Written Answers Nos. 577-601
577. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if correspondence from a childcare provider (details supplied) will receive a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41764/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the difficulties that many early learning and care services report regarding the recruitment and retention of qualified staff, and the high rate of staff turnover in the sector. Accessing suitably qualified staff has been particularly difficult in very recent years and is due to both poor retention rates and the massive increase in investment that has seen a doubling of the number of childcare places and a subsequent major increase in demand for early learning and care practitioners.
The basic qualification requirement to work in the sector is a qualification in early childhood care and education at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. When this requirement was introduced, unqualified staff who planned to retire in the coming years were given the opportunity to sign a 'grandfather' declaration. These declarations remain valid until September 2021.
A Level 6 qualification is only a requirement for room leaders delivering the ECCE programme. The Pobal 2017/18 survey indicated that 65% of those working in the sector in mid-2018 then had a relevant qualification at Level 6 or above, indicating that there were enough staff qualified at this level to meet requirements. However, I acknowledge the challenge many providers are reporting in retaining staff and recruiting new staff.
The Department of Education and Skills has responsibility for the training and supply of the early learning and care workforce and I understand from that Department that the numbers being trained is sufficient to meet entry requirements. In Pobal’s Early Years Sector Profile Report for 2017/2018, the staff turnover rate stood at 24.7%, which, despite a 3% improvement on the previous year, was at a very high level. I understand the 2018 / 2019 report will show a further small improvement. The primary issue that needs to be resolved is one of retention.
I believe that the key to addressing this challenge is undoubtedly improving wages and working conditions. Over the last 5 budgets, the level of public investment in early learning and care and school-age childcare has increased be an unprecedented 138%. We need to keep increasing the level of public investment if we are to secure services that are of high quality, affordable and accessible. However, increased investment by itself will not ensure that staff wages and conditions will improve.
I am doing all that is in my power to improve wages and working conditions in the sector. As well as increased investment generally, I have specifically targeted funding directly to providers, for example, a 7% increase in ECCE capitation in September 2017, €19.4m annually of Programme Support Payments to providers to recognise their administration duties, Higher Capitation payments to ECCE services employing graduates. Also, I have repeatedly called for the sector to pursue a Sectoral Employment Order, which offers a viable mechanism to establish appropriate wage-levels. My Department will readily co-operate with such a process when it is under way.
In First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy I launched with the Taoiseach last November, I made a commitment to develop a new funding model that will leverage additional investment for certain criteria, for example, better pay, or full implementation of the curriculum. First 5 also includes a commitment to develop a Workforce Development Plan for the sector. My Department began work on the Workforce Development Plan earlier this year, and an initial public consultation will take place in the coming weeks.
578. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41812/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of the number of full-time and part-time civil servants recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019 in my department are listed in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1
|
Grade |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 (to date) |
Total |
|
SEC |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
ASC |
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
PO |
5 |
|
5 |
|
5 |
4 |
19 |
|
AP |
3 |
2 |
8 |
11 |
13 |
11 |
48 |
|
HEO |
2 |
1 |
2 |
11 |
6 |
|
22 |
|
AO |
5 |
1 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
3 |
30 |
|
EO |
1 |
1 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
12 |
56 |
|
CO |
19 |
17 |
33 |
31 |
13 |
6 |
119 |
|
SVO |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Total |
35 |
24 |
69 |
73 |
61 |
36 |
298 |
The details of the number of full-time and part-time civil servants lost due to retirement by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019 in my department are listed in Table 1.2.
Table 1.2
|
Grade |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 (to date) |
Total |
|
PO |
|
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
|
AP |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
HEO |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
AO |
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
EO |
1 |
|
1 |
2 |
|
2 |
6 |
|
CO |
|
2 |
5 |
|
2 |
|
9 |
|
Total |
3 |
9 |
9 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
32 |
579. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a child (details supplied) cannot avail of a second free preschool year. [41841/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before 31 August in the programme year, and not be older than 5 years and 6 months on or before 30 June of the second year, to be eligible for the programme.
