Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1961. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount that has been spent on marketing the affordable child care scheme to date in 2017. [28593/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Care Services Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1961)
Freagraí scríofa
As I have previously announced, the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) will not be introduced in September 2017, but will be introduced at the earliest possible date.
However, I do not want to delay the benefit of higher childcare subsidies for families. I am pleased to confirm that major improvements in childcare subsidies will therefore come into effect this September, including increases of up to 50% in targeted childcare subsidy rates and a new universal childcare subsidy for children aged between 6 months and 36 months. September’s changes will be delivered through existing childcare schemes, pending the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme.
Childcare subsidies will be provided directly to Tusla-registered childcare providers. All Tusla-registered childcare providers, community and private, can sign up to provide these schemes, ensuring accessibility throughout the country in a range of services to suit the needs of parents.
In order to raise awareness among both childcare providers and parents, I promised a comprehensive public information campaign before the end of May. I am delighted to report that each childcare provider in the country received an information pack on the changes to the schemes I have just outlined. In addition City/County Childcare Committees have been briefed in order to offer local support to childcare providers and officials from the Department have commenced a series of information events throughout the country. A dedicated website has also been launched (www.affordablechildcare.ie). Since its launch to the public on the 30th May, this website has received over one hundred thousand page views from more than thirty thousand individuals. An awareness campaign via various media, including digital and radio, is also underway.
The overall costs for running the awareness and information campaign for childcare providers and parents is estimated to cost just under €118,000 (Inc. VAT). This cost is inclusive of all design, materials, postage, digital content, information presented on local and national radio as well as the dedicated website which will continue to provide a source of information to childcare providers and parents in the run up to September and until the Affordable Childcare Scheme commences.
The information campaign is on-going so as to raise awareness of the childcare support schemes and subsidies available to parents ahead of their rollout in September. This campaign will also assist with the eventual roll out of the Affordable Childcare Scheme and I am satisfied that it is a worthwhile and necessary exercise to ensure that parents are informed of the enhanced childcare supports available to them from September and that childcare providers feel confident and prepared for the changes made to the existing schemes to deliver these supports to families.
Child Care Services Expenditure
Ceisteanna (1962)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:1962. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount that has been spent on website design and creation for the affordable child care scheme to date in 2017. [28594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As I have previously announced, the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) will not be introduced in September 2017, but will be introduced at the earliest possible date.
However, I do not want to delay the benefit of higher childcare subsidies for families. I am pleased to confirm that major improvements in childcare subsidies will therefore come into effect this September, including increases of up to 50% in targeted childcare subsidy rates and a new universal childcare subsidy for children aged between 6 months and 36 months. September’s changes will be delivered through existing childcare schemes, pending the introduction of the ACS.
In order to raise awareness among both childcare providers and parents, I promised a comprehensive public information campaign before the end of May. I am delighted to report that each childcare provider in the country received an information pack on the changes to the schemes I have just outlined. In addition City/County Childcare Committees have been briefed in order to offer local support to childcare providers and officials from the DCYA have commenced a series of information events throughout the country.
A website (www.affordablechildcare.ie) was also developed, which aims to present clear and accessible information for parents and providers regarding the measures commencing this September to make childcare more affordable. Since its launch to the public on the 30 May, the website has received over one hundred thousand page views from more than thirty thousand individuals. The total cost for designing and developing the website was €6,360. We expect to utilise the website as a vehicle for information regarding these measures up until the introduction of the ACS.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (1963)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1963. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has received correspondence dated 12 June 2017 from a child care provider (details supplied) in County Donegal regarding accommodation for children with physical and intellectual disabilities; if so, if she will meet with the provider in order to discuss the issues outlined therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28605/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 20th March 2017 I announced the Early Years Capital programme for 2017 in three strands, as follows:
- Strand 1: Additional Places (€3 million total available – maximum €50,000 per grant);
- Strand 2: Building improvements and maintenance/refurbishment (€500,000 total available, maximum €20,000 per grant, Community childcare services only);
- Strand 3: Natural outdoor play area (€500,000 total available, maximum €5,000 per grant).
The closing date for receipt of applications under this programme was Thursday 27th April. I can confirm however that the service referred to by the Deputy has not submitted an application for funding under any of the three strands of this programme. Since the application process for this capital programme has now closed, and in order to ensure transparency and fairness in relation to the application process, late applications cannot be accepted. However, if Early Years Capital funding (under the three strands outlined above) is a priority for services, I will revisit this in the context of the 2018 capital plan.
I also made €3 million in capital funding available in 2017 for services providing School Age Childcare which was open to both community/not-for-profit and private services comprising three separate strands, as follows:
- Strand A: Establishment of new School Age Childcare services. A grant of up to €20,000 will be available for the establishment of new services.
