Written Answers Nos. 246-265
246. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will provide as a percentage of GDP the amount the Government expended on research on an annual basis over the 2010 to 2016 period in tabular form. [26419/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Budget Allocations for Research and Development (GBARD) measures all the funding allocated by the Government to research and development to be performed in all sectors of the economy. e.g. within the higher education sector, by businesses or by Government agencies.
GBARD includes:
- Government funding for R&D programmes in the higher education sector administered by the Department for Education and Skills, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and others;
- Government funding for business sector R&D, administered through State agencies including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and others;
- Government funding for R&D performed in the public sector e.g. Teagasc, the Marine Institute and others;
- Also included are Government contributions to international R&D programmes or organisations solely or mainly concerned with R and D.
|
Year |
GBARD as % of GDP |
|
2010 |
0.49% |
|
2011 |
0.45% |
|
2012 |
0.43% |
|
2013 |
0.40% |
|
2014 |
0.38% |
|
2015 |
0.29% (0.36% GNP) |
|
2016 (est.) |
0.29% |
The marked decrease in GBARD as a percentage of GDP in 2015 and 2016 is in part due to strong growth in GDP in 2015.
The Government Expenditure on Research and Development (GOVERD) measures all the R&D carried out directly by Government Departments and State Agencies.
|
Year |
GOVERD as % of GDP |
|
2010 |
0.06% |
|
2011 |
0.06% |
|
2012 |
0.06% |
|
2013 |
0.05% |
|
2014 |
0.05% |
|
2015 |
0.04% |
|
2016 (est.) |
0.04% |
247. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the ratification of CETA at EU and MS level. [26420/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLatvia is the only Member State to notify the EU Commission that it had ratified the EU - Canada Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The status of ratification at Member States level is available on the European Council’s website at http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=2016017.
I fully support provisional application of the Agreement. I am of the view that there should be no impediment to Irish companies immediately taking advantage of the provisions of CETA including eliminating tariffs on almost all of key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, easing regulatory barriers and ensuring more transparent rules for market access. The main provisions offering new opportunities for Irish business will come into force once Canada has completed its own procedures. It is expected that CETA will provisionally apply from summer 2017.
I believe that it is important to wait to see the benefits of CETA come into being, before CETA is put before the Dáil for ratification. Then we can have a fully informed, evidence based debate on the value of the Agreement to Ireland.
248. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on making an order giving effect to an employment regulation order that the Labour Court has adopted; and the process in this regard. [26422/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are provided for under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and were reformed by the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2012. A JLC is comprised of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in a sector. JLCs meet regularly, under an independent Chairperson to discuss proposals for terms and conditions to apply to specified grades or categories of workers in the sector. If agreement is reached the JLC publishes details and invites submissions from interested parties.
If, after consideration of any submissions received, the Committee adopts the proposals it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy is presented to me and if I consider it appropriate to do so I will make an Order giving effect to the proposals. Such Orders are known as Employment Regulation Orders.
The Joint Labour Committee for the Security Industry was established in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 377 of 1998 (as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2014). The Deputy may be aware that the JLC structure has in recent years undergone an extensive overhaul as the result of a successful Constitutional challenge in 2011 and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 addresses the shortcomings identified in the ruling on that challenge.
In relation to the membership of the JLC I am informed that, in accordance with the Statute, the Labour Court consulted with ICTU, IBEC and the two employer organisations most closely connected with the Security Industry, the National Union of Security Employers (merged with the Security Institute of Ireland in 2011) and the Irish Security Industry Association. Following consultation, these bodies nominated representatives of both employers and employees for membership of the Committee. The current members were appointed on 12 May 2014.
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are Industrial Relations Officers from the Workplace Relations Commission and are appointed by me.
The constitution and proceedings of JLCs is set out in the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. The discussions within the Joint Labour Committees are not open to me nor to my Department.
