Written Answers Nos. 139-150
139. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amounts paid to companies or persons running direct provision centres each year since the system was introduced in 1999, with a breakdown of the figures to identify the recipient; the direct provision centre, and the amount they received in each year. [39139/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe direct provision system is managed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department. For the most part, this represents a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation for asylum seekers on a full board basis. Currently, there are 4,323 residents in 34 centres across the State under contract to RIA.
The following is a list showing RIA's expenditure outturn for each of the years 2005 to 2013 inclusive:
2013 - €55.228 million
2012 - €62.329 million
2011 - €69.459 million
2010 - €79.073 million
2009 - €86.509 million
2008 - €91.472 million
2007 - €83.262 million
2006 - €78.728 million
2005 - €84.382 million
RIA's annual reports further break down yearly expenditure into the broad headings of 'Commercial', 'State-owned', 'Self-catering', 'Additional Costs', 'Transport' and 'Miscellaneous'. These Annual Reports for the period 2007 to 2013 inclusive are published on www.ria.gov.ie
I will forward a more detailed table showing expenditure details on all RIA contracts for accommodation for the period 2000 to the end of 2011 to the Deputy under separate cover. I should also say in order to give the fullest picture as possible, an independent value for money review (VFM) of the direct provision system in 2010 concluded that any alternative system (which would require payment of rent allowances, welfare and related payments, etc.) would cost the State twice the amount of the direct provision system. Moreover, this cost would not have included the potential additional expenditure that would arise from the strong likelihood of the significant pull factor that would emerge from a cash-based system.
140. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the numbers of Garda personnel stationed at Garda stations (details supplied) for each of the past six years. [39154/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will augment the numbers of Garda personnel available to serve Drimnagh, Dublin 12, in order to more effectively combat crime and anti-social behaviour and thereby enhance personal safety and community well-being. [39155/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Drimnagh area is covered by members attached to Sundrive Garda Station. Sundrive Garda Station forms part of the Crumlin Garda District which consists of Sundrive and Crumlin Garda Stations. The personnel strength of both stations on 31 December 2009 to 2013 and on 31 August 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the following table. Resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.
|
Sundrive |
Garda |
Reserve |
Civilian |
Community Gardaí |
|
2009 |
79 |
2 |
2 |
7 |
|
2010 |
77 |
7 |
2 |
7 |
|
2011 |
71 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
|
2012 |
67 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
|
2013 |
66 |
8 |
3 |
4 |
|
2014 |
65 |
8 |
3 |
3 |
|
Crumlin |
||||
|
2009 |
105 |
5 |
10 |
6 |
|
2010 |
107 |
6 |
9 |
6 |
|
2011 |
102 |
6 |
9 |
7 |
|
2012 |
98 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
|
2013 |
97 |
7 |
8 |
5 |
|
2014 |
95 |
7 |
8 |
3 |
142. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding land registering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39176/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to TDs and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding excessive administrative duties of An Gardaí Síochána and its impact on community policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39224/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including Gardai and civilian support staff, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country. The key objective of the station closures in 2012 and 2013 was to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources. In this context the Commissioner concluded that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the frontline if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. The Commissioner estimated that there are 61,000 more man hours available for frontline services following the station closures.
There are currently over 2,000 full-time-equivalent civilian support staff in the Garda Síochána. Civilian staff provide vital support services in a wide range of areas, such as human resources, training & development, IT and telecommunications, finance and procurement, internal audit, research and analysis, accommodation and fleet management, scene-of-crime support and medical services. In doing so, they release highly trained Gardaí from administrative tasks to operational policing.
The Haddington Road Agreement provides that a review of An Garda Síochána will be undertaken to “review and make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration". The review which is underway will provide an opportunity to consider the scope for further civilianisation in An Garda Síochána. It is expected that the review will be completed at an early date.
144. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of personal injury claims that were issued to residents of County Longford in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39254/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is not available to my Department.
145. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a list of all State board appointments made by her Department since the general election of 2011; the person who recommended each appointment; the credentials of those appointed; if the vacancy was publicly advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39285/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in this reply in so far as it is available. However, I wish to advise the Deputy that it is not feasible to provide all the information sought by him in relation to appointments since March 2011 to State Boards under my remit.
