Thomas Byrne
Ceist:1888. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a driving licence will be issued to a person (details supplied) in view of serious delays. [28892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDriver Licence Applications
Ceisteanna (1888)
Freagraí scríofa
The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Park and Ride Facilities
Ceisteanna (1889)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1889. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand Irish Rail park and ride services in Sallins, County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an increased demand for parking requirements by Irish Rail users in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the provision of Park and Ride facilities in County Kildare. Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (1890)
Mary Butler
Ceist:1890. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the allocation of funds under the sports capital programme for a club (details supplied) will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. All of the 2,320 applications received are being assessed by officials in my Department. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process. I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
Road Improvement Schemes
Ceisteanna (1891, 1892)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1891. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the budget that he allocated for Fintra bridge on the R263 in southwest Donegal; the timetable for the start of construction; the completion date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1892. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for funding Tir Chonaill street bridge in Donegal town as sanctioned by his Department; the construction period for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29012/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1891 and 1892 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads (including bridges) is the statutory responsibility of Donegal County Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection, prioritisation and timeline for commencement and completion of construction of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
In May 2017, Donegal County Council applied to my Department for additional funding to progress work on two regional road bridges in County Donegal (Tirconnaill Bridge in Donegal town and Fintra Bridge on the R263). The funding request consisted of a deck replacement and associated works for Tirconnaill Bridge and the construction of a new replacement Fintra bridge
I have given approval to Donegal County Council to proceed with the replacement of Tirconnail bridge at a maximum cost of €700,000. Given the need to update the tender package and to go through the procurement process, I understand it will be year-end before construction can commence on this scheme. The timeline for completion of the works is a matter for the local authority.
In respect of the construction of a new replacement bridge at on the R263 at Fintra, Co. Donegal, my officials have confirmed that further engagement is required at engineering level between the Council and my Department regarding options for this bridge. A report is being sought from Donegal County Council which would set out further options taking account of the requirements of the applicable design standard (the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges). That process is continuing and no allocation can be confirmed in respect of that project until that process concludes. However, it should be noted that I, and my Department, are committed to the project.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (1893)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:1893. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had engagement regarding the extension of a location (details supplied) in order that it be integrated with the Royal Canal greenway. [29026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The development of the Royal Canal tow path as a greenway within the environs of Dublin city, along with any possible links to the towpath, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the relevant local authority. I have forwarded your correspondence to the NTA for consideration and direct reply to you. If you have not received a response within 10 working days please contact my private office.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1894)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1894. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff under the remit of his Department who have applied to be transferred to Department or State agency offices located outside the Dublin region in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the estimated average cost incurred for each staff member that relocated outside the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As individuals may apply direct to the Departments or State agency offices located outside the Dublin region that they wish to transfer to without the knowledge of their parent Department, my Department does not have the information requested by the Deputy. Such information will be available upon the introduction of the Civil Service Wide Mobility Scheme planned for later this year. Four staff from my Department transferred out of the Dublin region in the period in question – see table below. In each case the staff transferred to offices within my Department.
|
Year |
No. of Transfers |
Grade |
|
2014 |
0 |
n/a |
|
2015 |
1 |
Clerical Officer |
|
2016 |
0 |
n/a |
|
2017 (to date) |
3 |
Clerical Officer, Station Officer + Ship Surveyor |
There are no costs incurred for staff transferring outside of the Dublin region.
Question No. 1895 answered with Question No. 1886.
Youth Services Funding
Ceisteanna (1896)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:1896. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding streams which are available or will become available to develop and deliver programmes in County Meath and elsewhere to ensure that there are proper supports for children that are not in school or full-time education; and the funding which is or will be available for the procurement or leasing of a premises in County Meath to allow for engagement with children and young persons outside of the school premises. [28661/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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 involving approximately 1,400 youth work staff working in youth services and in communities. I am pleased to confirm that I have allocated an extra €5.5m in current funding to support the provision of youth services in 2017. This will bring the total youth funding by my Department to €57.4m, an increase of 10% over last year's allocation. The additional funding is being used for programmes that target disadvantaged young people and to assist national youth organisations in their work to support local voluntary youth services. In 2017, an amount of €138,788 was allocated for the targeted youth projects and services in County Meath.
