Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 877-897

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (878)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

878. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the definition of essential workers that will be offered childcare under phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the way in which the definition was reached; if a list of essential workers is available in order to inform employees if they will be entitled to childcare; the childcare plans in place for workers not deemed essential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7706/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

On 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.

My Department remains strongly focused on developing solutions to the significant challenges of a phased reopening of early learning and care and childcare facilities for 29 June 2020.

The Roadmap proposes the gradual re-opening of ELC/SAC services across all phases 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; and

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.

Essential workers are workers providing an essential service. A list of services that are currently defined as essential can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dfeb8f-list-of-essential-service-providers-under-new-public-health-guidelin/ . Any amendments to this list of essential services are a matter for Government.

The phased re-opening enables some time and planning to ensure re-opening in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. 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.

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 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, 19 and 26 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (879)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

879. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the name and location of the crèches that signed up to the outreach service that was due to commence on 18 June 2020, in tabular form; if the services were community or private; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7707/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to name the crèches that volunteered for this scheme. I can confirm that of the 7 Providers that came forward 1 was a community service and 6 were private services. I can further inform the Deputy that providers volunteered from the following counties; Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Kerry.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (880)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

880. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for reopening childcare facilities under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and the way in which this will be managed safely. [7712/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

On 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 future stages of the Roadmap's re-opening 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 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.

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. My Department has sought public health advice in relation to the plans being put forward, in order to ensure that the reopening of ELC and SAC services is managed safely. Informed by this advice, 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 pre-school 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 re-opening 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, 19 and 26 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.

The proposals for re-opening which are well advanced 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 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 the circa 2000 ELC and SAC services around the country that normally open in July and August are currently considering how they can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how they 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 re-opening services is at a more advanced stage. I am committed to sharing guidelines as soon as possible after they have been finalised with the assistance of the Advisory Group.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (881)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

881. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the opening of crèches and schools will be expedited in order to protect the development of children. [7748/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

On 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 future stages of the Roadmap's re-opening 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.

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 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, 19 and 26 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.

The proposals for re-opening which are at an advanced stage 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.

In the interim, my Department has undertaken a number of actions to support children during this difficult time, including the Lets Play Ireland campaign and online resources (on the First 5 website) for parents of young children. My Department has also developed an online parent’s centre with information on a wide range of issues relevant to parents.

I know the Deputy is as concerned as I am about the health and well-being of young children. Be assured that I intend to move carefully but in a steadfast manner to reopen crèches and pre-schools as soon as possible and in line with public health advice.

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (882)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

882. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of childminders that have registered quarterly in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [7792/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

As 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (883)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

883. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason an organisation (details supplied) has not been included in talks taking place on the reopening of the childcare sector; the criteria used to select the representative groups; if she has received communications from the organisation or its members asking to be included in the talks; if she will add the group to the talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7806/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The Deputy is aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government and my Department.

My Department and I are engaging extensively with stakeholders in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age (SAC) sector, including the representative group referred to by the Deputy.

Consultation with stakeholders has always been central to the work of my Department, and the Early Years Forum (EY Forum) is a key part of this. The EY Forum meets several times a year and includes representatives of providers, parents and academics with an interest in the ELC and SAC sector. I established the ‘EY Forum Plus’ in March 2020 to widen representation by the sector, to aid my Department in developing a response to Covid-19. The representative group referred to by the Deputy is a member of the EY Forum Plus, which has met on a number of occasions over the past three months. Additionally there has been several more informal interactions between the representative group and my officials where their point of view was listened to and information shared with them.

I recently established an Advisory Group on the phased re-opening of childcare services. It had its first meeting on 13 May and has met 3 times since. In establishing the group, I provided six places for sectoral representatives. The sector itself decided on the nominees and these include representatives from the Association of Childhood Professionals, PLÉ, Seas Suas, Early Childhood Ireland, the National Childhood Network and the National Community Forum. Many of these groups represent providers. Childminding Ireland and SIPTU are also members of the group.

A number of additional provider representative groups have contacted my Department seeking to be added to the membership of the Advisory Group, including the group referred to by the Deputy. In response to such requests, I have established a Reference Group, to supplement the work of the Advisory Group. I will chair the first meeting of the Reference Group on 28 May. The representative group referred to by the Deputy has accepted my invitation to join the Reference Group and I have made clear that I welcome any submissions the group may wish to make at any time.