Exemptions from the upper age limit may be granted where a child has special/additional needs. Applications for such exemptions must be submitted in writing to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and will only be considered under the following criteria:
- The application must include a letter of recommendation from a medical specialist (not a GP/Public Health Nurse) stating that it is in the best interest of the child to avail of a further year of pre-school;
- The child does not turn 6 during the 2019/2020 ECCE programme year; and
- The child has not availed of their full allocation of two years of ECCE provision.
My Department has not received any application for an overage exemption for the child named. Her parents may wish to apply now and I would draw their attention to the fact that the application must comply with the criteria outlined.
This Department does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied evenly.
Current policy requires that any request for an exemption from ECCE eligibility must be supported by a letter from a medical specialist/Social Worker (not a GP/Public Health Nurse) specifically recommending an exemption for the child. This requirement is not intended to undermine the view of a parent/teacher or other in relation to a child’s needs but, rather, to maintain a clear and standard basis for applying exemptions.
Examples of accepted specialist/medical recommendations are as follows:
Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist; Senior Psychologist; Physiotherapist; Paediatrician/developmental Neurologist; Psychiatrist; Psychotherapist; Cardiologist; Oncologist; Ophthalmologist; Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist); Gastroenterologist; Social Worker/Early Intervention Team.
This is not an exhaustive list however it provides an example of what is accepted.
Applications and letters of recommendation can be submitted via email to: eyqueries@dcya.gov.ie
Alternatively a hard copies can be posted to the following address:
Over Age Exemption Applications, Early Years Policies and Programmes,
Floor 2, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Block 1, Miesian Plaza,
50-58 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2
580. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the minimum and maximum ages for enrolment in the ECCE programme; if there is scope for discretion to be shown to individual children who are near the cut-off points and for whom an alternative starting date would be beneficial. [41887/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months are eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). This measure refines the development introduced the previous year and increases the duration of each registered child on ECCE from an average of 61 weeks, to a potential duration of 76 weeks (two programme years). This delivers fully on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers.
This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios.
The upper age limit for the ECCE programme remains the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year.) The upper age limit for the ECCE programme was set in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills. It ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers and limits the age range of children beginning primary school. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in children beginning primary school education is considered generally to be in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
My Department does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied evenly. As stated above, the Department of Education and Skills informed the policy which these rules support.
It must be noted that age limits have been used to determine eligibility since the inception of the 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.
It a limited number of circumstances, it is possible to apply for an overage exemption to the ECCE programme. Overage Exemptions currently provided by my Department are governed by three guiding principles as follows:
- A Letter of Recommendation supplied from a specialist (NB: Not a GP/PHN),
- Child's age - not being over 6 years of age during the exemption year (as per Educational Welfare Act, 2000)
- ECCE Allocation taken - if a child has had the full 2 years they will not be eligible.
581. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views that it is appropriate a child (details supplied) has been denied access to the ECCE programme. [41888/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months are eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). This measure refines the development introduced the previous year and increases the duration of each registered child on ECCE from an average of 61 weeks, to a potential duration of 76 weeks (two programme years). This delivers fully on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers.
This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit remains the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).
The upper age limit for the ECCE programme remains the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year.) The upper age limit for the ECCE programme was set in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills. It ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers and limits the age range of children beginning primary school. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in children beginning primary school education is considered generally to be in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
My Department does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied evenly. As stated above, the Department of Education and Skills informed the policy which these rules support.
It must be noted that age limits have been used to determine eligibility since the inception of the 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.
I do, however, fully accept that the use of age limits in a scheme such as this creates a situation whereby a child can fall just outside the age range. Some families may therefore opt for one year of ECCE only. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the parent(s) or guardian but it is important to reiterate that two full years of ECCE provision is available to all children.
582. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a progress report will be provided on the several sample projects that were established in 2016 and 2017; the number of projects fully operational; the number of new sample projects established in 2018 and 2019 relating to the future development of a single targeted youth funding programme to replace the current schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42110/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra583. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of youth projects established under the single targeted youth funding programme to date by location; the amount of funding received by each project to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42111/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 583 together.
My Department is managing the most significant reform of youth services ever undertaken. This reform is informed by the Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) 2014. The VFMPR examined three existing targeted funding schemes, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund, the Special Projects for Youth (SPY) scheme and Local Drug Task Force projects scheme.
Overall, the review found that the youth programmes can provide a significant contribution to improving outcomes for young people and should be considered for on-going public funding. The review recommended the development of a single targeted youth funding programme to replace the existing schemes. The review also made a number of recommendations for the future operation of such a funding scheme and its development in the years ahead, to ensure an evidence-based and outcomes-focused programme, designed to secure optimal outcomes for young people.
To facilitate the VFMPR's recommendations, I approved funding allocations for the establishment of several sample projects in 2016 and 2017. There have been 23 such sample projects approved since 2016, of which 21 were operational in 2018 and a further two commenced in 2019. Of the 23 projects, seven have involved the augmentation of existing projects to respond to identified needs.
In determining the sample projects for funding, my Department has worked closely with the 16 Education and Training Boards, all of which were invited to nominate locations within their catchment areas for new and/or augmented projects. The 23 sample projects fall within 10 of the ETB areas. The remaining 6 ETBs are currently involved in a process to identify the local needs of young people in these areas, with a view to submitting applications for new or augmented services.
I believe that the reformed system will bring substantial benefits to our young people, and my Department will continue with this important work. Please find at the link a table with details of the sample projects, which highlights the year the service commenced and the funding the service has received to date.
584. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a service (details supplied) is to be shut down on 11 October 2019 at the request of Tusla; the reason for same; the steps she can take to ensure the restoration of an after-school service for the parents and children affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42133/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has liaised with Tusla to answer this question. Tusla is the independent statutory regulator of early learning and care and school age childcare services in Ireland. In performing its regulatory function, its actions include responding to breaches of regulations while respecting fair procedures and natural justice.
Tusla conducted an inspection of the service in question - which catered for both pre-school and school-age children - in line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 on 19 June 2019. During this inspection it was observed that the service, which was approved for 140 children, was operating outside its registration status, with 171 children observed in attendance. Tusla advised the service to revert immediately to its approved registration status, and to take immediate remedial action to address the risk posed to children on the premises due to inadequate insurance. Tusla also referred the service to the Chief Fire Officer of Dublin City Council and to the Planning and Enforcement Section of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
Tusla carried out a follow-up inspection of the service on 10 September 2019, and found that up to 150 children were attending the service on a given day. Tusla again instructed the service to revert to its approved registration status.
Tusla also received an application from the registered provider for registration of a school-age service which highlighted that the service has been operating in contravention of its planning permission, which states that the number of children to be accommodated at the facility must not exceed 141. This has resulted in the regrettable situation described.
I appreciate the understandable frustration of the parents involved, and I know that Tusla does also. However, the safety and welfare of children must be our foremost priority, and services must abide by the legislation that is in place.
Tusla continues to engage with the registered provider to resolve this matter as expeditiously as possible.
30 City and Childcare Committees across the country are available to support parents and providers with issues relating to early learning and care and school age childcare. In this instance, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Childcare Committee is available to support parents who need assistance with sourcing alternative service provision and they have been working with local providers to ascertain availability of places, and with new services in the area who intend to create additional places.
585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention and that of Tusla has been drawn to a report and-or to the contents of a report (details supplied) concerning children who were harmed by HSE orthodontic services in the Dublin and mid-Leinster region over a period of time; if she will consult with the Minister for Health and consider issuing an order to the HSE to publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42205/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my attention has not been drawn to the report to which she refers or its contents. I am asking Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the elements of her question that relate to Tusla.
