Written Answers Nos. 681-702
681. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if financial support is provided in County Donegal to foster parents of those who, on reaching 18 years of age, continue to be cared for into adulthood and require mental health and disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6934/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEvery year more than 500 young people leave the care of the State. These young people are offered a wide range of services from different State actors including income supports, health supports, accommodation and education.
The aftercare provisions of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2015 came into force on the first of September 2017. This means that there is now a statutory obligation on Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to prepare an aftercare plan for each eligible child and young person. This plan encompasses the range of supports that a young person may need from all service providers, including Tusla, to help them make the transition to independent adult life.
For young people with a disability or mental health support need, aftercare planning forms the basis of discussions between Tusla and the HSE to effectively manage the transition from child to adult services, based on assessed need. This is facilitated by Tusla via the local Aftercare Steering Group, with the HSE participating in the planning process and taking responsibility for the provision of the required services.
Following national consultation in 2017, a standardised aftercare allowance was introduced on the first of January 2018. The allowance currently amounts to €300 a week. Continuing in further education or training entitles the young person to receive the standardised aftercare allowance even after they turn 21. Where a young person in education or training remains with their former foster carer, the aftercare allowance is payable to the foster carer and a living allowance is agreed with the foster parent, the aftercare worker and the young adult. Where the young person continues with education or training and is in independent living, they directly receive the allowance.
Finally, and as the Deputy is aware, the provision of services for adults with disability or mental health related needs fall within the remit of the Health Service Executive.
682. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are sufficient private residential services to meet the demand required by Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6965/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla advise that there are currently 21 private providers nationally who operate 90 children’s residential centres offering various placement types for children in the care of the State. As of 8th February, 2019, there were 224 young people in private residential care.
In deciding to place a young person in a residential centre, Tusla must take into account a number of variables to determine if the placement is suitable. Such factors include the individual requirements of the young person in need of a placement, the existing requirements of the young people currently in the residential centre and the staffing, additional supports, geographical profile, age/gender and purpose and function of the centre in question.
Tusla have also indicated that there are 38 young people who currently require placement in a private residential setting.
The requirements for private residential placements to meet the changing, complex and individual needs of children and young people vary on a daily basis. Due to this shifting pattern of complex need there may not be sufficient placements, at a given time, in private residential care to meet placement demand.
Tusla's National Private Placement Team (NPPT) review private residential centre vacancies on a daily basis. In the event of private centres reaching their capacity; or having no appropriate vacancies, the NPPT team continue to review vacancies daily and, as suitable vacancies arise, the appropriate referral and supporting information is issued to the identified private service provider.
For children awaiting private placements, it should be noted that Tusla actively manage their needs. For some, this takes place in a temporary residential setting. Others are supported in their community until a private residential placement, appropriate to their need, is available.
683. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) has not received correspondence from Tusla or an educational welfare officer. [7103/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of Tusla has advised my Department that the EWS has not received a referral in relation to this student. The Educational Welfare Officer covering the region contacted the school principal and the principal has confirmed the school had not made a referral to Tusla EWS.
The Educational Welfare Officer advised the school principal that she is available to meet the student and his parents/guardians to discuss options available to the student if he is no longer attending school.
684. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expenditure and allocations attributable to drugs programmes that were made available in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7112/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for 21 youth related projects receiving funding under Local Drug Task Force (LDTF) funding transferred to my Department in 2011. These projects, targeting young people under the various pillars of the National Drug Strategy, provide a range of supports for young people by way of targeted drug prevention and awareness programmes as well as referrals.
The Value for Money and Policy Review of the Youth Funding programmes 2014 examined four of the targeted funding schemes, the Special Projects for Youth scheme, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund 1 & 2, and Local Drug Task Force projects scheme. The review involved an in-depth scrutiny of a complex area to do with the impact youth service provision has in young people’s lives.
Overall, the review had three key messages:
- The youth programmes can provide a significant contribution to improving outcomes for young people and should be considered for on-going public funding.
-The current model of performance management, governance and scheme design are not fit for purpose and needed complete reform
- A single scheme should replace the current four schemes with a clear focus on targeted young people.
The review makes a number of recommendations for the future operation of a new youth funding schemes to ensure an evidence-informed and outcomes focussed programme is designed to secure the optimal outcomes for young people.
