Written Answers Nos. 1417-1438
1417. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the sectors most vulnerable to future free trade agreements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20166/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU’s suite of Free Trade Agreements with third Countries help to open new markets, break down barriers and provide new opportunities for Irish firms. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth.
Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries.
The Government’s new Trade Strategy, Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World which supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification - promoting diversified export markets is a key priority for my Department. This includes markets that are growing and have scale as well as markets where we are already well established but with potential for further growth. The programme of trade missions and trade events for 2017 includes a substantive focus on the EU and third country markets. In 2017 we have 42 Minister led trade missions to existing and emerging markets, including an increased focus on EU markets. Enterprise Ireland is consistently working with client companies focussing on enhancing their competitiveness, capability and levels of innovation to assist them to diversify into new markets.
The EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement has led to a sizeable increase in Irish exports since it came into effect in 2011. This is the real evidence that Trade Agreements work for Irish exporters and Irish jobs.
Beef is considered as a sensitive agricultural product in EU free trade agreements where only limited concessions are granted in the form of tariff rate quotas. Any import of beef is subject to full compliance with EU health and safety standards including the ban on hormone treated beef. This means that only hormone-free meat can be imported into the EU. During the EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations Ireland successfully campaigned for the EU to grant Canada a low beef tariff rate quota of 45,850 tonnes progressively over 5 years thereby safeguarding our important EU market in this area. Above this agreed quota the EU's high tariffs continue to apply. I will continue to work at securing the best deal for Ireland in any future trade negotiation, bearing in mind our defensive interests, in sensitive areas such as the beef sector.
1418. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of times the IDA has visited County Roscommon in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1421. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details of all foreign direct investment secured through State agencies in 2014, 2015 and 2016 by county, in tabular form; the name, location and financing details of foreign direct investment secured in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1418 and 1421 together.
In the first quarter of 2017, there was one IDA Ireland-sponsored site visit to Co. Roscommon. In 2016, there was one site visit only. While this is disappointing, it must be borne in mind that site visits are not the only indication of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a county. The majority of new FDI comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies. The table below details the investments announced for Galway and Roscommon from 2014-2016, however, it should be noted that not all investments are publicly announced.
Roscommon and Galway Investment Announcements 2014-2016
|
DATE |
COMPANY |
LOCATION |
ORIGIN |
JOBS |
|
10/02/2014 |
Jazz |
Roscommon |
US |
N/A |
|
21/02/2014 |
SEKO MedTec Solutions |
Galway |
US |
30 |
|
12/06/2014 |
Smartbear |
Galway |
US |
100 |
|
13/10/2014 |
Colour Communication |
Roscommon |
US |
20 |
|
05/11/2014 |
N3 Results, Sprout Social, Simplivity, Udemy, Boomerang Pharma, SNP Communications, Perseus Telecom. HedgeGuard |
Dublin, Cork, Galway |
US, Europe |
400 |
|
07/11//2014 |
Valeo Vision |
Galway |
US |
140 |
|
10/11/2014 |
Avaya |
Galway |
US |
75 |
|
16/01/2015 |
Zimmer |
Galway |
US |
250 |
|
23/02/2015 |
Apple |
Galway |
US |
300 |
|
23/03/2015 |
IDT911 |
Galway |
US |
60 |
|
28/05/2015 |
Shopify |
Galway |
US |
50 |
|
18/06/2015 |
Moss Vision |
Roscommon |
UK |
50 |
|
28/07/2015 |
Industrial Info |
Galway |
US |
50 |
|
14/12/2015 |
Phenox GmbH |
Galway |
German |
65 |
|
14/12/2015 |
Medtronic |
Galway |
US |
N/A |
|
16/03/2016 |
Ipswitch |
Galway |
US |
60 |
|
18/05/2016 |
Wayfair |
Galway |
US |
160 |
|
13/06/2016 |
Surmodics |
Galway |
US |
100 |
|
07/06/2016 |
Glan Agua and MEIC a subsidiary of Mota-Engil |
Galway |
Portuguese |
60 |
1419. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps that were taken to try to avert the closure of a factory (details supplied) in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; and when she was informed of the impending closure. [20192/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe company referred to by Deputy Murphy received a number of supports under various schemes from my Department, through Enterprise Ireland, between 2006 and 2011.