Decisions with regard to the possible release or publication of a commissioned report would be a matter for the body which commissioned the report. In this case, I understand the body in question to be the Health Service Executive (HSE). Any Ministerial direction to the HSE would be a matter for the Minister for Health.
586. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department or agencies under its aegis have proactively identified possible walking trails for inclusion under its walks scheme. [41644/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra587. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the general location and length of each walking trail included under the walks scheme in tabular form. [41645/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra588. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department collaborates with the creation and maintenance of walking trails under the remit of his Department’s walks scheme. [41646/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 586 to 588, inclusive, together.
My Department administers the Walks Scheme which was originally launched in March 2008. The Scheme was an innovative response to facilitating the development and maintenance of 39 of Ireland’s key walking trails. The Scheme includes 1,962 landholders as key participants in the provision of high quality walking trails by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on sections of National Waymarked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans. These trails are part of a larger list of trails which are registered by Sport Ireland which comes under the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
The table lists the walking trails currently on the Walks Scheme and the length of each trail. The length refers to the full distance of the trail and not just the portion maintained by the landholders under the scheme. It should be noted that some walks cross Local Authority boundaries and the relevant portion of the walk is recorded under each of the respective county headings. There are, therefore, more than 39 individual section of walks listed below.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase the number of trails covered by the Walks Scheme. In line with these commitments, funding for the scheme was doubled in Budget 2019 - from €2 million to €4 million - to allow this expansion to proceed.
In February of this year, I invited Expressions of Interest for the inclusion of additional trails in the scheme that meet specific qualifying criteria. These include the walks meeting a sufficient standard to be included on Sport Ireland Trails register. To date, 18 Local Development Companies have submitted 57 Expressions of Interest to my Department.
These Expressions of Interest are being reviewed and I expect to be in a position to announce the first tranche of trails to be added to the scheme shortly. There is no closing date for Expressions of Interest at this time, and interested parties can continue submit proposals for additional trails to be included in the Walks Scheme through their Local Authority or Local Development Company.
|
WALK |
LOCATION |
Length of Walk in Km |
|
Burren Way |
CLARE |
40.21 |
|
Wood Loop Ballyvaughan |
CLARE |
1.89 |
|
Black Head Loop |
CLARE |
12.01 |
|
Cliffs of Moher |
CLARE |
12.00 |
|
Sheeps Head Way |
CORK |
125.59 |
|
Beara Islands |
CORK |
26.93 |
|
Beara Cork |
CORK |
101.20 |
|
Duhallow Way |
CORK |
43.00 |
|
Whiddy Island Walk |
CORK |
1.86 |
|
Bluestack Way |
DONEGAL |
64.00 |
|
Sliabh Liag |
DONEGAL |
3.90 |
|
Slí Chonamara |
GALWAY |
9.00 |
|
Western Way |
GALWAY |
17.28 |
|
Kerry Way |
KERRY |
131.98 |
|
Beara Kerry |
KERRY |
24.19 |
|
Cosán Cuas na nEighe |
KERRY |
1.69 |
|
Carrountoohill |
KERRY |
6.63 |
|
Nore Valley |
KILKENNY |
18.50 |
|
Freshford loop |
KILKENNY |
8.00 |
|
O Gormans Lane |
KILKENNY |
4.00 |
|
Slieve Bloom Way |
LAOIS |
8.36 |
|
Miners Way Leitrim |
LEITRIM |
1.84 |
|
The Táin |
LOUTH |
40.00 |
|
Western Way Mayo |
MAYO |
15.25 |
|
Clogher Loops |
MAYO |
1.28 |
|
Burrishoole Loop 1 |
MAYO |
7.05 |
|
Burrishoole Loop 2 |
MAYO |
9.09 |
|
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail |
MAYO |
14.70 |
|
Offaly Way |
OFFALY |
7.02 |
|
Suck Valley Way |
ROSCOMMON |
105.00 |
|
Rinn Duinn |
ROSCOMMON |
5.50 |
|
Miners Way Roscommon |
ROSCOMMON |
30.00 |
|
Sligo Way |
SLIGO |
9.64 |
|
Miners Way Sligo |
SLIGO |
19.32 |
|
Eamon a 'Chnoic |
TIPPERARY |
9.48 |
|
Birch Hill |
TIPPERARY |
5.8.33 |
|
Knockalough (Red Hugh) |
TIPPERARY |
6.40 |
|
Slieve Feilim Way |
TIPPERARY |
0.53 |
|
East Munster Way |
TIPPERARY |
1.60 |
|
Lough Derg Way |
TIPPERARY |
11.27 |
|
Tipperary Heritage Way |
TIPPERARY |
17.90 |
|
Devils Bit |
TIPPERARY |
0.43 |
|
Kilcommon Pilgrim Trail |
TIPPERARY |
2.26 |
|
Wicklow Way North |
WICKLOW |
24.00 |
589. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41824/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017.