- Strand B: Expansion of existing services. A grant of up to €10,000 will be available for the expansion of existing services. The provision of additional places will be a criterion for this grant.
- Strand C: Improvement of existing services. A grant of up to €5,000 will be available to improve the quality of the service provided in existing services. This funding is intended to be used to increase the number of school age childcare places available and to also improve the quality of existing school age childcare services.
I can confirm that an application has been received from the service referred to by the Deputy for funding under Strand C of this programme. Applications received under this programme are currently being evaluated by Pobal. It is anticipated that Pobal will be issuing recommendations on funding under this programme to my Department over the coming weeks.
In view of the circumstances outlined above I believe that a meeting with the service referred to by the Deputy would not be of any assistance at this time.
Finally, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), which is a programme of supports to enable children with a disability to access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, was introduced in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. Its goal is to empower service providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can fully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early years care and education. AIM is a child-centred model, involving seven levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted. The degree of support provided through AIM depends on the needs of the child in the context of the pre-school service. Under AIM Level 5, a minor alterations grant of up to €7,000 can be applied for. However AIM does not cover larger scale capital grants.
Counselling Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1964)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1964. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide further funding to an organisation (details supplied) in order that it can continue to provide youth counselling services in view of its importance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28648/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can inform the Deputy that the services referred to are HSE services, and the matter is therefore under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
State Bodies Code of Conduct
Ceisteanna (1965)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:1965. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if all State bodies under the aegis of her Department have furnished a report confirming the State body has complied with its obligations under tax law for 2015 and 2016 as required under the code of practice for the governance of State bodies; the action which was taken regarding those bodies that did not submit such requests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28664/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The agencies under the remit of my Department are committed to full compliance with taxation laws and it can be confirmed that they discharged their tax liabilities for the year 2015. Reports in respect of their 2016 financial statements will be submitted in due course upon certification of their accounts by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Aftercare Services
Ceisteanna (1966)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:1966. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated full-year cost of employing an aftercare worker. [28702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials have requested the information from Tusla and I will forward the reply to the Deputy once I have been furnished with it.
Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1967)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:1967. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated full year cost of employing a social care worker in a residential care home. [28703/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials have requested the information from Tusla and I will forward the reply to the Deputy once I have been furnished with it.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Family Resource Centres
Ceisteanna (1968)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:1968. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the proposed Tusla family resource centre for Castlerea, County Roscommon; the timeframe for when the centre will open; the location of the new centre; the way the centre will be funded; the proposed number of staff involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides financial support to some 109 communities through the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. This typically covers the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2017, Tusla's current allocation to the Family Resource Centre Programme is approximately €13.5m.
Tusla has advised that it is working with West Training & Development CLG, Regional Support Agency to establish the Castlerea Family Resource Centre (FRC). A Needs Analysis Report for Castlerea Family Resource Centre has been completed and Tusla is meeting with a range of stakeholders in Castlerea this week in order to provide feedback on the findings of the report.
The immediate aims in progressing the establishment of the Family Resource Centre in Castlerea are to recruit a Voluntary Board of Directors and a project co-ordinator, and to secure suitable premises.
Tusla plans to build on the strengths of the Family Resource Centre Programme in the years ahead to deliver its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (1969)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:1969. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider allocating funding for counselling to an organisation (details supplied) on an interim basis in view of the fact that a centre (details supplied) has closed and there is no timeframe for when a planned Tusla family resource centre will open in the town and there is currently a void in services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28883/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in relation to this matter. I will revert to the Deputy once I have been furnished with a response by Tusla.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
Counselling Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1970)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:1970. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the status of a free youth counselling service operated by an organisation (details supplied); the amount of funding allocated to the service from 2011 to 2016, inclusive, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; if there is a risk of closure of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28913/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can inform the Deputy that the service referred to is a HSE service, and the matter is therefore under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
Child Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1971)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:1971. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the universal child care subsidy; if the €20 a week will be available from September 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28927/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 11 April, I made an announcement that the Affordable Childcare Scheme would not commence this September but that a range of measures will be introduced by my Department to make childcare more affordable for thousands of families throughout Ireland. This honours a key commitment in the Programme for Government. I can confirm that these measures, which will benefit the families of tens of thousands of children, will commence this September.
As part of these new measures, a new universal subsidy will be available for all children aged between 6 months and 3 years of age (or until they qualify for ECCE if later than 36 months) in registered childcare. This will amount to as much as €20 a week or €1,000 per year for children in full time childcare.
Departmental Staff Relocation
Ceisteanna (1972)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1972. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of staff under the remit of her 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 who relocated outside the Dublin region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As my Department has no offices outside the Dublin region, the issue of staff applying for transfers to internal locations outside Dublin does not arise.