In January 2013, the Department of Health communicated to all Government Departments and their agencies the guidelines for the implementation of Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Specifically, Principle 4 of the guidelines sets out the following;
‘Because their products are lethal, the tobacco industry should not be granted incentives to establish or run their businesses’.
As such, my Department and its agencies are no longer in a position to support companies in this sector.
I was informed on 13 April that the company intends to engage in a consultation period which may result in closure of the factory and redundancy of the employees.
My thoughts are with the workers and the wider community affected by this announcement.
My Department will continue to concentrate on creating sustainable employment in all regions of Ireland through the Regional Action Plans for Jobs.
The State agencies will continue to work closely with each other, and with local interests, in line with the West Regional Action Plan for Jobs, to support an integrated approach to job creation in Roscommon and the broader region.
1420. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs created by companies supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority between 2015 and to date in 2017, by county, in tabular form. [20193/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Enterprise Ireland (EI) provides a range of supports to help Irish companies start, grow and export. There are now over 201,000 people employed by EI supported companies across the country, an all-time high for the Agency. The fact that over 130,000 of those 201,000 jobs are outside of Dublin is also significant. All regions recorded increases in employment.
Over the period of its 2014-2016 Strategy ‘Driving Enterprise, Delivering Jobs’, EI exceeded its 45,000 jobs target, and 45,592 new full time jobs were created by client companies. The Strategy has driven the greatest job creation ever achieved in any three year period by Irish companies.
EI’s new ‘Global Ambition’ strategy 2017-2020 will support enterprises across the economy, to grow into strong Irish international companies, developing world-leading products and services and exporting them all around the world. The strategy builds on the success of recent years and sets new ambitious targets for jobs growth of 60,000 and to increase exports by €5 billion per year, with two-thirds of exports going beyond the UK.
IDA Ireland reported a second, consecutive record year in 2016. 199,877 people are now employed in IDA Ireland supported client companies, up from 188,035 in 2015. This is the highest level of employment in IDA Ireland client companies in the Agency's 68-year history.
IDA Ireland’s strategy for 2015-2019 includes a commitment to increase foreign FDI in every region outside Dublin by 30%-40%. The Agency made good progress towards achieving this goal in 2016, with 52% of all jobs created by IDA Ireland's clients last year based outside of Dublin. The Agency is targeting the creation of 7,000 net new jobs and 180 new investments in 2017.
Table 1 below provides a breakdown of new jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies by county for 2015 and 2016.
Table 2 provides a breakdown of new jobs created in IDA Ireland supported companies by county for the same period. Agency job figures are collated on an annual basis only, therefore figures for 2017 will not be available until the Annual Employment Survey is released at the beginning of 2018.
Table 1: New Jobs (Permanent Full time and Other) created by Enterprise Ireland supported Companies
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Carlow |
234 |
373 |
|
Cavan |
487 |
466 |
|
Clare |
235 |
282 |
|
Cork |
2,712 |
2,154 |
|
Donegal |
534 |
422 |
|
Dublin |
8,062 |
7,579 |
|
Galway |
999 |
836 |
|
Kerry |
556 |
272 |
|
Kildare |
981 |
711 |
|
Kilkenny |
342 |
348 |
|
Laois |
131 |
165 |
|
Leitrim |
97 |
168 |
|
Limerick |
485 |
1,158 |
|
Longford |
267 |
281 |
|
Louth |
566 |
535 |
|
Mayo |
206 |
273 |
|
Meath |