The numbers of staff recruited and retirements by grade are set out by year 2017 to 2019 (to date) in the Tables.
All staff were recruited on full time basis.
Table A - Recruitment and retirements by grade 2017.
|
Grade |
Number Recruited |
Number Retired |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
0 |
|
Administrative Officer |
0 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
14 |
0 |
|
Service Officer |
0 |
0 |
|
Ministers Adviser* |
2 |
0 |
|
Minister Drivers* |
2 |
0 |
|
Total: |
28 |
0 |
Table B - Recruitment and retirements by grade 2018.
|
Grade |
Number Recruited |
Number Retired |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal |
6 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
6 |
0 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
8 |
0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
9 |
1 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
0 |
|
Ministers Adviser* |
1 |
1 |
|
Minister Drivers* |
2 |
0 |
|
Total : |
38 |
3 |
Table C - Recruitment and retirements by grade 2019 (year to date)
|
Grade |
Number Recruited |
Number Retired |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
0 |
0 |
|
Administrative Officer |
2 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
8 |
1 |
|
Service Officer |
0 |
0 |
|
Ministers Adviser* |
0 |
0 |
|
Minister Drivers* |
0 |
0 |
|
Total: |
16 |
3 |
*These are temporary unestablished positions in the civil service and selection of these appointees is a matter for each individual Minister or Minister of State.
590. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made in developing an indemnity scheme for private landowners who make their land available for recreational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41834/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department has been working for some time to develop a scheme to indemnify private land owners, particularly in upland areas, with regard to the use of their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and the legal rights of landowners must be respected, while trying to facilitate access to their lands for recreational users on a permissive basis.
My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as the one envisaged will require legislative provision. In this context, my officials met with the Attorney General's Office recently to explore the various options open to the Department and to identify the precise legislation which would require to be introduced to implement such a scheme. It appears that a number of separate pieces of legislation could require amendment.
In light of the complexity involved, I am also considering other options that might be available to address the matter as an interim measure. My officials have been making enquiries into alternative options and will continue to work to find a solution that meets the concerns of landowners who provide access to their lands for recreational purposes.
591. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when legislation to protect farmers from insurance claims from hill walkers will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42084/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners, particularly in upland areas, with regard to the use of their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and the legal rights of landowners must be respected, while trying to facilitate access to their lands for recreational users on a permissive basis.
My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as the one envisaged will require legislative provision. My officials met with the Attorney General's Office to explore the various options open to the Department and to identify the precise legislation which would require to be introduced to implement such a scheme. It appears that a number of separate pieces of legislation could require amendment.
In light of the complexity involved, I am also considering other options that might be available to address the matter as an interim measure. My officials have been making enquiries into alternative options and will continue to work to find a solution that meets the concerns of landowners who provide access to their lands for recreational purposes.
592. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on applications under the town and village renewal scheme in 2019; when works approved will have to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42086/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 16th April last. Local Authorities were invited to submit up to 12 applications each to my Department for consideration under the scheme. The closing date for receipt of applications was 28th June 2019.
Over 300 applications for funding were received from the Local Authorities.