In relation to the public advertising of vacancies and the credentials of those appointed, the Deputy will be aware that there are many constraining factors which impact on the filling of vacancies to State Boards. Board vacancies are not always advertised on PAS. Many are advertised on the Department's website or the websites of the organisations concerned. The Deputy will also be aware that there are many cases where legislation requires that a vacancy must be filled by candidates holding certain qualifications or must be nominated by certain prescribed bodies and in such instances public advertisement of the vacancy is usually not necessary. In relation to the person who recommended each appointment I wish to advise the Deputy that where vacancies were advertised the appointment was based on applications received and in instances where nominations were required the appointment was based on the nominations received from bodies set out in the relevant legislation. Other than that I am not in a position to provide further information as in order to do so it would be necessary to disaggregate every single appointment made since 2011 and that the resources are simply not available to undertake this task. However, to the extent possible I have provided below a narrative account of the vacancies filled since 2011 and the manner in which they were filled.
The Deputy may wish to note that the term 'State Boards' is somewhat imprecise as it includes bodies with a wide and diverse range of functions many of which would not fall into the more commonly understood definition of Board which is a body with a governance oversight of an organisation. To be of assistance to the Deputy I have interpreted his question as embracing all bodies called Boards, irrespective of their functions, as well as other bodies with a governance remit whose title does not include the term “Board”.
Charities Regulatory Authority Board
Expressions of interest for appointment to the Board of the Charities Regulatory Authority were sought through the Public Appointments Service. Sixteen appointments were subsequently made to the Board of the Authority; thirteen of those appointed applied through the Public Appointments Service.
Children Detention Schools Board of Management
One appointment was made to the Children Detention Schools Board of Management. The position was not advertised as the appointment was made under Section 167(4)(a) of the Children Act 2001 as amended, which requires at least one officer of the Minister. The person appointed was a civil servant.
The Deputy should note that responsibility for the Children Detention Schools Board of Management moved to the Department for Children and Youth Affairs on 1 January 2012.
Classification of Films Appeal Board
There are currently nine vacancies on the Classification of Films Appeal Board. Following an invitation to the public to submit expressions of interest, a total of forty-four applications were received. I expect to make appointments to these positions in the near future.
Courts Service Board
The Courts Service Board has seventeen members, it is chaired by the Chief Justice and includes eight other judges, the CEO of the Courts Service, persons nominated by the Law Society, Bar Council and ICTU, an elected staff representative and three persons nominated by the Minister for Justice. There have been twenty appointments, three of which were individuals nominated by my predecessor Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D. including a civil servant from my Department.
Garda Síochána Arbitration Board
The Garda Síochána Arbitration Board is appointed by the Government and consists of a Chairperson, a member nominated by the representatives associations and a member nominated by the Government. The Chairperson is appointed on the nomination of the Ministers for Justice & Equality and Public Expenditure & Reform in agreement with the representative association. The Garda Síochána Arbitration Board was reappointed on the 30 September, 2014, for the duration of period ending 30 June, 2017. Seven appointments were made to the board since March 2011.
Garda Síochána Complaints Board
Nine appointments were made to board on 10 April 2012. These positions were not advertised. Eight of the outgoing members were re-appointed as the Board, which has been replaced by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, only had a few outstanding cases on hands at that time. The outstanding cases have now been finalised and the necessary steps to close the Board are now being put in place. The 9th appointee is a civil servant.
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
The Commission consists of three members, a Chairman and two members. These positions were advertised through the Public Appointments Service following which 40 applications were received. Three candidates were selected by my predecessor Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D. and approved by Government as having the appropriate experience, qualifications, training and expertise for the relevant roles.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
On 8 September 2011, the Government decided to merge the Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority to establish a new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) to promote human rights and equality issues in a more efficient, effective and coherent way. The 14 outgoing members of the Equality Authority accepted reappointment in September 2011 for a further term which concluded at the end of July 2012.