In addition the Educational Welfare Service of Tusla has advised that there are two School Completion Programmes (SCP) in County Meath namely Navan SCP and Trim South Meath SCP. The SCP supports enable children and young people at attend, participate and be retained in school and to actively support those out of school to return to school. The SCP will where necessary provide interim short-term supports to out of school students while they await a return to school or other education provision.
My Department recognises that it is always best for young people to remain in mainstream education. The provision of school and/or alternative education opportunities for out of school students is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills in conjunction with Education and Training Boards (ETBs provide such supports through the Youthreach and Community Training Centres). SCP funding may be used to rent suitable community space for the provision of short-term interventions to support out of school students when and only if such supports cannot be best implemented on school premises.
Detention Centres Data
Ceisteanna (1897)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1897. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the ratio of staff to detainees at Oberstown Juvenile Correction Centre; the number of recorded attacks on staff in tabular form, in each of the years 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26684/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Based on information provided by Oberstown Children Detention Campus, I can confirm that the campus currently has 265 staff employed. Of these staff members, 182 are employed in front line work, working directly with young people. In relation to young people detained, Oberstown Children Detention Campus is licensed to accommodate up to 48 boys and 6 girls on campus. As of today, 9 June 2017, there are currently 37 children on campus.
Attached below is the recorded number of attacks on staff in 2015, 2016, and 2017 to date.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
|
Number of recorded attacks on Staff |
Number of recorded attacks on Staff |
Number of recorded attacks on Staff |
|
9 |
45 |
42 |
A key priority for me is ensuring that Oberstown is safe and secure for both children and staff. In pursuit of this, a number of reviews have been conducted, including health and safety, operations, security and behaviour management. I have established an Implementation Group, which includes representatives from Oberstown staff and management, the Board of Management, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, a child development expert and also representatives of the IMPACT Trade Union. The Implementation Group is tasked with analysing the recommendations from the reviews and setting out the requirements and issues which require to be addressed to allow their implementation, as appropriate.
Child Safety
Ceisteanna (1898)
Clare Daly
Ceist:1898. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to safeguard and strengthen safety and protection policies for young disabled children travelling unsupervised on transport services to and from their homes to schools, hospitals, residential homes or other care facilities; if her Department has had liaison with existing transport providers in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26712/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is the policy position of this Government that everyone in society has a duty to keep children safe from harm, and that each Government Department is responsible for ensuring that services and initiatives under their remit adhere to best practice in child protection. In this regard, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, which has oversight of transport providers, is responsible for ensuring that adequate children safeguarding arrangements operate within its sector.
The Children First Act 2015, which I am intending to commence in full by the end of the year, will place the following statutory obligations on providers of relevant services to children:
- To keep children safe from harm while they are availing of the service;
- To carry out a risk assessment to identify potential safeguarding risks which could arise while children are availing of the service, and,
- To develop a Child Safeguarding Statement that outlines the policies and procedures which are in place to mitigate the risks identified.
The types of organisation which will acquire these statutory obligations are set out in Schedule 1 of the Children First Act, but they include residential and health care services for children with disabilities and "any work or activity as a driver of, or as an assistant to the driver, or as a conductor, or as a supervisor of children using a vehicle which is being hired or used only for the purpose of conveying children who are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian."
Counselling Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1899)
James Browne
Ceist:1899. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reconsider the withdrawal of funding for school completion programmes counselling hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26766/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 1994 the Department of Social Welfare opened a grant scheme to provide counselling supports to children who had experienced bereavement or loss. This grant scheme then passed to the Family Support Agency (FSA) when it was established in 2003 and subsequently to Tusla on establishment in January 2014.
