Written Answers Nos. 2300-2319
2300. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for implementing EU Regulation 598/14; and if he plans to accede to the Dublin Airport Authority's request that he propose legislation to empower another authority to overrule the planning conditions inserted by An Bord Pleanála restricting the night time use of the airport in the interest of the health of local residents. [35191/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, the Government approved a process to give effect to Regulation 598 by way of primary legislation. The Government also agreed to an accelerated timeline for enactment, with a general scheme to be published in September and passage through the Houses expected by the end of this year.
With regard to the matter of the operating restrictions which form part of the planning permission for the new runway, it is envisaged that the legislation will provide that these restrictions shall be reviewed in light of Regulation 598, which provides for a much broader and technically informed analysis of airport noise and its effective management. This may result in no change to the operating restrictions which will come into force when the new runway is complete, it may result in more onerous restrictions or it may result in a new set of noise abatement measures. That will be a matter for the new regulator, Fingal County Council.
It is also important to note that the EU Regulation requires full public consultation before the Competent Authority makes a final decision about noise-related operating measures or restrictions at the airport. This will be set out clearly in the proposed primary legislation affording all stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. The Bill will also provide for an independent appeals process with An Bord Pleanála to be appointed as the Appeals Body for purposes of the Regulation.
2301. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to receipt of a letter from Dublin City Council dated 21 May 2018, if he will meet with councillors to discuss cycling infrastructure. [35204/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, however, I am not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of cycling infrastructure.
In Budget 2018 I secured over €110m in capital funding which is specifically allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. Allocation of this funding is by the National Transport Authority to the various local authorities who progress the planning and implementation of individual projects. In addition to this, €55m will be spent in this same four year period on Greenways where the greenway programme will be largely aimed at providing an enhanced tourism and leisure amenity.
A further €135m capital funding has been allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects. These will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. Again, allocation of this funding is by the National Transport Authority to the various local authorities who progress the planning and implementation of individual projects.
Furthermore, investment in the BusConnects Programme that will initially roll-out in Dublin in this period, will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes and greatly improve bus access, This plan is not just about buses, in fact, this plan will provide much needed cycling facilities and make it easier and more attractive to cycle around the city region. Given the increasing number of cyclists across Dublin there is an imperative to provide safe and segregated cycling facilities where possible and NTA calculates includes that over 200 kms of cycle tracks/lanes will be either built or current lanes improved upon. This initiative is the foundation of the overall cycle network that has been planned for the Greater Dublin Area.
In addition to funding for the provision of infrastructure, my Department continues to be very active in promoting behavioural change to encourage more people to take up cycling and to cycle safely. DTTaS provides funding to the NTA on an annual basis for the delivery of behavioural change programmes such as Workplace and Campus travel programmes and the Green Schools Programmes. My Department also engaged Cycling Ireland to develop a new national cycle training standard - "Cycle Right" – which commenced its roll out in January 2017 to primary school students. In addition my Department provides funding to local authorities throughout the country to assist in organising events and activities during Bike Week which further serve to promote cycling. As part of an overall coordinated approach to the provision of an integrated sustainable transport network of cycling, walking and public transport, these various investments will support and lead to a further increase in the numbers cycling safely, thereby easing congestion, improving public health and enhancing the liveability of our towns and cities; the investment will, I believe, have a lasting transformative effect on our transport network over the coming years.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for the development and implementation of sustainable transport infrastructure including cycling in accordance with the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (2016-2035) and the GDA Cycling Network. To this end, the NTA, through allocating funding received from my Department, works closely with all Local Authorities, including Dublin City Council. There is no doubt that the investments proposals discussed earlier will require choices to be made and tough decisions to be taken. The NTA, therefore, relies on the essential support that Dublin City Councillors play in the planning and delivery of sustainable infrastructure including cycling infrastructure set out in the strategies discussed above if we are to realise the benefits for the travelling public including cyclists.