702 |
550 |
|
Monaghan |
467 |
471 |
|
Offaly |
452 |
277 |
|
Roscommon |
180 |
133 |
|
Sligo |
115 |
120 |
|
Tipperary |
518 |
290 |
|
Waterford |
693 |
397 |
|
Westmeath |
229 |
329 |
|
Wexford |
465 |
214 |
|
Wicklow |
403 |
440 |
|
TOTAL |
21,118 |
19,244 |
Table 2: New Jobs (Permanent Full time and Other) created by IDA supported Companies
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Carlow |
19 |
83 |
|
Cavan |
29 |
41 |
|
Clare |
530 |
295 |
|
Cork |
4,535 |
2,602 |
|
Donegal |
330 |
145 |
|
Dublin |
10,202 |
9,000 |
|
Galway |
1,457 |
1,896 |
|
Kerry |
89 |
186 |
|
Kildare |
849 |
291 |
|
Kilkenny |
9 |
113 |
|
Laois |
18 |
10 |
|
Leitrim |
16 |
3 |
|
Limerick |
950 |
1,634 |
|
Longford |
46 |
70 |
|
Louth |
317 |
453 |
|
Mayo |
159 |
181 |
|
Meath |
67 |
84 |
|
Monaghan |
52 |
7 |
|
Offaly |
58 |
49 |
|
Roscommon |
108 |
34 |
|
Sligo |
166 |
190 |
|
Tipperary North Riding |
25 |
10 |
|
Tipperary South Riding |
70 |
138 |
|
Waterford |
523 |
697 |
|
Westmeath |
212 |
185 |
|
Wexford |
101 |
171 |
|
Wicklow |
45 |
59 |
|
TOTAL |
20,982 |
18,627 |
1423. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of IDA exports by sector to each of the 27 EU countries. [20676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1424. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position of Ireland in comparison to other EU countries in each of the sectors in which the IDA exports to EU countries. [20677/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1423 and 1424 together.
IDA Ireland collates its client companies’ exports to the UK and European Union by NACE code only. The Agency does not track the information by individual European countries. The tables below provide details of all IDA Ireland client company exports in 2015, which are the latest available figures. The breakdowns provided are UK, Europe, Rest of Europe (Member States) and Rest of Europe (non-Member States).
Multinational companies continue to be significant exporters from Ireland, with IDA Ireland clients exporting approximately €140 bn in 2015 which accounts for almost 64% of total national exports (Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact Report 2015). In addition, the Agency’s client companies spend €18.7 bn in the Irish economy annually; €10 bn on payroll and €8.7 bn on Irish-sourced materials and services (ABSEI Report 2015).
Total Exports to United Kingdom
|
2015 |
|
|
Manufacturing & Other Industry (including Primary Production) |
€ m |
|
Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying |
0 |
|
Food, Drink & Tobacco |
295 |
|
Textiles, Clothing, Footware & Leather |
0 |
|
Wood & Wood Products |
0 |
|
Paper & Printing |
9 |
|
Chemicals |
2,179 |
|
Rubber & Plastics |
126 |
|
Non-Metalic Minerals |
18 |
|
Basic & Fabricated Metal Products |
97 |
|
Computer, Electronic & Optical Products |
636 |
|
Electrical equipment |
97 |
|
Machinery & Equipment |
125 |
|
Transport Equipment |
103 |
|
Medical Device Manufacturing |
295 |
|
Other Misc. Manufacturing |
56 |
|
Sub Total |
4,036 |
Energy, Water, Waste & Construction
|
Energy |
0 |
|
Recycling & Waste |
0 |
|
Construction (Excl. EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Construction (EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Sub Total |
0 |
Information, Communications & Other Services
|
Publishing, Broadcasting & Telecommunications |
19 |
|
Computer Programming |
6,920 |
|
Computer Consultancy |
5,194 |
|
Computer Facilities Management |
1,485 |
|
Other IT & Computer Services |
876 |
|
Financial Services |
278 |
|
Business Services |
20 |
|
Education |
0 |
|
Other Services |
92 |
|
Sub Total |
14,883 |
|
Grand Total - All Sectors |
18,919 |
Total Exports to Rest of Europe
|
2015 |
|
|
Manufacturing & Other Industry (including Primary Production) |
€ m |
|
Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying |
0 |
|
Food, Drink & Tobacco |
627 |
|
Textiles, Clothing, Footware & Leather |
2 |
|
Wood & Wood Products |
0 |
|
Paper & Printing |
20 |
|
Chemicals |
13,049 |
|
Rubber & Plastics |
402 |
|
Non-Metalic Minerals |
