Written Answers Nos. 1-26
11. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the recent interdepartmental group policy seminar, in which he invited child stakeholders to contribute to the discussions; and the outcome of that meeting. [14467/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides approximately €260 million annually to early years and school-age care and education services. This funding is directed towards three programmes, which aim to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of early years and school-age care and education. These programmes – the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes – support the provision of early years and school-age care and education for more than 100,000 children each year.
To ensure that all the benefits of this (and future) investment are fully realised, it must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. It is critically important that any investment is designed to achieve the best outcomes for children and their parents. Accordingly, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group to develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in early years and after-school care and education.
This Group is considering the needs of children in their early years as well as the needs of school-going children. The Group is still in the early stages of its deliberations but has begun to solicit the views of key stakeholders through a number of consultative processes including the Open Policy Debate on Future Investment in Early Years and School-Age Care and Education Services, which was hosted by my Department on 31 March 2015. This Debate, which was conducted in line with recommendations contained in the Civil Service Renewal Programme, was attended by some 40 invited representatives. These included parents, providers, academics, City/County Childcare Committees, and non-governmental organisations. The Debate provided a forum for a range of options for future investment to be discussed and for views on the future policy direction for early years and school-age care and education to be articulated.
The views presented at this Debate will inform the on-going work of the Inter-Departmental Group. A report of the Debate is currently being compiled and will be published in due course. Further engagement with stakeholders is planned before the Inter-Departmental Group's final report is prepared and submitted to Government.
12. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is committed to the work of the school completion programme, and the need for funding to be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8809/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015.
The Agency has approved local projects' school retention plans for the 2014/2015 academic year. The first two instalments of 2014/15 funding have issued to local projects, with a third instalment planned for May 2015.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. Its final report is expected very shortly. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
13. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that the present housing crisis is one of the biggest contributors to child poverty, curtailed educational attainment and childhood health concerns; his views that the extreme pressures placed on families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness create an urgent child welfare issue in many cases; the measures he proposes to address this; the correspondence he has had with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and with the Minister for Social Protection on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14402/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 4th of December, 2014, Minister Kelly hosted a special summit on homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness, including that of families with children, by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the summit were formalised into an action plan to address homelessness, and substantial progress has been made in implementing that plan. Overall progress is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plan and progress reports are available on the website of Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The December, 2014 Action Plan to Address Homelessness includes a commitment for Tusla and Dublin City Council to coordinate operations to ensure that services are fully responsive to the particular protection and welfare needs that might arise for families in emergency accommodation.
Tusla has had meetings with Focus Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin City Council in relation to vulnerable families and issues facing care leavers. Tusla intends to create a multi-agency protocol to be clear about individual agency and multi-agency responsibilities with regard to homelessness, and work on this will commence shortly.
In cases where there are welfare or protection concerns in relation to children in families presenting as homeless, the reporting of such concerns to Tusla is governed by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011).
For clarity, policy responsibility for homelessness, insofar as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Young people who are homeless, either singly or as part of a family unit, and not falling within this category are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and local authorities. Matters in relation to child poverty and educational attainment fall within the remit of the Departments of Social Protection and Education and Skills respectively.
With regard to correspondence with Minister Kelly on the issue of homelessness, there continues to be on-going, significant communication and cooperation between our Departments and related agencies as part of a wider Government approach to addressing this issue.
14. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is now in a position to provide extra resources to child care providers, in respect of children with additional and special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdditional provisions are made for children with special needs who access the free pre-school year under the Early Childhood Care and Education programme. These provisions include the option to avail of the programme on a pro-rata basis over a two year time period, and also the option to avail of an exemption to the upper age limit for entry to the programme.
The majority of children with special needs are in a position to access the free pre-school provision in mainstream childcare settings, but I want to ensure the consistency of support for those children who cannot avail of pre-school services without specialised support. My Department, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills, is working to develop an agreed framework for the provision of resources to support children with special needs in mainstream childcare settings.
The high level Inter-Departmental Group which I established to examine the issue of future investment in early years and school age care and education is considering all aspects of provision, including the issue of support for children with special needs who wish to access mainstream services. The Group is still in the early stages of its deliberations. I expect that a report will be provided to me in June this year. The Government will then be in a position to consider the direction of future investment in the sector, including in the very important area of special needs.
