Written Answers Nos. 211-230
211. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on cycling infrastructure in each of the past five years by areas of spending; the five biggest projects covered in this spend; and the percentage of his Department's capital budget and current budget devoted to cycling projects in each of these years. [24207/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, investment in cycling infrastructure over the period in question was delivered under a number of different programmes and schemes, namely the Smarter Travel Programme, Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme.
Projects funded under the Smarter Travel Programme, funded directly by the Department, involved integrated initiatives across a number of aspects of active/smarter travel and incorporated measures such as investment in cycle lanes, bike parking, footpaths, traffic calming measures, shared streets and other interventions that encourage and support modal shift to walking and cycling.
In addition since 2010 my Department has also provided funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme and the Regional Cities Programme to implement sustainable transport projects, including providing cycling infrastructure, in the Greater Dublin Area and the regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
Given the overarching scope of these programmes, it is not possible to isolate specific expenditure on cycling infrastructure over the period in question. Having said that, please see the table below which outlines total capital and current funding allocated to these programmes as a percentage of my Department's capital budget and current budget devoted to cycling projects in each of these years.
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
Total Capital Spend (€ million) |
32.66 |
31.55 |
39.72 |
31.51 |
19.29 |
|
Total Current Spend (€million) |
1.47 |
1.58 |
1.51 |
1.65 |
1.65 |
|
% of Department Capital budget (net) spent on cycling |
5.2% |
4.4% |
6.0% |
3.8% |
2.2% |
|
% of Department Current budget (net) spent on Cycling |
0.2% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
In relation to the five biggest projects covered in this spend and noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
212. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of capital funding for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 1,959 applications for funding were received this year under the 2018 Early Years and School Age Capital programmes.
The appraisal process of these applications was a large-scale, fair and impartial process carried out by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, in which each application was assessed individually on its own merits.
The results of the appraisal process are currently being finalised and decisions, whether successful or unsuccessful, will be communicated directly to providers following completion of this.
213. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the wage structures in all early childcare facilities; and the rate of pay made and the geographical spread of same in tabular form. [24043/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no formal wage structure in operation in the early years sector. Rates of pay are primarily a matter for childcare practitioners and their employers. However, the annual Early Years Sector Profile, published by Pobal, contains useful information on pay including pay rates for the various positions in the sector and county breakdowns of pay rates. The profile also includes information on staff qualifications, staff turnover and the length of time staff spend in a service. A copy of the most recent Early Years Sector Profile is available to read and download on the Pobal website www.pobal.ie under the "news and events" section.
As part of the Early years sector Profile, each service which took part was asked to provide the average hourly wage for each staff member. The results are presented in the table below.
|
Area |
Average Hourly Wage |
|
Dublin City |
€12.81 |
|
Cork City |
€12.41 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
€12.36 |
|
Cork County |
€12.27 |
|
South Dublin |
€12.17 |
|
Fingal |
€12.17 |
|
Wicklow |
€12.08 |
|
Mayo |
€11.99 |
|
Waterford |
€11.95 |
|
Limerick |
€11.90 |
|
Galway |
€11.87 |
|
Kerry |
€11.83 |
|
Kildare |
€11.77 |
|
Clare |
€11.75 |
|
Meath |
€11.73 |
|
Tipperary |
€11.70 |
|
Leitrim |
€11.69 |
|
Kilkenny |
€11.62 |
|
Offaly |
€11.53 |
|
Longford |
€11.48 |
|
Wexford |
€11.47 |
|
Westmeath |
€11.47 |
|
Louth |
€11.43 |
|
Sligo |
€11.30 |
|
Roscommon |
€11.21 |
|
Donegal |
€11.19 |
|
Monaghan |
€11.14 |
|
Cavan |
€11.14 |
|
Carlow |
€11.05 |
|
Laois |
€10.95 |
On the broader issue of pay rates, I am conscious of the need for improvements to be made and, in this regard, I have suggested to the sector that one approach which might be considered is to apply for a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) through the Labour Court.
