Written Answers Nos. 1131-1155
1131. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if childcare providers providing childcare to healthcare workers are covered by State indemnity; and if not, the reason for their exclusion. [6071/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I announced on 13 May that the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers, which was to deliver home based childcare to healthcare workers, would not proceed from 18 May as planned. Unfortunately, uptake for the scheme among early learning and care and school aged care providers was much lower than expected, and so the scheme had to be cancelled.
In commenting on the reasons for low take-up of the scheme by childcare providers, childcare provider organisations have referred to the lack of insurance cover for Covid-19 related claims which could be taken against them; to concerns about the difficulty of supporting staff remotely and lack of control of the environment in which their staff would be working; and the inability to provide staff with fixed lunch and rest breaks without any ongoing responsibility for the care of children.
I acknowledge that there were indeed challenges to the scheme from the beginning, however, my Department, refusing to take a risk averse position in unprecedented times, worked hard to make a scheme available. I believe that discussions about this scheme has assisted services, staff and my Department to focus on the obstacles that need to be addressed to facilitate services beginning a phased reopening from 29 June.
Since the cancellation of the scheme, there has been progress with regard to insurance. The primary insurer in the childcare sector has agreed that Covid-19 related claims will not be excluded from policies for services which reopen from 29 June. In terms of addressing the public health fears of the sector, the opening of other sectors on 18 May, and recent research suggesting that children may play only a minor role in spreading the virus, should help to reduce childcare practitioners’ fears.
1132. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has conducted an analysis of possible price increases that will result from crèches operating at a lower capacity than usual owing to Covid-19 restrictions. [6074/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The reopening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.
The future stages of the Roadmap's reopening of ELC/SAC services are stated as follows:
Phase 3 (29 June), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of essential workers in a phased manner with social distancing and other requirements applying.
Phase 4 (20 July), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing phased basis and slowly increasing thereafter.
The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to reopen. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased reopening will enable sufficient time and planning to reopen in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted reopening of ELC and SAC services.
My Department is currently working with the sector to answer the many questions that exist. This is complex work and must balance a number of important issues, including those mentioned by the Deputy around capacity. Informed by NPHET and public health guidance, consideration is being given to a range of these issues, including:
- Minimising the public health risk, especially given the difficulty of maintaining social distancing among young children and those caring for them, and the need for any restrictions to be consistent with young children’s well-being and development needs.
- Providing early learning and childcare for preschool children, meeting parental demand for early learning and childcare as the economy reopens, and meeting the commitment to retain places for families who paid for early learning and childcare before COVID-19, all while restricting capacity and thereby reducing adult-child ratios.
- Ensuring financial sustainability of the sector when capacity restrictions limit income and parents cannot afford to cover any higher costs with higher fees.
- Ensuring a sufficient number of qualified early learning and childcare practitioners, given likelihood of reduced adult-child ratios and existing challenges with recruitment and retention.
I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector to make sure that the work on reopening services is informed by the practical reality across the country. I have established and Chair an Advisory Group that includes representatives chosen by the sector, specifically the Association of Childhood Professionals, Community Forum, Early Childhood Ireland, National Childhood Network, PLÉ and Seas Suas. The group also includes Tusla, Pobal, SIPTU and Childminding Ireland. The first meeting of this Advisory Group took place on 13 May and I held follow up meetings on 15 and 19 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.
The proposals for reopening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions. I am conscious that the proposed timelines are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.
It is my fervent hope that every ELC and SAC service around the country is currently considering how it can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how it can support children from June 29th in the very difficult circumstances they have experienced in recent months. I am committed to ensuring as far as is practicable that COVID does not add to the affordability issues already being experienced with regard to childcare in Ireland.
I will undertake to update the Deputy as soon as the work on reopening services is at a more advanced stage.
1133. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if re-registrations and inspections for crèches that were expected to take place before June 2020 will be rescheduled; and the arrangements that will be put in place in this regard. [6076/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matters to which the Deputy refers are an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly within 10 working days.
1134. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of crèches in respect of which re-registration procedures are in process. [6077/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matter to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly within 10 working days.
1135. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in the care of the State in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; the number of these cases linked with voluntary consent in each of the years in tabular form; the number of these cases in which the voluntary consent has been used indefinitely in each year in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6147/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to 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
1136. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number and names of persons taking part in the advisory group analysing the reopening of early years services; the name of the six representative organisations that are participating; the planned schedule of the group meetings; if the minutes of these meetings will be uploaded to the website of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.