As a result of the VFMPR report my Department is managing the most significant reform of youth services ever undertaken. This will provide an opportunity to identify need and to focus funding on young people most in need of intervention.
In advance of the introduction of a new single targeted funding scheme in 2020, a transition phase in 2019 will see the funding previously provided under the four funding programmes, including the LDTF funding, collapsed into one funding stream for 2019 to assist with preparations for the new scheme in 2020.
The tables below set out below are the Local Drug Task Force funding allocations for the past five years.
|
LDTF |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
|
CDYSB Projects |
|||
|
Administration |
n/a |
n/a |
€33,336 |
|
Ballyfermot Youth Service - LDTF |
€89,850 |
€77,450 |
€73,762 |
|
Bonnybrook Youth Project (Sphere 17) |
€123,264 |
€120,864 |
€115,108 |
|
BRYR (Ballymun Regional Youth Resource) |
€114,271 |
€106,871 |
€101,782 |
|
Charlemount Community Assocation (SAYS) |
€48,420 |
€46,558 |
€44,341 |
|
Cork Street & Maryland Community Project (DAYS - Donore Avenue Youth Service) |
€31,013 |
€49,051 |
€46,716 |
|
Crosscare (Ballybough) |
€51,162 |
€49,194 |
€46,852 |
|
Crosscare - L.E.A.P.P. |
€129,272 |
€126,872 |
€120,830 |
|
Finglas Youth Resource Centre |
€84,918 |
€82,518 |
€78,589 |
|
St. Michaels Youth Project |
€47,681 |
€45,847 |
€45,183 |
|
St. Andrew's Youth Resource Centre |
€54,340 |
€47,442 |
€43,664 |
|
SWICN - South West Inner City Network |
€43,503 |
€41,830 |
€39,838 |
|
Sub-Total |
€817,694 |
€794,497 |
€790,001 |
|
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB Projects - Co Dublin |
|||
|
Administration |
n/a |
n/a |
€17,859 |
|
Ballyogan Youth Project |
€44,489 |
€42,778 |
€40,741 |
|
Blanchardstown Peer Drug Ed. Prevention Prog. |
€52,773 |
€50,743 |
€48,327 |
|
Clondalkin Travellers Development |
€36,139 |
€34,749 |
€33,094 |
|
Shanganagh/Rathsallagh Youth Project |
€54,237 |
€52,151 |
€49,667 |
|
St. Aengus Neighbourhood Youth Project |
€53,334 |
€51,283 |
€48,841 |
|
Youth Support in Whitechurch |
€39,629 |
€38,105 |
€36,290 |
|
Youth Skills/Peer Education |
€37,300 |
€35,865 |
€34,157 |
|
Sub-Total |
€317,901 |
€305,674 |
€308,977 |
|
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB Projects - Dun Laoghaire |
|||
|
Administration |
n/a |
n/a |
€5,102 |
|
Alternative High |
€41,522 |
€39,925 |
€38,023 |
|
Drug Prevention |
€41,522 |
€39,925 |
€38,023 |
|
Sub-Total |
€83,044 |
€79,850 |
€81,148 |
|
Total |
€1,218,639 |
€1,180,021 |
€1,180,126 |
|
LDTF 2015 |
2015 |
|
CDYSB Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€32,523 |
|
Ballybough Youth Project |
€45,709 |
|
Ballyfermot Youth Service - LDTF |
€71,963 |
|
Bonnybrook Youth Project (Sphere 17) |
€112,301 |
|
BRYR (Ballymun Regional Youth Resource) |
€99,299 |
|
Catholic Youth Care (Awareness Finglas Cabra) |
€117,883 |
|
Charlemount Community Assocation (SAYS) |
€43,260 |
|
Cork Street & Maryland Community Project (DAYS - Donore Avenue Youth Service) |
€45,576 |
|
Finglas Youth Resource Centre |
€76,672 |
|
St. Andrew's Youth Resource Centre |
€44,081 |
|
St. Michaels Youth Project |
€42,599 |
|
SWICN - South West Inner City Network |
€38,867 |
|
Sub-total |
€770,732 |
|
Co. Dublin ETB Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€17,423 |
|
Ballyogan Youth Project |
€39,747 |
|
Blanchardstown Peer Drug Ed. Prevention Prog. |
€47,148 |
|
Clondalkin Travellers Development |
€32,287 |
|
Shanganagh/Rathsallagh Youth Project |
€48,456 |
|
St. Aengus Neighbourhood Youth Project |
€47,650 |
|
Youth Skills/Peer Education |
€33,324 |
|
Youth Support in Whitechurch |
€35,405 |
|
Sub Total |
€301,441 |
|
Dun Laoghaire ETB Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€4,978 |
|
Alternative High |
€37,096 |
|
Drug Prevention |
€37,096 |
|
Sub Total |
€79,169 |
|
Total |
€1,151,342 |
|
LDTF |
2014 |
|
CDYSB Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€32,523 |
|
Ballybough Youth Project |
€45,709 |
|
Ballyfermot Youth Service - LDTF |
€71,963 |
|