Under a SEO process, organisations substantially representative of employers and employees come together to agree a way forward and submissions are sought from key stakeholders. My Department would not be a party to the SEO process, however, as a significant funder, and with policy responsibility for quality, would be well placed to make a submission to the Court once it publishes its notice in relation to the matter of the application for a SEO for the sector. I have indicated that I will be very supportive of any reasonable measures aimed at improving pay and conditions of the Early Years sector.
Further, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to carry out an independent review of the cost of providing quality childcare. The 'Independent Review of the Cost of Delivering Quality Childcare' which is currently being carried out is examining the costs faced by childcare providers in delivering quality childcare, including a survey of childcare providers. Following completion- the review is intended to be used to strengthen the evidence base underpinning future policy development and investment in early years. As such, it will feed into future policy development, including in relation to levels of payments to services.
The contract to undertake this Review was awarded to Crowe Horwath in September 2017. Since then, a literature review, stakeholder engagement and an online survey has been completed. The closing date for receipt of completed surveys was 13th April. Over 800 completed surveys were received and analysis of these data has commenced. A report from this Review is expected in late June 2018. It is intended to publish this report thereafter.
214. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost to provide all staff working with children with at least three hours' paid time per week to plan their work. [24044/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to childcare services for the delivery of a range of subvented childcare schemes to support families to engage in work or training (CCS and TEC). These scheme subsidies are deducted from the cost to the parent of the childcare they require. The ECCE / pre-school scheme provides early years care and education to 117,000 children approximately per annum. DCYA is not the employer of staff in the sector and makes no payments directly to them. Childcare services are delivered predominantly by private businesses and about 30% by community / not for profit services.
The subvention rates for the September 2017 measures which were introduced as an interim measure in advance of the ACS were increased substantially in September 2017, by as much as 50% in some instances. The rate of capitation for ECCE will increase by 7% from September 2018, up to a maximum of €80.25 per child per week for services receiving the Higher Capitation rate. The subsidies for the Affordable Childcare Scheme which is in development were designed to include all overhead costs ( face to face time with children, admin costs etc.).
An important point to note is that my Department made €18 million in Programme Support Payments (formerly known as 'non-contact time' payments) to Early Years providers in 2017 and has secured this in our base for 2018. We plan to administer this payment again in the coming weeks.
I have commissioned the first Independent Review of the Cost of Delivery of Quality Childcare, which is currently being conducted by Crowe Horwath. The outcomes of this review will inform us re all costs associated with delivering childcare and will be critical to future Estimates processes relating to early years care and education.
Notwithstanding the general position set out it is estimated that the cost of providing an additional 3 hours paid time, based on the numbers working in the formal, settings based, early years sector and having regard to current pay rates in the sector, would be in the region of €50m.
215. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the engagement she has had with third level institutions concerning the needs of graduates of courses relating to early childcare; and if those concerns are being addressed by her Department. [24046/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department introduced a qualifications minimum standard into the Early Years sector in Ireland, through the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016.
This was enabled in part by a minimum qualification threshold having already been a requirement of Early Years services offering the universal pre-school provision, known as the ECCE programme.
While it was necessary to establish further education qualifications as the appropriate regulatory standard, my Department welcomes the growing number of graduates who are specialised in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). My Department has been keenly aware of the robust progression of ECEC as an academic discipline in Ireland, which is now far more firmly established in Irish third level institutions than at any previous time.
The rapid growth of ECEC in recent years is partially attributed to my Department's provision of an additional payment to graduate-led Early Years services who offer the ECCE programme, and it is to the credit of the third level institutions and ECEC academics that they have responded so proactively to the increased demand for degree level ECEC programmes in Ireland. My Department anticipates that the Early Years sector in Ireland is very near to being 50% graduate led.