The draft proposals for an employment regulation order to replace the one that currently exists for the Security Industry and that you refer to were advertised as part of the public consultation process. The closing date for submissions on those proposals was 7 February last. The proposals were subsequently adopted by the Labour Court and forwarded to me. Having considered them in the context of the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 as amended, I am satisfied that the legislation was complied with during the making of the proposals by the JLC and their adoption by the Labour Court and I signed an Order on 30 May to give effect to the proposals from 1 June 2017. (S.I. No. 231 of 2017 - Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2017).
249. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the current draft employment regulation order for the Joint Labour Committee for the security industry is fit for purpose in view of the fact the majority of companies involved in this sector were not represented in negotiations and the points raised (details supplied). [26423/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoint Labour Committees (JLCs) are provided for under the Industrial Relations Act 1946 and were reformed by the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act, 2012. A JLC is comprised of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in a sector. JLCs meet regularly, under an independent Chairperson to discuss proposals for terms and conditions to apply to specified grades or categories of workers in the sector. If agreement is reached the JLC publishes details and invites submissions from interested parties.
If, after consideration of any submissions received, the Committee adopts the proposals it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy is presented to me and if I consider it appropriate to do so I will make an Order giving effect to the proposals. Such Orders are known as Employment Regulation Orders.
The Joint Labour Committee for the Security Industry was established in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 377 of 1998 (as amended by Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2014). The Deputy may be aware that the JLC structure has in recent years undergone an extensive overhaul as the result of a successful Constitutional challenge in 2011 and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2012 addresses the shortcomings identified in the ruling on that challenge.
In relation to the membership of the JLC I am informed that, in accordance with the Statute, the Labour Court consulted with ICTU, IBEC and the two employer organisations most closely connected with the Security Industry, the National Union of Security Employers (merged with the Security Institute of Ireland in 2011) and the Irish Security Industry Association. Following consultation, these bodies nominated representatives of both employers and employees for membership of the Committee. The current members were appointed on the 12 May 2014.
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are Industrial Relations Officers from the Workplace Relations Commission and are appointed by me.
The constitution and proceedings of JLCs is set out in the Fifth Schedule to the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. The discussions within the Joint Labour Committees are not open to me nor to my Department.
The draft proposals for an employment regulation order to replace the one that currently exists for the Security Industry and that you refer to were advertised as part of the public consultation process. The closing date for submissions on those proposals was 7 February last. The proposals were subsequently adopted by the Labour Court and forwarded to me. Having considered them in the context of the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 as amended, I am satisfied that the legislation was complied with during the formulation of the proposals by the JLC and their adoption by the Labour Court and I signed an Order on 30 May to give effect to the proposals from 1 June 2017. (S.I. 231 of 2017 - Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2017).
250. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when the heads of the terms of employment (information) (amendment) and organisation of working time (amendment) Bill proposals regarding protections for workers on insecure low hour contracts will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 May last, the Government approved draft legislative proposals as a response to the Programme for Government commitment to address the problems caused by the increased casualisation of work and to strengthen the regulation of precarious work. The draft legislation was referred to the Office of the Attorney General on 4 May for priority drafting of a Bill. Officials from my Department are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting process. I have also referred the draft legislation, including the draft heads, to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the Committee to consider and determine if it wishes to engage in pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed Bill.
I envisage that, subject to Government approval, the Bill will be published at an early date once the drafting process is concluded.
251. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the staffing numbers of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) in each year since the agency's inception to May 2017; the key job specifications of the ODCE staff annually since its inception, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26468/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table:
No. of staff 1 serving in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) (2001-2017)
|
GRADE |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
20172 |
|
Director |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Corporate Compliance Manager |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Legal Adviser |
0 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Principal Solicitor |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade 1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Solicitor |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
6 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
10 |
12 |
11 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Total |
17 |
32 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
32 |
35 |
41 |
44 |
43 |
42 |
38 |
37 |
35 |
33 |
35 |
34 |
|
Gardai3 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
1 Refers to number of people not FTE’s (i.e. not Full Time Equivalents where 2 people working a week on, week off pattern would equal 1 FTE)
2 Staffing as at 12 May 2017
3 A staff complement of 7 Gardaí is assigned to the ODCE to assist with its criminal investigation / prosecution functions. Additional resources were assigned to the Office in the period 2010-2013 to assist in the Anglo Irish Bank investigation.