In addition to the above, my officials are also engaging directly with all 4,500 providers across the country through regular emails, and are seeking their input to COVID related challenges through a survey of all providers and an open call for submissions.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (884)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

884. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has engaged substantially with an organisation (details supplied) in reference to the Covid-19 crisis. [7819/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The Deputy is aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government and my Department.

My Department and I are engaging extensively with stakeholders in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age (SAC) sector, including the representative group referred to by the Deputy.

Consultation with stakeholders has always been central to the work of my Department, and the Early Years Forum (EY Forum) is a key part of this. The EY Forum meets several times a year and includes representatives of providers, parents and academics with an interest in the ELC and SAC sector. I established the ‘EY Forum Plus’ in March 2020 to widen representation by the sector, to aid my Department in developing a response to Covid-19. The group referred to by the Deputy is a member of this Forum Plus group, which has met on a number of occasions over the past three months. In addition, there has been a number of informal engagements by its representative where officials have listened to the group's views and experiences, and provided information.

I recently established an Advisory Group on the phased re-opening of childcare services, which had its first meeting on 13 May. When establishing the group, I made six places available to the sector. The sector itself chose its six representatives. These include representatives from the Association of Childhood Professionals, Seas Suas, PLÉ, the National Children's Network, the National Community Forum and Early Childhood Ireland. Many of these represent providers. Childminding Ireland and SIPTU also sit on the group.

A number of provider representative groups have contacted my Department seeking to be added to the membership of the Advisory Group, including the group referred to by the Deputy. In response to such requests, I have established a Reference Group, to supplement the work of the Advisory Group. I will chair the first meeting of the Reference Group on 28 May. The representative group referred to by the Deputy has accepted my invitation to join the Reference Group. I continue to encourage submissions from all representatives of the sector.

Insurance Coverage

Ceisteanna (885)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

885. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures she has taken to ensure that all childcare facilities are provided insurance cover for Covid-19 when they reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7924/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The Deputy is aware that childcare providers are private sector operators, 75% of which are private companies or sole traders, with 25% being community based services. Insurance for childcare providers is provided by a small number of commercial underwriters and brokers.

My Department has been in contact with the insurance sector to see what cover can be provided for the phased reopening of centre based early learning and care. Allianz, who provides insurance for 95% of centre based early learning and care providers, have confirmed that they will provide insurance for services which reopen in accordance with the Government Roadmap, and that they will not apply a Covid-19 exclusion.

Providers’ existing insurance policies will apply, provided that they adhere to the measures and guidelines for reopening which will be set out by my Department, the HSE and other relevant authorities.

As reopening will be on a phased basis, some children may need to move, on a temporary basis, to a new childcare provider. Allianz has agreed to insure the new childcare providers in such cases, subject to appropriate risk assessments and checks being undertaken, as would ordinarily be the case when registering a new child.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (886)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

886. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures and supports that will be in place for childcare centres when they reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7925/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

On 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 future stages of the Roadmap's re-opening 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 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.

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. My Department has sought public health advice in relation to the plans being put forward. Informed by this advice, 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 pre-school 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 re-opening 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, 19 and 26 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.

I am also establishing a Reference Group to widen the scope of consultation with the ELC and SAC sector, to supplement the work of the Advisory Group and to give an opportunity to provider representatives who are not represented on this group to make their views known to me and my officials. I hope to hold periodic meetings of the Group as we work through the phased reopening of the ELC and SAC sector. The first meeting of the Reference Group will be held on Thursday, 28 May 2020.

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.

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 all circa 2000 ELC and SAC services around the country which are normally open in July and August are currently considering how they can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how they 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 re-opening services is at a more advanced stage. I am committed to sharing guidelines and a range of other resources as soon as possible after they have been finalised with the assistance of the Advisory Group.

Insurance Coverage

Ceisteanna (887)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

887. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she will take to ensure childcare providers insurance includes cover for Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8056/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The Deputy is aware that childcare providers are private sector operators, 75% of which are private companies or sole traders, with 25% being community based services. Insurance for childcare providers is provided by a small number of commercial underwriters and brokers.

My Department has been in contact with the insurance sector to see what cover can be provided for the phased reopening of centre based early learning and care. Allianz, who provides insurance for 95% of centre based early learning and care providers, have confirmed that they will provide insurance for services which reopen in accordance with the Government Roadmap, and that they will not apply a Covid-19 exclusion.