Given the level of investment being allocated by NTA to local authorities to develop and implement cycling infrastructure and schemes, I have responded to Dublin City Council that I believe that a meeting with the NTA would be much more beneficial in discussing the details of the motion raised.
2302. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the breakdown by project for the capital allocation of €1,327 million in 2018 to his Department; the breakdown by project for the proposed allocation of €1,843 million in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35276/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra.
Capital Allocation
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
€million |
€million |
€million |
€million |
|
1,643 |
2,058 |
2,526 |
2,405 |
Deputy, in my Budget Speech 2018 I have listed the priorities within the Programmes within my Department and how the Capital allocations will be spent.
http://www.dttas.ie/speeches/2017/minister-ross-budget-2018-speech
Further details on my Department's Capital allocation can also be found in REV 2018 which was published in December 2017.
http://www.per.gov.ie/en/revised-estimates-for-public-services-2018-published/.
2303. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the project at Lehenaghmore and Lehenaghbeg, Togher, County Cork, will be considered for inclusion in the next round of grants under the specific improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35293/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the local authority's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific (schemes costing less than €5m) and Strategic Improvement Grants (schemes costing more than €5m) for the strengthening, widening or realignment of regional and local roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the crisis meant this grant scheme had to be curtailed from 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The Capital Plan 2016-2021 does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there continues to be very limited scope for funding projects under the Specific Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF) and it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. My Department circulated updated documentation on the project appraisal process to local authorities earlier this year – under this process local authorities are required to prepare a preliminary project appraisal and submit to the Department for consideration. Such an appraisal has not been received for a road scheme at Lehenaghmore.
2304. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the transport strategy being prepared for the Cork metropolitan area which he referred to during the course of a Topical Issue debate on 17 January 2018; and when he expects such a strategy to be published. [35294/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has been supporting the preparation of the Cork Strategic Transport Plan being developed by Cork City and County Councils and also involving Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
I am advised by the NTA that the Plan is expected to be issued for consultation with a view to the plan being finalised by the end of this year. Given the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply on the current status of the Plan. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
2305. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the future development of the rural transport network; the way in which the potential of the network can be further realised in conjunction with the LocalLink operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2306. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the implications of a proposed tender process for rural transport routes on the future development of the network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2305 and 2306 together.
I am fully committed to the continuing development of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the "Local Link" brand and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
In Budget 2018 I secured an increase in funding for Local Link bringing the total allocation for this year to €14.9 million. This builds on increased funding provided to Local Link in 2016 and 2017 which has seen total funding grow from €10.7m in 2015. It is my intention to continue to seek additional funding for Local Link services as part of the budgetary process.
The increased level of funding over the last 3 years has facilitated the development of 50 new services. Twenty-one new regular commuter services operating 5/6/7 days per week were introduced across the network in 2016 following considerable development work by Local Link Offices and the NTA. More of this type of network development took place in 2017 to enhance both Demand Responsive and Scheduled services with a further 27 new routes developed. An additional 2 new scheduled services were introduced in May 2018. Key features of these developments include greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services between and within towns and villages.
This year has also seen the introduction of a 6 month pilot of evening and late night services in rural areas, which the Deputy will be familiar with. I officially launched these new services in Listowel last month, and they will run, throughout the Local Link network, to the end of the year.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities regarding Local Link services, including the procurement of Transport Co-ordination Units (Local Link Offices), I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for further response to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
2307. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid for consultancy services in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the details of these payments; the companies that received the payments; the amount received by each company; the hourly rates that applied to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35389/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2308. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid for external legal services in each of the years 2012 to 2017; the details of these payments; the companies that received the payments; the amount received by each company; the hourly rates that applied to each company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2307 and 2308 together.
Details of all consultancy payments by the Department are available on my Department's website: http://www.dttas.ie/corporate/english/expenditure-external-services.
The website is updated on a six monthly basis and the second six months for 2018 will be available shortly.