Bonnybrook Youth Project (Sphere 17) |
€112,301 |
|
BRYR (Ballymun Regional Youth Resource) |
€99,299 |
|
Catholic Youth Care (Awareness Finglas Cabra) |
€117,883 |
|
Charlemount Community Assocation (SAYS) |
€43,260 |
|
Cork Street & Maryland Community Project (DAYS - Donore Avenue Youth Service) |
€45,576 |
|
Finglas Youth Resource Centre |
€76,672 |
|
St. Andrew's Youth Resource Centre |
€44,081 |
|
St. Michaels Youth Project |
€42,599 |
|
SWICN - South West Inner City Network |
€38,867 |
|
Sub-total |
€770,732 |
|
Co. Dublin VEC Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€17,423 |
|
Ballyogan Youth Project |
€39,747 |
|
Blanchardstown Peer Drug Ed. Prevention Prog. |
€47,148 |
|
Clondalkin Travellers Development |
€32,287 |
|
Shanganagh/Rathsallagh Youth Project |
€48,456 |
|
St. Aengus Neighbourhood Youth Project |
€47,650 |
|
Youth Skills/Peer Education |
€33,324 |
|
Youth Support in Whitechurch |
€35,405 |
|
Sub Total |
€301,441 |
|
Dun Laoghaire VEC Projects |
|
|
Administration |
€4,978 |
|
Alternative High |
€37,096 |
|
Drug Prevention |
€37,096 |
|
Sub Total |
€79,169 |
|
Total |
€1,151,342 |
685. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address matters (details supplied) regarding childcare centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7127/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for the matters raised. There appears to be three main areas of concern which centre on the following: the Board of Pobal, the Affordable Childcare Scheme and attendance records for childcare places under my Department's programmes. I will address these separately below.
Part 1: Pobal Board:
Pobal operates under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The Board of Pobal are appointed by the Minister of Rural and Community Development via the Public Appointments Service process. Consequently, any decisions regarding the structure of Pobal require the consideration of my cabinet colleague, Minister Ring, the officials of his department, and the Pobal Board. Notwithstanding this fact, Pobal does indeed administer a number of programmes and schemes on behalf of my Department and consequently, my officials liaised with their counterparts in DRCD with respect to the make-up of the Pobal Board upon its latest renewal.
On foot of this interdepartmental engagement, it is my understanding that my cabinet colleague has due regard for the benefits of direct expertise on the board of Pobal, recognising the importance of appointing persons from diverse backgrounds; with knowledge pertaining to the activities of Pobal. This due regard takes place in the context of ensuring a significant cohort of Pobal’s board are equipped for the proper governance of the company, with respect to risk management, finance, governance, audit, etc. In the context of these multi-faceted concerns, I can confirm that the newly appointed Pobal board takes cognisance of the important role early learning and care and school age childcare plays in the overall delivery of Pobal’s services. Accordingly, there are now four members of Pobal’s board with extensive experience of the early years and youth sectors at policy and practitioner level:
- Ms. Patricia Ball O’Keeffe - qualified solicitor and consultant on child and family law issues
- Ms. Ann Hanley – Cavan County Childcare Committee employee
- Ms. Mary Mooty – extensive experience in the youth and childcare sectors and presently employed by Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board
- Mr. Fintan Breen - National Programme Co-ordinator for the Leadership for Inclusion in Early Years (LINC) programme developed under the ECCE Access and Inclusion Model
It should be noted for the sake of clarity, that my Department sets policy and Pobal implements this and administers schemes on behalf of my Department. The services Pobal provides to my Department are managed under a multi-level governance framework, specifically service level agreements, programmes of work, and individual programme agreements, all of which are monitored closely via regular high level management meetings.