Providers’ existing insurance policies will apply, provided that they adhere to the measures and guidelines for reopening which will be set out by my Department, the HSE and other relevant authorities.

As reopening will be on a phased basis, some children may need to move, on a temporary basis, to a new childcare provider. Allianz has agreed to insure the new childcare providers in such cases, subject to appropriate risk assessments and checks being undertaken, as would ordinarily be the case when registering a new child.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (888, 889)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

888. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the proposals she put forward at the recent EU meeting of youth ministers in respect of the need to provide additional supports to young persons through the youth sector; if the EU will provide funding to support the provision of vital services for young persons through these difficult times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8070/20]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

889. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional funding that will be provided to the youth sector to support young persons particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable young persons during these difficult times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8071/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 888 and 889 together.

As the Deputy may appreciate I must be mindful of the ongoing talks on Government formation in making any comments on future funding or policies.

In the present difficult circumstances, I have made my position clear that the funding provided to youth services across the country is both necessary and essential. Funding to services, for youth clubs and to national youth organisations has been maintained. I secured €61.79 million in current funding for my Department's youth funding, an increase of €1.4 million on 2019.

My officials have been in regular contact with national youth organisation and the Education and Training Boards to monitor the situation affecting youth services funded by my Department. I applaud the many services that are delivering essential work in their communities and that have innovated and adapted to find new and different ways of engaging young persons.

Many organisations now find themselves in financial difficulty due to the ongoing crisis. My colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development put in place a scheme using Dormant Accounts funding. This comprises €35 million for a Covid-19 Stability Fund and €5 million as a commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, ‘Innovate Together’, to focus on projects that provide innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.

I can further advise the Deputy that services that have had to reduce services or hours may be in a position to avail of the other supports provided by the Government, and information is available on the website www.gov.ie, regarding the respective roles of Revenue and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

With regard to the informal video conference of EU Ministers for Youth on the 19 May, I communicated my intention to continue funding for youth organisations in Ireland throughout this crisis period. I highlighted in particular how this funding would allow the continuation of targeted youth support to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

Child Abuse

Ceisteanna (890)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

890. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to set up a public enquiry into an organisation (details supplied) in view of the publication of a report to establish the facts formally, including an examination of the actions of staff and volunteers and to make recommendations for change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8129/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The initiation of any independent inquiry is a very significant matter and one which will require careful consideration.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have previously taken a number of actions in response to allegations of poor safeguarding policies and practice in Scouting Ireland. These included the suspension of funding pending the appointment of a new Board, the appointment of Ms Jillian Van Turnhout to conduct a review of governance, which was completed in June 2018, and the requirement for regular updates on governance reforms by Scouting Ireland to my Department.

In addition, earlier this year, I appointed Ms Brigid McManus to conduct a follow-up review of governance in Scouting Ireland. This was published on 8th May and confirmed that all of Ms Van Turnhout’s recommendations had been satisfactorily implemented, while outlining a small number of matters for follow up.

I welcome the publication by Mr. Elliott of his learning review into historical sexual abuse in scouting. My thoughts are with the adults who suffered so gravely as children through their involvement with scouting and who have carried this burden with them into their adult lives.

I met with Mr Elliott, following receipt of his review, and was pleased to hear that, notwithstanding the seriousness of the findings, he was very positive about the current governance arrangements in Scouting Ireland, with a Board that is strong and well-functioning, and with robust safeguarding in place. Tusla has also written to the Department to indicate its satisfaction with current safeguarding practice in Scouting Ireland, particularly as it relates to the agreed Scouting Ireland / Tusla Action Plan.

The Government had previously undertaken to give careful consideration to the question of an appropriate statutory investigation following the RTÉ Investigates programme “Scouts Dishonour”. It was appropriate for Government to await the reports from Ms Brigid McManus and Mr Ian Elliott to inform this consideration. In this regard, it is noted that Mr Elliott’s report suggests that a statutory inquiry may face the same limitations as his Learning Review. Mr Elliott has also emphasised the cooperation of Scouting Ireland in relation to his review. As such, a key factor is whether a statutory or public inquiry would uncover new information. This is something which will need to be taken into account in contemplating the question of an inquiry.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (891)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

891. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to provide childcare for healthcare workers; her further plans to bring forward a suitable scheme without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8168/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The 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.