In the case of the Human Rights Commission three Commissioners were appointed by a Government Decision on the 20 December 2011 and their term expired on 31 May 2012. In November 2012, advertisements inviting expressions of interest for the position of Chief Commissioner and of "ordinary" members appeared in the media. The fourteen Members Designate of the new Commission were selected in April 2013 in a process independent of Government and appointed initially to the Equality Authority and the Human Rights Commission on an interim basis so that the two organisations could begin to operate as a cohesive whole. Following this experience, it was decided that the Public Appointments Service (PAS) should be responsible henceforth for selection of Commissioners, including Chief Commissioner post.The Government appointed the fourteen individuals as Members Designate of the Human Rights Commission in advance of the enactment and commencement of the required legislation. On 31 May 2013 the then Minister for Justice and Equality Mr Alan Shatter T.D. appointed twelve of their number to the Board of the Equality Authority, under the Employment Equality Act 1998, as amended.
Emily Logan was recently nominated by PAS as Chief Commissioner of the IHREC and at a Government meeting of the 23 July 2014 Ms Logan was appointed on an interim basis as President of the Human Rights Commission pursuant to section 5 of the Human Rights Commission Act 2000. She was also appointed as Chair of the Equality Authority pursuant to section 41 and 42 of the Employment Equality Act 1998.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was signed by the President on the 27 July 2014. It is expected that Ms. Logan's formal appointment and the formal appointment of the other fourteen members designate of the new IHREC will then be made by the President following the passing of motions in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Judicial Appointments Advisory Board
Twelve appointments were made to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. The Board consists of ten members, it is chaired by the Chief Justice and includes three other judges, the Attorney General, persons nominated by the Law Society and Bar Council and three persons nominated by the Minister for Justice and Equality. Five of the appointments were individuals nominated by myself or my predecessor Deputy Shatter.
Legal Aid Board
Fifteen appointments were made to this Board, nine of which were civil or public servants.
Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board
Five appointments were made to the Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board. The Chairperson should have at least 10 years experience as a practising barrister/solicitor ending immediately before his/her appointment or shall be a judge or former judge of the Circuit Court, High Court or Supreme Court. The Board should consist of one ordinary member and at least one approved medical officer. Individuals are appointed by the Minister on foot of their experience and expertise which is invaluable to the work of the Board.
National Disability Authority (NDA)
Fourteen appointments were made to the National Disability Authority (NDA). Appointments to the Board were made from nominations of relevant Ministers, as prescribed in the National Disability Authority Act 1999 (the Act), an elected member of the staff of the NDA (also a requirement of the Act) and respondents to publicly advertised calls for expressions of interest (in line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1424 of April 2011). The Act also stipulates that in making appointments "the Minister shall have regard to the objective that a majority of the Authority would be persons with disabilities, their representatives, families or carers, and, in the case of each member of the Authority, that he or she would have knowledge or experience, either directly or indirectly, of matters pertaining to disability or of any other subject which in the opinion of the Minister would be of assistance to the Authority in the performance of its functions". The Act also makes reference to the objective that not less than 5 women and 5 men be appointed to the Board; and to the desirability that its members would include persons from both rural and urban areas.
Parole Board
Eleven appointments made to the Parole Board. Individuals are appointed by the Minister on foot of their experience and expertise which is invaluable to the work of the Board.
Private Security Appeal Board
The Government appointed four people on 3 April 2012. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. The Board may consist of as many members as are necessary for the expeditious discharge of its functions. The Chairman must be a practising barrister or solicitor of at least seven years' standing.
Private Security Authority (PSA)
Eleven appointments were made to the Board, out of which seven positions were publicly advertised on the Public Appointments Service and Department of Justice and Equality websites. The remaining four positions in accordance with Section 7 of the Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) were nominated representatives from my own Department, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, An Garda Síochána and the PSA itself. Of the positions publicly advertised the legislation specifies that two members should be representatives of employers in the private security industry, two members should be representatives of employees of employers in the private security industry and one member should be a practising barrister or solicitor of not less than five years standing. Following the public advertisement process, six members, including the Chairman were appointed and one discretionary appointment was made by the then Minister.
Property Registration Authority
Eight appointments were made to the Property Registration Authority. Following an invitation to the public to submit expressions of interest, a total of 84 applications were received. Four of the eight appointments were public applicants. Of the remaining four appointments made, in accordance with the relevant legislation, one is a nominee of the Law Society, one is a nominee of the Bar Council, one is the elected Property Registration Authority staff representative, and one is an Officer of the Minister.
Property Services Appeal Board
The Government made six appointments after seeking expressions of interest of which my Department received 41 applications. Those appointed were public applicants. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.