My officials are currently assessing all of the applications received and the successful applicants will be announced shortly when the assessment process is fully completed.
Projects approved under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme typically take between 12-18 months to complete.
593. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocations by subhead for all capital expenditure by his Department in 2019; the expenditure to date broken down on the same basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42092/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Further Revised Estimates for 2019 in respect of the Department of Rural and Community Development provides for gross capital expenditure of €138 million.
€69.7 million of my Department's capital allocation has been spent to date. I have set out expenditure allocations by subhead and the respective spend to end of September in the following table.
At this stage of the year gross capital expenditure is slightly ahead of the profile estimated at the start of the year. As is usual for capital programmes, the majority of claims for payment will be made in the final quarter of the year as projects progress to completion and capital grant approvals are drawn down. Therefore, continued close monitoring of expenditure is a matter of significant priority so as to ensure full use of our allocated resources, and that value for money is delivered in respect of our funding.
I intend to ensure that the resources made available to my Department this year are fully utilised, delivering benefits for all communities and for rural Ireland.
Capital Expenditure to end of September
|
|
REV 2019 |
YTD - Actual |
|
V42 – GROSS (€’000s) |
138,000 |
69,685 |
|
|
|
|
|
A - REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL AFFAIRS |
122,882 |
63,248 |
|
A.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
182 |
73 |
|
A.4 - NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES |
15,000 |
8,147 |
|
A.5 - LEADER - RURAL ECONOMY SUB PROGRAMME |
30,000 |
31,600 |
|
A.7 - TOWN AND VILLAGE REGENERATION |
15,000 |
9,342 |
|
A.8 – REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
700 |
4 |
|
A.9. - LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES |
10,000 |
4,302 |
|
A10 - RURAL REGENERATION& DEVELOPMENT FUND |
52,000 |
9,780 |
|
B - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
15,118 |
6,436 |
|
B.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
151 |
52 |
|
B.3 –SUPPORTS FOR COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY SECTOR |
1 |
- |
|
B.6- SUPPORTS FOR DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITES |
1,767 |
371 |
|
B.7- DORMANT ACCOUNT MEASURES |
2,500 |
702 |
|
B.8- PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION |
650 |
- |
|
B.10 - LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHIVE SERVICE |
6,049 |
1,312 |
|
B.11 - COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME |
4,000 |
4,000 |
594. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will include a partial capacity benefit as a qualifying payment for springboard courses; if her attention has been drawn to the mental health benefits which may help partial capacity benefit recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42179/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of income supports for persons who are ill or who have a disability. Two of these supports are the illness Benefit (IB) and Invalidity Pension (IP) schemes. In summary these schemes operate as follows:
1. Illness Benefit is a payment made to insured people who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. To qualify for Illness Benefit a person must be unable to work due to illness, under the pensionable age and satisfy contribution conditions.
2. Invalidity Pension is a pension paid to people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness. It is based on a claimant's social insurance contributions and is not means tested. To qualify for award of Invalidity Pension a claimant must satisfy both PRSI contribution and medical conditions.
Subject to certain conditions persons in receipt of IB and IP may apply for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB). IB and IP are the only primary income support payments from which a person may request to move to a PCB payment.
The PCB scheme seeks to extend the welfare system by responding to individual situations where a person in receipt of IB or IP retains some capacity for, and wishes to, undertake some work in the open labour market - while also continuing to require income support from the State. The objective of the scheme is therefore to support such persons to return to the workplace without fear of the loss of their income support. The level of income support provided where a person moves on to PCB is based on a medical assessment of a person’s restriction, regarding their capacity for work.
It is important to note in relation to PCB that:
- participation is voluntary.
- a person who participates on the PCB scheme may return to an Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension payment if, for example, the employment ceases or if the person cannot continue to work.
- a person on the PCB scheme, with an underlying entitlement to Invalidity Pension, will retain their Free Travel Pass for a period of five years.
- there is no requirement that a person must undertake work that is of a ‘rehabilitative or therapeutic’ nature.