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Ceisteanna (892)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

892. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there has been an increase in demand for refuges for victims of domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic; the number of beds and space available to families and persons; the conditions in homes during the Covid-19 pandemic; if they are experiencing overcrowding; if there a few or no vacancies; if they face new or unusual challenges including social distancing, rotation, distance from abusers and health safety issues; and if additional supports including financial have been made available to existing service providers during the crisis. [8263/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Katherine Zappone)

The 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. DCYA is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for some 60 organisations that deliver services for these victims. This includes funding and coordinated supports for 21 services that provide emergency refuge and non-refuge accommodation to victims of domestic violence.

Tusla has advised that there is currently a relatively low demand for refuge, with some vacant units, most likely reflecting challenges for women around access to services in the current context rather than lower levels of need. Levels of demand are however, beginning to rise.

Tusla is aware of reduced capacity within some refuges, due to requirements to enforce social distancing or self-isolation measures, particularly where communal facilities may exist. There is also a requirement for additional capacity to address medically advised self-isolation requirements for service users. As facilities, accommodation and arrangements are specific to each service, Tusla is working with individual organisations to address any challenges arising in maintaining essential service provision.

Tusla reports that as of 22 May 2020, 101 of the 139 family units that would usually be available for victims of domestic violence, were also in use or available for use. To mitigate the impact of social distancing and isolation measures, an additional 45 refuge and non-refuge accommodation units for service users have been secured in the community (as of 22 May 2020), through the efforts of local services with support from Tusla. In total, Tusla had 146 family units available to it on 22 May 2020.

Tusla is aware that there are and will be issues for service providers, including refuges, throughout and beyond the period of the current emergency public health measures. Tusla has redeployed six members of staff to emergency accommodation services for victims of domestic violence. A total of 18 relief staff are in use across the system, as of 22 May 2020. Tusla has also provided a guidance document to all refuges, mainly in regard to contingency planning in the current health crisis. All guidance is in line with public health guidelines from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

It should be emphasised that the current restrictions on movement do not apply to a person escaping from a risk of harm or seeking to access essential services, such as persons experiencing domestic violence. Tusla provides financial support to the Women’s Aid and Male Advice helplines, so that anyone experiencing domestic violence can receive assistance and advice at a time of need.

To date, Tusla has provided additional funding of approximately €279,964 across DSGBV services since the commencement of the COVID-19 crisis in Ireland. This includes funding for additional staffing, ICT resources for staff working from home, and access to additional accommodation. The matter of funding will be kept under review, and Tusla will continue to engage with service providers regarding issues and difficulties that may arise at this time.

Burial Grounds

Ceisteanna (893)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

893. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if new schemes have been announced to provide funding to community groups maintaining cemeteries no longer able to carry out maintenance due to social distancing requirements and that can no longer fundraise or raise funds through donations in the community to pay contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7295/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional area.

While my Department does not provide direct funding or grant assistance for the normal provision and maintenance of burial grounds, it does provide a range of supports to communities nationwide, helping people to participate in the development of their communities and providing funding to improve community facilities. For example, my Department funds the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which provides grants that may be relevant.

The CEP provided capital grants to the total value of €4.5m in 2019. Typical projects funded under this programme can include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks, common areas and spaces, CCTV equipment and energy efficiency-type projects. The CEP is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.

My Department is considering the appropriate approach for many of its programmes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Community Enhancement Programme is also being considered in that context.

LEADER Programmes

Ceisteanna (894)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

894. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the operation of the rural LEADER programme; the amount of rural LEADER funding drawn down to date for each of the 28 local action groups sub-regional areas; the amount of LEADER funding spent in each local action group, LAG, area; the number and types of projects completed to date in each LAG area; his plans to ensure that the deadlines for making applications under rural LEADER can be extended by each LAG in view of the Covid-19 emergency; his further plans to ensure that LAGs are supported to work with their local communities during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7054/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

LEADER is a multi-annual programme with a total budget of €250 million over the period 2014-2020. €225 million of this funding has been allocated as core funding to the 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) that deliver the LEADER programme. This funding is allocated to the LAGs for the full period of the programme rather than on an annual basis, to allow full flexibility to the LAGs.