Property Services Regulatory Authority
Eleven appointments were made to the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). My Department received 114 applications after seeking expressions of interest from members of the public. Nine of those appointed were public applicants, one is a civil servant and the Chairperson, who was a member of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Implementation Team, was appointed in order to provide continuity to the Authority which had operated on a non-statutory basis for a number of years. The proposed Chairperson appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.
146. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who are on public or Civil Service pensions who have been recruited for work on any basis, permanent or temporary, under the remit of her Department in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39551/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that there has been no recruitment, either permanent or temporary, into my Department of individuals on public or civil service pensions for the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014.
A limited number of former public or civil servants are re-engaged from time to time on a short term basis because of their knowledge and expertise in a particular area, for example to serve on interview boards, audit committees or investigations.
It should also be noted that a small number of Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited for the years specified above to provide cover for priority vacancies, or, additional resources for priority short term projects that could not be managed within existing resources. Only one of those appointed in 2013 was in receipt of a Civil/Public Service pension while two others had preserved pensions in respect of previous service. Of the cohort of temporary clerical officers engaged in 2014 and based on the information available none are retired civil or public servants.
147. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children and young persons, by county, who have been assessed as requiring the intervention and support of a social worker but are still waiting to be allocated a social worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38923/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA report prepared by the Child and Family Agency – "Measuring the Pressure" - indicates that at the end of June 2014, the Agency was providing 19,766 children with a social work service. A total of 9,548 cases were awaiting allocation to a social worker and this figure is broken down by area in the following table.
Approximately one third of these cases (3,240) were deemed to be high priority and this figure is also broken down by area in the table attached. These cases represent a mix of new referrals that need further assessment and social work input, as well as children known to the Agency who need a continuing social work service. I am assured by the Agency that emergency cases are dealt with immediately and that high priority cases are kept under review.
The data and analysis contained in "Measuring the Pressure" provides critical management information to assist the Agency in service planning and resource allocation.
Children awaiting allocation to a social worker by Region and Area including breakdown of High Priority cases by Region and Area
|
Total |
By Area |
High Priority by Region |
High Priority By Area |
|
|
Dublin North East |
2,375 |
1,289 |
||
|
Dublin North City |
28 |
4 |
||
|
Dublin North |
1,078 |
473 |
||
|
Louth/Meath |
1,039 |
691 |
||
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
230 |
121 |
||
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
3,974 |
1,062 |
||
|
Dublin South East/Dublin South/Wicklow |
85 |
33 |
||
|
Kildare/West Wicklow/Dublin South West |
1,714 |
629 |
||
|
Dublin South City/Dublin West |
1,101 |
150 |
||
|
Midlands |
1,074 |
250 |
||
|
West |
1,038 |
330 |
||
|
Donegal |
221 |
20 |
||
|
Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan |
173 |
76 |
||
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Galway/Roscommon |
420 |
141 |
||
|
Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary |
224 |
93 |
||
|
South |
2,161 |
559 |
||
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Cork |
1,196 |
221 |
||
|
Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary |
236 |
155 |
||
|
Waterford/Wexford |
729 |
183 |
||
|
Total |
9,548 |
3,240 |
148. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total spend to date on the following two DCYA training funds for early childhood services, that is, the support and training fund in 2013 totalling €900,000 and the learner fund in 2014-15 totalling €3 million; and if he will provide a breakdown of funding allocated by county by county in a tabular form in respect of funding uptake. [38995/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the ongoing progression of the Early Years Quality Agenda, it was announced last year that by September 2015 all staff working directly with children in the 0-6 years age category in early years services would have to have a minimum Level 5 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework in early years care and education, or an equivalent qualification. This requirement will apply to new services from September 2014.
In addition to the general requirement for a Level 5 qualification, pre-school leaders delivering the free pre-school provision to children in the age category 3 years 2 months to 4 years 7 months under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, who are currently required to hold a Level 5 qualification, will have to have a minimum Level 6 qualification, or equivalent, by September 2015.
In 2013, €0.9 million was made available to my Department to support existing staff working in the childcare sector to meet the new requirements. As a result, my Department agreed to increase the annual grant funding provided in 2013 to Early Childhood Ireland, a national voluntary organisation that promotes quality care and education for young children, in return for the provision of additional accredited training for existing childcare staff. The objective of the funding is to ensure that all existing staff are in a position to meet the minimum Level 5 qualification requirement to enable them to continue to work in the childcare sector and that staff seeking to fill the role of Pre-school Leader under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme are assisted to obtain the required Level 6 qualification.
