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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1120-1144

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1120)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

1120. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there was budgetary underspending by her Department specifically on early years in the four years prior to 2016; and if so, the amount in each year. [5009/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Included below for the Deputy’s information as requested.

In relation to the expenditure incurred by my Department in each of the years 2012 to 2015, set out in the first table is my Department’s gross allocation and outturn for the years in question:

Gross €,000

2012

2013

2014

2015

Allocation

426,980

439,106

999,730

1,040,023

Outturn

422,366

407,160

999,145

1,029,373

Annual Variance

- 4,614

- 31,946

- 585

- 10,650

I note the Deputy’s particular interest in the area of early years services, the allocation towards early years services in the years 2012 to 2015 and outturn is set out in the table below:

ELC and SAC €,000

2012

2013

2014

2015

Allocation

256,798

260,598

263,629

264,892

Outturn

261,625

250,451

252,798

261,261

Annual Variance

4,827

- 10,147

- 10,831

- 3,631

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (1121)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

1121. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures in place for HSE staff who cannot find alternative childcare arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5035/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy is aware that the COVID-19 Pandemic has created major challenges for Ireland. The sudden closure of centre-based Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services on 12th March was an unexpected but necessary move to safeguard public health in Ireland.

The Deputy will also be aware that on May 7th I announced new, emergency measures to support essential health workers who are having difficulty meeting their childcare needs. This forms part of Phase 1 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

The service will be limited to parents / guardians defined as essential health workers during the Covid emergency.

The delivery of childcare services to this group follows Government plans to lift restrictions gradually and in line with public health advice and recommendations. The scheme is designed to protect children, their families and the childcare practitioners who will offer this new service.

Existing, registered childcare services have been asked to consider signing up for the service and opening as an outreach hub. They have been asked to support essential healthcare workers by offering childcare in those families’ homes.

The initiative is scheduled to begin roll-out on Monday 18 May, subject to a further Government decision re the easing of restrictions currently scheduled to begin on that day.

All services that participate in this initiative will be supported to follow HSE guidance related to COVID-19. Information packs containing essential information and supports have been made available to them. A funding package has been approved by Government to cover staff and provider costs.

In these difficult and unprecedented times, we are all being asked to play our part and my Department and I are grateful that, with the assistance of the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector, we have been able to design a scheme to help our colleagues in the health sector as they perform their critical work. The Department encourages those who are in a position to volunteer to provide the service to consider doing so.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Ceisteanna (1122)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

1122. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the supports that will be available for childcare and crèche workers as a result of the decision to close crèches and childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5038/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government.

I am acutely aware of the particular impact the pandemic and the emergency measures have had on Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of the ELC and SAC sector, particularly in the context of the current conditions and with a view to supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.

Recognising this, DCYA has introduced the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) to support the childcare sector during the closure period. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme was launched on 15 April. The TWSCS operates in conjunction with the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which is expected to last up to 12 weeks from 26 March 2020.

The aim of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme is threefold:

- to support the sustainability of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;

- to provide parents with a reassurance that they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, while providing them with reassurance that they will maintain places for their children; and

- to give members of the ELC and SAC workforce security and retain these vital Educators in the sector.

To achieve this there are three key elements to the new Scheme:

(i) In addition to the wage subsidy provided by Revenue’s TWSS, DCYA is topping-up wages of eligible ELC and SAC staff by the maximum additional payment an employer can make to receive full wage subsidy under the Revenue and DCYA schemes combined, to a limit of €586 weekly pay in line with the Revenue scheme.

(ii) Where a staff member’s pre-12 March weekly wage was below the DEASP set rate for temporary Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP; currently €350 per week), DCYA is, on a temporary basis, providing funding to be used to top-up eligible employees’ wages to the DEASP rate set for the PUP, meaning that all staff are encouraged to remain with their employer rather than sign on with the DEASP.

(iii) To reflect the unique circumstances of the sector, in addition to funding eligible staff wages up to the maximum additional payment an employer can make to receive the full wage subsidy under the Revenue and DCYA schemes combined up to the cap, services are receiving a further payment which is based on a percentage of their total eligible staff gross weekly pay to be used towards ongoing / non-deferrable operational costs

To date, three preliminary TWSCS payments have been made under the scheme on 24 April, 1 May and 8 May to all providers who had signed up the scheme and backdated to 6 April. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by ELC and SAC providers. Prior to the introduction of the scheme, DCYA had continued to fund childcare providers under the existing subsidy schemes, including ECCE (free pre-school) and the National Childcare Scheme on an ex-gratia basis to 10 April. Funding under these schemes has now been suspended.

It was important to move to this new temporary funding model to support as many of the 4500 services as possible, not just those in receipt of significant State funding under the beneficiary schemes. The TWSCS repurposes existing ELC and SAC monies to layer on top of the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to support the multiplicity of ELC and SAC provider types with varying ratios of State income and parental contribution.

By 10 May over 3,700 childcare services, 82% of the total number, had signed up the TWSCS. The scheme remains open for late entrants.

Administration of the scheme is being managed by Pobal. DCYA has issued comprehensive FAQs on the scheme to providers and their representative bodies. The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the early education and childcare sector.

Expert advice and support is available generally to services across the country through the 30 City and County Childcare Committees, Pobal and a number of funded Childcare Organisations. The Department continues to work intensively with the sector.

Child Abuse

Ceisteanna (1123)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

1123. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied with the management of the allegations outlined in an article (details supplied). [5102/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Thank you for asking this very important question about the standard of care provided to a child in foster care. The trauma and neglect detailed in the article by the woman concerned, about her care as a child, is most distressing.

I am reassured that upon new information coming to light the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has begun a new probe. I await the outcome.

I have been reassured by HIQA recent findings in relation to national standards for foster care that services have improved in recent times, however, there can never be complacency when it comes to the care and safety of a child. It is for this reason that the final findings from the Tusla review, currently underway, into this case will be considered carefully to identify areas for improvement.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (1124)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she will take to address the poor level of pay and conditions being experienced by graduate workers in the childcare sector; and her views on whether it is reasonable to expect more attractive pay and conditions having completed a high level of training in this area. [5122/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Low pay and poor working conditions in the sector remain a serious concern and impact on the quality of provision to children through their effect on the recruitment and retention of qualified staff. The lack of consistency of care caused by high staff turnover impacts directly on quality, while low wages are a constraint on plans to upskill and professionalise the workforce.

As the State is not the employer, my Department does not pay the wages of staff working in early learning and care settings, and hence cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff. I am, however, doing all that is in my power to improve wages and working conditions in the sector. My support for improved pay and conditions for early learning and care professionals has been explicit, as their role is critical to supporting children’s development and delivering better outcomes for children and families.