15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the report by the Health Information and Quality Authority into child protection and welfare services in the Cork area that found more than one in four children, who had been the subject of a referral, did not have an allocated social worker; the measures that are being taken to address these shortcomings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14471/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carried out an announced inspection of Child Protection and Welfare Services in Cork in October 2014. The investigation identified two areas of significant risk, which were immediately addressed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The remaining actions addressing the inspection findings were published in an Action Plan with specific time-lines for each point.
Children known to social work departments are required to have an allocated social worker. However, resource constraints and staff on leave can affect the allocation status of cases. These cases are monitored regularly by the social work Team Leaders and Principal Social Workers and managed on a day-to-day basis by the duty social work team. The reviews of these cases take account of changes in the child's circumstances and the case can be re-prioritised, if appropriate.
As the allocation of social workers is a priority with Tusla, a review is to take place of all cases awaiting allocation to determine the level of resources required and to overall improve the service being provided. It is important to note that the downward trend for children waiting to be allocated a social worker in 2014 has been achieved at the current level of resources and staffing.
Tusla is making strong efforts to fill the social work posts as quickly as possible. It is one of my key priorities to ensure that Tusla's workforce development plan addresses both current and future service needs for our most vulnerable children.
16. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 24 February 2015, the progress that has been made in the development of a National Youth Strategy; when he expects this to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14462/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Youth Strategy will focus on the youth-related policy commitments outlined in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014 - 2020, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. It will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24 years. It will have a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged or at risk and who have the poorest outcomes and therefore in most need of support.
The National Youth Strategy is being developed in close consultation with statutory youth interests and the voluntary youth organisations and services that work with young people. A National Youth Strategy Task Group, convened by my Department, is overseeing its development. This Task Group comprises representatives of Government Departments, relevant agencies, business, academia and youth interests. A comprehensive consultation with youth stakeholders and young people on the priorities for the youth strategy has recently concluded. My Department is working to finalise the new National Youth Strategy by early Summer.
17. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will report on the measures his Department is putting in place to monitor the wellbeing of children currently residing in emergency homeless accommodation; the family supports his Department is providing to these children; the collaborative measures he and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are undertaking to reduce the impact of the lack of stability for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy responsibility for homeless children, insofar as it extends to my Department, relates to children under 18 who are not in the care of their parents or guardians in the context of the Child Care Act 1991 and to young people who were formerly in the care of the State and presently in receipt of aftercare services. The accommodation needs of these young people will be identified as part of their aftercare plan. The accommodation needs of children who are in the care of their parents where the family is homeless are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities.
The Child Care Act 1991 provides that children under 18 years of age, who present as out of home, can be received into care where this is in their best interests. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has its own operational policy which states that accommodating a child under Section 5 of the 1991 Act will only apply to children aged 16 or 17 and only where their best interests would not be met by being received into care. Tusla is establishing local inter-agency committees to oversee implementation of aftercare plans to cater for young adults leaving care who are at risk of homelessness. My Department, Tusla and the County and City Management Association have agreed a protocol to reduce this risk.
It would not be appropriate for Tusla to intervene and take children into care when families become homeless. These parents remain their children’s primary carer - their financial situation is not grounds for removing children from their care. Tusla’s role is to support them in the same way that it supports any family where child welfare issues are identified, to provide family support and assess any child protection concern that arise. Where Tusla identifies underlying problems such as parental mental heath, addiction or parenting problems, it can refer the family to the appropriate service or provide the support and oversight needed to ensure the welfare and protection of the children.
In February 2013, the Minister for Housing and Planning published the Government's Homelessness Policy Statement which aims to end long term homelessness by the end of 2016. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential for family life. My officials and I are engaged with the Minister and the Homelessness Oversight Group to progress this issue.
On the 4th of December, 2014, Minister Kelly hosted a special summit on homelessness to reaffirm the Government's commitment to end involuntary long-term homelessness, including that of families with children, by the end of 2016. A number of actions arising from the summit were formalised into an action plan to address homelessness, and substantial progress has been made in implementing that plan. Overall progress is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plan and progress reports are available on the website of Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The December 2014 Action Plan to Address Homelessness includes a commitment for Tusla and Dublin City Council to co-ordinate operations to ensure that services are fully responsive to the particular protection and welfare needs that might arise for families in emergency accommodation.