The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to re-open. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased re-opening will enable sufficient time and planning to re-open in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted re-opening of ELC and SAC services.
I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector to make sure that the work on re-opening services is informed by the practical reality across the country. I have established and Chair an Advisory Group, as referred to by the Deputy, comprising the following representatives from the sector, my Department, SIPTU, Pobal, and Tusla:
Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Minister Katherine Zappone (Chair)
Bernie McNally
Anne-Marie Brooks
Mark Considine
Toby Wolfe
Sectoral representatives
Marian Quinn, Association of Childhood Professionals Ireland
Marie Daly, National Community Childcare Forum
Teresa Heeney, Early Childhood Ireland
Denise McCormilla, National Childhood Network
Mary Moloney, PLÉ (National Association of Higher Education Institutions offering Degree Level Training in Early Childhood Care and Education) and Chair Professionalisation Sub- Group of DCYA National Early Years Forum
Regina Bushell, Seas Suas (Independent Early Education and Childcare Providers)
Childminding representative
Bernadette Burke, Childminding Ireland
Union representative
Diane Jackson, SIPTU
Tusla
Fiona McDonnell
Pobal
David Burke
Margaret Rogers
The proposed meeting dates for this group are as follows:
13 May 2020
15 May 2020
19 May 2020
26 May 2020
2 June 2020
9 June 2020
Additional meetings may be held as and when the need arises. We plan to publish as much material related to the working of the group as soon as possible.
The proposals for re-opening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions. I am conscious that the proposed timelines in the Roadmap are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.
There are a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for re-opening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector.
It is my fervent hope that every early education and childcare service around the country is currently considering how it can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how it can support children from June 29th in the very difficult circumstances they have experienced in recent months.
1137. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a strategy is being developed to facilitate childminders restarting their service; if public health advice has been sought on this issue; the public health advice offered in order that childminding can restart; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6230/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to progress readiness measures in preparation of phased reopening of early learning and care and school-age facilities, including childminders, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. These measures will be cleared by Public Health experts.
I have established an Advisory Group to support this work. Six sectorial representatives were nominated by the Professionalisation Sub Group of the Early Years Forum. These include representatives from Association of Childhood Professionals (ACP), National Childhood Network (NCN), National Forum for Community Childcare Services, Seas Suas, Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) and Plé.
SIPTU is also a member of the group in accordance with the requirement of the Return to Work Safely Protocol issued by Government on 9th May to consult with Trade Unions. Childminders are represented by Childminding Ireland.
1138. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the projected capacity percentage rate allowable in centre-based early years services as they begin to open to all workers; the way in which providers will know when they can increase their capacity and slowly work back to the original capacity; the way in which it is planned to monitor adherence to reduced capacity rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6320/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The reopening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.
The future stages of the Roadmap's reopening of ELC/SAC services are stated as follows:
Phase 3 (29 June), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of essential workers in a phased manner with social distancing and other requirements applying.
Phase 4 (20 July), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing phased basis and slowly increasing thereafter.
The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to reopen. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased reopening will enable sufficient time and planning to reopen in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted reopening of ELC and SAC services.
My Department is currently working with the sector to answer the many questions that exist. This is complex work and must balance a number of important issues, including many of those identified by the Deputy. Informed by NPHET and public health guidance, consideration is being given to a range of these issues, including:
- Minimising the public health risk, especially given the difficulty of maintaining social distancing among young children and those caring for them,
- Ensuring the need for any restrictions to be consistent with young children’s well-being and development needs and for ELC and SAC provision at each phase to be child-centred
- Providing ELC for preschool children, meeting parental demand for ELC and SAC as the economy reopens, and meeting the commitment to retain places for families who paid for ELC and SAC before COVID-19, all while restricting capacity and thereby reducing adult-child ratios.
- Ensuring financial sustainability of the sector when capacity restrictions limit income and parents cannot afford to cover any higher costs with higher fees.
- Ensuring a sufficient number of qualified ELC and SAC practitioners, given likelihood of reduced adult-child ratios and existing challenges with recruitment and retention.
