short or long-term basis, the HSE will, in the first instance, seek a suitable relative – including a grandparent - or person known to the child to provide care. All foster carers, including relatives, undergo an assessment and training process to establish their suitability and competence. At the end of May there were 6,441 children in care, 30% of whom were in foster care with relatives.

The National Standards for Foster Care 2003 state that "children and young people in foster care are encouraged and facilitated to maintain and develop family relationship and friendships". They also state "the families of children in foster care are involved in their care, in partnership with social workers and foster carers unless this is detrimental to their well being of the children, in which case the reasons for excluding them are recorded on the case files". The National Standards for Residential Care state that "visits from family members, significant others and friends are encouraged and facilitated in private". They go on to state "where young person has lost contact with a parent, family or significant others the supervising social worker and staff members actively seek to re establish contact and to identify key people within the extended family to provide support".

Access and contact by relatives to a child in care is based on the needs of the child. In most cases access to family is actively promoted and encouraged unless the access is posing a risk to the child or is causing the child distress. A child's view with regard to access is also sought where age appropriate and this view is to be respected. In most families grandparents are viewed as important family members outside of birth parents and siblings. Although they are not always made party to proceedings from the outset they can be approached to provide care where either parent is deemed unable to function in a parental role. Many of the 1094 (Q2 2013) relative foster carers currently caring children in care are the children's grandparent and therefore play a significant role in the child's life.

Under Section 47 of the Child Care Act 1991, "Where a child is in the care of a health board, the District Court may, of its own motion or on the application of any person, give such directions and make such order on any question affecting the welfare of the child as it thinks proper and may vary or discharge any such direction or order." In circumstances where access and contact is restricted an application can be made under section 47 to the court for a direction in relation to access and contact if they are not satisfied with arrangements as set out in the care plan. The Judge can then make a direction on the whether access to their grandchildren will be allowed.

Children's Rights Referendum

Ceisteanna (1240)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

1240. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the outcome of the children's referendum; if the challenge thereto has been heard in the Supreme Court yet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36995/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the Children's Referendum was held on 10th November 2012. A challenge to the Provisional Referendum Certificate, by way of Petition, was lodged in the High Court on 19th November 2012 under the provisions of the Referendum Act 1994. The hearing of the Petition in the High Court has concluded and the judgement of the Court is awaited. Such judgement would be open to appeal to the Supreme Court by either party.

Child Care Services Regulation

Ceisteanna (1241)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

1241. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the children and parents directly affected by and featured in the recent RTE documentary on crèches, in view of the fact that many concerned parents have now taken their children out of the such child care facilities due to a lack of trust in the system; the mechanism she has put in place for children who are in crèches between now and 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37025/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since the broadcast of the Prime Time programme in May this year, I have outlined to the Dáil on several occasions, and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee, my responses to the distressing events highlighted in this programme. I have identified eight key areas of action which I believe need to be considered and addressed as a matter of urgency. These are:

- Increasing the qualification requirements for all staff in pre-school services to a minimum standard at FETAC Level 5

- Improving the quality and curricular supports for pre-school services when implementing the Siolta Framework and Aistear Curriculum

- Implementing the new National Pre-School Standards

- Introducing a registration system for all pre-school services

- Taking steps to make the inspection system more consistent and more robust

- Publishing inspection reports on-line

- Ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to findings of non-compliance

- Increasing and widening the sanctions which can be taken for non-compliance

There is considerable international evidence that increasing the qualifications of staff working with children increases the quality of services. It is my intention, therefore, to introduce new qualification requirements for the sector starting this year. This will be an important new development as, at present, staff working in childcare services other than under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, are not subject to any requirement in respect of qualifications.

The ECCE programme introduced the first-ever requirement for minimum qualifications for staff working in the childcare sector. The current requirement under the programme is that the pre-school leader delivering the pre-school provision must hold a qualification in childcare/early education at a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ), or an equivalent nationally-recognised qualification or a higher award in the childcare/early education field.

The minimum requirement of Level 5 for pre-school leaders delivering the pre-school year will be increased to Level 6. In addition, all pre-school assistants, and all other staff caring for children in a pre-school service, will be subject to a minimum requirement of Level 5. This requirement will be effective from September this year for new services, and from September 2015 for existing services. My Department is currently examining measures to support training for childcare staff in line with the increased qualification requirements.

Under the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No 2) Regulations 2006 as provided in the Child Care Act 1991, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the inspection of services and the enforcement of the regulations. Inspection is carried out to monitor compliance with the Regulations thereby ensuring the health, safety and welfare of children and the promotion of their development.

A number of steps are being taken to improve the current inspection system. These include the introduction of National Quality Standards for pre-school services later this year as part of the inspection process. In addition, my Department is working with the Pre-School Inspectorate to develop new protocols on regulatory compliance so that there is greater clarity and consistency of approach as to how inspection reports deal with findings of serious non-compliance as opposed to minor breaches and full compliance. My Department is also undertaking a review of the penalties currently in place for breach of the Child Care (Pre-school) Regulations, as provided for under the Child Care Act 1991. The review will look at increasing the range and severity of the existing penalties including the actions which can be taken by Inspectors without recourse to court prosecution.