Tusla has had meetings with Focus Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and Dublin City Council in relation to vulnerable families and issues facing care leavers. Tusla intends to create a multi-agency protocol to be clear about individual agency and multi-agency responsibilities with regard to homelessness, and work on this will commence shortly.
18. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in relation to the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures policy framework from 2014 to 2020, the progress at achieving the commitment to introduce a second free preschool year, which is envisaged for introduction before the end of the policy framework duration; and if consideration is being given to enhancing and extending the hours currently provided under the first preschool year, as a precursor to the introduction of the second year. [14469/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education programme provides one free pre-school year to all eligible children before commencing primary school. This programme represents an annual investment of more than €170 million in pre-school services.
The introduction of a second pre-school year would require considerable additional funding, broadly in line with the cost of the current provision. This additional funding is not currently available due to the financial constraints under which the Government is operating. I would like to be in a position to increase our investment in childcare-related programmes. This will take time, as the benefits of growth generate the required resources. However, I am determined that all such spending, whether existing or additional, will be based on good evidence and be strategically co-ordinated, so that we achieve the best possible benefits for children and parents.
As you are aware, the Inter-Departmental Group which I recently established will look at early years provision right across the 0 to 6 age group, as well as consider the after-school needs of school-going children. It is crucial that we develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare services and the Group has been asked to report to me by the Summer.
All the available evidence indicates that the quality of the pre-school provision is key to good outcomes for children. The Early Years Quality Agenda is being progressed by my Department. This involves a range of actions in key areas aimed at improving quality within early years services and enhancing the regulatory regime.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020, recognises the value of early childhood care and education in supporting children's early cognitive, social and emotional development. The Government is committed to the introduction of a second free pre-school year within the lifetime of the Framework once the required quality standards are achieved and subject to the availability of resources and any recommendations emanating from the Inter-Departmental Group.
19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the procedures in place for carrying out investigations into cases of historical child abuse by State institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14399/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a number of investigations into cases of historical child abuse, including for example, inquiries into the handling of allegations in the dioceses of Ferns and Cloyne, and with particular regard to State institutions, the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (known as the “Ryan Report”).
The Ryan Report was published in 2009 and detailed disturbing and significant levels of historic abuse of Irish children who were placed, by the State, in residential institutions run by religious orders. The Government accepted all of the recommendations of the Ryan Report, and in response developed a detailed Implementation Plan, which set out a series of 99 actions which addressed the recommendations to improve services to children in care, in detention and at risk. The Fourth and Final Monitoring Report of the Ryan Implementation Group, which was recently approved by Government and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas notes that the vast majority of the recommendations (i.e. 94 out of a total of 99), have been implemented or are being implemented on an ongoing basis. It should also be noted that the Monitoring Group, which authored the Report, welcomed the significant positive developments that have taken place over the lifetime of the Implementation Plan.
Should an allegation arise regarding historical child abuse by a State institution, or indeed any organisation or person, there are a number of issues which would be taken into consideration.
In general, each Government Department is responsible for implementing child protection measures, which include preventative and protective strategies, within its own sector. So, for example, in relation to schools, the Department of Education has a suite of child protection guidelines and protocols in place. My Department chairs the Children First Implementation Group which supports consistency in the implementation of the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011), across all relevant Departments and sectors.
At present, in the event that a reasonable concern arises that abuse has occurred, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children outlines the steps which should be taken to report concerns. The Children First Bill, 2014, which will shortly be progressing into Committee Stage in the Dáil, proposes to place elements of the National Guidance on a statutory basis. In effect this means that certain categories of person will now acquire a statutory responsibility to report concerns of harm which meet or exceed a defined threshold to the Child and Family Agency. In addition, organisations which provide relevant services to children will, once the Bill is commenced, be required to undertake an assessment of risk in relation to the harm which may come to a child while availing of its services and to prepare a Child Safeguarding Statement which outlines the procedures which are in place to mitigate the identified risks.
The Government has no plans currently to carry out any further systemic historical reviews at this time.