- there is no restriction on the number of hours worked.
- there is no restriction on earnings.
PCB has therefore been designed to support persons, in receipt of IB or IP (only), to return to work while also continuing to provide them with income support through the social welfare system. PCB is not designed to provide income support while a person is undertaking an education or training course.
Where a person is not in employment the Department provides a range of supports. These include supports such as the back to education allowance (BTEA) as well as both income supports and employment & vocational guidance and assistance.
Courses available through the springboard initiative are open to persons in employment, persons who are unemployed and ‘returners’. The springboard initiative is delivered by the HEA (see https://springboardcourses.ie/) with eligibility for the courses determined by the HEA and the individual universities and other providers delivering the courses available under the initiative. Persons who are unemployed and in receipt of a related payment, and subject to some conditionality (for example – a person who is unemployed must be in receipt of a payment for nine of the previous 12 months if they wish to participate on the one-year full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses), can access all springboard courses.
People in receipt of IB and IP (subject to some conditionality) are permitted to undertake/participate on training or educational programmes, however, they must seek prior written approval from the Department before commencing any such programme. In addition, (also subject to some conditionality), persons in receipt of IB and IP are eligible for BTEA.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
595. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the Gateway local authority labour activation scheme; if an appraisal of the scheme has been carried out by her Department; if it was fair that Gateway participants came off the scheme on a lower rate of social welfare and without their fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41706/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gateway Initiative was introduced in 2013 at a time of high unemployment in Ireland, with a target of 3,000 working opportunities.
The aim of Gateway was to improve the employability and work readiness of participants by providing them with the opportunities to put their work skills into practice and to learn new skills to enable them to progress to work, further education or other development opportunities. Gateway provided work placements in Local Authorities for a period of 22 months for those who were unemployed for more than two years.
Given the capacity of other employment schemes such as Community Employment (CE), Tús and the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), as well as the continuing reduction in the numbers who are unemployed, recruitment of participants to Gateway closed in December 2018. During its lifetime the initiative supported 2,981 individuals.
A Gateway programme evaluation is currently in progress and I expect to receive the final report in due course.
My Department operates a range of social assistance payments that require the claimant to satisfy a means test. The means test takes account of all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and those of his or her spouse/partner. If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the person concerned can contact their local Intreo Office and officials from my Department will re-examine the entitlement and rate of payment.
596. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the application form for exceptional needs payments is available online on her Department’s website; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41711/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
There is no automatic entitlement to a payment under this scheme. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Customers may apply for an ENP by completing the SWA 1 form which is available on the Department’s website at the following link - http://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/swa1.pdf. Customers who wish to apply for an ENP for assistance towards funeral expenses should complete the SWA 5 form which is also available on the Department's website at the following link - http://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/swa5.pdf. Alternatively, forms are available in the Department’s local offices.
Applications for ENPs should be made to the Department's Community Welfare Service (CWS), contact details are available at the following link - http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/otheroffice/community-welfare-office-contact.aspx.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
597. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41806/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on the evidence supplied in support of their application for disability allowance (DA), this person’s application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. She was also deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit for her circumstances. They were notified of this decision on 6 September 2019.
The person in question has requested a review of this decision and has also lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the relevant papers requested by that Office were submitted by my department on 11 October 2019.
When a decision is made on the review of the person concerned she will be contacted directly in writing. The SWAO will be in contact with her regarding the progress of her appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
598. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants her Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41817/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, like all Government departments and agencies is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which for this Department has involved reductions in staff numbers.
The following tables detail the information requested. The first details the number of permanent full-time staff recruited through open competitions organised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). Those officers recruited through PAS competitions were not serving in a role in my Department immediately prior to their participation in the PAS competition. With the exception of the Medical Assessor grade, my Department does not recruit part-time staff through open competitions. In addition to these recruits, each year my Department recruits a number of Temporary Clerical Officers though PAS competitions to cover long term absences eg. maternity leave, carers leave, long term illness, the shorter working year scheme and short- term projects.