62 |
|
Basic & Fabricated Metal Products |
568 |
|
Computer, Electronic & Optical Products |
3,539 |
|
Electrical equipment |
276 |
|
Machinery & Equipment |
782 |
|
Transport Equipment |
557 |
|
Medical Device Manufacturing |
3,497 |
|
Other Misc. Manufacturing |
139 |
|
Sub Total |
23,519 |
Energy, Water, Waste and Construction
|
Energy |
0 |
|
Recycling and Waste |
0 |
|
Construction (Excl. EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Construction (EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Sub Total |
0 |
Information, Communications & Other Services
|
Publishing, Broadcasting & Telecommunications |
20 |
|
Computer Programming |
28,509 |
|
Computer Consultancy |
12,719 |
|
Computer Facilities Management |
2,860 |
|
Other IT & Computer Services |
3,905 |
|
Financial Services |
391 |
|
Business Services |
85 |
|
Education |
0 |
|
Other Services |
666 |
|
Sub Total |
49,155 |
|
Grand Total - All Sectors |
72,674 |
Total Exports to Rest of Europe (EU Member States)
|
2015 |
|
|
Manufacturing & Other Industry (including Primary Production) |
€ m |
|
Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying |
0 |
|
Food, Drink & Tobacco |
627 |
|
Textiles, Clothing, Footware & Leather |
1 |
|
Wood & Wood Products |
0 |
|
Paper & Printing |
15 |
|
Chemicals |
10,018 |
|
Rubber & Plastics |
384 |
|
Non-Metalic Minerals |
59 |
|
Basic & Fabricated Metal Products |
506 |
|
Computer, Electronic & Optical Products |
2,833 |
|
Electrical equipment |
226 |
|
Machinery & Equipment |
665 |
|
Transport Equipment |
550 |
|
Medical Device Manufacturing |
3,245 |
|
Other Misc. Manufacturing |
132 |
|
Sub Total |
19,261 |
Energy, Water, Waste & Construction
|
Energy |
0 |
|
Recycling & Waste |
0 |
|
Construction (Excl. EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Construction (EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Sub Total |
0 |
Information, Communications & Other Services
|
Publishing, Broadcasting & Telecommunications |
18 |
|
Computer Programming |
24,236 |
|
Computer Consultancy |
12,107 |
|
Computer Facilities Management |
2,630 |
|
Other IT & Computer Services |
2,765 |
|
Financial Services |
366 |
|
Business Services |
20 |
|
Education |
0 |
|
Other Services |
612 |
|
Sub Total |
42,754 |
|
Grand Total - All Sectors |
62,015 |
Total Exports to Rest of Europe (Non-EU Member States)
|
2015 |
|
|
Manufacturing & Other Industry (including Primary Production) |
€ m |
|
Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry, Mining & Quarrying |
0 |
|
Food, Drink & Tobacco |
0 |
|
Textiles, Clothing, Footware & Leather |
0 |
|
Wood & Wood Products |
0 |
|
Paper & Printing |
5 |
|
Chemicals |
3,031 |
|
Rubber & Plastics |
18 |
|
Non-Metalic Minerals |
2 |
|
Basic & Fabricated Metal Products |
62 |
|
Computer, Electronic & Optical Products |
706 |
|
Electrical equipment |
50 |
|
Machinery & Equipment |
117 |
|
Transport Equipment |
8 |
|
Medical Device Manufacturing |
252 |
|
Other Misc. Manufacturing |
7 |
|
Sub Total |
4,258 |
Energy, Water, Waste & Construction
|
Energy |
0 |
|
Recycling & Waste |
0 |
|
Construction (Excl. EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Construction (EI Amendments) |
0 |
|
Sub Total |
0 |
Information, Communications & Other Services
|
Publishing, Broadcasting & Telecommunications |
3 |
|
Computer Programming |
4,273 |
|
Computer Consultancy |
612 |
|
Computer Facilities Management |
229 |
|
Other IT & Computer Services |
1,139 |
|
Financial Services |
25 |
|
Business Services |
65 |
|
Education |
0 |
|
Other Services |
54 |
|
Sub Total |
6,401 |
|
Grand Total - All Sectors |
10,658 |
1425. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advice which can be provided to a person (details supplied) to access records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19268/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1427. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the advice which can be provided to a person (details supplied) to access information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1425 and 1427 together.