The most recent data on pay and conditions indicates that the average pay is influenced by the level of a practitioner’s qualifications. For example, the average pay rates for graduate workers is somewhat higher than for others working in the sector. Practitioners with Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications earned an average of €11.42 and €12.63 respectively in 2019. The average rates of pay for graduates at that time were €13.93 for those with qualifications at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications, €13.45 for those with Level 8 qualifications, and €15.18 for those with qualifications at Levels 9 or 10. Overall, the average hourly pay in early learning and care and school-age childcare was €12.55, which was 3% higher than the year before.

Budget 2020 saw a 9% increase in investment in early learning and care and school age childcare, resulting in a 141% increase in investment over five budgets. The very welcome level of investment needs to continue if we are to offer services that are of high quality, affordable and accessible. However, increased investment by itself will not ensure that staff wages and conditions will improve.

My Department has set out its vision for the sector, and a roadmap to achieve it, in First 5, the whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families. First 5 recognises that the workforce is at the heart of high-quality early learning and care and school-age childcare and seeks to build ‘an appropriately skilled and sustainable professional workforce that is supported and valued and reflects the diversity of babies, young children and their families’. First 5 includes a commitment to achieve a graduate-led workforce, and last year I began a process of developing a Workforce Development Plan to achieve this and other workforce-related commitments in First 5.

Delivering on a further commitment in First 5, last year I also appointed an expert group to examine the current model of funding for early learning and care and school-age childcare and its effectiveness in delivering quality, affordable, sustainable and inclusive services.

I have actively encouraged the sector to seek a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO). An SEO must be initiated by a grouping representing the sector and my Department is ready to input to such a process, if and when the sector seeks it. Organisations requesting the commencement of such a process must show they are substantially representative of the sector. An SEO would provide for mandatory terms and conditions in the early learning and care and school age childcare sector, minimum rates of remuneration, and other conditions.

Other recent measures I have taken to assist employers to improve the pay and conditions of their staff whilst also addressing administrative demands include: a 7% increase in ECCE capitation in 2018; higher capitation payments for graduates and Inclusion Coordinators; support for school-age childcare which will make it easier to offer full-time, full-year employment contracts; and a pilot measure to fund participation in continuous professional development (CPD).

In terms of measures specifically targeted towards higher qualified staff, a Higher Capitation payment is offered within the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. This additional capitation is paid to contracted services on fulfilling the requirements for graduate-led ECCE sessions. The ECCE Higher Capitation rate is currently equivalent to an additional €11.25 per child per week of the ECCE programme year.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (1125)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1125. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the draft childminding action plan (details supplied). [5124/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Draft Childminding Action Plan, which was published for the purpose of public consultation in August 2019, sets out a pathway to achieving Government commitments in First 5. Officials in my Department are in the process of analysing the findings from the public consultation process and making revisions to the Draft Childminding Action Plan, with the aim of bringing a revised Childminding Action Plan to Government for approval.

The Draft Childminding Action Plan makes clear that childminding is central to the provision of both early learning and care and school-age childcare in Ireland. For many children in Ireland, a childminder plays a valued role in their early learning and care and overall well-being, often over many years. As the draft plan notes, the research evidence points to positive outcomes for children of quality childminding, which may be linked to consistency of carer and a low child-adult ratio.

I am very aware of the unique nature of a childminding service. The Draft Childminding Action Plan proposes to develop regulations and an inspection model that are specific and appropriate to childminding, and training that is specific to childminders, as well as to develop bespoke resources to support the quality of childminding provision, including through the development of staffed local networks to provide professional development and peer support.

The draft plan was widely publicised on websites and social media, and through National Voluntary Organisations and City/County Childcare Committees. Following publication of the childminding action plan as a draft, my Department provided an extensive consultation process which included a call for submissions which had 14 responses, an online survey which had 471 responses, an Open Policy Debate, and 32 Focus Group consultations around the country.

The 32 focus groups were specifically designed to allow direct conversation with childminders about the proposed reforms. The focus groups were organised by the local City/County Childcare Committees with the help of the team of 6 regional Childminding Development Officers that I put in place last year. The dates chosen for each focus group meeting depended on local availability of facilitators and venues in each county. The focus groups were organised in evenings, to make it easier for childminders to take part.

All aspects of the consultation process - the focus groups, survey, Open Policy Debate, and submissions received - are being given full weight in the analysis of the consultation findings.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (1126)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

1126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the employment of staff under the AIM scheme will be clarified; and if staff employed under the scheme are required to have a FETAC level 5 qualification (details supplied). [5151/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with emerging best practice to support the integration and independence of children with a disability, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provides financial support to the pre-school provider which can be used either to reduce the adult to child ratio in the pre-school room or to buy in additional assistance. Accordingly, staff employed with funding under Level 7 of AIM are a shared resource for the pre-school room.

The Early Years Services Regulations require that all staff who are employed by an early learning and care provider to work directly with children of pre-school age must hold, at a minimum, a major award at level 5 on the NFQ in Early Childhood Care and Education or a qualification deemed equivalent by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The December 2016 amendment to the Regulations (S.I. no.632 of 2016) provided for exceptional cases in which an exemption from the Level 5 requirement may be made in the context of AIM. An example of a relevant situation is where a child with complex healthcare needs requires specialised health supports, such as nursing, in order to attend the pre-school.

Tusla, the independent statutory regulator of pre-school services, has published a Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF), which specifies how the Regulations will be interpreted by the Early Years Inspectorate. The QRF (section 2, paragraph 6) specifies that exemption under AIM from the qualification requirement requires an exemption letter from Pobal.

This requirement for an exemption letter from Pobal is also specified in the Funding Agreement for the ECCE pre-school programme, which states, with reference to the Level 5 minimum qualification requirement, that "In exceptional cases, an exemption may be made under AIM, wherein a child with medically complex needs who is availing of AIM Level 7 requires specialised health supports, for example healthcare assistant or nursing care. An exemption may be granted by Pobal where it is considered that such specialist support is required and this may detail the qualification requirements or relevant specialist training of the staff member involved."

Child Abuse

Ceisteanna (1127)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

1127. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of child sexual abuse reports received in each of the years 2016 to 2019; the number referred to An Garda Síochána; the number deemed unfounded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5184/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy is asking about an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

I have been informed by Tusla that a direct response issued on 15 April 2020. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Ceisteanna (1128)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

1128. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the access inclusion model for pre-school children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5270/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) for pre-school children was established in 2016 and is now in its fourth year of operation. It aims to support children with disabilities to access and meaningfully participate in the ECCE universal pre-school programme. AIM is a child-centred model that involves seven levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted, based on the needs of the child and the early learning and care setting.

AIM's universal measures have supported the development of an inclusive culture in the sector. 97% of registered providers have developed an inclusion policy, and 6,250 participants from 3,000 services have taken part in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training.

To empower services to promote an inclusive culture in settings, the Leadership in Inclusion (LINC) programme was established and in the last four years has had over 3,100 registered students. So far 2,230 practitioners have graduated from the LINC programme, of whom more then 1,900 have gone on to be Inclusion Co-Ordinators working in pre-school settings. AIM has also invested in the delivery of continuing professional development courses such as Hanen, Lámh and Sensory Processing e-learning. Currently over 1,100, 800 and 1,425 participants respectively have completed these courses.