Up until 2011 applications were invited through an annual public advertisement, however in 2011 due to austerity this scheme was closed and no new applications have been accepted since 2011. Since 2011 the grantees who received funding in 2011 have continued to receive an annual grant equivalent to their 2011 grant. This Counselling Grants Scheme is for a total of €245,900 annually and currently there are only 64 grantees nationwide benefitting from this scheme. With over 4,000 schools in Ireland 64 grantees means that less than 2% of schools are in receipt of support from this scheme currently.
The Counselling Grants Scheme which was originally established to provide counselling support for children affected by bereavement or loss was affected by austerity cuts in 2010. The need for bereavement and loss counselling still exists in schools right around the country however without a significantly increased budget it is unfair and unethical to continue providing support to a small number of areas (64 grantees) while excluding all other schools from the scheme. Opening up the scheme nationally with a current budget allocation of €245,000 is not an option as this equates to less than €60 per school. Hence the decision was made to cease the scheme in its current format.
Tusla Educational Welfare Services is very supportive of the provision of appropriate school counselling supports and the option of continuing the scheme with adequate funding to provide the opportunity to all schools and School Completion Programmes nationally. All School Completion Programmes have been requested to identify unmet needs as part of their annual plan for 2017/18. Responses identifying gaps in service, including counselling provision for bereavement and loss, are currently being reviewed by Tusla Educational Welfare Service.
Child Care Services Funding
Ceisteanna (1900)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1900. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a late application for funding under the school age child care scheme will be accepted for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2017, I made €3 million in capital funding available for services providing school age childcare. The application process for this capital scheme has now closed. The initial deadline for applications of 5 May was extended to 17 May. In order to ensure transparency and fairness in relation to the application process, late applications cannot be accepted.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (1901)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:1901. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the threats identified by her Department with regard to the responsibilities of her Department as a result of no deal being reached in Brexit negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26898/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 2nd May, the Government published a comprehensive document on Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This document sets out the approach of the Government to the forthcoming negotiations, following the successful campaign to have key Irish issues recognised in the EU negotiation position.Following on from this publication, work is underway to prepare a further paper on economic implications of the Brexit challenge. This will draw on the work to date across Departments, which will be developed to mitigate emerging sectorial challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will reflect the core economic themes of the Taoiseach's speech to the IIEA on 15 February last. Ireland’s economic interests lie firmly in a strong and well-functioning EU with continued and unfettered access to the single market. There is a lot of negotiation to be done around trading arrangements. Our contingency work is examining all scenarios and we cannot pre-empt the outcome at this stage. We are not under any illusions about the complexity of these negotiations and are engaged in detailed planning to prepare for these. In January of this year, I hosted a sectorial dialogue with children, young people and key stakeholders in Croke Park at which the views of all interested parties were captured. Since then, the Advisory Council to Better Outcomes Brighter Futures; the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020 has considered the report of the event and work is ongoing in relation to the more detailed implications of Brexit. Furthermore, matters in relation to Brexit were discussed by over 100 children and young people in April of this year as part of the annual regional Comhairle na nÓg Networking events. This has enabled my Department to table those issues which may impact on children and young people, post-Brexit, and indeed identify those issues which resonate most strongly with our youngest citizens. However, it must be stated that such matters are subsets of much larger items which will be considered, in the main, in conjunction with colleagues in the Departments of Finance, Justice and Equality, Education and Health as part of the wider negotiating process.
Public Sector Pensions Data
Ceisteanna (1902)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:1902. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 23 May 2017, if she will provide the figures for all pension contributions made by public sector workers in each body under the aegis of her Department, excluding those in the civil service, including the pension levy, in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [26967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is not routinely collected or held by my Department. Details of such deductions are an operational matter for each agency under the remit of my Department and I have requested each agency to respond directly to the Deputy in the matter.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
Child Poverty
Ceisteanna (1903)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1903. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps her Department is taking to reduce child poverty. [27005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In recognition of the higher risks and life-long consequences of child poverty, the Government set a child-specific poverty target in Better Outcomes, Better Future: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020 to reduce consistent child poverty by at least two-thirds by 2020. This figure currently represents 102,000 children.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures is a whole of government policy framework, which requires all Departments and Agencies to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people. The Children and Young People’s Policy Consortium, which I chair, has responsibility for whole of government implementation, and includes representatives from all government Departments and Agencies.