I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector to make sure that the work on reopening services is informed by the practical reality across the country. I have established and Chair an Advisory Group that includes representatives chosen by the sector, specifically the Association of Childhood Professionals, Community Forum, Early Childhood Ireland, National Childhood Network, PLÉ and Seas Suas. The group also includes Tusla, Pobal, SIPTU and Childminding Ireland. The first meeting of this Advisory Group took place on 13 May and I held follow up meetings on 15 and 19 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.
The proposals for reopening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions. I am conscious that the proposed timelines are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.
There are a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for reopening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector.
It is my fervent hope that every ELC and SAC service around the country is currently considering how it can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how it can support children from June 29th in the very difficult circumstances they have experienced in recent months.
I hope the Deputy can appreciate that the issues raised are under consideration but that I cannot provide more detail at this time while proposals are in development. I will undertake to update the Deputy as soon as the work on reopening services is at a more advanced stage.
1140. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who have remained in State care after the end date of their voluntary care arrangement over the past number of years. [6336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to 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.
1141. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures being taken to address legal oversight of the voluntary arrangements of Tusla for children in care. [6337/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to 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.
1142. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if voluntary consent was reviewed by Tusla during child-in-care reviews further to recent articles on the subject. [6338/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to 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.
1143. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the public health advice offered regarding grandparents having to mind their grandchildren when parents return to work in circumstances in which there is limited capacity or service at their normal childcare provider; the supports her Department is putting in place for such parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6385/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The phase re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.
The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to re-open. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased re-opening will enable sufficient time and planning to re-open in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted re-opening of ELC and SAC services.
The proposals for re-opening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions. I am conscious that the proposed timelines are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.
I am also conscious of the fact that the public health situation might lead to reduced capacity in childcare services, which may create pressures for parents returning to work. My Department is working with the childcare sector on the phased provision of early learning and care and school-age childcare to ensure that services can re-open safely and support parents as effectively as possible. Where parents are making other arrangements for care, I would urge them to adhere to the latest public health advice from the HSE in doing so.
I will undertake to update the Deputy as soon as the work on re-opening services is at a more advanced stage.
1144. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated full-year cost if the budget for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services increased by 9%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6517/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding and coordination supports to almost 60 organisations that deliver a range of services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) throughout the country.
In 2020, €25.3 million is being allocated to Tusla for DSGBV services.
To increase Tusla's funding for DSGBV services by 9% would therefore require an additional €2.3m, giving a full year cost of approximately €27.6m.
1145. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a person (details supplied) will be eligible for the proposed childcare for essential workers scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6546/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers was cancelled on the 13th May.
My primary focus now, and that of my Department, is to work towards the significant challenges of a phased reopening of early learning and childcare facilities for 29th June, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
I have established an advisory group to support this process and I have chaired two meetings of this group.
My Department will be communicating with the wider childcare sector in the coming weeks as plans advance
Identifying essential workers, as referred to by the Deputy, is part of the wider Government effort to ensure that society and businesses are re-opened in a carefully managed and safe manner.
1146. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of applications received for capital works for playgrounds; the local authorities that applied; and the projects applied for in tabular form. [6579/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department announced the opening of the Capital Grant Funding Scheme for the refurbishment of existing playgrounds and/or the incorporation of natural play spaces on the 20th February 2020. The scheme was open to all 31 Local Authorities to make 1 application with a maximum of 3 projects.
This year 27 Local Authorities applied for funding in respect of 49 individual projects. The following table details the Local Authorities who applied for the funding and a description of the projects proposed.