As this is an operational matter for Tusla - The Child and Family Agency. I have asked the Agency to respond directly to the Deputy.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1426. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proposed scope of the mother and baby home investigation; the other sites that will be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19269/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe remit of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Home's and certain related Matters is set out in the order which established the Commission and its terms of reference S.I. No. 57 of 2015. The Commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the experiences of mothers and children resident in these homes. The scope of the Commission’s investigation includes several specific areas of practice and procedure in the care, welfare, entry arrangements and exit pathways for the women and children who were residents of 14 named institutions and the representative sample of County Homes identified by the Commission. With regard to the investigation of burial grounds associated with these homes, this is a matter for the Commission to decide and progress in accordance with its terms of reference.
The Commission’s Second Interim Report noted that its existing terms of reference are very wide and it did not recommend any changes. However, as the Deputy will be aware it is my intention to carry out a scoping review of the Commission's terms of reference to examine whether broader terms of reference could help answer related questions and public concerns. I am not in a position to pre-empt the outcome of this process but I will make further announcements in the coming weeks.
1428. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to bring forward legislation that would clarify the role of a guardian ad litem a representative to the court rather than witness or special adviser in child care proceedings. [20323/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working on legislation to reform the Guardian ad litem service in child care proceedings. Guardians ad litem perform a very important function in these proceedings both as a support for the children and young people involved and as an invaluable source of advice to the Courts in determining the best course of action in relation to the child’s care and welfare.
The reform proposals I am bringing forward will address significant inadequacies in the existing arrangements and will replace the existing ad hoc system with a high quality, child-centred, cost effective national service. Most importantly, it will extend the Guardian ad litem system to benefit the greatest number of children and young people.
In January, I published a General Scheme of a Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2017, as approved by Government. The General Scheme inter alia provides for a presumption in favour of a Guardian ad litem for all children in child care proceedings and that the Guardian ad litem will be independent in the exercise of his or her functions. These proposed functions are twofold i.e. to inform the court of the child's views and to advise the court on what is in the best interests of the child, having considered the views of the child. Under the new legislation, the Guardian ad litem will be required to promote and facilitate the child's right to a voice and to have his or her views heard in the proceedings and to regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.
The General Scheme is currently being considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs and I look forward to their comments and observations on the General Scheme in the near future, including the proposed role and function of the Guardian ad litem. Subject to the outcome of this examination, I intend to publish the text of a Bill as soon as possible in the second half of this year.
1429. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the affordable child care scheme in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I announced on 12 April, a number of significant changes will be made to the existing targeted childcare schemes this September, including an increase of up to 50% in subsidy-rates. The Affordable Childcare Scheme, which will replace the existing targeted schemes, will be introduced at a later date, when it is fully ready for operation.
The Deputy’s question relates to the potential impact of the rules proposed for the Affordable Childcare Scheme, in particular the rule limiting childcare subsidies to 15 hours per week for families where a parent is not engaged in any form of work or training. This rule reflects a balance between the scheme’s objectives of supporting child development and supporting labour market participation for families with low incomes, and thereby contributing to the reduction of child poverty.
In determining the rules for the scheme, I want to ensure a balanced approach to eligibility: while people will qualify for a subsidy based purely on income, parents’ participation in work or training will determine the number of hours of subsidy available. When parents are engaged in work (including even small amounts of part-time work or participation in labour market activation programmes) or in education or training, they will be eligible for an enhanced hours subsidy of up to 40 hours per week. When parents are not in work or training, childcare will nevertheless be subsidised on a standard hours basis of up to 15 hours per week, reflecting the benefits for all children of part-time participation in childcare. I believe that this is a reasonable approach.
It will mean that the Affordable Childcare Scheme will be open – albeit for standard hours rather than enhanced hours – to parents who stay at home to care for their children, and are not taking part in any work or training, but who choose to avail of up to 15 hours of childcare per week. In the case of school-going children, the child development objectives are met through school-going hours and, as such, the 15 standard hours childcare will apply only to non-term time.