The information provided on my Departments website relates to the total cost of services, issues relating to hourly rates would be commercially sensitive to the companies involved.
2309. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment; the action her Department will take to meet the five recommendations contained therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32482/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2310. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when her Department will examine the implementation of recommendation CM/Rec(2018)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on guidelines to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of the child in the digital environment and the guidelines in its appendix; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32484/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2311. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when her Department will review its legislation, policies and practice to ensure that they are in line with a recommendation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32485/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2309 to 2311, inclusive, together.
With regard to the Council of Europe Recommendations the Deputy refers to it is a matter for each member state of the Council of Europe to implement policies and legislation to protect children online.
While I do not have lead Ministerial policy responsibility for online safety, I however, have significant responsibilities, as part of a cross-Government approach, in ensuring that the internet is a safer place for children.
With regard to online safety, the Taoiseach recently launched the Government’s Action Plan for Online Safety.
The actions contained in the plan cut across various Government Departments including my own, underlying the range and breadth of the issues involved. The plan is based around five goals; Online Safety for All; Better Supports; Stronger Protections; Influencing Policy and Building Our Understanding.
In the area of child protection, the Children First Act, 2015 places statutory obligations on organisations providing relevant services to children including the preparation of a Child Safeguarding Statement. My Department will be amending the Children First Guidance to include a specific reference to online safety in the preparation of the Statement before the end of the second quarter of 2019.
It is also important to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard and acted upon when we make decisions on internet safety. In this context my Department undertakes and supports a wide range of consultation and participation processes with children and young people through Dáil na nÓg and Comhairle na nÓg.
My Department also provides funding to three national youth organisations which provide on-line safety resources for the youth sector. They are the National Youth Council of Ireland, Spunout - Ireland's Youth Information website, and Youth Work Ireland.
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring that children are safe online. Providing information and services to parents is part of the role of my Department, particularly through the Child and Family Agency, and through community and voluntary sector organisations.
This will be a key focus for my Department in the coming years.
Through the Action Plan for Online Safety the Government will work with stakeholders to implement actions that are achievable and which will have the greatest impact on online safety for everyone. I am fully committed to playing my part in a co-ordinated cross-Government approach to address this important issue, particularly as it relates to children.
2312. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an exception can be made in the case of a person (details supplied) to secure year two for a free child place under the early childhood care and education scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAge limits have been used to determine eligibility since the inception of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme in 2010. These rules are a necessary component of any Government scheme and ensure that Exchequer funding is used for its intended purpose.
The child named was eligible for ECCE in January 2017 for 23 weeks and September 2017 for 38 weeks. Unfortunately, he is over the age eligibility for the programme year September 2018 to June 2019 as set out in the Department's rules. There is no possibility to circumvent the age eligibility, the only exception being for children who have an overage exemption.
My Department's current Policy requires that any request for an over age exemption from ECCE eligibility must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist (not a GP/PHN) specifically recommending an extra year of pre-school for a child. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent or teacher in relation to a child's needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying exemptions.
Should this family wish to apply for an overage exemption, they can submit the relevant documentation via email to EYQueries@dcya.gov.ie or via post to ECCE Exemptions, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Block,1 Miesian Plaza, 50-58 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02XW14.
2313. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an audit of all external workplace investigations conducted by companies (details supplied) will be provided; the outcome regarding complaints against her Department; when the investigation will commence of an allegation against an employee, that is, the number of occasions on which a complaint was upheld against her Department by the investigators; and the number of occasions on which an investigation against an employee found grounds for disciplinary action. [33168/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has had no external workplace investigations conducted by the companies identified by the Deputy.
2314. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 10 July 2018, if the referrals made in 2016, 2017 and 2018 have resulted in a child being placed on the child protection notification system. [33438/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2315. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 10 July 2018, if the referrals for 2018 resulted in children awaiting allocation to a social worker; the waiting time from referral to allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33439/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2314 and 2315 together.