Targeted AIM supports focus on the needs of an individual child and over 12,500 children in 3,300 services have benefited from targeted AIM supports since 2016. These supports range from assistive equipment, to therapeutic supports and to additional assistance in the pre-school room.

AIM has won awards both at home and internationally. It has won a Civil Service Excellence Award, and most recently won an international award for innovative policy at this year’s UN Zero Project Awards, in recognition of the programme’s significant contribution to the inclusion of children with disabilities. The Zero Project focuses on the rights of persons with disabilities globally. AIM was one of 11 innovative policies selected from 465 policy submissions from around the globe.

My Department has committed to conducting an end-of-year-three evaluation of the model. The evaluation shall, having regard to all levels of AIM, ascertain the impact and effectiveness of AIM from the perspective of all stakeholders – investigating insofar as possible outcomes, efficacy, efficiency, adaptability and sustainability. This evaluation is currently in the procurement phase.

A whole-of-Government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families, First 5, commits to continue to roll out AIM to ensure the full inclusion of children with a disability in settings delivering the ECCE programme. As part of the end-of-year-three evaluation of AIM and, subject to evaluation findings and other relevant developments, First 5 commits to consideration of enhancements to, and/or extension of, AIM to, for example, all early learning and care services, all school-age childcare services and/or to children with additional needs other than a disability. Consideration will be given to this commitment following completion of the evaluation of AIM.

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (1129)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1129. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of protected disclosures her Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5299/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is currently collating the data required I will correspond directly with the Deputy on the matter.

Departmental Offices

Ceisteanna (1130)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

1130. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are vacancies in the offices of her Department at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5491/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department offices are situated in Dublin and there are no offices in the locations mentioned by the Deputy.

Local Improvement Scheme

Ceisteanna (1131)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1131. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding will be made available to local authorities in respect of the local improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.

As the Deputy will be aware, there was no dedicated funding available for this scheme for a number of years until I re-launched it in 2017. Since then, over €48 million has been allocated to the Local Authorities to deliver the scheme.

In March this year, I confirmed that a further €10 million is being made available for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2020, with each Local Authority being provided with the same financial allocation as 2019. This funding can be drawn down by the Local Authorities as works are completed on the LIS roads.

A number of Local Authorities have already determined the roads to be funded under the scheme this year and this information has been provided to my Department. My Department is currently reviewing the information and I expect Funding Agreements to issue to the relevant Local Authorities in the coming days so that the works can commence on the roads in question.

Given the constraints imposed by COVID-19, the process of determining the roads to be funded is still underway in a number of other Local Authority areas. However, I understand that process will be concluded in the coming weeks.

Local Authority Staff Data

Ceisteanna (1132)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1132. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the broadband officers in each local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5454/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are currently Broadband Officers working within each of the 31 Local Authorities in Ireland. Broadband Officers were appointed on foot of a recommendation of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in 2016 and their posts are co-funded by my Department.

The Broadband Officers act as a single point of contact within their Local Authorities for the public, telecommunications companies and elected representatives on matters regarding telecommunications development. They also act in a coordinating role within their Local Authorities and contribute to the formulation and delivery of national policy initiatives through their engagement with my Department.

The key focus of the Broadband Officers’ work is supporting the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). They have been working with my Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to identify and address any potential local barriers to the NBP roll-out, but also to drive demand for services and ensure that communities are ready to make the best use of broadband connectivity when it arrives to their areas.

In addition to the wider National Broadband Plan, Broadband Officers have been working to identify Broadband Connection Points (BCPs). BCPs are mainly publicly accessible buildings, such as sports clubs and community centres, and will be among the first premises connected under the National Broadband Plan. BCPs will provide onsite access to communities with little or no connectivity ahead of the arrival of a permanent fibre connection.

On behalf of their Local Authorities, the Broadband Officers also lead on a number of initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity and digital development, including the European Commission’s WiFi4EU program and my Department’s Digital Innovation Programme.

Broadband Officers have played a central and critical role in the marked increase in mobile phone and broadband accessibility across the State. They have engaged proactively with companies, community groups and representative groups to ensure that the public receive the services that they need. Their role has been singled out by industry leaders as one of the most significant drivers of national telecommunications development in recent years.

A list of Broadband Officers, including their contact details, is provided on the table below. These details are published on the Gov.ie website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b49914-broadband-officers-contact-list/ .

Carlow County

Eoin Lyng

broadband@carlowcoco.ie

Cavan County

Daniel Peeters

dpeeters@cavancoco.ie

Clare County

Urban McMahon

umcmahon@clarecoco.ie

Cork City

Fergus Gleeson

fergus_gleeson@corkcity.ie

Cork County

Dan O Sullivan

dan.osullivan@corkcoco.ie

Donegal County

Daragh McDonough

dmcdonough@donegalcoco.ie

Dublin City

Jamie Cudden

jamie.cudden@dublincity.ie

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

Ronan Herron

rherron@dlrcoco.ie

Fingal County

Aishling Hyland

digitalfingal@fingal.ie

Galway City

Alfie Jones

Alfie.Jones@Galwaycity.ie

Galway County

Noel Madden

nmadden@galwaycoco.ie

Kerry County

Brian Looney

brian.looney@kerrycoco.ie

Kildare County

Joe Hickey

jhickey@kildarecoco.ie

Kilkenny County

Steven Coverdale

steven.coverdale@kilkennycoco.ie

Laois County

Antoinette Brennan

AnBrennan@laoiscoco.ie

Leitrim County

Johanna Daly

jdaly@leitrimcoco.ie

Limerick County

Mihai Bilauca

mihai.bilauca@limerick.ie

Longford County

Christine Collins

ccollins@longfordcoco.ie

Louth County

Paul Mulligan

paul.mulligan@louthcoco.ie

Mayo County

David Reddington

dreddington@mayococo.ie

Meath County

Cormac McCann

CMcCann@meathcoco.ie

Monaghan County

John McArdle

jmcardle@monaghancoco.ie

Offaly County

Catriona Hilliard

chilliard@offalycoco.ie

Roscommon County

Annemarie Johnston

ajohnston@roscommoncoco.ie

Sligo County

Nigel Carter

ncarter@sligococo.ie

South Dublin County

James Naughton

Jnaughton@sdublincoco.ie

Tipperary County

Simon Howe

simon.howe@tipperarycoco.ie

Waterford County

Jack Doyle

jdoyle@waterfordcouncil.ie

Westmeath County

Gerry McCormack

gmccorma@westmeathcoco.ie

Wexford County

David Minogue

david.minogue@wexfordcoco.ie

Wicklow County

Liam Fitzpatrick

lfitzpatrick@wicklowcoco.ie

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1133)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1133. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount expended on access to online and hard copy media publications in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the breakdown of online and hard copy subscriptions including the publications that his Department subscribes to; if consideration has been given to using a banded set of IP addresses for online subscriptions rather than individual accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4013/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department was established on 19 July 2017 and all administrative related expenditure for the period July 2017 - December 2017 was handled by the Finance functions in the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. As a result, a detailed breakdown of online and hardcopy media publication expenditure during this period, relating only to my Department, is unfortunately not available.