In relation to the publication of pre-school service inspection reports, the HSE has begun the process of publishing retrospective reports on-line, and this process will continue over the coming weeks and months. All new inspection reports from 1st July will be published on-line on completion. The publication of these reports is being hosted by Pobal, and the reports are available on the Pobal website.

The registration system for new services is in place from 1 September on an administrative basis and new services wishing to open are required to register with the HSE. The HSE will determine whether the childcare service is compliant in terms of suitability and service design before the service will be permitted to operate. Following commencement of the service, actual care and welfare practices will be inspected. A more comprehensive form of registration will be included in legislation which is expected to go through the Oireachtas during the autumn, and to be introduced from 1 January.

I have met with a number of parents affected by the programme and listened to their particular concerns and explained my plans for improvement to them. More generally, while I understand and sympathise with the concerns of parents, I would take this opportunity to reassure them that the majority of children in Ireland have very positive experiences in creches, and that the footage shown in the Prime Time programme was, I understand, atypical, in that it was culled from a very significant amount of filming most of which was not of concern.

Foster Care Provision

Ceisteanna (1242)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

1242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1,009 of 16 July 2013, the procedure to be followed in order to become a relative carer in respect of a child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37225/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Child Care Act, 1991 the Health Service Executive has a statutory duty to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The majority of children in care are in foster care, one third of whom are placed with relatives. Foster care applicants undergo an assessment and training process to establish their suitability and competence. This process has six stages.

- Application

- Assessment by a social worker

- Garda vetting, medical and referenced checks, including garda checks of adult children of the foster carers living at home

- Approval by the Fostering Committee

- Approval of the 'match' between the foster carers with the Care Plan of the prospective child

- Placement of a child with the foster carers.

When a child is being placed in foster care, the suitability of a placement with relatives is explored in the first instance. Where the HSE is satisfied that an immediate placement with relatives is in the interests of the child, such placement frequently occurs before full approval of the committee is in place. Such emergency placements are provided for in regulation. Prior to and during the early stages of a placement, the relative is assessed by a principal social worker, including early Garda vetting. This is followed by a full assessment and approval by the foster care committee as outlined above.

Child Protection

Ceisteanna (1243)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

1243. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding child welfare and protection services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37306/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The document referred to by the Deputy relates to a range of issues set out by the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW). I do not intend to respond today to all of the specifics of that document. Overall I wish to recognise that the Child Welfare and Protection service is faced with considerable demands arising in part from the steady increase in referrals to the HSE social work services .

In order to ensure that the needs of children and families entering the system are met, it is important that referrals are evaluated by fully qualified and proficient staff who are also in a position to recommend appropriate responses. The IASW submission focuses on the need for additional social work staff staffing to achieve this, and in this context I can say that the latest HSE employment census indicates that the number of whole-time equivalent (WTE) social workers employed in the Children and Families service area was 1,397 at the end of June 2013. The census numbers reflect the outcome of a process of re-classification of social workers within the HSE into individual care groups, including Children and Families, to support the process of establishing the Child and Family Agency.

Social work staff levels are being kept under constant review and vacant positions are being filled in response to identified need. In this context a new panel of professionally qualified social workers was established in June 2013 to allow for the filling of vacancies in social work teams. A total of 114 vacant social worker posts have been approved for filling from this panel with a further 112 currently being filled.

In relation to care placements, the policy of the HSE is to place children in care settings, preferably in foster care, as close as possible to their home and community. The vast majority of children in care are in foster care. Some children have highly specialised needs arising from severe behaviour difficulties, in some cases as a result of injury, accident or disability or in others due to their childhood experiences. The care needs of these children are generally met by directly provided or commissioned. There was an increase of 44.27% in the number of foster families between 2009 and 2012 from 2,959 to 4,269. This has improved the capacity of the service to provide appropriate care placements, and has outstripped the 11.5% increase in the number of children in care during this period.

There is a comprehensive change programme currently being implemented in Children and Family Services. This programme is addressing the quality and consistency of child welfare and protection services, both currently and in preparation for the establishment of the new Child and Family Agency, which is imminent. Resourcing is one element of this change programme, but equally important in structuring the new Agency is the need to enhance multi-disciplinary and inter-agency co-operation to ensure the provision of more streamlined and integrated services for children and families.

Youth Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1244)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

1244. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of children referred to the youth advocacy programme in each county. [37312/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE is responsible for funding this programme. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with the relevant information.

Youth Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1245)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

1245. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the number of children referred to the youth advocacy programme is lower in County Kerry compared with neighbouring counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37313/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE is responsible for running this programme. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with the relevant information.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1246)

Jim Daly

Ceist:

1246. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total cost of all media advertising to her Department for each of the past five years; the efforts her Department is making to ensure that local media, both print and radio, are being supported, as well as national media, by her Department's budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37473/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The total cost of all media advertising in my Department is detailed in the following table. I would note that my Department was only established in June 2011 and therefore the information relates to expenditure from that date. In respect of the use of media I can confirm that expenditure extended to the use of both local media as well national media over the period covered and included a spread of spending across a range of regional media outlets.

Year

Total Cost

2011

€23,120

2012

€445,771

2013

€6,279

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