If an allegation of historical abuse is made, the Child and Family Agency, under its statutory responsibility under section 3 of the Child Care Act, 1991, is required to investigate such allegations. This would include establishing whether the alleged perpetrator presents a current risk to children. If the allegation is made by a child, the Agency would also be required to take the steps it considers necessary to protect the child in question. Finally, An Garda Siochána also has a role in relation to historical abuse in the context of investigating any criminal aspects thereof. It is of course always open to any individual to have recourse to the courts in relation to any allegation of a crime, including historical abuse.
20. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a commitment to reversing cuts to the school completion programme and ensuring that the programme is secured for the future. [14473/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015.
The Agency has approved local projects' school retention plans for the 2014/2015 academic year. The first two instalments of 2014/15 funding have issued to local projects, with a third instalment planned for May 2015.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. Its final report is expected very shortly. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
21. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 24 February 2015, if the stakeholder consultation process on the National Youth Strategy has now concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14461/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Youth Strategy will focus on the youth-related policy commitments outlined in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014 - 2020, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People. It will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24 years. It will have a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged or at risk and who have the poorest outcomes and therefore in most need of support.
The National Youth Strategy is being developed in close consultation with statutory youth interests and the voluntary youth organisations and services that work with young people. A comprehensive consultation with youth stakeholders and young people on the priorities for the strategy has recently concluded. The consultations included an online survey aimed at young people (aged 10 to 24 years) and those working with young people. Some 3,800 young people and over 500 people working with young people (professionals and volunteers) responded to the online survey.
Consultation events at a national level involved 150 young people aged 15-18 years at a special forum in February 2015. Other consultation events were arranged for Government departments, statutory agencies, the youth sector, NGOs working with young people, Education and Training Boards, parents and teachers, business, academia, and young people aged over 18. These consultations will inform the priorities for the National Youth Strategy, to secure improved outcomes for young people.
My Department is working to finalise the new National Youth Strategy by early Summer.
22. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fact that funding of the school completion programme has been cut from €32.9 million in 2008 to €24.7 million currently, including a cut of 6.5% in the current year, if he will restore the level of funding to this vital programme for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14459/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Completion Programme aims to retain young people in the formal education system to completion of senior cycle and to improve the school attendance, participation and retention of its target cohort. It is a targeted intervention aimed at school communities identified under the Department of Education and Skills DEIS Action Plan. It involves 124 locally managed projects and provides targeted supports to approximately 36,000 children and young people.
Since 1st January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has operational responsibility for the School Completion Programme, including the allocation of funds to local projects. In 2014, an allocation of €24.756 million was provided for the School Completion Programme. The Agency has indicated a similar allocation for the programme in 2015.
The Agency has approved local projects' school retention plans for the 2014/2015 academic year. The first two instalments of 2014/15 funding have issued to local projects, with a third instalment planned for May 2015.
The ESRI is currently reviewing the School Completion Programme, which will help in future decisions on its structure, governance and operation. Its final report is expected very shortly. The Minister for Education and Skills recently published an evaluation of the DEIS programme which was also prepared by the ESRI, and which refers to the School Completion Programme as an integral support within DEIS in improving attendance and engagement in education.
I have advised the Agency of my commitment to ensuring that there is no diminution in the school completion programme services. The School Completion Programme is an important service within the Agency’s educational welfare services. It is highly regarded as a key response in securing improved educational outcomes for children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which the provision of adequate child care facilities continues to be a priority, with particular reference to the large number of families where both parents are at work or are required to work in the workplace; if consideration is being given to the provision of affordable child care facilities to facilitate the requirements of children in modern society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the region of €260 million is provided annually by my Department to support a number of childcare programmes which assist parents in accessing quality and affordable childcare. More than 100,000 children benefit from this investment each year. These programmes are in addition to the support provided to all parents in the form of Child Benefit.
The childcare programmes include the universal free pre-school year provided under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. In the region of 67,000 children benefit each year from the free pre-school provision. The standard weekly capitation payment for each eligible child enrolled is €62.50 with a higher capitation of €73 paid for eligible children enrolled in services where staff hold higher childcare qualifications.
The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community childcare services to support disadvantaged or low income families. In the case of full day care, parents can have up to €95 per week deducted from the overall charge. In the region of 25,000 children benefit each year from the CCS programme.
