Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:501. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the status of the Luas for Finglas. [28063/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLight Rail Projects Status
Ceisteanna (501)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the light rail network.
The NTA's Transport Strategy for the GDA 2016-2035 includes a number of proposals to further develop the light rail network including the extension of the Luas Green Line to Finglas.
Building on the success of Government’s continued investment in building capacity and expanding the Luas network, the National Development Plan (NDP) will provide funding to undertake appraisal, planning and design of Luas network expansion to Finglas and also Bray, Lucan and Poolbeg. This is to ensure that we will be ready to expand Luas to where and when it is needed in line with sustained development in these areas.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply on the information sought and issues raised. The Deputy should contact my office should a reply not be received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
Early Years Sector
Ceisteanna (502)
Tom Neville
Ceist:502. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline her views on a matter (details supplied) on a capital funding allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Early Years Capital Programme is designed each year as a discreet scheme to assist the sector to increase capacity and improve quality. In 2017 and again in 2018, the capital programme was over-subscribed indicating high demand and interest in the funding. The number of applications for the 2018 Early Years and School Age Childcare Capital Programmes was particularly high, with over 1,900 applications received.
All applications were appraised in a fair, thorough and impartial manner by Pobal on behalf of the Department. Due to the high demand for capital funding and the particularly strong standard of applications received, many services who submitted quality applications unfortunately did not receive an offer of funding. I regret that on this occasion the service in question's application did not result in an offer of funding.
All applicants who were unsuccessful have the opportunity to request a call-back on their capital application from Pobal, who can provide them with feedback and guidance on their application. All applicants who were unsuccessful can also request to have their application reviewed. Details on how to request a feedback call and/or review were sent to applicants from Pobal following the announcement of capital decisions. In addition, I would encourage this childcare provider to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee who can provide information and support on a range of issues that may be of assistance.
There are no further Capital programmes planned for 2018. Consideration of the 2019 capital programme is currently underway and feedback received will be used to inform the design of next year's scheme.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (503)
Niall Collins
Ceist:503. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a person (details supplied) will report on the alleged failures of Tusla in its handling of an alleged case of neglect and abuse of a number of children in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is referring to an independent review I commissioned, in agreement with the Minister for Justice and Equality, to examine and report on the management of a complex and serious case of alleged child abuse and neglect involving sixteen children in four families.
While there is no evidence of any serious mishandling of the case by either Tusla or An Garda Síochána, I considered that it would be good practice to arrange for a short, focused independent ‘Serious Incident’ review of the actions taken in the case. The primary purpose of the review is to ensure that any learning which may arise is captured and informs future work.
The Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, and member of the Review Panel, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, is assisting with drafting the terms of reference for the review. These Terms of Reference have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office in draft format, and are currently being considered by the Department of Justice and Equality, before they are finalised.
It is not possible to give a timeframe for the delivery of the report at this stage, given the complex and unusual nature of this case, and the importance of ensuring that this non-statutory review does not risk prejudicing the on-going investigation and criminal prosecution.
Traveller Education
Ceisteanna (504)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:504. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set down the estimated cost of restoring the teacher service for Travellers. [27535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers was discontinued with effect from September 2011, in line with Department of Education and Skills policy on the phasing out of segregated Traveller provision.
The Department of Education and Skills have advised that the funding costs for the programme in the final full year of the programme in 2010 were €2,716,737.
Foster Care Provision
Ceisteanna (505)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:505. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out the status of a person (details supplied) in foster care. [27623/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment on individual cases.
Children residing in foster care are subject to a Care Order. In some cases, a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed to represent the best interests of the child, and to advocate on their behalf.
I wish to remind the Deputy that where cases have been heard in camera, it is not appropriate for me to make such comments as may lead to the identity of a child being revealed.
I can confirm that I have passed the matter to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for their appropriate attention.
Family Support Services
Ceisteanna (506)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:506. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline her plans to grant funding to a group (details supplied) in view of the nature of the specialised services they provide; if Tusla is in a position to also provide further funding to the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27655/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not provide funding to the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has confirmed that it provided funding of €6,300 to the named organisation for Family Support Services Counselling in 2017.
Tusla has advised me that funding for 2018 has not yet issued to the organisation referred to by the Deputy, as Tusla has not been furnished with a signed and completed Service Level Agreement for 2018.