I wish to emphasise that I intend to take a very inclusive approach in defining “work” and “study” for the purpose of the Affordable Childcare Scheme. As a consequence, many social welfare recipients will benefit from the enhanced hours subsidy (i.e. up to 40 hours per week), as many social welfare payments allow a parent to work part-time, for a certain number of hours or days per week.
I acknowledge that where a parent is at home and not engaged in any work or study, the family will not benefit from subsidised after-school childcare during term-times, because of the 15-hour limit. However, I believe it is right that the Scheme should actively support labour market participation through linking the number of hours of subsidy to a family’s need for childcare for the purpose of work, education or training. Supporting labour market participation for low-income families is an essential part of our efforts to reduce child poverty.
There is also a small but important group of families for whom childcare is needed on child welfare grounds or for whom childcare is a necessary early intervention support, and where there is a referral by Tusla. For the Affordable Childcare Scheme, it is proposed that, where such a referral is made, families would automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy any income or work/study test. Tusla would recommend the hours of childcare needed. The scheme would then provide the maximum rate of subsidy in respect of those hours of care, and no payment would be asked of the parents in these circumstances. This approach is consistent with current practice under CCS and is critical to supporting strong child welfare and protection practices. My officials are currently in discussion with Tusla in relation to the way in which this referral process will operate in the Affordable Childcare Scheme.
1430. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide funding for the construction or assistance of new community creches for the Clonskeagh area, in view of the changing demographics and the current pressure on child care services in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19366/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the expansion of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme announced in Budget 2016, and to support the development of capacity in the sector, my Department initiated a number of actions: my Department made detailed information available to the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) at the beginning of 2016 indicating the number of children, by every electoral division across the country, who would be eligible for an ECCE place in September 2016, January 2017 and April 2017. My Department continues to work closely with the CCCs to match this data against reported capacity in the sector to meet the increase in demand. My Department is also working with the CCCs on the development of action plans for areas where a shortfall in supply may be identified.
In relation to the Clonskeagh area specifically, I understand that there are three Private creches and no Community creches currently in operation in the area. I can confirm that my Department has not received any reports that these creche services are insufficient to meet current requirements in the Clonskeagh area. Officials from my department also contacted Pobal and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Childcare Committee and they confirmed that they are not aware of any particular demographic issues within the Clonskeagh area. However, if the Deputy has information which suggests that this is not the case perhaps this could be provided and my Department will consider the matter further.
It should also be noted that although there is no community services in the area, private childcare providers can avail of the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) programme and therefore provide parents and children with access to subsidised childcare.
In addition I recently announced a separate €3 million in capital funding for services providing school age childcare. This capital scheme will encourage expansion in the number of school age childcare places along with enhancements to quality. The application process opened on the 7th of April and will close at 3pm on Friday the 5th of May.
1431. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 830 of 7 March 2017, if she will answer the question referred to in her reply in view of additional information (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to acknowledge that further information has been provided by the Deputy following my response to parliamentary question number 830 of 7 March 2017. However, I am advised by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that this information is insufficient to allow a search of the archives. Therefore, in order to facilitate an enquiry into the matters raised, I request that the Deputy please provide further detailed information to my Department.
1432. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the budget allocation to educational welfare services in her Department in each of the years 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the detail of the budget by constituent programme, such as school completion and the home school community liaison scheme. [19522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the Education Welfare Services (EWS) and the School Completion Programme (SCP) is in the below table.
|
Year |
EWS Funding |
SCP Funding |
|
2012 |
€9,622,000 |
€26,456,000 |
|
2013 |
€8,753,000 |
€24,756,000 |
|
2014 |
€8,318,000 |
€24,756,000 |
|
2015 |
€7,333,283 |
€24,756,000 |
|
2016 |
€7,437,384 |
€24,756,000 |
|
2017 |
€7,113,235 |
€24,756,000 |
The Department of Education and Skills is responsible for staffing and budgetary allocations under the Home School Community Liaison scheme.