Throughout the various changes brought forward by my Department in the Early Years sector in Ireland in recent years, my Department has maintained regular contact with third-level institutions who offer Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programmes, through various forums. My Department works very closely with the Department of Education Early Years Policy Unit, who are currently undertaking a review of the award standard for ECEC degrees, and have done so through extensive consultation with the third level sector, including groups such as PLÉ (Pedagogy, Learning and Education Association of Ireland).
My Department is aware, (through third level education providers; associated academic groups; and other stakeholders such as the County/City Childcare Committees (CCCs)) of the challenges facing third level students in ECEC programmes, particularly those who do not qualify for Student Universal Support payments. To further support ECEC graduates, in January 2017 my Department began to offer a bursary payment for recent ECEC graduates, which has continued into 2018. My Department is also examining other means of offering support to ECEC undergraduates who fall outside the mainstream financial supports for students. Officials from my Department are also in regular contact was ECEC undergraduate students, as many apply to my Department for permission to work in the sector outside of their academic placement work, a permission that my Department is pleased to provide, subject to application and some key criteria.
216. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated amount it would cost to bring all staff in the early childcare sector up to professional wage standards. [24048/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA precise and accurate answer to this question is difficult owing to the many variables involved in defining and calculating the various elements.
To assist in answering the question, we have used data from the latest Pobal Early Years Sector Profile. This indicated that some 27,000 staff work in the formal childcare sector, half of which are working full time, and that the average hourly rate of pay in the sector is €11.93. If we were to take the mid-point of the Teacher salary scale as a benchmark for professional wage standards, the estimated cost of introducing such standards to all staff in the centre based / formal childcare sector would be in the region of €605m per annum.
The allocation for schemes in 2018 totals €411m. On the estimated basis that 70% of this amount contributes to pay costs, the additional funding required would be approximately €320m per annum.
Several important considerations must be noted alongside this analysis. While the Department is a significant funder of the childcare sector, the Department is not the direct employer of childcare workers. The costings above relate to formal childcare settings only and not to the estimated 38,000 childminders working in home based childcare. The costings do not include pensions.
It should be noted that any move to impose or change pay levels to any degree would need to be the subject of a wide ranging negotiated process with employers, the sector, and other relevant stakeholders.
217. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the projected full-year cost of the affordable childcare scheme in each of the next three years; the additional benefits and the broadening of eligibility criteria planned under the scheme for each of those years; the number of additional children who are expected to be accommodated in each of the years as a result of these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24108/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe start date for the Affordable Childcare Scheme (ACS) has not yet been confirmed. The procurement process for the external IT developer for the project is nearly complete, and when the developer is in place and has been able to validate the timeline for completion of the project, I will then announce the planned start date.
I have already publicly stated that the existing childcare schemes, including the benefits which were fast-tracked in September 2017, will remain in place for the programme-year starting this September. As the Deputy may be aware, these have been very successful and our target has been exceeded. Almost 77,000 children are now benefiting from these schemes; the target had been 70,000.
The most recent estimates for the full-year childcare costs of the ACS were presented in the Regulatory Impact Analysis, which was published in December 2017. The Regulatory Impact Analysis noted that there remains considerable uncertainty over the likely costs of the ACS, especially because of uncertainty about the scheme's impact on the demand for childcare.
According to the Regulatory Impact Analysis, if there is no increase in demand for childcare, then it is estimated that the full-year costs will lie between €127m and €149m. Taking into account potential increases in demand, international evidence suggests that the full-year cost of the scheme could rise to somewhere between €165m and €193m. However, such an impact on demand may only materialise fully over a period of several years, as parents begin to participate more in the labour market in response to improved access to affordable childcare. Increase in demand may also be caused by parents changing their childcare choices towards regulated childcare.
The introduction of the ACS will see a significant change in eligibility criteria for childcare subsidies. Whereas eligibility for childcare supports under the current schemes depends on possession of a Medical Card / GP Visit Card, or receipt of one of a range of social welfare payments, or participation in a relevant education or training course, the level of subsidy under the ACS will primarily depend on income. In addition, a universal subsidy was introduced in September 2017 for 6-36 month olds, which will remain in place under ACS.