Early Years Sector
Ceisteanna (507)
Robert Troy
Ceist:507. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will reconsider a decision to refuse Pobal funding for a group (details supplied); the reason the application was unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27692/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of applications for the 2018 Early Years and School Age Childcare Capital Programmes was particularly high with over 1,900 applications received. All applications were appraised in a fair, thorough and impartial manner by Pobal on behalf of the Department.
Due to the high demand for capital funding and the particularly strong standard of applications received, many services who submitted quality applications unfortunately did not receive an offer of funding. I regret that on this occasion the service in question's application did not result in an offer of funding.
All applicants who were unsuccessful have the opportunity to request a call-back on their capital application from Pobal, who can provide them with feedback and guidance on their application. All applicants who were unsuccessful can also request to have their application reviewed. Details on how to request a feedback call and/or review were sent to applicants from Pobal following the announcement of capital decisions.
Consideration of the 2019 capital programme is currently underway and feedback received will be used to inform the design of next years scheme.
Child and Family Agency Staff
Ceisteanna (508)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:508. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out in tabular form the number of social workers hired in each year since 2014. [27743/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tusla has advised that the gross number of new social workers hired each year since 2014 is as follows:
|
Year |
Social Workers |
|
Jan To Dec 2014 |
164 |
|
Jan To Dec 2015 |
180 |
|
Jan To Dec 2016 |
214 |
|
Jan To Dec 2017 |
180 |
|
Jan to May 2018 |
59 |
The above are the gross number of new social workers hired each year (i.e. attrition is not factored in).
Child and Family Agency Staff
Ceisteanna (509)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:509. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of Tusla's recruitment plan for 2018; the position regarding the targets for the additional administrative and ancillary staff planned to relieve the administrative burden on social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27744/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Tusla that its in-house recruitment function, Tusla Recruit, is working to a recruitment plan in 2018 and will submit its finalised 2018 Recruitment Plan to my Department by the end of this month.
The Plan will provide a full breakdown by grade of the more than 400 posts provided for as part of Tusla’s 2018 funding that increased by €40.6 m this year and has increased by €144 m since the establishment of the Agency in 2014.
I am very supportive of Tusla's commitment to continue to prioritise the recruitment of clerical/admin grades in 2018. The deployment of clerical/admin support is essential to ensure that social workers can focus on their core professional tasks. With regard to clerical/admin recruitment specifically, I am advised that the final 2018 Recruitment Plan will show a recruitment target of in excess of 150 whole time equivalent additional clerical/admin staff.
Furthermore, Tusla is developing a Multi-annual Strategic Workforce Plan to identify the future composition of Tusla’s workforce for 2019 and beyond. This will build on the 2018 Recruitment Plan and I expect to receive this in Q4, 2018. The development of a Multi-annual Strategic Workforce Plan is a complex task as it needs to support the delivery of Tusla’s priorities and encompass a range of activities aimed at addressing Tusla’s short, medium and long term needs and to manage the current challenges Tusla faces recruiting and retaining certain key grades.
Adoption Legislation
Ceisteanna (510)
Joan Burton
Ceist:510. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if emergency legislation is required in respect of persons that may have been the subject of bogus birth registration and have no certificate of adoption in respect of being transferred to their adopting parents; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons left in this situation are in an indeterminate position, have grown up with their adoptive parents and need their rights vindicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27769/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will of course be aware of my announcement on May 29th that clear evidence of illegal registration had been identified in respect of 126 St Patrick's Guild files. Tusla are actively engaged in a social work-led process of contacting the individuals concerned in a measured and sensitive way. I am aware of the complexity of issues that may arise for individuals receiving this life-changing information and I have already indicated my willingness to address the issues as they arise, with my Cabinet colleagues as required.