Part 2: Affordable Childcare Scheme:
The DCYA is planning for the Affordable Childcare Scheme to launch in October 2019, replacing all previous targeted childcare programmes with a single, streamlined and user-friendly scheme. Ultimately, this streamlining will tangibly reduce the overall administration which childcare providers will be required to undertake.
To allow for continuity of service, the existing childcare programmes will continue to operate until the launch of the Affordable Childcare Scheme.
Applications for the existing programmes can still be made up until the new Scheme goes live in October. After this time, no new applications for these existing schemes will be allowed.
To make the transition as smooth and safe as possible, existing registrants / families can choose to make the switch to the new Scheme immediately on its launch or to remain on their existing programme for a final programme year.
The free preschool programme, ECCE, will not be affected by these changes.
As part of the development of the Affordable Childcare Scheme, considerable, sustained engagement has taken place with consultative and focus groups to inform the design and development of the system. Childcare providers have been, and continue to be, integral to this process.
My Department will shortly be rolling out a comprehensive programme of information, training and supports for parents, providers and other stakeholders. Training for childcare providers will be provided across multiple platforms, including classroom-based and online, up until the launch date. This training will be tailored and timed to suit the needs of busy childcare providers, and has been designed to ensure that childcare providers are well prepared to operate the Scheme in advance of its launch.
The Affordable Childcare Scheme will subsidise the cost of childcare for tens of thousands of parents, many of whom, to date, have not been able to access such support. As such, it is imperative that DCYA acts as quickly as it can to introduce the new scheme, whilst of course offering supports to providers to assist them with the transition. It is important to note that the new scheme is also increasing investment in childcare services and accounts for some of the 117% increase in budget to the childcare sector over the last 4 years, from circa €260m in 2015 to €575m in 2019.
Part 3: Attendance versus registration only
For all of the early learning and care and school age childcare programmes funded by my Department, funding is provided based on children’s attendance rather than registration. This reflects our responsibility to protect public funds by ensuring that the childcare places which are being publicly subsidised are being used.
It is the responsibility of service providers to ensure that they communicate with parents to ensure that children are registered for the level of childcare for which they actually attend. Neither Pobal nor my Department expect service providers to act as “truancy officers”, however, in cases where a child’s pattern of attendance is consistently below what they are registered for, then the service provider is expected to update PIP to reflect this.
I appreciate that recording attendance and updating PIP can be difficult for providers, and therefore how to guides, instructional videos and a good practice guide to keeping attendance records are available from Pobal. Further support is available from City and County Childcare Committees.
I acknowledge that there are financial implications for services where programme payments are reduced based on reductions in attendance. If these financial consequences affect the continued viability of a service, a range of supports are available through local City/County Childcare Committees and through Pobal's Case Management system. I would therefore recommend that affected services contact both Pobal and their local CCC, who will offer support.
The forthcoming information and training sessions mentioned above, will I believe, provide assurances to service providers re the how the design of the scheme recognises the needs of parents/families and indeed providers.
686. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to keep areas in County Cork that are due to move to the control of Cork City Council within his remit for funding programmes such as TidyTowns and community development. [6308/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the detailed planning and implementation of the re-organisation process, arising from the Cork boundary change, rests primarily with the local authorities concerned.
My Department is now considering, in collaboration with the Local Authorities concerned, the implications the boundary changes may have in relation to schemes and programmes delivered on its behalf via the local authorities, and what provisions may be required in that context.
687. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review of the community services programme is taking place; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6330/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Services Programme, or CSP, supports around 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions. More than €46 million is available to support community organisations under the programme in 2019.
The CSP transferred to my Department from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in January 2018. While the primary focus for 2018 was ensuring continuity of service, a review of the programme was considered timely given my Department's role and its policy responsibility for social enterprise and for local development and community development.
My Department consulted with key stakeholders and CSP supported organisations on the scope of the review in October and November last year. This consultation helped shape the terms of reference for the review and the procurement of an independent third party to review the programme. Subject to a successful tender process, I expect a reviewer to be appointed before the end of February.
The review will consider how the programme fits with overall Government priorities as well as with my Department’s other community programmes and policy objectives, and will help inform decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme.
The review will take six months and I expect it will be completed in early Autumn 2019.
688. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the standards required to be implemented by community groups that publish community newsletters or newspapers and are in receipt of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6403/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department for Rural and Community Development was established to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. Key to achieving this is supporting the development and promotion of the modern and efficient services needed for such communities to thrive.
My Department does not provide direct funding towards the publication of newsletters or newspapers, but does provide a broad range of supports to communities in Ireland in terms of core funding or for specific project based work.
The funding provided relates to programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Community Services Programme, Libraries Capital Investment Programme, Scheme to Support National Organisations, the LEADER Programme and others.
Community groups communicate independently to engage with the public and where such communications are assisted by State funding they should be in line with the stated criteria of the funding programme in question and the contract terms and conditions in each case.
689. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of advisers and special advisers employed by his Department in 2017 and 2018 and to date in 2019; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; the annual salaries associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017. Since then, there have been three advisers employed by my Department, details of which are outlined below:
1. Press Adviser:
A Press Adviser was appointed on 14 August 2017. The main responsibilities of this post include the following:
- Provision and oversight of press information and liaising on my behalf (working with the Department’s Press Officer and Press Office staff);
- Liaising, on my behalf, with the Government Press Office (working with the Department’s Press Officer and Press Office staff), and with Department Officials on media aspects of policy;
- Adviser on external communications and publicity on my behalf;
- Focal point, along with my Policy Adviser, for political clearance and transmission of speaking and briefing material for all “Order of Business” purposes and circulation of such material to me and more widely as appropriate;
Liaising with a team of Media Advisers across Government;
- Clearance of all Ministerial speeches and news releases.
This salary for this post is at the level of the Principal Officer Standard pay scale, sanctioned at €89,356. The Press Adviser continued employment with my Department throughout 2018 and is currently employed in this role.
2. Special Adviser
A Special Adviser was appointed on 11 September 2017 who remained in the employment of my Department until 31st May 2018, when his secondment period ended. This salary for this post is at the level of the Principal Officer Standard pay scale, sanctioned at €94,521.
This Special Adviser was replaced by a new appointee on 11th June 2018, who is still employed by my Department. This Adviser is employed at the level of the Principal Officer Standard pay scale, sanctioned at €99,375.
The main responsibilities of the Special Adviser post include the following:
- Assisting in the management of my programme of work;
- Liaising, on my behalf, with relevant Department Units in relation to the Department/Government priorities and timelines for dealing with the stated policies and priorities;
- Attendance at weekly pre-Government meeting of Ministerial Special Advisers;
- Liaising with a team of Advisers across Government;
- Attendance at relevant Senior Official and Cabinet Committee meetings;
- Focal point, along with my Press Adviser, for political clearance and transmission of speaking and briefing material for all “Order of Business” purposes and circulation of such material to me and more widely as appropriate;
- Liaising with the Secretary General’s Office in regard to the provision of observations on Government Memoranda.
In addition to the Advisers employed by my Department I also avail of the services of a further Adviser, who provides me with support and advice from time to time in an unpaid capacity from 2017 to date.
690. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of boards or agencies his officials have been appointed to; if there are guidelines or protocols for members of staff being appointed to boards or agencies; if so, when same were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6652/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19 July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
The Department is committed to adhering to guidelines and protocols in relation to appointments to boards or agencies. The key policy in place in this regard is the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), in August 2016.
This policy provides that board appointments must be made in compliance with the Public Appointments Service process set down in the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards published by DPER, except where the manner of such appointment is otherwise prescribed in the specific statutory provisions relating to the State body.
I can confirm that one official from my Department is a member of the board of the National Digital Research Centre.
691. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of the €315 million allocation for 2019 for the rural regeneration and development fund; the date in 2019 the fund will roll out; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun of the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6917/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed €1 billion to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities. The Fund has been allocated €315m over the period 2019 to 2022 and the various allocations over that period will be confirmed as part of the annual budgetary process. Certain projects under the fund are multi-annual and this will also be provided for.
Discussions have and do take place between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department on a regular basis, in relation to expenditure. The allocation for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was €55 million for 2019. I do not expect the overall 4 year allocation for the Fund to be impacted by any re-profiling taken to address capital funding shortfalls elsewhere, including the National Children's Hospital. My Department remains focused on delivering on its mission with the aid of the vote allocated to us for that purpose. Indeed, in respect of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, an announcement will take place this week detailing the remaining successful projects from the first call under the Fund, with a second call for applications under the Fund taking place later in the year. I am satisfied that funding commitment is available to enable these projects to be delivered over the next four years.
692. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expenditure and allocations attributable to drugs programmes that were made available in each of the past five years; the projects and programmes supported by the funding in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7115/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established on 19 July 2017, to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland. It has not had expenditure or allocations attributable to any drugs programmes from 2017 to-date, this would be primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Health.
693. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when measure 2 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will become open for applications; if the request of a walk group (details supplied) will be considered for funding when an application is made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.
Last May last, I launched the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2018 under three separate measures, with funding of between €20,000 and €500,000 available for projects of different scale under the scheme.
Arising from applications received for funding under the 2018 scheme, I approved over 230 projects for funding of almost €21 million, including 78 projects for funding of €10.8 million on 8th January this year.
Since I introduced the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in 2016, I have approved almost 600 projects for funding of over €41 million. This investment has funded walkways, blueways, trails and other outdoor infrastructural projects around the country.
I propose to launch the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2019 during the first quarter of 2019, to continue investment in projects that will benefit visitors and locals alike in rural areas.
The Walks Scheme currently covers 39 trails, with payments made to approximately 1,900 private land-holders to maintain those trails. The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase the number of walks covered by the scheme. In line with this commitment, funding for the scheme was doubled in Budget 2019 - from €2 million to €4 million - to allow this expansion to proceed.
I am initiating a review of the operation of Walks Scheme which will inform decisions regarding the expansion of the scheme. In order to be in a position to bring new trails on to the scheme as soon as possible, however, I will also be inviting Local Development Companies and Local Authorities to submit expressions of interest in respect of trails that meet specific qualifying criteria, for consideration for inclusion in the scheme.
I intend to publish details of this process in the coming weeks, to enable my officials to identify the initial trails for inclusion in the expanded scheme, with additional walks to join the Scheme on an incremental basis thereafter.
694. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if moneys will be lodged directly to the bank account of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6237/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Person concerned indicated on her Illness Benefit application form that she wished to have her Illness Benefit payment paid to her employer's bank account and the Department acted on this instruction.
Her payment instruction has now been changed to her personal bank account as requested and her Illness Benefit payments will be issued directly to her.
Any issue arising from the original instruction is a matter between the person concerned and her employer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
695. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [6239/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is currently in receipt of Illness Benefit. A request from her to complete a study course while on Illness Benefit has not been received to date.
The person concerned was contacted by telephone on February 6th, advised of the information needed in order to process her request and given an address for her to send this information. Once full details of her course are received, her request will be processed and a decision issued to her.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
696. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 24 January 2019, if the telephone support allowance is only available to pensioners who qualify for the fuel and the living alone allowances; if so, the reason such an allowance is not available to couples who would receive it based on a means test; the estimated cost to extend same to pensioners who qualify for the fuel allowance but do not live alone; and her plans to extend the allowance in the coming period. [6241/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Telephone Support Allowance (TSA) is a weekly payment of €2.50. Approximately 129,000 customers are in receipt of the TSA payment. The estimated full year cost of the scheme is over €16 million.
To receive the allowance a customer of my department must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and also in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance and the Fuel Allowance. Qualifying payments for the allowance are State Pension (Contributory and Non-Contributory), Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension Invalidity Pension, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Disablement Pension (Incapacity Supplement), Deserted Wife’s Benefit and Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension under the Occupational Injuries Scheme.
The primary objective of the TSA is to allow the most vulnerable people at risk of isolation, including the elderly and those with disabilities, access to personal alarms or phones for security. Therefore the criteria for the allowance were framed in order to direct the limited resources available to my Department in as targeted a manner as possible. People who live alone would be considered amongst those most at risk of social isolation, and this payment, along with the Living Alone Allowance (LAA), are also in part a recognition of the greater challenges facing those living alone in avoiding poverty. The deprivation rate of couples over 65 is less than half that recorded among those over that age who live alone.
The number of pensioners eligible for Fuel Allowance but not LAA is 78,960 which would result in an estimated full year cost of extending TSA to this cohort of €10.265 million. Any decision to extend in this manner would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
697. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [6251/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Domiciliary Care Allowance was received from the person concerned on the 26th February 2018. The application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on the 18th June 2018 setting out the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance.