The information requested by the Deputy for the years 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 is laid out in the table below.

2018

2019

2020 (to date)

Online subscription (Irish Times)

N/A

€1,306.91

€1,306.91

Hardcopy media publications*

€6,551.80

€10,814.55

€2,681.70

* Includes: Irish Times; Irish Independent; Phoenix; Economist; Irish Examiner; Sun; Star; Mirror; Mail & Herald

My Department regularly reviews our requirements in relation to media publications, along with the various options available in that regard, to ensure that we achieve the greatest possible value for money in respect of spending in that area.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1134)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the top ten websites visited by officials and political staff annually in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020 via hardware provided to them by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4029/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's ICT managed service is provided by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The OGCIO implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting ICT systems, infrastructures and services, and operates an Internet Acceptable Usage Policy on my Department’s behalf.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out below. My Department is informed by the OGCIO that for technical reasons the information sought is only available for the period from 1st July 2019 to 26th March 2020. Furthermore, it is not possible to provide this data on the basis of different categories of staff.

The websites most frequently visited using Department hardware in the period July to December 2019 were:

gov.ie, rte.ie, irishtimes.com, independent.ie, irishexaminer.ie, thejournal.ie, sportinglife.com, boards.ie, amazon.co.uk and corkcoco.ie.

The websites most frequently visited using Department hardware in the period January to March 2020 were:

thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com, independent.ie, gov.ie, rte.ie, irishexaminer.ie, sportinglife.com, amazon.co.uk, boards.ie and Ryanair.com.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (1135)

James Browne

Ceist:

1135. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding The Big Hello! community event; when announcements will be made regarding events for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4143/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

'The Big Hello' was undoubtedly a success in many areas, particularly where the local authority and/or local media was supportive of the initiative, and brought communities together in a positive and inclusive way. Communities throughout the country enjoyed a hugely successful Big Hello weekend, with over 800 events taking place as well as over 1,100 Street Feasts, one of our partners in this initiative. A wide and varied range of events took place.

The success of the weekend could be seen vividly across social media, with photos and videos of communities celebrating together. The wide variety of events allowed something for everyone, from a cup of tea with neighbours, to picnics and barbecues to music and arts. Friendships were deepened, new ones were made, and the importance of neighbours connecting was highlighted.

However, due to the many competing priorities in the Department’s budget allocation, funding could not be allocated for The Big Hello in 2020. A detailed report reviewing the process and documenting lessons learnt and recommendations for potential future initiatives was compiled and this will be of benefit in considering whether the concept should be revisited in future years.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (1136)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

1136. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications received and the amount of funding sought in respect of each application under the rural regeneration and development fund second call for category 2 applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5229/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

The second call for Category 2 applications for the Fund closed on 28th February 2020 and there was an excellent response from across the country. My Department received 76 applications, seeking funding totalling €48m. The table below sets out the applications received and the funding sought in each case.

My Department is currently engaged in the assessment process in relation to the applications, carried out in conjunction with the Project Advisory Board for the Fund, which is comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts.

Table 1. List of Category 2 Applications

Lead Applicant

Project Name

Location

County

RRDF Funding Sought

Ballyhoura CLG

Centre for National Fire and Emergency Services Training

Kilmallock

Limerick

€240,000.00

Carlow County Council

Barrow Valley Tourism and Outdoor Experience Cluster

St Mullins, Clashganny, Ballyellen, Ballytiglea

Carlow

€101,347.00

Carlow County Council

Urban Plan and Key Projects and Development of Tourism and Enterprise Hub

Muine Bheag

Carlow

€131,250.00

Carlow County Council

Clonegal Tourism Hub Project

Clonegal

Carlow

€70,773.00

Cavan County Council

Kingscourt Town Centre Regeneration

Kingscourt

Cavan

€787,500.00

Cavan County Council

Ballyconnell Geopark Gateway Initiative

Ballyconnell

Cavan

€1,125,000.00

Cavan County Council

Cootehill Town Regeneration Masterplan

Cootehill

Cavan

€667,500.00

Clare County Council

West Clare Railway Multi Model Greenway

Ennis to Kilkee

Clare

€759,375.00

Clare County Council

Development of a multi-functional community building at Quilty

Quilty

Clare

€184,000.00

Clare County Council

Coláiste Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe - A Cultural Beacon across a Rural Hinterland

Carrigholt

Clare

€125,600.00

Clare Local Development Company

Lisdoonvarna Wellness Town and Sustainable Communities Partnership

Lisdoonvarna, Lisdoonvarna, Kilfemora, Doolin and Environs

Clare

€324,630.00

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC)

Shannon Aviation Museum Phase 2

Shannon

Clare

€64,500.00

Cork County Council

Regeneration of Town Centre and the Development of a future vision for the disused former Courthouse

Youghal

Cork

€281,250.00

Cork County Council

Development of a Georgian Cultural/Hertiage Quarter for Mitchelstown

Mitchelstown

Cork

€270,000.00

Cork County Council

Bandon Transportation and Public Realm Enhancement Plan Implementation

Bandon

Cork

€900,000.00

Cork Education and Training Board

East Cork Hospitality and Culinary School

Youghal

Cork

€820,000.00

Donegal County Council

Ballyshannon 2040 - Back to Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon

Donegal

€185,625.00

Donegal County Council

Ramelton Historic Town Centre - A Restorative and Transformational Public Realm Scheme

Ramelton

Donegal

€186,869.00

Donegal County Council

Ballybofey-Stranorlar S.E.E.D Strenghten.Engage.Enable.Deliver

Ballybofey

Donegal

€362,813.00

Fáilte Ireland

The Beara Breifne Way

West Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim & Cavan, Multiple

West Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim & Cavan

€300,000.00

Galway County Council

Town of Gort

Gort

Galway

€1,900,323.00

Galway County Council

Clifden Town Centre

Clifden

Galway

€792,030.00

Galway County Council

Portumna Vision 2030

Portumna

Galway

€1,192,855.00

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)