In relation to emergency legislation, my priority is to proceed with the enactment of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 as quickly as possible. The Bill contains provisions relating to access to a statutory information and tracing service, and for the transfer and custody of relevant records. The Bill makes provision for persons who are the subject of illegal registrations, as well as adopted people and my officials are currently reviewing its provisions, in the light of the recent evidence emerging on illegal birth registrations, to ensure that it is robust in addressing the necessary issues. If additional amendments to the Bill are required to ensure this, this can be addressed as the Bill proceeds through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Adoption Records Provision
Ceisteanna (511)
Joan Burton
Ceist:511. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set down the estimated number of improper adoption arrangements by religious bodies, nursing homes and other bodies in which no detailed records were ever kept; her views on the prevalence of this practice in the past; the number of persons affected; the steps that have been taken to contact those affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27770/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Clear evidence of illegal registrations has been recently identified in respect of 126 St Patrick’s Guild files and arrangements have been put in place to contact those individuals and support them through the process.
It is, of course, a concern that there may be many more cases of illegal registrations and it is for that reason that I have appointed an Independent Reviewer, Marion Reynolds, former Deputy Director of Social Services in Northern Ireland, to oversee an analysis of relevant records. I expect a report of this analysis within four months of this work being commenced. At that stage, I will be in position, on the basis of the report's findings, to decide on next steps.
This analysis can only be applied to those records currently within the custody of the State. In relation to the remaining estimated 50,000 records that are not in the custody of either Tusla or the Adoption Authority, the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 provides for the transfer of these records to the custody of the Adoption Authority. This will facilitate any necessary review of these records.
Foireann Roinne
Ceisteanna (512)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:512. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige an bhfuil oifigeach Gaeilge ceaptha dá Roinn; an post lánaimseartha atá ann nó an bhfuil dualgais bhreise ar an oifigeach Gaeilge; cén grád atá ag an oifigeach Gaeilge; an bhfuil sé nó sí ábalta a ghnó nó a gnó a dhéanamh trí Ghaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27801/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá roinnt oifigigh i mo Roinn atá ábalta seirbhísí a chur ar fáil i nGaeilge. Tá beirt oifigeach fostaithe i mo Roinn a earcaíodh ón tsruth Ghaeilge i gcomórtais de chuid na Seirbhíse um Cheapacháin Phoiblí a bhain le hOifigigh Chléireachais agus le hOifigigh Fheidhmiúcháin; chun feabhas a chur ar sholáthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge. Cuireann an bheirt acu seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ar fáil ach tá dualgaisí breise acu chomh maith.
Adoption Legislation
Ceisteanna (513)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:513. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the position in relation to the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016; the way in which she plans to assist those affected by an incorrect birth registration under the terms of the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27861/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2016 has passed Second Stage in the Seanad and it is my intention that the Bill will be enacted by the end of the year. In order to progress the Bill, I recently met with advocacy groups and with Oireachtas colleagues, which was informative and helpful.
The Bill impacts on people who are the subject of illegal registrations, as well as adopted people. It provides people who were subjects of incorrect registrations with access to information and tracing services. It will also protect relevant records by bringing them into the custody of the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Officials are currently reviewing its provisions, in the light of the recent evidence emerging on illegal birth registrations, to ensure that it is robust in addressing this issue. If additional amendments to the Bill are required to ensure this, this can be addressed as the Bill progresses goes through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (514)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:514. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if personnel in her Department have been removed from their position, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated in the past four years due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27945/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
No personnel in my Department have been removed from their position, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated in the past four years due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence.
National Traveller-Roma Integration Strategy
Ceisteanna (515)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:515. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the progress on each action outlined in the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 that falls under her Department’s remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27977/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are a number of actions in the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) which fall fully, or partly, under the remit of my Department. They are under the education, children & youth, gender equality, and public services themes and are as follows:
|
Action number |
Theme |
|
10, 12 – 13 incl., 15, and 17 |
Education |
|
38 – 40 incl., 47 – 49 incl., and 52 - 54 incl. |
Children and Youth |
|
99 – 100 incl., 102 -103 incl., and 106 |
Gender Equality |
|
143, 145, and 148 - 149 incl. |
Public Services |
Progress is being made in the implementation of these actions. My Department is currently preparing a progress report on delivery of the various actions and this will be forwarded to the Deputy when completed.
Officials from my Department attend the NTRIS Steering Group, which is chaired by Minister Stanton, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration. The Steering Group, whose work which is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality, meets on a quarterly basis. The Strategy can be found on the Department of Justice and Equality's website at:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/National%20Traveller%20and%20Roma%20Inclusion%20Strategy,%202017-2021.pdf/Files/National%20Traveller%20and%20Roma%20Inclusion%20Strategy,%202017-2021.pdf.