I have no immediate plans for changes in ACS eligibility criteria, but the scheme has been designed to give flexibility to adjust both income-thresholds and subsidy-rates each year as part of the budgetary process. This ensures that the ACS can act as a sustainable platform for increasing investment in childcare in Ireland over the years ahead.
In line with the costings published in the Regulatory Impact Analysis, it is estimated that the number of beneficiaries of ACS on its introduction could rise to more than 82,000, but is likely in the first instance to be between 70,000 and 80,000, with the precise level depending on the impact on the demand for childcare. As income-thresholds and subsidy-rates are changed over time, the number of beneficiaries will change accordingly.
218. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children receiving the benefit of the September measures; and the percentage this represents of children resident here in the age groups covered by the measures by year of age (details supplied). [24114/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘September Measures’ relates to the introduction of the Community Childcare Subvention Universal (CCSU) payment and the increase in band rates across the different strands of the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Schemes. The increases in supports to Childcare providers which have been provided from September 2017, for the next programme year, represents a major step towards accessible affordable quality childcare after decades of neglect and under-investment by successive Governments. These 'September measures' include the following supports which are being rolled out under the CCS and TEC Schemes;
(1) A new (non-means tested) universal subsidy is available for all children aged between 6 months and 3 years of age (or until they qualify for ECCE) in registered childcare. This amounts to as much as €20 a week or €1,040 per year for children in full time childcare.
(2) Enhanced supports of up to €7,500 per year to assist families to return to employment and/or training and education.
As of week ending Friday 25th May 2018 a total of 76,933 children have benefited from these measures. A detailed breakdown of this total is provided in the following table:
|
Programme Call |
Unique approved children |
|
ASCC 2017 |
345 |
|
CCS 2017 |
17,833 |
|
CCSP |
17,601 |
|
CCSRT |
432 |
|
CCSU |
36,694 |
|
CEC 2017 (AS) |
797 |
|
CEC 2017 (PS) |
806 |
|
CETS 2017 |
2,425 |
|
Total |
76,933 |
I regret that I am unable to provide the further breakdown requested by the Deputy because the data is not compiled in a way which makes this possible.
219. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to improve services and provide additional facilities in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24180/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the provision of care and protection to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
In 2018, Tusla is providing €23.8 million in funding to domestic, sexual and gender based violence services, an increase of €1.7m over 2017 funding. This includes funding for some 58 services throughout the country.
The development of services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence nationally is guided by the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), as well as the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (2016-2021) . Among the priorities for Tusla, in this regard, is to expand the regional distribution of services.
As previously highlighted to the Deputy, I am aware that there are no refuges located in counties Cavan and Monaghan. However, there are three refuges situated in counties Louth and Meath, which provide emergency domestic violence accommodation to women based in the North East region. This includes 21 family units of emergency refuge accommodation.
As part of its commissioning approach to developing services, Tusla has carried out a number of needs analysis projects in order to identify gaps in service provision and to prioritise service developments. All future service developments, whether based in the North East region or elsewhere, will be informed by Tusla’s commissioning approach. Tusla is currently working with stakeholders in the sector in order to implement the priority actions identified through its needs analysis projects.
At all times, Tusla’s key priority is to ensure that the needs of victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence are met in the best way possible, with due attention to the quality, accessibility, and outcome of services.
220. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the €40 million allocated to Tusla as outlined in budget 2018; the amount that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24218/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency received a budget allocation of some €753 million from my Department's voted expenditure, which includes an extra €40.6 million over its 2017 allocation.
Late last year, I issued Tusla with its 2018 Performance Statement in line with the provisions of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. Tusla prepared its Business Plan for 2018, on foot of the 2018 Performance Statement, setting out its proposed main areas of spending.