|
Local Authority |
Project |
Approved/Refused |
Amount |
|
Roscommon P1 |
Lecarrow Playground; Installation of additional Sensory & Accessible Play Panels and replacement of the existing cradle swing seat with a Disabled Seat |
Approved |
€2,357 |
|
Roscommon P2 |
Ballyforan Playground; replace equipment with new inclusive equipment |
Approved |
€3,598 |
|
Roscommon P3 |
Monksland Playground; Replacement of existing basket swing with a Disabled Swing and to replace the existing rotating disc with an Orbit Inclusive Roundabout. |
Approved |
€8,042 |
|
Cavan |
Con Smith Park Playground (Multi Play Unit) - Refurbishment Works Phase 2 |
Approved |
€12,744 |
|
Clare |
Rainbow Park Playground refurbishment |
Approved |
€16,500 |
|
Cork City P1 |
The Lough Playground refurbishment |
Approved |
€7,500 |
|
Cork City P2 |
Shalom Park Playground Refurbishment; New double swing unit and safer surfacing to be installed |
Approved |
€3,750 |
|
Cork City P3 |
Meelick Park Playground refurbishment; New double swing unit and safer surfacing installed. |
Approved |
€3,750 |
|
Cork County |
Create a new Natural Play Playground |
Refused |
|
|
Donegal |
Ard na Ri Playground refurbishment |
Approved |
€19,500 |
|
Dublin City |
Phase 3 - Re-imagining Stardust Playground refurbishment |
Approved |
€22,500 |
|
Fingal |
Robswall Playground; upgrade of existing playground in Malahide, increase accessibility and inclusivity |
Approved |
€16,500 |
|
Galway City P1 |
Doughiska Playground refurbishment; Refurbishment with a mix of natural play features and accessible equipment to the existing playground |
Approved |
€9,750 |
|
Galway City P2 |
An Sean Bhaile Playground; upgrading the two existing playgrounds to make the playgrounds more inclusive for all children regardless of ability. |
Approved |
€9,750 |
|
Galway County P1 |
Refurbishment of Tirboy Playground Tuam |
Approved |
€9,750 |
|
Galway County P2 |
Gort Road Playground Loughrea; refurbishment to include natural play elements |
Approved |
€5,500 |
|
Galway County P3 |
Refurbishment of St. Michaels Playground Ballinasloe |
Approved |
€3,250 |
|
Kerry P1 |
Ballybunion Playground refurbishment; Replace and augment existing equipment |
Approved |
€3,750 |
|
Kerry P2 |
Fenit Playground; Replace and augment existing equipment |
Approved |
€11,000 |
|
Kildare |
Leixlip Playground; Regeneration and extension of existing playground. |
Approved |
€16,500 |
|
Kilkenny P1 |
Refurbishment of Graiguenamanagh Playground |
Approved |
€2724 |
|
Kilkenny P2 |
Refurbishment of Thomastown Playground |
Approved |
€2,233 |
|
Kilkenny P3 |
Refurbishment of Castlecomer Playground |
Approved |
€1,000 |
|
Laois |
Rathdowney Playground; Refurbishment & Accessibility Upgrade |
Approved |
€22,500 |
|
Leitrim |
Drumshanbo Acres Lake Playground; refurbishment of junior unit |
Approved |
€22,500 |
|
Limerick P1 |
Refurbishment of Castleconnell Playground |
Approved |
€4,650 |
|
Limerick P2 |
Refurbishment of Abbeyfeale Playground |
Approved |
€4,800 |
|
Limerick P3 |
Refurbishment of Newcastlewest Playground |
Approved |
€5,550 |
|
Longford |
Refurbishment and extension of Granard Playground; Refurbishment of Playground and inclusion of natural play elements. |
Approved |
€16,250 |
|
Louth |
St. Dominic’s Playground Improvement, Drogheda, Co Louth; to include refurbishment of the existing play equipment and installation of natural play equipment. |
Approved |
€16,500 |
|
Mayo |
Playground at Leisure Centre Westport; Upgrade and replace sections of the safety surfacing and repair and/or replace existing equipment. |
Approved |
€16,500 |
|
Meath |
Clogherboy Playground, Skatepark and MUGA; Repairs and refurbishment to be carried out. |
Approved |
€19,500 |
|
Monaghan |
Refurbishment & extension of O’Neill Park Playground, Clones |
Approved |
€19,500 |
|
Offaly P1 |
Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore Playground; Repair of playground equipment & upgrade of playground seating. |
Approved |
€4,219 |
|
Offaly P2 |
Connolly / Kearney Playground, Tullamore; repair of playground equipment |
Approved |
€1,406 |
|
Offaly P3 |
Birr Playground refurbishment; Addition of equipment such as wheelchair swing, provide for wheelchair access to carousel and provision of additional lighting |
Approved |
€7,500 |
|
Sligo P1 |
Refurbishment at Ballymote Playground |
Approved |
€4,988 |
|
Sligo P2 |
Refurbishment works at Riverstown Playground |
Refused |
|
|
Sligo P3 |
Refurbishment works at Dromore West Playground |
Refused |
|
|
South Dublin |
Corkagh Park Playground; refurbishment and addition of a Natural Play Trail. |
Approved |
€24,000 |
|
Tipperary P1 |
Elm Park Playground, Clonmel, Co Tipperary; Upgrading the existing facility to ensure longevity and continuous use of this amenity within the Elm Park Estate. |
Approved |
€8,250 |
|
Tipperary P2 |
Fairgreen Playground, Carrick-on-Suir; Refurbishment of Playground |
Approved |
€8,250 |
|
Waterford P1 |
Waterford City Manor St John Playground; Installation of inclusive swings, double slide and inclusive roundabout |
Approved |
€11,550 |
|
Waterford P2 |
Tramore Inclusion Park Playground; Installation of a new inclusive peddle go-round |
Approved |
€4,950 |
|
Westmeath P1 |
Clonmellon Playground upgrade works |
Approved |
€5,000 |
|
Westmeath P2 |
Killucan Playground upgrade works |
Approved |
€5,000 |
|
Westmeath P3 |
Ballinahown village playground upgrade |
Approved |
€7,500 |
|
Wicklow P1 |