Library Services Provision
Ceisteanna (516)
Tom Neville
Ceist:516. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for a new library (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27556/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of premises and facilities in the public library service is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the development of a new library in Dingle is primarily a matter for Kerry County Council.
My Department funds a Libraries Capital Investment Programme that will invest some €23 m in 17 or so projects, as well as the My Open Library service, over the period 2016 to 2021. The programme was developed on the basis of priority proposals submitted by local authorities in 2015. Dingle Library was not submitted as a priority by Kerry County Council at that time and could not be considered for funding under the programme.
In January 2018, my Department received a proposal from Kerry County Council seeking funding for a new library in Dingle. While the current libraries capital programme is currently fully committed, funding for the new library could be considered were additional funds to become available.
Community Development Initiatives
Ceisteanna (517)
Peter Burke
Ceist:517. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if RAPID or SICAP grants are suitable for funding a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27375/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The RAPID programme has been replaced by the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which I launched last month. The Community Facilities Scheme (CFS) has also been amalgamated into the CEP. The new programme provides funding to enhance facilities for disadvantaged communities. If the school in question is developing facilities for use by the entire community, it may be eligible for funding under this programme.
I have provided funding under this programme to each Local Authority area, taking into account levels of disadvantage and population in each area. Westmeath will receive €136,571, which is an increase on their 2017 combined RAPID and CFS allocation. An application can be made to the Westmeath Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). Decisions regarding funding allocations will be made by the LCDC.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) does not provide grant assistance for the works described.
Community Development Initiatives
Ceisteanna (518)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:518. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the 2018 capital allocations for the town and village renewal scheme and the CLÁR programme will be finalised and published. [27414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I launched the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 27th April 2018 this year with a capital allocation of €15 million. Local Authorities are required to seek expressions of interest from communities for proposals under the scheme, and each county has been invited to submit up to 12 proposals to my Department for consideration.
The closing date for the submission of applications is 30th June.
My Department will assess all of the applications received, with a view to announcing successful projects as soon as possible thereafter. Projects will be expected to commence before the end of the year and will run for a period of up to 18 months.
Successful proposals are likely to include activities which have clear positive economic impacts on rural towns and villages. They will ideally also demonstrate close collaboration between communities and business interests in the design and delivery of the projects.
Over €31.6 million has been approved for more than 450 projects across the country since the Town and Village Renewal scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016. I anticipate that up to 200 further projects will be approved through the €15 million being allocated under the 2018 scheme.
The 2018 CLÁR programme was launched in February this year, with a closing date of end-April. My Department received in excess of 400 applications under CLÁR 2018 and my officials are currently finalising their assessment of these applications. I hope to make an announcement regarding successful applications shortly and listings of all successful projects will be available on my Department's website.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Ceisteanna (519, 520)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:519. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline his plans to revitalise small towns and villages being devastated by rural decline in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:520. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline the funding allocated to rejuvenate rural and regional towns in counties Roscommon and Galway in the action plan for rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27472/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
Since the publication of the Action Plan for Rural Development in January 2017, significant progress has been made in implementing and delivering on of the wide range of measures contained in the Plan.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key component in the revitalisation of towns and villages across the country including those in Roscommon and Galway. Over €31.6 million has been approved for over 450 projects across the country since the Town and Village Renewal scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016 including over €2.3 m in respect of 36 projects in Roscommon and Galway. Full details of the projects approved in Roscommon and Galway are available on my Department’s website-www.drcd.gov.ie.
I launched the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme in April of this year, with an allocation of €15 million. The closing date for the submission of applications to my Department is 30th June and I anticipate that up to a further 200 projects will be approved in this round.
My Department also implements a number of other funding programmes which focus on rural development including the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR programme and the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) and LEADER.
The LEADER 2014 – 2020 programme, which is administered by my Department, is another key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas. Funding under LEADER is available for a range of defined themes, which include enterprise development and job creation, social inclusion and the environment.
The approved LEADER allocations for the duration of the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme for County Roscommon is €8,852,659 and for County Galway is €12,195,883.
I will continue to support the implementation of the Action Plan for Rural Development and this, together with the additional investment provided for through the recently announced Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, will ensure that Government delivers on its commitment of strengthened rural economies and communities.