Tipperary Racecourse,

Ballykisteen

Tipperary

€728,250.00

Kerry County Council

Caherviveen Town Centre Regerenation Project

Carhersiveen

Kerry

€2,377,362.00

Kerry County Council

Masterplan for Milltown

Milltown

Kerry

€716,250.00

Kerry County Council

Blennerville Regeneration Project

Blennerville

Kerry

€429,243.00

Kildare County Council

Athy Food, Drinks and Skills Hub

Athy

Kildare

€476,250.00

Kildare County Council

Roberstown Amenity Lands

Robertstown

Kildare

€90,053.00

Kildare County Council

Kildare Town Renewal Plan

Kildare Town

Kildare

€3,715,440.00

Kilkenny County Council

Callan Friary Complex Regeneration

Callan

Kilkenny

€287,518.00

Kilkenny Leader Partnership

Castlecomer Loop Walk

Drumgoole, Smithstown, Knockanaddoge

Kilkenny

€106,837.00

Laois County Council

Bloom HQ

Mountrath

Laois

€372,000.00

Laois County Council

Down Syndrome Laois Enterprise Abbeyleix Park

Abbeyleix

Laois

€384,000.00

Laois County Council

Portarlington Regeneration

Portarlington

Laois

€320,000.00

Leitim County Council

Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway

Leitrim

€476,033.00

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board

Newcastle West Further Education and Training Campus Development

Newcastle West

Limerick

€247,000.00

Limerick City and County Council

Newcastle West Industrial Estate

Newcastle West

Limerick

€1,650,000.00

Limerick City and County Council

Dereliction and re-use for housing development in the core of towns and villages in rural Limerick

Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Ardagh, Kilmalloock, Croom, Bruff, Kilfinane, Ballingarry

Limerick

€5,820,000.00

Limerick City and County Council

Adare Sustainability Programme

Adare

Limerick

€1,245,000.00

Longford County Council

Enhancement of Attractiveness of Lanesborough as Tourism Destination

Lanesborough

Longford

€468,750.00

Louth County Council

Living in Carlingford-Visiting in Carlingford. A strategy for sustainable tourism in Carlingford

Carlingford

Louth

€710,980.00

Louth County Council

Omeath Village Regeneration Strategy

Omeath

Louth

€642,072.00

Mayo County Council

Newport Regeneration Project

Newport

Mayo

€355,764.00

Mayo County Council

Ballyhaunis Community Vision

Ballyhaunis

Mayo

€168,352.00

Mayo County Council

Killala Regeneration Initiative

Killala

Mayo

€483,435.00

Meath County Council

Dunshaughlin Courthouse and Town Centre

Dunshaughlin

Meath

€613,050.00

Meath County Council

Athboy Town Centre

Athboy

Meath

€608,250.00

Meath County Council

Oldcastle Town Centre

Oldcastle

Meath

€443,550.00

Monaghan County Council

Carrickmacross Workhouse Community Hub

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

€270,570.00

Monaghan County Council

Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration Phase 2

Castleblayney

Monaghan

€295,000.00

Monaghan County Council

Lough Egish Food Park Expansion

Lough Egish

Monaghan

€422,145.00

National Museum of Ireland

NMI - Country Life

Castlebar

Mayo

€270,000.00

North East West Kerry Development

Ardfert Community Sport and Recreation Facility

Ardfert

Kerry

€98,194.00

Offaly County Council

Birr Creative Court

Birr

Offaly

€312,750.00

Offaly County Council

Banagher Regeneraton Projects

Banagher

Offaly

€395,250.00

Offaly County Council

Ferbane Town Regeneration

Ferbane

Offaly

€327,750.00

Office of Public Works (OPW)

Kilmacurragh House

Kilmacurragh

Wicklow

€500,000.00

Roscommon County Council

Ballaghdereen Public Realm Enhancement

Ballaghdereen

Roscommon

€434,010.00

Roscommon County Council

Lough Key

Lough Key

Roscommon

€360,000.00

SECAD Partnership CLG

Kilbrittain Community Hub

Kilbrittain

Cork

€100,913.00

SECAD Partnership CLG

Kinsale Municipal Hall Regeneration

Kinsale

Cork

€120,000.00

Sligo County Council

Town Regeneration Project – Collooney and Ballymote, County Sligo

Ballymote Collooney

Sligo

€386,000.00

Sligo County Council

Public Realm Enhancement of County Sligo tourist villages of Strandhill and Rosses Point

Strandhill Rosses Point

Sligo

€202,000.00

Sligo County Council

Tubbercurry Regeneration Project 2020

Tubercurry

Sligo

€222,000.00

South Tipperary Development CLG

Premier Agri-Food Centre of Excellence

New Inn

Tipperary

€300,000.00

Tipperary County Council

A Pathway to Regeneration of Cahir Town Centre

Cahir Town

Tipperary

€632,987.00

Tipperary County Council

Nenagh Historic and Cultural Quarter - A Tourism Led Regeneration Plan

Nenagh

Tipperary

€650,034.00

Tipperary County Council

Carrick on Suir Regeneration Plan - A Journey from the Suir Blueway to the Ormond Castle Quarter

Carrick on Suir

Tipperary

€365,625.00

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Cloghane Integrated Development Centre

Cloghane

Kerry

€328,459.00

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Áras na nDéise - Enterprise and Tourism Hub

An Rinn

Waterford

€337,819.00

Waterford County Council

Cappoquin Town - Regeneration and Renewal

Cappoquin

Waterford

€1,207,500.00

Westmeath County Council

Castlepollard Regeneration

Castlepollard

Westmeath

€311,250.00

Wicklow County Council

Rejuvenation of Rathdrum

Rathdrum

Wicklow

€796,500.00

Wicklow County Council

Placemaking for Newmountkennedy

Newmountkennedy

Wicklow

€357,750.00

Wicklow County Council

Blueprint for Blessington

Blessington

Wicklow

€2,327,626.00

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (1137)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

1137. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects supported by the rural regeneration and development fund in 2019, by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under 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.

Following the conclusion of the first call under the Fund in February 2019, a total of 84 successful projects had been announced, with funding of €86m provided from the Fund to support projects worth a total of €117m. Following the completion of the second call, which related to Category 1 projects (those ready for delivery), another 26 projects were allocated funding of €62 million from the Fund. These 26 projects will deliver total investment of €95 million. Table 1 sets out the full list of projects and the amount of funding which were approved under both calls.

Table 1. List of projects by County which were approved for RRDF Funding under the first and second calls.