In the 2018 Performance Statement, I indicated my priorities to Tusla for this year including:
- actions to support mandatory reporting under the Children First Act, 2015,
- addressing gaps in out of hours services, and
- further investment in Family Resource Centres in local communities that deliver services to families, especially in disadvantaged areas across the country.
I am not in a position to inform the deputy what amount or proportion of the extra funding has been spent at this time. However, I am pleased that the extra funding secured will also allow Tusla to recruit over 300 additional staff, reduce the number of unallocated cases, improve its ICT infrastructure, and advance further developments in areas such as Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence services, adoption, aftercare, and homelessness supports.
I strongly support the work of Tusla and I am committed to providing resources to meet the growing needs of children and families. The increased funding, which I have secured for Tusla in 2018, means that resources are available to meet key priorities in the years ahead.
221. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the €20 million allocated to early years care and education as outlined in budget 2018; the amount that has been spent; the way in which the moneys were spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24219/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department secured an additional €20m of Early Years Care and Education funding in Budget 2018. This funding was obtained to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of Early Years Care and Education, through the following policy measures:
- Expand ECCE entitlement from an average of 61 weeks to two full programme years (76 weeks) for all qualifying children.
- Increase both ECCE capitation rates by 7%.
As both measures are due to be introduced from September 2018 no costs have been incurred thus far.
222. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that will be made available to a tourist amenity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24179/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received a number of enquiries in recent months about the amenity referred to by the Deputy. I previously indicated that the Donegal LEADER Local Action Group (LAG), through its Implementing Partner, was engaging with the community in the affected area with a view to identifying whether LEADER support might be of assistance to this facility.
However, I understand that it has now been clarified that the beneficial owner of the facility in question is the Local Authority, which is a public body. Public bodies are not eligible to apply for funding under the LEADER programme. However, the Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner, continues to be available to explore other options in respect of this and other amenities in the area.
I will shortly be announcing the launch of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. The scheme will accept applications from Local Authorities, State bodies and Local Development Companies on a competitive bid basis. I will be particularly welcoming collaborative approaches to initiatives under the scheme. The relevant bodies in Co. Donegal may wish to examine the details of the scheme when it is launched to see if it has the potential to support the amenity - or parts of the amenity - in question.
223. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the 2018 allocation to schemes (details supplied); the amount allocated for each scheme in the 2018 fiscal year; and the amount in capital allocated for each scheme whereby this amount is rolled out over four years per EU fiscal rules, in tabular form. [24229/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount, by current and capital expenditure, allocated in 2016 and 2017 to schemes (details supplied); and the amount of funding drawn down and expended in both years for each scheme, in tabular form. [24231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 225 together.
Based on clarifications provided by the Deputy’s office, I understand that the Deputy is primarily enquiring about the funding which has been made available under a number of schemes and the timeframe within which the funding is expected to be drawn down.
Table 1 below provides details of capital allocations made under schemes referred to by the Deputy since 2016 and the amounts drawn down under those schemes each year. In general, these schemes are implemented through the Local Authorities.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR programme operate over a 12-18 month period from the time of the allocation of funding to successful projects. Projects under the Local Improvement Scheme are expected to be completed in the fiscal year in which the funding is allocated. My Department engages with all funding recipients on an on-going basis to ensure that funding is spent as efficiently as possible and in accordance with the original project proposals.
The 2018 CLÁR scheme was launched in March of this year and in excess of 400 applications were received and are currently being assessed. I expect to announce successful allocations under that scheme in the coming weeks.
The 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April and the closing date for applications is the end of June. The 2018 Outdoor Infrastructure Scheme will be launched very shortly.
Funding for the 2018 LIS scheme was allocated to the Local Authorities in April and projects are expected, for the most part, to be completed by the end of July 2018.
In addition to the schemes listed on the table below, expenditure on the Walks Scheme amounts to approximately €2 million per annum in current funding. This scheme provides funding for the maintenance of sections of 39 trails that traverse private lands. The scheme is managed and administered by 16 Local Development Companies around the country on behalf of my Department. The scheme also has a small capital allocation of approximately €50,000 per annum to cover materials used for small capital works in the maintenance and repair of the trails.