1433. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address the allocation of social workers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19656/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have placed a high priority on addressing the number of children who are without an allocated social worker. I secured additional funding for this purpose in 2017, and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is now in the second year of a 3-year plan to ensure the allocation of a social worker to all children and young people who need one. The Deputy should note that all urgent and emergency cases notified to Tusla are dealt with immediately. Urgent and emergency cases could involve cases of abandonment, allegations of physical and sexual abuse, parental ill health and the need to find an immediate placement, or threat to the safety or life of a child by a third party.
At the end of February 2017 (the latest data available), there was a total of 25,387 open child welfare and protection cases nationwide. An open case is one which is assessed as needing a dedicated (allocated) social work service. Of the 25,387 open cases, 77% (19,667) had an allocated social worker and 5,720 were waiting to be allocated a social worker. Of the children awaiting allocation to a social worker at the end of February, 1,057 were high priority.
Cases that are unallocated are closely monitored, supported and managed by the duty social work team under the supervision of the principal social worker.
It is a continuing priority of Tusla to address the problem of unallocated cases in 2017. Tusla currently has 1,480 WTE social workers and an end of 2017 target of 1,520 WTE. This target is short of the target set in Survival to Sustainability by approximately 100 WTE and reflects the constraints of the social work labour supply. Funding is in place to address the issue of unallocated cases, however, the recruitment environment for social workers is very challenging. Tusla is also focusing on intervening at an early stage of a family difficulty through social care and family supports.
My Department will continue to closely monitor progress in this regard. I attach a high priority to tackling this matter and I will continue to engage directly with the Tusla Board and senior management team, over the course of the year, to review progress.
1434. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason her Department cannot access income information from the Revenue Commissioners; the estimated number of families which will miss out on the child care subsidy as a consequence; when this will be ameliorated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19689/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is incorrect to suggest that my Department cannot access income information from the Revenue Commissioners, or from the Department of Social Protection. Throughout the development of the Affordable Childcare Scheme, both the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection have worked closely with my Department to ensure the new Scheme will have full and efficient access to income information. Officials of my Department have at all times received a high level of cooperation and support from both the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection.
The Affordable Childcare Scheme is an extremely complex and ambitious project because of all that is involved - legislation, new business processes, data protection and building a new IT system. Since the policy paper for the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme was approved by Government in October 2016, officials of the DCYA and Pobal have been working intensively to plan for the implementation of this Scheme.
I recently announced that a number of changes will be made to existing childcare schemes that will bring substantial benefits to an estimated 70,000 children and their families from this September. These changes will include a new universal childcare subsidy for children aged from 6 months up to 36 months old (or commencement of the free pre-school programme). It is estimated that this new universal childcare subsidy may benefit approximately 33,000 children and their families. For children in full-time, registered childcare, the subsidy will amount to approximately €1,000 per annum.
In addition, there will be significant increases of up to 50 percent in childcare subvention rates provided under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme for children aged from 6 months up to 15 years old. It is estimated that up to 37,000 children and their families may benefit from targeted subsidies from this September. A large proportion of these will see an increase in their weekly subsidy. For example, parents availing of full-time childcare who currently have their childcare costs subsidised by €95 per week under the Community Childcare Subvention will see their subvention rate rise to €145 per week. Thousands of children and their families are expected to benefit from targeted supports for the first time from September due to improved access to existing schemes through a greater number of childcare providers throughout the country. These children and their families too will benefit from these generous increases in childcare subvention rates.
The Affordable Childcare Scheme will be introduced at the earliest possible date, while ensuring that the scheme is fully operational and user-friendly for all concerned. When it is introduced, additional families who are not eligible for current schemes but who then meet ACS income criteria will also benefit from subsidies. Given the considerable uncertainty about the impact of the new scheme on parental demand for childcare, the number of additional beneficiaries at that stage cannot be determined with any precision. However, it is estimated that the total number of beneficiaries in the first year of the Affordable Childcare Scheme may be approximately 79,000 and that the number is likely to continue to rise over time in response to parental demand.