Project Title

Category

Location

County

Lead Applicant

RRDF Funding

National Parks

1

National Parks (multiple)

(6) Clare; Donegal; Galway; Kerry; Mayo; Wicklow

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

€3,915,000.00

Borris Railway Viaduct

1

Borris

Carlow

Carlow County Council

€654,820.00

Altmont House and Gardens

2

Ballon

Carlow

OPW

€450,000.00

Cootehill Industrial Estate

1

Cootehill

Cavan

Cavan County Council

€867,174.00

Virginia Civic Centre

1

Virginia

Cavan

Cavan County Council

€3,963,525.00

Virginia Civic Centre

1

Virginia

Cavan

Cavan County Council

€3,963,525.00

Ballyjamesduff Regeneration Strategy

2

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

Cavan County Council

€90,000.00

Cootehill Technology Park

2

Cootehill

Cavan

Cavan County Council

€56,000.00

The Clones Terminus

2

Cavan to Monaghan

Cavan to Monaghan

Waterways Ireland

€325,000.00

Ennistymon Innovation Centre

1

Ennistymon

Clare

Clare County Council

€1,023,300.00

Vandeleur Estate

1

Kilrush

Clare

Clare County Council

€1,720,000.00

The Seaworld Project

1

Lahinch

Clare

Clare County Council

€2,860,000.00

Loophead Visitor Attraction

1

Loophead

Clare

Clare County Council

€868,500.00

Multifunctional Performance Auditorium at Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre, Tulla

1

Tulla

Clare

Clare County Council

€900,000.00

Doolin Pier

2

Doolin

Clare

Clare County Council

€465,571.00

Inis Cealtra Island

2

Inis Cealtra

Clare

Clare County Council

€920,500.00

Wild Atlantic Way

2

Multiple

Clare / Kerry

Fáilte Ireland

€666,300.00

Banteer Amenity Project

1

Banteer

Cork

IRD Duhallow CLG

€1,128,000.00

Kinsale Library Project

1

Kinsale

Cork

Cork County Council

€2,157,375.00

Briery Gap Theater and Library

1

Macroom

Cork

Cork County Council

€2,000,000.00

Kanturk Regeneration - Phase 1

1

Kanturk

Cork

Cork County Council

€619,500.00

Anne’s Grove

2

Anne’s Grove

Cork

OPW

€375,000.00

Coláiste Íosagáin Campus

2

Baile Bhuirne/Coláiste Íosagáin

Cork

Udaras na Gaeltachta

€180,000.00

Ballydesmond

2

Ballydesmond

Cork

Cork County Council

€56,250.00

Digital Innovation Hub Strategy

2

Cork County

Cork

Cork County Council

€206,168.00

Rathcormac Strategy for Development

2

Rathormac

Cork

Avondhu Blackwater partnership CLG

€122,025.00

gteic Gaoth Dobhair

1

Gaoth Dobhair

Donegal

Udaras na Gaeltachta

€1,500,000.00

Swan Park

1

Swan Park, Buncrana

Donegal

Donegal County Council

€1,728,042.00

Killybegs 2040 - Town Centre Regeneration Project

1

Killybegs

Donegal

Donegal County Council

€3,631,758.00

Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport)/ Oilean Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island) - Harbour to Island Regeneration

1

Burtonport/Arranmore Island

Donegal

Donegal County Council

€3,089,199.00

Ocean Innovation Centre Ireland

2

Killybegs

Donegal

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

€293,436.00

Ireland’s National Parks

2

Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow

Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht - NPWS

€1,466,250.00

DigiWest

1

Various

Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon

Western Development Commission

€644,734.00

gteic Hub An Spidéal

1

An Spidéal

Galway

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€548,887.00

Athenry / Bia Innovator

1

Athenry

Galway

Galway County Council

€3,554,000.00

Tullycross Residential Education Centre

1

Tullycross, Renvyle

Galway

Western Development Commission

€1,728,000.00

Regeneration Loughrea, Breaking through

1

Loughrea

Galway

Galway County Council

€1,628,879.00

Dunmore Regeneration

2

Dunmore

Galway

Galway County Council

€960,909.00

Kinvara Boardwalk and Walkway

2

Kinvara

Galway

Galway County Council

€124,781.25

Tuam Regeneration Strategy

2

Tuam

Galway

Galway County Council

€175,000.00

Valentia Trans-Atlantic Cable Station

1

Valentia Island

Kerry

Kerry County Council

€1,270,000.00

Listowel Food Hub

1

Listowel

Kerry

North East West Kerry Development NEWKD

€1,365,226.00

Baile na Fheirtéaraigh Development

2

Baile na Fheirtéaraigh

Kerry

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€292,500.00

Kenmare

2

Kenmare

Kerry

Kerry County Council

€275,000* * Project cancelled

Dingle Workhouse Masterplan

2

Dingle Workhouse

Kerry

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€415,000.00

Úibh Ráthach Action Plan

2

Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthach/Iveragh Taskforce

Kerry

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€174,351.00

Athy / Ernest Shackleton Project

1

Emily Square, Athy

Kildare

Kildare County Council

€2,707,500.00

Kildare Town Centre Regeneration

2

Athy

Kildare

Kildare County Council

€80,000.00

Monasterevin Town Centre Regeneration

2

Monasterevin

Kildare

Kildare County Council

€78,000.00

Barrow Blueway, 46km

1

Barrow Blueway

Kildare, Laois

Kildare County Council

€5,067,941.00

Callan Town Regeneration

1

Callan Town

Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council

€561,750.00

Thomastown Regeneration

1

Thomastown

Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council

€2,080,486.00

Community Shops Kilkenny

2

Kilkenny

Kilkenny

Kilkenny LEADER Partnership

€60,000.00

Emo Court

1

Emo, Emo Court

Laois

Office of Public Works

€1,200,000.00

The Junction, Ballinamore - Regeneration of Ballinamore

1

Ballinamore

Leitrim

Leitrim County Council

€1,728,075.00

Manorhamilton Public Realm improvement works including re-imagining employment and Enterprise Lands

1

Manorhamilton

Leitrim

Leitrim County Council

€1,613,250.00

Smart Green Mohill

2

Mohill

Leitrim

Leitrim County Council

€37,500.00

Great Southern Greenway Limerick

1

Abbeyfeale, Newcastlewest, Rathkeale, Ardagh

Limerick

Limerick City and County Council

€2,724,657.00

Glenbrohane Local Hub

1

Glenbrohane

Limerick

Ballyhoura Development CLG

€626,369.00

Murroe Community Hub

1

Murroe

Limerick

Ballyhoura Development CLG

€3,816,451.00

West Limerick Tourism Gateway

2

Newcastle West

Limerick

Limerick City and County Council

€330,000.00

International Mountain Biking Project

1

Ballyhoura, Coolaney, Ticknock, Ballinastoe, Slieve Blooms

Limerick, Cork, Sligo, Dublin, Wicklow, Offaly, Laois

Coillte

€10,262,900.00

Edgeworthstown Regeneration

1

Edgeworthstown

Longford

Longford County Council

€1,269,019.00

Historic Granard Motte Project

1

Granard

Longford

Longford County Council

€2,872,434.00

The Yard, Abbeyshrule - Community and Economic Hub

1

Abbeyshrule

Longford

Longford County Council

€522,265.71

Ardee Castle

1

Ardee Castle

Louth

Louth County Council

€2,147,000.00

Ardee Regeneration

2

Ardee

Louth

Louth County Council

€526,743.75

Ballinrobe Regeneration

1

Ballinrobe

Mayo

Mayo County Council

€825,000.00

gteic Hubs

1

Béal a' Mhuirthead

Mayo

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€795,062.00

Claremorris Indoor Sports Facility

1

Claremorris

Mayo

Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG

€2,100,000.00

Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh - Visitor Centre and Tourism Hub