Table 1 - Capital allocations and drawdown 2016-2018
|
Scheme |
2016 Funding allocated |
2016 Funding drawndown to date |
2017 Funding allocated |
2017 Funding drawndown to date |
2018 Funding allocated |
2018 Funding drawndown to date |
|
Town and Village Renewal Scheme |
€9.88 m |
€9.88 m |
€21.64 m |
€4.12 m* |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme |
€7.44 m |
€7.44 m |
€11.4 m |
€4.01 m* |
€2.20 m** |
€0.493m*** |
|
CLÁR Programme |
€8.3 m |
€8.3 m |
€6.91 m |
€5.88 m* |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Local Improvement Scheme |
N/A |
N/A |
€17.4 m |
€16.96 m |
€10.84 m |
€0 |
* Funding drawndown in both 2017 and to date in 2018, in respect of funding allocated in 2017.
** Funding allocated in January 2018 in respect of the 2017 scheme.
*** Funding drawndown in 2018, in respect of funding allocated in 2017 and 2018.
224. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications that were received by each local authority and various stakeholder organisations for funding for schemes (details supplied) in each of the years 2016 and 2017, and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [24230/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department delivers a suite of programmes referred to by the Deputy which provide direct financial support for the sustainable development of rural areas. These programmes are highlighted in the Action Plan for Rural Development which focuses on supporting sustainable communities, enterprise and employment, maximising rural tourism and recreation potential, fostering culture and creativity in rural communities, and improving rural infrastructure.
Applications for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR programme and the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) are accepted through the Local Authorities and various stakeholder organisations.
My Department does not receive details of all the applications received by each Local Authority or the various stakeholder organisations, as they submit only their prioritised applications to the Department. However, details of final projects approved for each of these schemes since 2016 are available on the Rural Development pages of my Department’s website - www.drcd.gov.ie. Further approvals made during 2018 will also be published on the website.
The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LEADER area. €220 million of the €250 million approved for LEADER under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 has already been allocated to each LAG area. Each LAG is responsible for deciding how their allocation is distributed to LEADER projects over the duration of the programme, based on the objectives in their Local Development Strategies.
As of 21st May 2018, 973 projects with a value of €28 million had been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs while a further 342 projects with a value of €19 million are at various stages in the approval process. Details of individual projects approved are available on my Department’s website on a county by county basis.
The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 39 trails supported by 1,905 landowners. The scheme is managed and administered by 16 Local Development Companies around the country on behalf of my Department. A maximum sum of €2,480 per annum is paid to each of the private landowners participating in the scheme for the maintenance of approved trail that traverse their lands.
226. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown between funds expended on administration costs and the amount spent on project costs on the Leader programme in each year of the RDP 2014-2020 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [24232/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme for the period 2014-2020 and has a total budget of €250 million. €220 million of this funding has already been allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country who deliver the LEADER programme. The remaining €30 million is available for schemes which will be delivered at a national level. The allocation for each sub-regional area is provided for the duration of the Programme rather than on an annual basis. This provides greater flexibility to the LAGs in managing their resources.
Table 1, below, details the expenditure incurred nationally each year to date under the LEADER 2014 - 2020 Programme. This expenditure commenced in 2015 and relates to the costs incurred by the LAGs to develop their Local Development Strategies (Preparatory Support), the administration costs of the LAGs and the costs of their engagement with communities to generate projects - also referred to as "animation" costs. The table also shows expenditure incurred on projects.
The level of project activity has increase significantly in recent months and I understand that approximately 1,000 projects have now been approved for funding of over €28 million, while a further 300 project applications requesting an additional €19.2 million are at various stages in the approval process. I expect the level of expenditure on projects to increase substantially in the coming months as these projects are implemented and the promoters submit claims for payment.