Wicklow Town Murrough playground – all-inclusive play element to be installed |
Approved |
€5,625 |
|
Wicklow P2 |
Wicklow Town Ballynerrin Playground refurbishment |
Approved |
€12,375 |
Of the 49 project applications , 46 were approved for funding with 3 projects failing to meet the minimum criteria. Local Authorities could apply for funding for the refurbishment of existing playgrounds and / or the incorporation of natural play spaces. The funding scheme was not open to applications for new playgrounds or new natural play spaces.
The following criteria applied to funding under the DCYA Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation 2020. In order to be eligible for funding each application required a score of at least 30% in every criteria:
- All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them i.e. outside of school hours (30 marks)
- All facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people with special needs (30)
- All facilities and equipment funded must be youth-friendly and safe (30 marks)
- All projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence, or a commitment to providing evidence, that children and young people living locally who will have access to the facility have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought. (20 marks)
- Evidence of ability to complete the project / expenditure within the timeframe (10 marks)
Local Authorities were also required to provide confirmation that No Smoking signage will be displayed in play spaces and facilities.
1147. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if additional support and protection is available for children at risk of neglect, violence or exploitation during the public health emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6639/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when au pairs and childminders who work alone minding children in another home can return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6767/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs per HSE guidance and in accordance with the regulations under the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2000, childminders who care for the children of essential workers in the children's home were permitted to continue working after childcare facilities were closed on 12 March, and are themselves considered essential workers.
Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which is currently scheduled to begin on 29 June, provides for the opening of childminders (along with the opening of creches and preschools) for essential workers, in a phased manner.
1149. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on correspondence from a childcare centre manager regarding reopening (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6811/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The reopening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.
The future stages of the Roadmap's reopening of ELC/SAC services are stated as follows:
Phase 3 (29 June), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of essential workers in a phased manner with social distancing and other requirements applying.
Phase 4 (20 July), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing phased basis and slowly increasing thereafter.
The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to reopen. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased reopening will enable sufficient time and planning to reopen in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted reopening of ELC and SAC services.
My Department is currently working with the sector to answer the many questions that exist. This is complex work and must balance a number of important issues, including those mentioned by the Deputy around capacity. Informed by NPHET and public health guidance, consideration is being given to a range of these issues, including:
- Minimising the public health risk, especially given the difficulty of maintaining social distancing among young children and those caring for them,
- Ensuring the need for any restrictions to be consistent with young children’s well-being and development needs and for ELC and SAC provision at each phase to be child-centred
- Providing ELC for preschool children, meeting parental demand for ELC and SAC as the economy reopens, and meeting the commitment to retain places for families who paid for ELC and SAC before COVID-19, all while restricting capacity and thereby reducing adult-child ratios.
- Ensuring financial sustainability of the sector when capacity restrictions limit income and parents cannot afford to cover any higher costs with higher fees.
- Ensuring a sufficient number of qualified ELC and SAC practitioners, given likelihood of reduced adult-child ratios and existing challenges with recruitment and retention.
I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector to make sure that the work on reopening services is informed by the practical reality across the country. I have established and Chair an Advisory Group that includes representatives chosen by the sector, specifically the Association of Childhood Professionals, Community Forum, Early Childhood Ireland, National Childhood Network, PLÉ and Seas Suas. The group also includes Tusla, Pobal, SIPTU and Childminding Ireland. The first meeting of this Advisory Group took place on 13 May and I held follow up meetings on 15 and 19 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.