With regard to applications to transfer to other Departments or State Agency offices, my Department does not operate a transfer list. Staff may have their interest in a transfer listed with other Departments who hold a transfer list, or they may seek a possible transfer by means of a "Head to Head" transfer by directly contacting a person willing to transfer with them. My Department only becomes aware of such possible transfer requests when staff have identified suitable opportunities. At such time, it is at the discretion of the Departments concerned to agree to the transfer arrangements, having regard to sick leave and performance assessments.
My Department has no information on the number of staff who may have applied using the methods above for transfers to other locations in the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017. No such actual transfers occurred in the years 2014 to 2016 or to date in 2017.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (1973)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1973. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application for disability allowance (DA) from this lady was disallowed by a deciding officer (DO) who decided that she did not satisfy the medical conditions for the scheme. Notification of this decision and the reason(s) for it issued to the person on 23 January 2017.
The person in question has lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the relevant papers requested by that Office are being prepared and will be submitted by my Department shortly. The SWAO will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Waiting Times
Ceisteanna (1974)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1974. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the current waiting list for those who have applied for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26531/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
This means that the care recipient requires from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid being a danger to him/herself and is likely to require such full-time care for at least 12 months.
The current average processing times for a CA application is around 12 weeks. The CA scheme has seen a considerable increase in applications in recent years; applications for CA in 2016 were 20% higher than in 2015.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
Reducing these waiting times is a priority for my Department and we are working hard to make this happen. As part of its programme of service delivery modernisation, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented by my Department in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.
In addition, staffing needs are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. Where additional staffing is deployed to a scheme, there is a time-lag involved while those staff are trained and build up expertise. My Department has seen a significant reduction in CA processing from 22 weeks at the end of May 2016 to 12 weeks at the end of May 2017 and expects the processing times for the CA scheme to reduce further over the next few months, as recently assigned staff get up to speed with the work involved in claim processing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (1975)
Pat Breen
Ceist:1975. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for a reduction in payment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is no limit to the amount of hours a person in receipt of disability allowance can work. However, as disability allowance is a means tested scheme, income from employment is assessable. A person may apply for a rehabilitative disregard, which allows the person to earn up to €120 per week without any effect on their disability allowance payment.
Following a review of the entitlement of this lady, an increase in her payment has been awarded with effect from 24 May 2017. Payment at the higher rate will commence on 14 June 2017 and any arrears due will also issue on that date. Notification of this decision issued on 7 June 2017.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (1976)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1976. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26533/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This lady has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 24 August 2016. The first payment will be made by her chosen payment method on 5 July 2017.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (1977)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1977. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26535/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A claim for IP was received from the gentleman concerned on the 22 May 2017. In order to establish medical suitability, two forms for completion issued to him on the 29 May 2017. On receipt of the completed medical report forms, the IP claim will be processed as quickly as possible and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (1978, 1979, 1996)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:1978. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if an analysis of potential risks to State pensions has been conducted with regard to Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStephen Donnelly
Ceist:1979. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of a hard Brexit scenario on child benefit payments between the United Kingdom and the State in Northern Ireland only; the value of child benefit payments made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26567/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStephen Donnelly
Ceist:1996. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [26909/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1978, 1979 and 1996 together.
It is important to state that the current arrangements for social security between Ireland and the UK, and the UK and EU27, have not changed. All social welfare payments, including pensions and Child Benefit, continue to be paid as normal.
The Government's long-term objective is to ensure that the reciprocity of civic rights and social welfare rights and entitlements, which currently exist for Irish and UK citizens moving within Ireland and between Ireland and Britain under the Common Travel Area (CTA), are safeguarded and maintained. The importance of maintaining the CTA has been acknowledged in Prime Minister May’s letter of 29 March 2017 triggering Article 50 of the TEU and the European Council guidelines of 29 April 2017.
The Department is conducting an assessment of the implications for relevant social security schemes and services including pensions, Child Benefit and services between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland. This is part of the ongoing Brexit analysis for input into the wider Government deliberative process.
For information and with regard to Child Benefit there are, at present, 790 families living in Northern Ireland to whom Child Benefit is paid in respect of some 1,720 children. The number of recipients living in the UK is lower with 60 families receiving Child Benefit in respect of 115 children. The estimated cost of these payments is just under €3 million per annum.
More broadly, 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. The Government’s contingency work is examining all scenarios and the outcome cannot be pre-empted 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.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (1980)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1980. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26601/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for carer’s allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 13 January 2017. This application was awarded for the period 19 January 2017 to 25 January 2017 and payment issued to the nominated post office on 26 April 2017.
The person concerned has no entitlement to CA from 26 January 2017 as another person was awarded carer’s benefit from that date in respect of the same care recipient.
The person concerned requested that her application be backdated to 16 November 2015 and this request was disallowed. The person concerned was notified on 26 April 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.
The Department was notified on 25 May 2017 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.