A review of the decision was requested on the 19th July 2018 and the person concerned was notified on the 8th October 2018 that the review had been completed but the original decision was unchanged.
An appeal was subsequently registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 9th November 2018. As part of the appeals process applications are further re-examined by a deciding officer and a revised decision made if warranted. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of this review, if the decision is not revised the case will be referred for consideration by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
698. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on whether the value of community not-for-profit employment services must be protected in a reconfiguration of public employment services in 2020. [6258/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity non-profit employment services have a strong track record of delivering quality services in communities throughout Ireland. The recently-published Indecon Reports on Local Employment Services and Job Clubs highlighted these strengths.
The process of procuring contracted public employment services for 2020 and beyond is still in its early stages but my officials work closely with all providers of the public employment services to understand which models work best in activating jobseekers and others seeking to return to the labour market.
In this context, my officials will work to design a procurement model that will balance the need for value for money for taxpayers with the importance of preserving high-quality labour activation services.
699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a one-parent family payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6277/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision on the person concerned's application for One Parent Family Payment was finalised on 8 February 2019 and a letter communicating the decision of the Deciding Officer was posted to the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
700. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the negotiations taking place with representatives of community employment supervisors in regard to pension rights that may resolve the issues before strike action occurs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6296/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware Community employment (CE) scheme supervisors are planning to withdraw their labour on 18th February for one day. I understand that this arises due to a claim by CE supervisors and assistant supervisors, through their union representatives, for the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
I would like to clarify that CE supervisors are, or were employees of private companies in the community and voluntary sector that receive state funding. They are not employees of my Department or public servants and it continues to be the position that it is not for the State to provide funding for such pension scheme provision.
However, a detailed scoping exercise was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2017 in order to comprehensively examine and assess the full potential implications of providing such a pension scheme. This exercise clearly highlighted that the provision of any such pension scheme presents very significant issues for the Exchequer, with a potential cost to the State of between €188 million per annum and €347m depending on the size of the sector, which is difficult to ascertain.
It is important to note that this cost excludes any provision for immediate ex-gratia lump sum payment of pension as sought, which could, depending on the size of the sector, entail a further Exchequer cost of up to €318 million.
Employers, including CE sponsoring organisations, are legally obliged to offer access to at least one Standard Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) under the Pension (Amendment) Act 2002.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
701. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to simplifying the process of pension recalculation (details supplied). [6337/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the end of September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946 who were awarded state pension (contributory) on reduced post Budget 2012 rate bands. Information letters were issued to these pensioners explaining that my Department will contact them again to either inform them about the outcome of their review or to request further information in order to complete their review. All of the claims involved will be individually examined, starting with those aged 71 or over. Due to the numbers involved, the process will take a number of months to complete.
Where possible, my Department will use information already held to assist in these reviews. If required to complete a review, additional information is being requested in writing from pensioners in relation to unexplained gaps in their social insurance record. These information requests also explain how to access my Department’s on-line service to provide the relevant information.
From mid-January, almost 24,000 requests for additional information have issued to review pensioners.
The online pension review application is the most recent service to be added to MyWelfare. The online application was prototyped and repeatedly tested with pensioners before being launched. It only requests data needed to complete the review, the questions are short and the wording used has all been tested with pensioners. Of the pensioners eligible for the pension review, 87% have already taken the first (of two steps) required to access the Department’s online services, by completing the SAFE Registration process
The information request issuing also contains a phone number the pensioner may call if they are unable to complete the online form. Their contact details will be taken and a paper application form will issue to them when paper forms become available. When the form is returned, the person’s state pension (contributory) pension will be reviewed and they will be informed of the outcome in writing.
The first review outcomes will be notified during Quarter 1 2019. Regardless of when a review is completed, where a pensioner qualifies for an increase, the increase will be paid with their next due payment, together with arrears backdated to March 2018, or their 66th birthday if later. If a pensioner does not qualify for an increase, they will continue to receive their existing rate of payment. No personal pension entitlement rates will be reduced as a result of this review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
702. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6342/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lady referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 15 February 2018. Payment will issue to her nominated post office on 21 February 2019. Any arrears due from 15 February 2018 to 20 February 2019 will issue as soon as possible. The lady in question was notified of this decision on 5 February 2019.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