The Department of Social Protection has the lead role in coordinating government strategies on child poverty. It also has lead responsibility for the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion and has identified child poverty as a key cross-sectoral priority to be addressed.
Officials in my Department are working closely with the Department of Social Protection in informing the development of this cross-sectoral priority.
Officials in the Department of Social Protection have co-convened a subgroup with members of the Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures to progress solutions to child poverty.
In recognition of the fact that child poverty is a multifaceted problem, this group also includes officials from other Departments, including the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills.
Led by the Department of Social Protection, this group has developed a paper which outlines a whole of government approach to tackling child poverty. This is based around the three pillars outlined in the EU Recommendation on Investing in Children:
- Access to adequate resources
- Access to affordable quality services
- Children’s right to participate.
This paper covers issues relating to my Department, such as childcare, prevention and early intervention and family support, as well as issues in other Departments, such as healthcare inequalities, DEIS schools, and income supports.
The Advisory Council for Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, supported by my Department, is arranging a roundtable event to discuss this paper and progress a whole of Government approach to child poverty. This will include high level officials from key Departments and Agencies, as well as academics and representatives from the NGO sector.
My Department is also developing a Single Affordable Childcare Scheme to provide families with good quality childcare at a cost they can afford. Budget 2017 provided additional funding for the scheme’s development and initial roll-out, to include both a targeted and a universal element. Subsidies will be available for children aged from 6 months up to 15 years and will meet families’ full-time and part-time childcare needs, including outside of school hours and during school holiday time. The highest levels of subsidy will be provided to those on low incomes, helping families to overcome disadvantage and contribute to a reduction in child poverty.
My Department has also established a Children’s Equality Commission to ensure that the voices of children who experience or understand economic hardship or poverty are directly heard and acted on by policymakers. The Commission will be comprised of Child Commissioners and Adult Commissioners. The Child Commissioners are children who experience or have an understanding of economic hardship or poverty. The Adult Commissioners will be senior policy makers from Government Departments, Stage agencies and other bodies relevant to the issues raised by children.
Consultations with relevant children and young people have been ongoing for some months, and the launch of the Dublin phase of the Commission will include the findings from the work with the children and young people and the commitments to be made by policy makers and is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Children in Care
Ceisteanna (1904, 1905)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1904. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for Tusla's policy with regard to placing children under 12 years of age in residential care. [27076/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnne Rabbitte
Ceist:1905. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in residential care in 2016 and to date in 2017, by age and county. [27077/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1904 and 1905 together.
My Department's policy is that children aged 12 and under are only placed in a residential setting if it is part of their care plan , and for the shortest time possible. Children should not be placed in residential care due to a shortage of suitable foster care places. Each child is assessed and the decision about where to place them is based on their needs, which are identified through the care planning process.
The latest figures from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, indicates that, at the end of March 2017, there were 6,308 children in care. Of these, 362 (6%) were in a residential placement, 210 of which were private residential placements.
A child is placed in a residential setting only when they have an identified need that can be met by this service or for an intensive assessment or provision of specialist services. In general, these centres are based in domestic style homes in the community, and staffed by social care workers to attend to the needs of the child. Specialist supports are also made available, as needed, and many centres have specialist skillsets and therapeutic modalities.
I have asked Tusla to provide the Deputy with figures on the number of children in residential care in 2016 and to date in 2017.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A.
I have made enquiries with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in relation to your Parliamentary Question (27077/17) of 20th June 2017 where you asked for the number of children in residential care in 2016 and to date in 2017, by age and county. This information is now included below.
Please note that the Child and Family Agency does not record data by county, but by administrative area.