1435. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to the early childhood care and education, ECCE, eligibility of a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19791/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe initial Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme had one entry point (September) from when children could begin pre-school, and children had to be aged between 3 years and 2 months and 4 years and 7 months by the September to avail of the free pre-school year (i.e. 38 weeks). The programme was then expanded beginning in September 2016 by reducing the age of eligibility to 3 years and by increasing the number of entry points to three throughout the programme year (September, January and April). This means that children can begin to avail of their free place on the pre-school programme as soon as possible after they reach the age of 3. The upper age limit for the free pre-school programme is set at 5 years and 6 months, meaning that if a child is going to be older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of a pre-school year (i.e. end of June) they are not eligible to avail of free pre-school in that year. This upper age limit was set in consultation with the Early Years Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills to limit the age range of children beginning primary school and to ensure that children transition into primary school with their peers.
As this child was born in December 2011 he will be older than 5 years and 6 months by the end of June and, therefore, was not eligible for the free pre-school for the 2016/17 year.
1436. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of discussions on a new workforce plan for the early years sector; and when a revised plan is expected to be issued. [19809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently the commitment by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills is to deliver a new workforce plan for the Early Years sector by the first quarter of 2018 (School Age Childcare Report). The two Departments are currently scoping a proposal for this work.
1437. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children, by county, that have been placed in adoption in 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Adoption Authority has provided details of domestic adoptions orders by county for 2006 and 2016. The county referred to below refers to the county in which the adoptive parents resided at the time the adoption order was made. This information broken down by county is not available for 1986 and 1996 at this time. However, I am advised that the total number of domestic adoption orders that were made in Ireland in 1986 and 1996 was 800 and 405 respectively.
|
2016 |
2006 |
|
|
Total |
95 |
222 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
6 |
|
Clare |
3 |
0 |
|
Cork |
11 |
33 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
9 |
|
Dublin |
31 |
52 |
|
Galway |
2 |
4 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
6 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
17 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
5 |
|
Laois |
0 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
9 |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
4 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
5 |
|
Meath |
6 |
12 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
5 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
9 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
11 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
9 |
1438. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of foster families, by county, in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of children placed in foster care in each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19911/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFoster care is the preferred option for children who have been received into care. This can be as a result of abuse and/or neglect and their parents' inability to care for them due to a combination of difficulties in their own lives.
The most recent figures provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, indicate that there were 6,309 children in care at the end of February 2017, which is a decrease of 2% compared with the previous year. Of the children in care, 92% were in foster care nationally; there were 4,127 (65%) children in general foster care, 1,695 (27%) in relative care and 355 (6%) children were in a residential care placement.
Tusla does not collate data by county, but has provided the number of foster families by administrative area in each of the years 2014 - 2016 which is detailed in the table below. Figures for 2017 are not available.
|
Number of foster families by region 2014 - 2016 |
|||
|
Area |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan |
77 |
79 |
88 |
|
Donegal |
148 |
161 |
155 |
|
Mayo |
109 |
101 |
101 |
|
Galway/Roscommon |
286 |
317 |
326 |
|
The Midwest |
457 |
458 |
446 |
|
Waterford/Wexford |
368 |
371 |
378 |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary |
348 |
361 |
374 |
|
Kerry |
131 |
120 |
126 |
|
Cork |
641 |
638 |
637 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
136 |
133 |
143 |
|
Louth/Meath |
258 |
258 |
268 |
|
Dublin North |
255 |
262 |
257 |
|
Dublin City North |
407 |
382 |
371 |
|
The Midlands |
234 |
240 |
270 |
|
Dublin South West/Kildare/West Wicklow |
304 |
395 |
428 |
|
Dublin South East/East Wicklow |
251 |
256 |
251 |
|
Dublin South Central |
242 |
291 |
274 |
|
National Total |
4,652 |
4,823 |
4,893 |
Tusla has provided the following information in respect of the number of children in foster care for each of the years 2014 to date. This information is correct as of the last day of each year.
|
Number of children in foster care at the end of each year |
|
|
Year |
Number of children |
|
2014 |
6,003 |
|
2015 |
5,926 |
|
2016 |
5,817 |
|
to end February 2017 |
5,822 |