The second table details the number of staff who have retired from my Department in each of the years requested and to the end of August in 2019.
Staff recruited through open competitions 2014 to August 2019
|
Grade |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Aug 2019 |
|
Secretary General * |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
Deputy Secretary * |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary * |
|
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
|
6.00 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
|
Medical Assessor |
6.00 |
|
7.70 |
|
|
|
|
Assistant Principal |
|
|
4.00 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
|
Administrative Officer |
|
1.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1.00 |
|
|
5.00 |
2.00 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
1.00 |
10.00 |
62.00 |
59.00 |
62.00 |
40.00 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2.00 |
76.00 |
170.00 |
154.00 |
164.00 |
109.00 |
|
Services Officer |
1.00 |
12.00 |
10.00 |
11.00 |
11.00 |
25.00 |
|
Total |
11.00 |
105.00 |
259.70 |
237.00 |
249.00 |
181.00 |
* Positions filled through the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) - which includes staff already serving in the Department.
Retirements 2014 to end August 2019
|
Grade |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
Aug 2019 |
|
Secretary General |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
Deputy Secretary |
|
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
.60 |
|
2.00 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
6.00 |
5.00 |
1.00 |
6.50 |
7.00 |
2.00 |
|
Medical Assessor |
|
|
|
|
||
|
Assistant Principal |
16.00 |
17.80 |
12.40 |
17.30 |
16.80 |
13.80 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
32.00 |
56.40 |
66.00 |
56.83 |
70.45 |
56.05 |
|
Executive Officer |
18.00 |
27.08 |
41.50 |
64.67 |
67.82 |
43.25 |
|
Clerical Officer |
32.00 |
43.00 |
46.87 |
66.66 |
54.40 |
44.05 |
|
Services Officer |
6.00 |
12.57 |
12.28 |
7.80 |
5.29 |
4.00 |
|
Total |
110.00 |
161.85 |
180.65 |
220.76 |
224.76 |
163.15 |
599. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41837/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people. CA is payable for up to two care recipients at a time. The carers support grant (CSG) is payable for each person being cared for.
I can confirm that my department received three applications for CA from the person concerned on 8 August 2019.
CA was awarded to the person concerned in respect of three care recipients at a rate of 100% payment for the 1st care recipient, 50% for the second and 0% for the third. This was awarded on 10 October 2019 with effect from 8 August 2019. The first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 17 October 2019.
100% CSG was awarded in respect of three care recipients.
Arrears of CA due from 8 August 2019 to 16 October 2019 have issued also.
The person concerned was notified on 10 October 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
600. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41843/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 5 July 2019.
The application was awarded to the person concerned on 9 October 2019 with effect from 11 July 2019. The first payment will issue to her nominated post office account on 24 October 2019.
Arrears of allowance due from 11 July 2019 to 23 October 2019 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 9 October 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
601. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status an application by a person (details supplied) for a household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41896/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded the Household Benefit Package in May 2013. Following a review of the person’s continuing entitlement to Household Benefit in 2018, it was found that the person concerned resides with their brother who was in receipt of Illness Benefit. Under existing scheme conditions, Illness benefit is a non-qualifying payment within the household.
In order to establish if there were sufficient medical grounds to award the payment, a Medical Cert was reviewed by the Department's Medical Advisor who found that the household was no longer eligible for receipt of the Household Benefits package. The person concerned was disallowed and their Household Benefits payments were stopped with effect from 16 February 2018.
The person concerned reapplied for Household Benefits on 3 October 2019. The medical grounds will be re-assessed by a Department Medical Advisor when a completed medical cert is returned.
Notwithstanding the outcome of this review, I am pleased to notify the Deputy that on implementation of an incoming Budget 2020 measure regarding household composition, a recipient of illness benefit living in a household will no longer disqualify a person from the Household Benefit package, effective from January next year. It is open to any previously disallowed person to reapply from January 2020 and their application will be assessed under the new scheme conditions.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