1

Aghleam

Mayo

Udaras na Gaeltachta

€1,879,350.00

Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre

1

Claremorris

Mayo

Mayo County Council

€2,677,352.00

Clew Bay Greenway Project

1

Mayo

Mayo County Council

€1,924,800.00

Cycle Network

2

Multi Location

Mayo

Mayo County Council

€75,000.00

Tourism Experiences

2

Westport and Cong

Mayo

Mayo County Council

€56,000.00

Geopark Development

2

Multi Location

Mayo, Galway

Geological Survey Ireland

€969,387.00

Trim Library and Cultural Centre

1

Trim

Meath

Meath County Council

€3,718,670.00

Kells Creative Placemaking (Phase 1) - Kells Courthouse Cultural Hub and Kells Printworks and Topgraphy Centre

1

Kells

Meath

Meath County Council

€992,834.00

Boyne Navigation and Greenway

2

Boyne Navigation and Greenway

Meath

Meath County Council

€845,250.00

Community Facilities Enfield

2

Enfield

Meath

Meath County Council

€726,000.00

Kell’s Heritage Development

2

Kells

Meath

Meath County Council

€210,000.00

Trim Castle

2

Trim

Meath

OPW

€262,500.00

Castlebayney Enterprise Centre

1

Castleblayney

Monaghan

Monaghan County Council

€2,138,560.00

Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration

1

Castleblaney

Monaghan

Monaghan County Council

€2,611,150.00

Ballybay Regeneration

2

Ballybay

Monaghan

Monaghan County Council

€410,400.00

Carrickmacross Town Centre Renewal

2

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

Monaghan County Council

€632,000.00

Clones Regeneration

2

Clones

Monaghan

Monaghan County Council

€377,250.00

Edenderry Regeneration - Phase 1

1

Edenderry

Offaly

Offaly County Council

€522,207.00

Edenderry Masterplan

2

Edenderry

Offaly

Offaly County Council

€75,000.00

An Bealach Project

1

Ballaghdarreen

Roscommon

Roscommon Integrated Development Company Ltd

€1,656,750.00

Boyle Regeneration

1

Boyle Town

Roscommon

Roscommon County Council

€1,705,705.00

An Chistin Project

1

Castlerea

Roscommon

Roscommon County Council

€1,545,000.00

Life Sciences Innovation Hub and Soft Landing Space

1

Athlone

Roscommon

Roscommon County Council

€2,751,544.16

Creative Studios Ballaghdarreen

2

Ballaghdarreen

Roscommon

Roscommon Integrated Development Company Ltd

€20,250.00

National Centre of Excellent for Surfing

1

Strandhill

Sligo

Sligo County Council

€615,752.00

The Yeats Trail

1

Yeats Trail

Sligo

Sligo County Council

€500,000.00

The Cliff Bath House

2

Enniscrone

Sligo

Sligo County Council

€131,250.00

Tipperary Town Regeneration

1

Tipperary Town

Tipperary

Tipperary County Council

€600,000.00

Roscrea Enterprise, Digital and Social Impact Hub

1

Roscrea

Tipperary

North Tipperary Development Company

€1,925,546.00

Fetherd Town Park

1

Fethard

Tipperary

Tipperary County Council

€2,600,000.00

Templemore Town Hall: Enterprise and Cultutal Centre, with associated Civic Plaza

1

Templemore

Tipperary

Tipperary County Council

€2,107,500.00

Ireland's Global Garden - Mount Congreve Estate

1

Kilmeaden

Waterford

Waterford City and County Council

€3,726,000.00

Blackwater River Valley

2

Blackwater Valley

Waterford

Waterford Leader Partnership

€128,842.00

Kinnegad Regeneration

2

Kinnegad

Westmeath

Westmeath County Council

€600,000.00

Johnstown Castle & Gardens

1

Johnstown Castle

Wexford

TEAGASC

€658,696.00

Wexfordia - the New Ross Tourism Transformation

1

New Ross

Wexford

Wexford County Council

€5,560,000.00

Esmonde Street Gorey

2

Ferrycarraig and the Hook Peninsuala

Wexford

Wexford County Council

€1,087,340.00

Market House Gorey

2

Gorey

Wexford

Wexford County Council

€429,145.37

Ferrycarraig and the Hook Peninsuala

2

Gorey

Wexford

Wexford County Council

€95,224.00

Enterprise Hub New Ross

2

New Ross

Wexford

Wexford County Council

€328,407.00

Making Baltinglass the Hub for South West Wicklow

1

Baltinglass

Wicklow

Wicklow County Council

€2,675,226.00

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (1138)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1138. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5311/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.

I can confirm that there have been no Protected Disclosures made since the formation of the Department.

LEADER Programmes

Ceisteanna (1139)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

1139. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available to a school under LEADER to assist in safety measures incorporating a public footpath at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5504/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. It must also comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.

Works that come under the remit of a Local Authority are not eligible for funding under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme. From the information provided by the Deputy, it would appear that the proposed works might not be eligible for funding under LEADER as they may come under the remit of the Local Authority.

However, the eligibility of the project and the precise works to be undertaken would need to be established by the Local Action Group (LAG) which administers the programme in the particular LEADER area. The decision to approve a project for funding, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG and my Department has no role in the decision process.

The project applicant should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project for LEADER funding.

The Implementing Partner for the area referred to by the Deputy is:

Údarás na Gaeltachta,

Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dóbhair,

Doirí Beaga,

Co. Dhún na nGall.

Contact details for Údarás na Gaeltachta are as follows:

- Telephone: 074 95 60100

- Email: leaderdnag@udaras.ie

Local Employment Service

Ceisteanna (1140, 1141)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1140. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to privatise local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3911/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1141. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the developed tenders that would allow private companies to apply for local employment services contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3912/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140 and 1141 together.

Local Employment Services are contracted out by the State to external providers who provide a service to the long term unemployed and other categories of people distant to the labour market with a view to securing full-time sustainable employment.

My Department is in the process of reviewing all contracted public employment services. In the context of having quality employment services that are fit for purpose and provide value for money, my Department will work to ensure any future contracts are fully consistent with EU procurement law, including the principles of open and transparent procurement.

This process is ongoing and my Department has engaged with external consultants to explore the most appropriate models of contracted employment services for the Irish labour market. Officials from my Department have engaged with the Local Employment Services, visiting all twenty-two contractors throughout the State in recent months to ensure their views are incorporated into any deliberations. My intention is to continue this engagement insofar as it is compatible with procurement law.