Following his appointment, the current Director undertook a review of the structure of the ODCE, together with the staffing and skills mix available to him. That review identified, in particular, a significant skills deficit in the area of accountancy expertise. Following that review, the Director sought, and was granted, sanction to recruit a cohort of new accountants. Following engagement between my Department, the Director and the Public Appointments Service, five accountants have been recruited and the process of recruiting a further two is in progress. More recently, the Department recruited a digital forensics specialist, who was assigned to the ODCE. In addition, and due to a combination of retirement, promotion and transfer, three senior enforcement positions are currently vacant. My Department is working with PAS and the Director towards the filling of those vacancies with suitably qualified and experienced candidates. In this regard, a process for the filling of up to Principal Officer-level posts with qualified Accountants or Lawyers as “Enforcement Portfolio Managers” is well advanced.
The ODCE also has an approved complement of seven members of An Garda Síochána (one Detective Inspector, two Detective Sergeants and four Detective Gardaí). The Detective Inspector retired some months ago, there is a retirement related vacancy at Detective Garda level and one of the two Detective Sergeants is retiring in the coming weeks. The Director has requested the Commissioner to fill the two more senior of these vacancies as a matter of urgency.
Finally, as regards the “key job specifications” of the staff, these would have changed from time-to-time as the Director of the Office determined in the normal, routine, management of business in the Office and in that regard an organisation chart is included in each of the ODCE’s Annual Reports since its inception, which are published on its website www.odce.ie and which would provide relevant information for the Deputy.
252. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to provide additional specialist staff for the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26469/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I took up office as the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, five forensic accountants have joined the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and a recruitment process is underway for a further two. Additionally, a senior digital forensics specialist took up duty with the ODCE on May 30.
In addition, and due to a combination of retirement, promotion and transfer, three senior enforcement positions are currently vacant. The Department is well advanced with the process for the recruitment to the two senior posts of “Enforcement Portfolio Managers” which will be filled either by qualified accountants or legal personnel. The Department is working with the Director towards the filling of the third vacancy with a suitably qualified and experienced candidate.
The Department has no outstanding sanction requests from the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
I have already stated in this House that all options are on the table to ensure the mistakes and shortcomings highlighted by Judge Aylmer are not repeated. If it is considered that the ODCE require additional specialist staff, I will ensure this is addressed.
253. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she will ensure that an independent assessment of the work of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement is carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26470/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe investigative shortcomings of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) identified by Judge John Aylmer in this case are unacceptable. They fell far short of the standard of impartial, unbiased and thorough investigation we expect and demand.
I have written to the Director of Corporate Enforcement on Wednesday May 24, requesting a report under section 955(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2014. This report is to outline issues arising from the investigations by the ODCE into Anglo Irish Bank since 2008. In particular, I have ordered that the report include an explanation of the following:
- the coaching of witness statements;
- late disclosure of documents;
- a perceived bias by ODCE investigators;
- the shredding of documents; and
- any other relevant matters.
I expect this report to be finalised as a matter of urgency and no later than June 23. I have already stated in this House that I will consider all options to ensure mistakes of this nature cannot reoccur. This includes independent assessment, procedures, organisational change, enhanced powers, legislative solutions or an entirely new model.
254. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the new advanced technology building being constructed on Breaffy Road, Castlebar, County Mayo; the stage the project is at; the cost of the build and the spend on the project to date; if the project has run over budget; and if so, the amount by which it has run over. [26475/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the interaction the IDA and Enterprise Ireland have had with the new advanced technology building being constructed on Breaffy Road, Castlebar, County Mayo; if the IDA has shown the property to perspective tenants purchasers or investors; if so, the number; if not, the reason therefor; the work Enterprise Ireland has carried out in order to secure a tenant, purchaser or investor for the property; and if a person or company is lined up to go into the property. [26476/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 255 together.
IDA Ireland’s €150 million regional property programme includes the delivery of an Advance Technology Building (ATB) in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Construction of the facility is not yet complete and therefore details of its final cost are not currently available. The standard construction cost for ATBs is approximately €4 million per building.
IDA Ireland is actively marketing the facility to prospective investors, with two visits to the site having already taken place. Enterprise Ireland has also examined the possibility of securing the facility for a potential foreign direct investment project in partnership with IDA Ireland. Both Agencies will continue to market the building to all relevant clients.
256. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expenses incurred by her Department relating to insurance of all types in each of the past five years; the cost of each insurance policy held by her Department over the same time period per annum; if she will provide the same data for all bodies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department incurs no direct insurance costs as it is covered under a number of centralised arrangements. Personal injury and/or third party property damage arising from negligence of the Department, their servants and /or agents is covered under a State indemnity scheme operated by the State Claims Agency under the National Treasury Management Agency. Foreign travel insurance for civil servants in my Department travelling on official business is covered by a central contract operated by the Office of Government Procurement and paid for directly by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Information relating to insurance costs incurred by agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter and the information is not recorded centrally by my Department. I have therefore requested each agency to respond directly to the Deputy with the information sought.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
257. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if all children in foster care have psychological support available to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26301/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average waiting time a young person or child in foster care is required to wait for a psychological assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26302/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.
Key elements of the support to be provided to children in care may include referral and advocacy for access to specialist services to meet the child’s identified needs as part of their care plan, such as speech and language therapy, counselling and psychology services. Children in foster care may need to be referred to the publicly funded child and adolescent mental health teams (CAMHS) and primary care psychology services provided by the Health Service Executive. Additionally, there are a number of services commissioned by social work departments around psychotherapeutic supports. Tusla may procure private psychology services where the waiting time for the HSE service is considered to be detrimental for the child's welfare.
I will ask Tusla if they are in a position to provide information in respect of waiting times for psychological assessment.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
259. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the detail of the higher subsidy rate for persons under three years of age when introduced as part of the affordable childcare scheme; and the difference in amount compared with the ECCE higher and lower capitation rates. [26347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraParents availing of subsidies under the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) – whether for part-time or for full-time childcare – will be subsidised on the basis of the number of hours of childcare per week, with the subsidy per hour determined by the age of the child and the family income. For children under three years of age, maximum subsidy rates – for families with the lowest incomes – will be €4.18 per hour for 2 year olds, €4.37 per hour for 1 year olds and €5.11 per hour for children between 6 and 12 months. These maximum subsidy rates will apply to families with net incomes below €22,700. For families with net incomes between €22,700 and €47,500, the hourly subsidy rate will taper down evenly from the maximum subsidy rates to the minimum subsidy rate of €0.50 per hour.
The ECCE capitation rates are €64.50 per week for the standard capitation and €75 per week for the higher capitation. These rates provide for 15 hours per week. On an hourly basis, they are therefore equivalent to €4.30 per hour for the standard rate and €5 per hour for the higher rate.
The ECCE capitation rates are not directly comparable with the ACS rates as the ACS is intended to be a subsidy, with the parents expected to pay a co-payment (with the level of co-payment dependent on the family net income and on the price charged by the childcare provider), whereas ECCE is a full payment, with no charge for parents. In addition, the difference in rates between the schemes reflects the different adult-child ratios that are required depending on the age of the child and the type of session (e.g. whether sessional or full-time/part-time). Unlike in the ECCE programme, it is not proposed that ACS subsidy-rates will vary according to the qualification levels of childcare workers, though the link between the cost of delivery and qualification levels will be further examined in the context of the forthcoming independent review of the cost of quality childcare.
260. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the under three years of age subgroup of the early years forum will produce their recommendations to support and sustain provision for children under three in ECCE; and when this information will be readily available for consideration. [26348/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the 0-3 age group presents particular issues for early years service providers. In an effort to better understand the range of issues being faced I have asked a sub-group of the Early Years Forum to examine the evidence in this regard and to consider appropriate measures to alleviate any identified sustainability issues. This group has met on a number of occasions and is due to report back to me and the Early Years Forum in the coming weeks. It is my intention that the outcome of the groups consideration of the issue will inform my consideration of the forthcoming Estimates and budgetary process for 2018.
261. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to protect against displacement and the assessment criteria Pobal will use to determine whether demand exists before making funding available for the establishment of new and expansion of existing school age childcare (SAC) services in view of the recently published SAC capital 2017 application guidelines and the danger of displacement on the viability and sustainability of existing childcare services providing SAC. [26471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Age Capital grant includes 2 Strands which directly relate to the expansion and improvement of existing afterschool services, these strands will not in any way displace services already operating and are designed to improve the services and allow them to expand their numbers and improve the quality of their service.
In addition during the appraisal process, Pobal will conduct a consultation with all local County Childcare Committees (CCCs). In this consultation the CCC can raise any issues that they would feel are important in their locality, which may include displacement of existing services. Should an issue be noted and found relevant, this will be taken into account in the appraisal process.
262. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the vulnerable one to three years of age group in community early years services in budget 2018 in Cork city and throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26486/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the 0-3 age group presents particular issues for early years service providers. In an effort to better understand the range of issues being faced I have asked a sub-group of the Early Years Forum to examine the evidence in this regard and to consider appropriate measures to alleviate any identified sustainability issues. This group has met on a number of occasions and is due to report back to me and the Early Years Forum in the coming weeks. It is my intention that the outcome of the groups consideration of the issue will inform my consideration of the forthcoming Estimates and budgetary process for 2018.
263. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014-2020), has been ongoing across Government since its launch in April 2014. Two annual reports on the progress of implementing Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, covering the first two years of the framework have been prepared, and are available to the public on my Department’s website. A third annual report is being finalised in my Department, and will be made available to the public in Q3 2017.
These reports present a positive picture of implementation across government, as well as a high level of engagement from Departments and agencies. The community and voluntary sector is involved in the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures through the Advisory Council, which is working with Departments on a range of issues including child poverty, prevention and early intervention, mental health and wellbeing and others.
Children and young people are engaged in the implementation process through the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive and the Young Voices group.
Even the most complex issues, such as child poverty, obesity, homelessness and prevention and early intervention are being progressed across government, through engagements occurring within the implementation structures of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.
The cornerstone of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures implementation infrastructure is the Children and Young People’s Policy Consortium, which is responsible for having oversight and driving whole of Government implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. Since being appointed Minister, I have chaired meetings of the Consortium.
My Department has also developed a set of outcome indicators for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, aligned with the five national outcomes. These will act as a barometer of progress on the five national outcomes, and will influence future policy development.
The constituent strategies on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision Making, and the National Youth Strategy are both being implemented, and work is ongoing in my Department developing an Early Years Strategy.
As 2017 represents the mid-point in the life of the framework, my Department is organising a mid-point review to consider issues such as engagement, outputs and the effectiveness of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, as well as identifying priorities for implementation up to 2020. It is intended that all stakeholders will have the opportunity to contribute to this review.
264. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the annual funding allocated specifically to aftercare services. [26491/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs these are operational matters, I have asked Tusla – The Child and Family Agency to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
265. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the full year cost of employing a social worker. [26492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by Tusla that the estimated cost of employing one allocated Social Worker is €49,188.