To further support childcare staff, the Learner Fund was launched in March this year. The Fund, which is being administered by Pobal with the help of local City and County Childcare Committees, has a total allocation of €3 million for the years 2014 and 2015 and is being targeted to subsidise the cost for childcare staff who are required to undertake accredited Level 5 and Level 6 courses.
The funding provided under both initiatives will be drawn down in 2014 and 2015 to support staff seeking to meet the new qualification requirements. Figures provided by Pobal and shown in the following tables outline the overall funding provided to date to Early Childhood Ireland and also the funding allocated and paid to date to support training under the Learner Fund in each county.
Support Training Fund
|
Beneficiary |
Paid |
Amount |
|
Early Childhood Ireland |
06/03/2014 |
516,000.00 |
|
Early Childhood Ireland |
01/05/2014 |
196,000.00 |
|
Early Childhood Ireland |
05/06/2014 |
76,200.00 |
|
Total |
788,200.00 |
Childcare Training and Learner Fund
|
County |
Allocated |
Paid to Date |
|
Carlow |
14,160.00 |
3,540.00 |
|
Cavan |
17,550.00 |
4,388.00 |
|
Clare |
96,247.00 |
24,062.00 |
|
Cork City |
52,080.00 |
13,020.00 |
|
Cork County |
158,160.00 |
39,540.00 |
|
Donegal |
16,530.00 |
4,133.00 |
|
Dublin County Borough |
310,320.00 |
77,580.00 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
112,200.00 |
28,050.00 |
|
Dublin South County |
100,570.00 |
25,143.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
70,020.00 |
17,505.00 |
|
Galway City & County |
59,313.00 |
14,828.00 |
|
Kerry |
47,520.00 |
11,880.00 |
|
Kildare |
109,050.00 |
27,263.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
22,765.00 |
5,691.00 |
|
Laois |
75,300.00 |
18,825.00 |
|
Leitrim |
11,914.00 |
2,978.00 |
|
Limerick City & County |
56,280.00 |
14,070.00 |
|
Longford |
6,530.00 |
1,633.00 |
|
Louth |
48,256.00 |
12,064.00 |
|
Mayo |
28,380.00 |
7,095.00 |
|
Meath |
166,697.00 |
41,674.00 |
|
Monaghan |
14,520.00 |
3,630.00 |
|
Offaly |
25,440.00 |
6,360.00 |
|
Roscommon |
20,780.00 |
5,195.00 |
|
Sligo |
23,610.00 |
5,903.00 |
|
Tipperary North |
18,572.00 |
4,643.00 |
|
Tipperary South |
42,480.00 |
10,620.00 |
|
Waterford City County |
15,418.00 |
3,854.00 |
|
Westmeath |
29,070.00 |
7,268.00 |
|
Wexford |
24,570.00 |
6,143.00 |
|
Wicklow |
87,760.00 |
21,940.00 |
|
Total |
1,882,062.00 |
470,518.00 |
149. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that leaving the Magdalene laundries out of the inquiry being established into the mother and baby homes would leave Ireland in continued breach of international law as an effective investigation into the Magdalene laundries which would discharge Ireland's international human rights obligations to properly investigate allegations of human rights abuses has not taken place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has undertaken to establish a Commission of Investigation into the concerns relating to Mother and Baby Homes. While I have confirmed that the intended scope of this investigation will go beyond the home operated by the Sisters of Bon Secours in Tuam, Co. Galway the process to develop specific terms of reference continues to be advanced in collaboration with relevant colleagues across Government. Significant progress is being made in this task and I intend to return to the Houses with a draft resolution seeking to establish the Commission as soon as possible.
Since the decision to establish this investigation was announced, there have been calls for the inclusion of a range of other institutions, including the Magdalen Laundries and these are being considered as part of the deliberative process.
With regard to the allegations by the Deputy that the State is in breach of international law as regards the Magdalen Laundries, I wish to reiterate the Government’s rejection of these allegations. As previously outlined by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and her predecessor in response to such allegations, if the Deputy has any evidence of human rights abuses constituting criminal offences having been committed in the Magdalen laundries, he should report it to the Gardaí Síochána for criminal investigation.