Respite Care Grant Appeals

Ceisteanna (1142)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for a respite care grant by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3962/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8 January 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1143)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1143. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount expended on access to online and hard copy media publications in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the breakdown of online and hard copy subscriptions including the publications that her Department subscribes to; if consideration has been given to using a banded set of IP addresses for online subscriptions rather than individual accounts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4006/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department puts a strong emphasis on evidence-based policy. Therefore, it is important that my officials keep up to date with international best practice by reading relevant research. Considerable effort has been made by the Librarian employed by my Department to move many of these subscriptions online. The following tables provide details of my Department’s expenditure on the purchase of newspapers, online subscriptions, magazines and other journal and digital subscriptions for the years in question:

2017

DESCRIPTION

EXPENDITURE

Online Journals

€10,474.78

Hardcopy Journals

€14,668.48

Electronic copies received by email

€1,589.53

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

€26,732.79

TITLE OF SUBSCRIPTION EXPENDITURE

Better Regulations €5463.63

European Journal of Social Security €515.95

Evidence and Policy €727.23

International Journal of Social Research

Methodology €595.47

Irish Independent €239.88

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice €354.02

Policy and Politics €702.28

Times Newspaper €260.04

Transforming Government €260.98

Reed Group MD Guidelines €1355.30

Total €10,474.78

Hardcopy Publications

Title of Publication EXPENDITURE

Bar Review €437.42

Critical Social Policy €630.87

The Economist €259.28

European Journal of Social Security €515.95

Evidence and Policy €214.82

Fiscal Studies €603.08

Government Information Quarterly €1010.15

Harvard Business Review €123.95

Industrial Relations News €795.70

International Journal of social

Research Methodology €527.69

Irish Employment Legislation €4100.00

Journal of Disability Policy Studies €174.39

Journal of European Social Policy €1007.02

Journal of Poverty & Social Justice €104.57

Journal of Social Policy €651.99

Journal of Social Security Law €586.39

Local Economy €764.17

Policy and Politics €207.45

Occupational Health at Work €292.84

Social Policy and Administration package

(includes Social Policy) €1429.47

Transforming Government €231.28

Total: €14668.48

Electronic Copies

Title Expenditure

Compliance and Risk & €1246.91

Data Protection Ireland

Stubbs Gazette €342.62

Total: €1589.53

2018

DESCRIPTION

EXPENDITURE

Online Journals

€11,750.68

Hardcopy Journals

€16,901.26

Electronic copies received by email

€1,589.20

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

€30,241.20

TITLE OF SUBSCRIPTION EXPENDITURE

Better Regulations €5627.53

European Journal of Social Security €537.44

Evidence and Policy €756.01

International Journal of Social Research

Methodology €601.86

Irish Independent €239.88

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice €367.45

Occupational Health at Work €196.05

Policy and Politics €730.10

The Irish Times €956.46

Times Newspaper €260.04

Transforming Government €282.04

Reed Group MD Guidelines €1195.82

Total €11,750.68

Hardcopy Publications

TITLE OF PUBLICATION EXPENDITURE

Bar Review €393.93

Critical Social Policy €675.40

Economist €259.59

European Journal of Social Security €537.44

Evidence and Policy €223.32

Fiscal Studies €639.35

Government Information Quarterly €1010.15

Harvard Business Review €117.86

Industrial Relations News €2626.90

Irish Employment Legislation €4100.00

International Journal Of social

Research Methodology €533.36

Journal of Disability Policy Studies €192.70

Journal of European Social Policy €1096.68

Journal of Poverty & Social Justice €108.54

Journal of Social Policy €658.01

Journal of Social Security Law €631.77

Local Economy €818.50

Policy and Politics €215.67

Occupational Health at Work €296.52

Social Policy and Administration package

(includes Social Policy and Society) €1515.62

Transforming Government €249.95

Total: €16901.26

Electronic Copies

Title Expenditure

Compliance and Risk & €1246.91

Data Protection Ireland

Stubbs Gazette €342.35

Total: €1589.26

2019

DESCRIPTION

EXPENDITURE

Online Journals

€19,872.47

Hardcopy Journals

€7,789.66

Electronic copies received by email

€1,447.34

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

€29,109.47

TITLE OF SUBSCRIPTION EXPENDITURE

Better Regulations €7034.53

Critical Social Policy €673.00

European Journal of Social Security €543.38

Evidence and Policy €835.46

Fiscal Studies €677.89

International Journal of Social Research

Methodology €1051.98

Irish Independent €239.88

Journal of Disability Policy Studies €190.00

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice €406.96

Journal of European Social Policy €1109.26

Journal of Social Policy €573.80

Local Economy €814.74

Meath Chronicle €99.00

Occupational Health at Work €196.05

Policy and Politics €807.12

Phoenix Magazine €45.00

Social Policy and Administration package

(includes Social Policy and Society) €1607.44

The Irish Times €956.46

Times Newspaper €260.04

Transforming Government €507.85

Reed Group MD Guidelines €1242.63

Total €19872.47

Hardcopy Publications

TITLE OF JOURNAL EXPENDITIURE

Bar Review €393.93

Economist €259.59

Harvard Business Review €126.33

Industrial Relations News €1526.00

Irish Employment Legislation €4512.00

Journal of Social Security Law €675.29

Occupational Health at Work €296.52

Total: €7789.66

Electronic Copies Received by Email

Title EXPENDITURE

Compliance and Risk & €1104.99

Data Protection Ireland

Stubbs Gazette €342.35

Total: €1447.34

2020 (To Date)

DESCRIPTION

EXPENDITURE

Online Journals

€20,448.58

Hardcopy Journals

€10,366.80

Electronic copies (received by email)

€1,447.34

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

€32,262.72

TITLE OF SUBSCRIPTION EXPENDITURE

Better Regulations €8477.53

Meath Chronicle €99.00

Journal of Disability Policy Studies €190

Times Newspaper €260.04

Critical Social Policy €724.32

European Journal of Social Security €592.36

Evidence and Policy €868.34

Fiscal Studies €711.90

International Journal Of Social Research

Methodology €1115.46

Journal of European Social Policy €1192.29

Journal of Poverty and Social Justice €421.70

Local Economy €877.32

Policy and Politics €838.86

Social Policy and Administration package

(includes Social Policy) €1687.93

Journal of Social Policy €618.93

Transforming Government €528.26

Irish Independent €239.88

Irish Times €959.46

The Phoenix Magazine €45.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE €20448.58

Hardcopy Publications

Title Price

Bar Review €393.93

Industrial Relations News €3400

Irish Employment Legislation €4920.00

Economist €311.74

Journal of Social Security Law €764.04

Occupational Health at Work €450.76

Harvard Business Review €126.33

Total: €10366.80

Electronic Copies

Title Price

Stubbs Gazette €342.35

Compliance and Risk &

Data Protection Ireland €1104.99

Total: €1447.34

EXPENDITURE ON DAILY NEWSPAPERS:

YEAR

EXPENDITURE

2017

€7,562.60

2018

€7,713.18

2019

€8,645.50

2020 (to date)

€1,947.90

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1144)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

1144. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the top ten websites visited by officials and political staff annually in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020 via hardware provided to them by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4022/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised that my Department does not maintain a top 10 list of sites visited by officials and political staff since 2017.

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