Further childcare support is provided under a number of labour activation measures which support parents returning to the work force or availing of education or training opportunities. These include the Childcare Education and Training Supports (CETS) programme providing €145 per week for full day care where parents are availing of training and education courses provided by Solas or the Education Training Board (ETB). The After-School Child Care (ASCC) programme provides €40 per week for after-school care, or €80 per week where a pick up service is available, with €105 per week for full day childcare during the holiday period. A Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programme has also been introduced and provides up to €80 a week to support qualifying parents who are participating in Community Employment (CE) schemes.
The funding to support these childcare programmes has been maintained despite the difficult budgetary position that has prevailed in recent years. To ensure that all the benefits of current (and future) investment are fully realised, it must be evidence-based and strategically coordinated. Accordingly, I have established an Inter-Departmental Group to develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare. This Group is considering the needs of children in their early years as well as the needs of school-going children. The Group, which is still in the early stages of its deliberations, will submit its final report to Government in June 2015.
24. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a second full free preschool year for all children from the beginning of the new school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14458/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education programme provides one free pre-school year to all eligible children before commencing primary school. This programme represents an annual investment of more than €170 million in pre-school services.
The introduction of a second pre-school year would require considerable additional funding, broadly in line with the cost of the current provision. This additional funding is not currently available due to the financial constraints under which the Government is operating. I would like to be in a position to increase our investment in childcare-related programmes. This will take time, as the benefits of growth generate the required resources. However, I am determined that all such spending, whether existing or additional, will be based on good evidence and strategically co-ordinated, so that we achieve the best possible benefits for children and parents.
As you are aware, the Inter-Departmental Group which I recently established will look at early years provision right across the 0 to 6 age group, as well as consider the after-school needs of school-going children. It is crucial that we develop a coherent whole-of-Government approach to investment in childcare services and the Group has been asked to report to me by the Summer.
All of the available evidence indicates that the quality of the pre-school provision is key to good outcomes for children. The Early Years Quality Agenda is being progressed by my Department. This involves a range of actions in key areas aimed at improving quality within early years services and enhancing the regulatory regime.
25. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will restore the 30% cut in youth services provision since 2008, including the cuts made by his Government since coming to office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14460/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers a range of funding schemes and programmes to support the provision of youth services to young people throughout the country including those from disadvantaged communities. The funding schemes support national and local youth work provision to some 380,000 young people and involve approximately 1,400 youth work staff in 477 projects and 40,000 volunteers working in youth work services and communities throughout the country. My Department, along with all government departments, was required to deliver substantial savings on all funding programmes in line with the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. In determining the annual allocations for youth programmes, while having regard to the CRE, my Department sought to ensure that, as far as is possible, the focus was maintained on the front line youth services particularly those for the most vulnerable young people. In 2015, funding of €49.93m has been provided to my Department for these schemes. There has been no reduction in the overall allocation for youth services in 2015 which was a key priority for youth organisations.
My Department is developing a new National Youth Strategy. Based on Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures - the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020, it will be a universal strategy for all young people aged 10 to 24. It will have a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged or at risk and who have the poorest outcomes and therefore in most need of support.
The National Youth Strategy is being developed in close consultation with statutory youth interests and the voluntary youth organisations and services that work with young people. A comprehensive consultation with youth stakeholders and young people on the priorities for the strategy has recently concluded and my Department anticipates that the new National Youth Strategy will be completed by early Summer.
26. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the infant mortality rate of children in direct provision; and if he agrees that, as Minister for Children, he has a duty of care to these children and a responsibility to ask why children between zero and five years of age account for a quarter of all deaths of persons living in direct provision. [14466/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice and Equality has primary responsibility in the area of asylum and immigration, accordingly the direct provision system is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
The death of any child is obviously of great concern. However, from what has been reported, I do not have sufficient information to draw any reliable conclusions about the causes of death, or mortality rates among this group. However, the Deputy can be assured that I will be discussing this with my colleagues in the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Equality to examine the matter further.
The Department of Justice and Equality has established a working group to review a range of issues pertaining to asylum seekers and direct provision. The first meeting of the Working Group on the Protection Process was held on the 10th November 2014, chaired by Judge Bryan McMahon. The Working Group consists of children's rights advocates, organisations engaged with asylum groups and representatives from a range of relevant government departments, including a representative from my own Department. I look forward to learning of the findings and recommendations of the working group in May 2015.