In addition, I am advised by the Department of Justice and Equality that no individuals claiming to be victims of criminal abuse in Magdalen laundries have made any complaints or requests to that Department seeking further inquiries or criminal investigations.
The Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries – the McAleese Report was published on 5 February 2013. The contents of the report have been fully accepted by the Irish Government as a comprehensive and objective report of the factual position prepared under the supervision of an independent chairperson.
150. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a list of all State board appointments since the general election of 2011; the person who recommended each appointment; the credentials of those appointed; if the vacancy was publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39276/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am responsible for appointments to the Boards of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Child and Family Agency and the Board of Management for the Children Detention Schools in Oberstown, Co. Dublin.
From the establishment of my Department in June 2011 until 31st December 2013 the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was responsible for appointments to the Boards of the Family Support Agency (FSA) and the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). With the establishment of the Child and Family Agency on 1st January 2014, the FSA and the NEWB ceased to exist and their roles were subsumed into the Agency.
As the Deputy may be aware, in line with the Government decision of April 2011, new arrangements were put in place for the making of appointments to State Boards and bodies. Following this Government Decision, a notice was placed on my Department's website inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies and Agencies operating under the Department's aegis. The notice indicates the vacancies in the boards of the respective bodies. My officials acknowledge all expressions of interest received and maintain a database of those expressions. My Department’s website is monitored and updated on a regular basis to reflect the number of vacancies as they arise.
In making decisions on appointments to boards, subject to the governing legislation, the most suitable persons are considered for positions with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities. An appropriate mix of skills and experience is an important element of the selection process.
The following tables set out the appointments to the respective boards since 2011.
Adoption Authority of Ireland
The credentials of the persons appointed were in accordance with Section 98 of the Adoption Act 2010.
|
Board Member |
Term |
Credentials |
|
Dr. Imelda Ryan |
02/02/12 – 2/02/17 |
Doctor |
|
Ms. Anne O’Flaherty |
11/09/13- 11/09/18 |
Psychologist |
Family Support Agency and the Child and Family Agency
In May, 2013 the Public Appointments Service advertised seeking Expressions of Interest from those interested in being appointed to the Board of the Family Support Agency having regard to both its existing statutory functions and its planned role in facilitating the establishment of the Child and Family Agency. The membership of the board of the Family Support Agency was appointed to the board of the new Child and Family Agency on its establishment on 1st January 2014.
|
Board Member |
Term |
Credentials |
|
Sharon Foley (Chair) |
30/01/12 – 26/03/13 (Ordinary Board member) & 26/03/12 – 31/05/13 (Chair) |
CEO Irish Hospice Foundation |
|
Caroline Murphy |
20/10/11 – 31/03/12 16/04/12 – 31/05/13 |
Organisational Psychologist and Broadcaster |
|
Dick Hickey |
02/06/11 – 01/12/11 02/12/11 – 31/03/12 16/04/12 – 31/05/13 |
Executive Director, St. Brigid’s Family resource Centre |
|
Dr. John Griffin |
30/04/12 – 31/05/13 |
Consultant Psychiatrist |
|
Marie Fenlon |
01/09/11 – 31/03/12 16/04/12 – 31/05/13 |
Nominee of the Family Resource Centre National Forum |
|
Liz Chaloner |
30/01/12 – 31/05/13 |
Independent Researcher, Facilitator, Consultant |
|
Nuala Ryan |
30/01/12 – 31/05/13 |
President UCD Women Graduates Association |
|
Catherine Downey Murphy |
11/07/12 – 31/05/13 |
Management positions in Health Service, Southern Health Board |
|
Catherine Hazlett (Resigned on 16/05/12 due to restructuring of Department) |
26/07/11 – 31/03/12 16/04/12 – 16/05/12 |
Civil Servant – Department of Children and Youth Affairs Rep |
|
Yvette O’Malley (Resigned on 10/11/11) |
01/09/11 – 10/11/11 |
Family Support Agency Staff Rep, Mediator |
|
Marie Dullea |
11/07/12 – 31/05/13 |
Civil Servant - Department of Children and Youth Affairs Rep |
|
Imelda Martin |
28/11/11 – 31/03/12 16/04/12 – 31/05/13 |
Family Support Agency Staff Rep |
|
Lorraine Mulligan |
12/12/12 – 31/03/13 |
Experienced Researcher, financial analysis, advocacy |