The remaining €25 million is available for thematic schemes to be delivered at a national level and is allocated as projects are approved.

Table 1 below provides details of the total spend to date by the LAGs since the commencement of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme and includes:

- the cost of developing their Local Development Strategies at the outset of the programme (preparatory support);

- expenditure incurred on administration and on supporting the development of LEADER projects (administration & animation);

- funding provided to LEADER projects

Table 2 provides details of:

- the number of completed projects in each LAG area by project theme, where a final payment has issued.

The figures provided do not include payments made under national-level thematic schemes referred to above, which are funded outside of the core budget allocated to each LAG.

Funding under LEADER is drawn down as projects incur expenditure and the project promoter submits claims for payment to the LAGs. The approved works, or phases of works, must be completed by the project promoter prior to any final or phased payments being made.

Under the current LEADER programme, LAGs can continue to approve projects up to the end of December 2020. Payments can continue to be made drawn down after that date in respect of projects approved before the end of 2020.

The LEADER programme has remained operational throughout the COVID-19 crisis and payments have continued to be made to the Local Action Groups (LAGs), their Implementing Partners and to project promoters.

Nonetheless, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department has recognised the challenges faced by the LAGs in delivering the LEADER programme and, in that regard, has introduced a number of administrative flexibilities to support their ongoing operations. This, in turn, will assist project promoters. My Department's officials will keep this matter under review and will consider introducing further administrative flexibilities where deemed necessary.

Table 1: LEADER expenditure data as of 25 th May 2020

Local Action Group	Total Spend
Carlow	€2,884,826
Cavan	€3,838,642
Clare	€4,169,366
Cork North	€2,812,473
Cork South	€1,528,985
Cork West	€2,221,010
Donegal	€6,631,266
Dublin Rural	€2,306,098
Galway East	€3,065,856
Galway West	€1,525,267
Kerry	€6,139,261
Kildare	€1,794,115
Kilkenny	€2,945,511
Laois	€2,200,402
Leitrim	€3,024,946
Limerick	€5,128,258
Longford	€2,397,698
Louth	€2,737,583
Mayo	€5,816,138
Meath	€2,169,064
Monaghan	€3,170,618
Offaly	€4,631,098
Roscommon	€3,113,320
Sligo	€3,409,472
Tipperary	€5,047,557
Waterford	€4,309,024
Westmeath	€2,879,103
Wexford	€3,958,513
Wicklow	€2,126,483
Total	€97,981,953

Table 2: No. of LEADER projects completed by LAG and Theme as of 25 th May 2020

Local Action Group	Rural Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation Theme	Rural Environment Theme	Social Inclusion Theme	Total
Carlow	25	0	1	26
Cavan	32	1	15	48
Clare	42	5	24	71
Cork North	21	1	18	40
Cork South	4	0	12	16
Cork West	8	0	12	20
Donegal	46	4	44	94
Dublin Rural	16	2	14	32
Galway East	16	1	17	34
Galway West	15	1	11	27
Kerry	125	7	39	171
Kildare	9	1	5	15
Kilkenny	28	1	10	39
Laois	40	3	8	51
Leitrim	33	7	12	52
Limerick	21	7	25	53
Longford	35	0	11	46
Louth	38	8	20	66
Mayo	49	14	22	85
Meath	23	4	5	32
Monaghan	17	3	11	31
Offaly	62	6	34	102
Roscommon	15	1	9	25
Sligo	43	1	25	69
Tipperary	42	10	25	77
Waterford	34	1	8	43
Westmeath	34	1	15	50
Wexford	23	1	40	64
Wicklow	21	6	2	29
Grand Total	917	97	494	1508

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (895, 896, 897)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

895. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application for funding (details supplied) will be examined with a view to approving the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/20]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

896. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application for funding (details supplied) will be examined with a view to approving the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7570/20]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

897. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application for funding (details supplied) will be examined with a view to approving the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 895 to 897, inclusive, together.

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 second call for Category 2 applications for the Fund closed at on the 28th February and there was an excellent response from all across the country. My Department received 76 applications for funding under the call.

My Department is currently undertaking the initial assessment of the applications. The applications will then be discussed by the Project Advisory Board for the Fund, which is comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts.

On completion of this process, my Department will prepare a report setting out the projects which are recommended for approval and my role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. I confirm the applications you referred to have been received.