The direct provision system is under the policy remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. I note that the information provided in the parliamentary questions referred to by the Deputy appears to be based on records held by services operated by that Department. These services however are not the only possible source of a referral of a concern about a child, and it should be noted that other possible sources include teachers, doctors, members of An Garda Síochána and employees of the HSE.
As this is an operational matter, I have asked Tusla if it is possible to provide the information requested and I will revert to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to your Parliamentary Questions (33438/18 and 33439/18) of the 19th of July 2018:
To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 10 July 2018, if the referrals made in 2016, 2017 and 2018 have resulted in a child being placed on the child protection notification system (33438/18);
To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 10 July 2018, if the referrals for 2018 resulted in children awaiting allocation to a social worker; the waiting time from referral to allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter (33439/18).
I have received the following information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in relation to referrals from Mosney Direct Provision Centre which resulted in a child being placed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS).
Referrals received in 2016 resulted in 0 children being listed on the CPNS;
Referrals received in 2017 resulted in 0 children being listed on the CPNS;
Referrals received in 2018 resulted in 1 child being listed on the CPNS.
Tusla has also provided me with the following information in relation to referrals from from Mosney awaiting allocation to a social worker. In total, 22 referrals were received in 2018 as of 30/6/2018. Of these referrals, 10 are awaiting allocation of a social worker, 6 since March 2018, 3 since April 2018 and 1 since May 2018. These referrals relate to neglect and welfare concerns and are being managed by the Duty team.
The Child Protection Notification System (CPNS), in accordance with Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2011, is a national record of all children who are the subject of a child protection plan agreed at a child protection conference. The CPNS is accessible to named professional groups subject to strict protocols. Each referral received by Tusla is assessed and dealt with on an individual basis by the relevant social work team.
Approximately 60% of referrals to Tusla are of a child welfare concern with the remaining 40% related to child protection concerns. Tusla's policy is to refer child welfare referrals to relevant family and community support services. At any stage, if a determination is made that there is abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, from which there is an on-going risk of harm, the child protection pathway is followed. In a minority of cases this may lead to the child being placed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) or the child being received into care.
2316. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the second year is not being granted to children at a playschool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32438/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to state from the outset that it is regrettable that the person named is unable to secure a place for her son in the pre-school of their choice.
As you may be aware the Early Years sector childcare services are privately run or operated by community/not for profit services and my Department cannot act in the role of employer. Whilst my Department provides a range of supports through childcare programme funding and capitation payments to support the sector, childcare providers, as independent businesses, are free to set their own admission and enrolment policies. I regret that I cannot intervene on this matter.
I would urge the person named to contact her local County Childcare Committee (contact details supplied in the table) who are best placed to help in securing an alternative ECCE place for her son.
|
County |
Phone |
|
|
Cavan |
049 4365856 |
admin@cavanccc.ie |
2317. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expenditure incurred by her Department in respect of legal fees in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32520/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the expenditure incurred by my Department in each of the past three years towards the provision of legal services is set out in the following table.
|
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Legal Fees |
€126,304.76 |
€141,243.54 |
€184,210.70 |
2318. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of adults and children that spent time in Tusla funded domestic violence refuge and step down accommodation in 2017; and the average length of time these families spent in emergency accommodation. [32561/18]
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. However, Tusla does not have access to live data on refuge use, rather Tusla-funded services provide data to Tusla retrospectively.
Information provided by funded domestic violence services indicates that refuges consistently operate at full or near full-capacity.
Data was previously provided to the Deputy regarding services in 2016. Tusla has advised that 2017 data will be made available later in the year.
Transitional or step down accommodation units, while run by Tusla-funded organisations, are not regarded as emergency accommodation, and as such are not directly funded by Tusla.
2319. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has contracted the legal services of a company (details supplied) at any point over each of the past six years; if so, the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32635/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has not contracted any legal services with the company (details supplied) during the timeframe specified.