Table 1: LEADER 2014-2020 Expenditure broken down per year
|
Year |
Preparatory Support |
Administration and Animation |
Projects |
Total |
|
2015 |
€1,251,185.25 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€1,251,185.25 |
|
2016 |
€119,785.45 |
€1,141,135.00 |
€0.00 |
€1,260,920.45 |
|
2017 |
€97,141.59 |
€11,364,865.35 |
€661,844.12 |
€12,123,851.06 |
|
2018 (to date) |
0 |
€3,269,534.05 |
€1,943,819.05 |
€5,213,353.10 |
227. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of extending parental leave by three months. [24045/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year cost of introducing one week's entitlement to paid parental leave based on the rate of maternity benefit and based on both parents being eligible and if the entitlement is being restricted to one parent or shared between them. [24081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 231 together.
The Department of Justice and Equality has policy and legislative responsibility for maternity, paternity leave and parental leave. My Department has responsibility for any associated social welfare payments.
Maternity benefit and paternity benefit are paid by my Department and are based on payment of PRSI contributions while working. The current entitlement to paid maternity leave is 26 weeks and paid paternity leave is 2 weeks for which the Government has provided funding of approximately €264 million and €16 million respectively for in 2018.
The estimated full year cost of introducing an additional week's entitlement to paid parental leave based on the rate of maternity benefit which could be taken by either parent would depend on the cohort of parents who would avail of it. For example, one additional week of maternity benefit would cost approximately €9.6m while one additional week of paternity benefit would cost €5.2m. If the leave could be taken by either parent then the estimated cost would be between €5.2m and €9.6m. Similarly, the cost of extending this paid leave by three months (13 weeks) would cost would between €67.8m and €124.8m.
These estimates are based on the cost for a full year at the current minimum rate of €240 per week for both maternity and paternity benefit and assume that any increase in duration is implemented from the beginning of the year.
This costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2018. It should also be noted that there are additional costs to the Exchequer as these estimates do not include the costs of salary top-ups for public/civil servants.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
228. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of Defence Forces personnel in receipt of the working family payment. [24061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work support, which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependants and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment. There are currently over 56,000 families with almost 127,000 children in receipt of WFP. The estimated spend on WFP this year is approximately €431 million.
To qualify for WFP, a person must be engaged in full-time insurable employment, which is expected to last for at least 3 months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria. The applicant must also have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is supported by them. Furthermore, the average family income must be below a specified amount, which varies according to the number of qualified children in the family.
The figures for Defence Forces families in receipt of WFP are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Recipients |
|
2018 |
163* |
*as at 30th May 2018
It is important to note that the figures for 2018 above are based on the amount of families in receipt of WFP for the relevant week - figures may go up or down depending on the week in the year.
229. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied) that was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in August 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 15 June 2017. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 14 June 2018. Any arrears due from 15 June 2017 to 13 June 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 30 May 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
230. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the code of practice that exists in relation to trial periods of employment being offered to new workers; if there are legislative guidelines requiring that these trials be paid or other protocols regarding same; her plans to review the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a comprehensive body of employment, equality and industrial relations legislation with which the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is mandated to secure compliance. Ireland’s employment rights legislation protects all employees who are legally employed on an employer-employee basis.
There is no exemption under employment rights legislation, including minimum wage legislation, for work trials. All hours worked, including those on trial, must be paid at the minimum wage or above. People on work trials are also covered by the Health Safety and Welfare Acts 2005 – 2014, which provides for safe working conditions as well as the Employment Equality Acts 1998 -2015, which provides against discrimination or harassment.
Any persons with questions or complaints regarding their rights under employment legislation should contact Workplace Relations Customer Service on lo-call 1890 80 80 90 or information can be found on their website www.workplacerelations.ie. Making a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission is straightforward by means of an online form. The WRC recovered €1.8million in wages for employees in 2017 (Source: WRC Annual Report 2017).