|
Dr. Nollaig Byrne |
08/02/12 – 31/05/13 |
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist |
|
Norah Gibbons (Chair) |
01/06/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of Child and Family Agency (CFA) |
Former member of Taskforce on the establishment of Child and Family Agency |
|
Sylda Langford |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Retired – former Director General of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs |
|
PJ Fitzpatrick |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Former Independent Chair of the Implementation Body for the Public Service Pay and Modernisation (Croke Park) Agreement 2010-2013. Now partner with Praesta Ltd. |
|
Noelle Spring |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Development Director with Katharine Howard Foundation |
|
Rory O’Ferrall |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Former President of National Youth Council. Currently member of Governing Authority of Dublin City University |
|
Gary Joyce |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Managing partner of Genesis Irish management consultancy |
|
Ita Mangan |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Chair of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare |
|
Noel Kelly |
17/09/13 – up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Former teacher and Home School Liaison Officer. Currently CEO of Preparing for Life in Darndale Belcamp |
|
Gary Ó Donnchadha |
02/12/13 - up to 3 years or establishment of CFA |
Civil Servant - Deputy Chief Inspector in Department of Education and Skills |
National Educational Welfare Board
The following table includes details of the nominating person or body for each appointee in accordance with the Education (Welfare) Act 2000:
|
Board Member |
Appointed |
Nominated by / under |
Professional title |
|
Nuala Doherty (Chair) |
30/07/12 |
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs |
Chief Executive Centre for Effective Services |
|
Brendan Broderick (Resigned 31/12/12) |
15/09/11 |
Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland |
President Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland |
|
Catherine Connery |
28/05/12 |
Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government |
Member and former chair Kilkenny County Council |
|
Marian Jennings |
28/05/12 |
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs |
Solicitor / Law lecturer |
|
Eamonn Flynn |
15/09/11 |
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs |
Educational Welfare Officer |
|
Bob Dowling |
02/03/12 |
Minister for Health |
Teacher |
|
Ruairí Gogan |
02/03/12 |
Minister for Justice and Equality |
Principal Officer |
|
Deirdre Matthews |
14/01/13 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
Assistant Chief Inspector, Department of Education and Skills |
|
Mary Donnelly |
23/04/12 – 22/04/15 |
Minister for Social Protection |
Principal Officer |
|
Sally Maguire |
03/11/13 – 03/03/14 |
Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland |
President Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland |
Children's Detention Schools
The following table sets out the nominating person/body in accordance with Section 167 of the Children Act 2001.
|
Name |
Nominated By |
Credentials |
|
Mr. Joe Horan |
Minister nominee 2012 Chairman |
Former County Manager of the South Dublin County Council - retired |
|
Professor Ursula Kilkelly |
Minister nominee 2012 |
Head of the College of Business and Law in University College Cork and Director of the Child Law Clinic |
|
Mr. Diego Gallagher |
Minister nominee 2012 |
Partner in Health and Regulatory Law Department at Byrne Wallace solicitors |
|
Ms. Sylda Langford |
Minister nominee 2012 |
Former Director General of Office of Minister for Children – retired |
|
Mr. Colin Fetherston |
Staff representative 2012 |
Elected as staff representative via local elections |
|
Mr. Pat Rooney |
Community representative - Was also on previous board |
Nominated by local community council |
|
Ms. Elizabeth Howard |
Community representative - Was also on previous board |
Nominated by local community council |
|
Mr. Barry Rooney |
Staff representative 2012 |
Elected as staff representative via local elections |
|
Mr. Dan Kelleher |
Minister nominee - Officer of the Minister 2011 |
Principal Officer of Irish Youth Justice Services/ Children Detention School |
|
Ms. Deirdre Keyes |
Minister for Education nominee 2012 |
Education Officer in Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board |
|
Mr. Gerard McKiernan |
Minister for Health nominee 2012 - Was also on previous board |
Director of Change and Special Projects in Tusla, the Child and Family Agency |
|
Ms. Rachel Grimes |
Minister nominee 2012 |
Home-maker |
|
Mr. Niall Kelly |
Minister nominee 2013 |
Former school teacher - retired |