Number of Children in Residential Care by Administrative Area at end December 2016 and April 2017
|
Administrative Area |
December 2016 |
April 2017 |
|
Dublin South Central |
38 |
33 |
|
Dublin South East/Wicklow |
21 |
20 |
|
Dublin South West/Kildare/ West Wicklow |
30 |
28 |
|
Midlands |
15 |
14 |
|
Dublin City North |
44 |
43 |
|
Dublin North |
27 |
24 |
|
Louth/Meath |
14 |
17 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
2 |
2 |
|
Cork |
36 |
43 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
5 |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary |
16 |
22 |
|
Waterford/Wexford |
29 |
29 |
|
Mid West |
23 |
22 |
|
Galway/Roscommon |
5 |
6 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
6 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan |
8 |
7 |
|
Separated Children Seeking Asylum* |
n/a |
35 |
|
National Total |
316 |
356 |
Source: Monthly Activity Returns
*not collated in 2016, commenced in 2017
The most recent data relating to the ages of children in care by care type by administrative areas is to end December 2015.
Number of Children in Residential Care by administrative area and age at end December 2015
|
Administrative Area |
0-5 years |
6-9 years |
10 years |
11 years |
12 years |
13 years |
14 years |
15 years |
16 years |
17 years |
Total |
|
Dublin South Central |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
12 |
13 |
46 |
|
Dublin South East/Wicklow |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
23 |
|
Dublin South West/Kildare/ West Wicklow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
16 |
39 |
|
Midlands |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
18 |
|
Dublin City North |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
17 |
10 |
11 |
51 |
|
Dublin North |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
11 |
30 |
|
Louth/Meath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
17 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Cork |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
9 |
18 |
43 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny/ South Tipperary |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
14 |
|
Waterford/ Wexford |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
11 |
29 |
|
Mid West |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
16 |
|
Galway/Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim/ West Cavan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
National Total |
1 |
8 |
5 |
14 |
11 |
18 |
43 |
66 |
73 |
112 |
351 |
Source: Q4 Addendum Returns 2015
Foster Care Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1906)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1906. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average cost of care for a child in private foster care as compared to those registered with Tusla. [27078/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the cost of statutory Foster Care Allowance is €325 per week for a child under 12 and €352 per week for a child over 12. Tusla has informed me that the average cost of non-statutory foster care is €1,000 per week which is paid to the non-statutory foster care agency. This sum includes the costs associated with the employment of the link social worker, administration, insurance, recruitment, employment and training of social workers and other professionals, reviews and support provided by the foster care agency to the foster carers.
Child Support Payments
Ceisteanna (1907)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1907. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to support stay-at-home parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27093/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am committed to the provision of childcare options for families that respect parental choice and reflect international evidence on how to attain the best outcomes for children.
I support the Government’s extension of parental leave for parents; particularly in the crucial first year. The Government has provided additional support for stay-at-home parents through the home carer tax credit, which has been increased to €1,100 per year. I support an increase in the earnings threshold for this, and have raised this with the Minister for Finance.
Delivering more affordable childcare is only one element of a broader set of commitments and supports aimed at parents and children. The provision of improved services for centre-based care is very important, but I will not lose sight of the needs of children who do not attend them. In this regard, Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People contains a commitment to produce Ireland’s first-ever National Early Years Strategy. The intention is to deliver a cross-cutting strategy which will take a joined-up, whole of Government approach to the issue of supporting children and their families during the early years (0-6 years). The drafting of the National Early Years Strategy is being advanced. In December I hosted an Open Policy Debate on the Strategy with a view to completion of the Strategy later this year.
Child Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1908)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1908. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she will take to increase the number of registered child minders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27094/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have established a working group in order to make short, medium and long-term recommendations on reforms for the child minding sector. The working group is chaired by Child minding Ireland and includes officials from Tusla and DCYA.
The working group's recommendations will relate to child minders who are currently exempt from registration with Tusla (i.e. those minding three or fewer pre-school children, or those minding school-age children only). The working group will only be making recommendations in relation to home-based childminders involved in non-relative care. It is my understanding that the Group is finalising their recommendations at present and when they submit them to me, my officials will then consider the next steps in relation to supporting childminders to move towards registration and eventual participation in the delivery of subsidised childcare to parents.