The proposals for reopening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions. I am conscious that the proposed timelines are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.
There are a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for reopening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector.
It is my fervent hope that every ELC and SAC around the country is currently considering how it can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how it can support children from June 29th in the very difficult circumstances they have experienced in recent months.
I will undertake to update the Deputy as soon as the work on reopening services is at a more advanced stage.
1150. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in the care of the State who have tested positive for Covid-19. [6845/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1151. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to backdate supports to crèches that were delayed in submitting their application to the employers subsidy scheme. [6846/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the 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 for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.
Recognising this, I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) on 15 April. This scheme is a very significant measure to support the sector. The aim of the TWSCS is threefold:
- to support the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;
- to provide parents with a reassurance that if their ELC and SAC provider signs up to the scheme, they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, and they will maintain their ELC / SAC place when services resume and
- to give Early Learning and Care practitioners security and to retain these vital Educators in the sector.
The TWSCS is a supplement to the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), to enhance its provisions for the particular needs of the ELC and SAC sector. It is effective from 6 April 2020 for services who have signed up and completed the necessary application process.
The TWSCS provides participating service providers with a payment to be used towards ongoing overhead costs. This payment is backdated to 6 April 2020.
The TWSCS also provides payments to top-up wages of eligible ELC and SAC staff, supplementing the subsidy provided under the TWSS. In line with the Revenue guidance on their scheme, the TWSS cannot be applied retrospectively. An employer must not amend a payroll submission already reported to Revenue in order to qualify for the scheme. However, where ELC and SAC providers have provided top-ups to the maximum additional payment an employer can make to receive full wage subsidy under the Revenue scheme, and this is reflected on payrolls submitted to Revenue since 6 April 2020, my Department will reimburse the providers for these additional payments.
1152. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to publish the report into the operation of the Oberstown children’s detention centre in the coming months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6847/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to the report of an external independent review of operations and best practice at the Campus that was commissioned by the Oberstown Board of Management in September 2016. The review was undertaken by Professor Barry Goldson and Professor Nicholas Hardwick. The report was submitted to the Board of Management of Oberstown in February 2017 and to me in March 2017.
The Board of Oberstown took independent legal advice on the question of publication of the review, which stated that there were legal risks around publication. Following careful examination, the Board was not in a position to satisfy itself, or me, that fair procedures had been applied before the report was finalised and submitted. In light of the legal risks associated with publication, the Board, with great reluctance, decided not to publish the report. The Board considered it necessary to strike the balance between the public interest in publishing the report and avoiding the substantial legal risks associated with such publication. The Board published the recommendations of the review in full, together with a detailed Board response to each recommendation.
I also sought the advice of the Attorney General, who advised that publication of the report was fraught with legal risk. Following detailed consideration of the complex matters involved I concluded that it was not appropriate to publish the full report. This remains the position.
1153. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and the projected date for the publication of its report. [6848/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I announced on 14 February 2020, the Government has granted a short extension in order for the Commission of Investigation to complete its inquiries and finalise all matters required to deliver a final report.
The Commission is now required to submit its final report to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs by the 26 June 2020.
There are a number of procedural matters to be considered prior to publication of a Commission's final report. While there is no projected date for publication I would like to see the final report published as soon as practicable after its submission. Arrangements for publication of the report will ultimately be a matter for Government.
1154. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of her Department's €25.3 million budgetary allocation for 2020 for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence related services. [6852/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commissioning of DSGBV services is an operational matter for Tusla, Child and Family Agency. I have asked the Agency to respond directly on this matter providing the requested breakdown of allocation for 2020.
1155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional budgetary allocation related to Covid-19 for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence related services her Department has allocated. [6853/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for almost 60 organisations that deliver services for these victims. This includes funding and coordinated supports for 22 services that provide emergency refuge and non-refuge accommodation to victims of domestic violence.
Tusla has advised the Department that, to date, it has allocated an additional €250,000 to DSGBV service providers to support continuity of business and essential service provision related to COVID-19 including additional accommodation; staffing capacity and ICT to enable remote working. The Agency has advised that the full year forecast is an estimated €0.750 million in additional funding for the DSGBV Services voluntary sector due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
