Written Answers Nos. 513-537
513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of old age pensioners in receipt of a pension in each of the past five years to date in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40481/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the attached tabular statement.
Tabular statement attached/
Number of recipients of state pension non-contributory and state pension contributory at the end of December in each of the years 2015 - 2019 and at the end of October 2020
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
State Pension Non-Contributory |
|
|
October 2020 |
95,416 |
447,024 |
|
December 2019 |
94,854 |
431,224 |
|
December 2018 |
95,263 |
411,660 |
|
December 2017 |
95,140 |
394,378 |
|
December 2016 |
95,221 |
377,062 |
|
December 2015 |
95,179 |
361,725 |
514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the number of persons in receipt of working family payment has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40482/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) , is an in-work supplement, which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with child dependents. WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with children, and to offer a financial incentive to pursue employment.
The number of persons (families) in receipt of WFP, in each of the past five years to date is as follows:
|
Year |
Number of WFP Recipients |
|
2015 |
55,913 |
|
2016 |
57,567 |
|
2017 |
57,745 |
|
2018 |
54,116 |
|
2019 |
53,104 |
|
* 2020 * Up to 27th November 2020 |
48,083 |
It should be noted that the above figures (excluding 2020) refer to the number of persons in receipt of WFP at week 52 of the relevant year. The numbers may fluctuate (increase or decrease) marginally from week to week.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
515. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the Christmas bonus will be paid; the categories of social welfare recipients that will receive same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40483/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Christmas Bonus will be paid in the week beginning 7th December to social welfare recipients such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on social welfare payments for all, or most, of their income.
In recognition of the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on employment levels and the sudden financial impact on individuals, the Bonus will be paid this year, on an exceptional basis, to people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for a period totalling 17 weeks or more and who are in payment on the date the Bonus is paid. It will also be paid to people on jobseeker payments who have been in receipt of these payments for four months or more.
In total, the Bonus will be paid to 1.6 million people, at a cost of €390 million.
People in receipt of the following payments will receive the Bonus:
- State Pensions and Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Pensions ;
- Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension, Disability Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Partial Capacity Benefit, Disablement Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Guardian’s payments;
- One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker’s Transition Payment, Deserted Wife’s Benefit and Allowance and Farm Assist;
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, Back to Education Allowance (over four months), Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme, TÚS, Gateway and Job Initiative;
- Supplementary Welfare Allowance (over 15 months), Daily Expenses Allowance (over 15 months), Magdalene Commission Scheme;
- On an exceptional basis this year, recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and equivalent recipients of Jobseeker’s Payments who have been on these payments for seventeen weeks or more.
516. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a representative of an organisation (details supplied) can be invited to join the Pensions Commission in order to ensure that a person who is currently living on the State pension will be on the commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40490/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of how critically important it is to ensure that the State Pension system provides adequate support to pensioners and that it continues to do that over the long term.
The Pensions Commission was established to examine sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of our Programme for Government commitment. More broadly, it will also consider the issue of retirement ages in employment contracts and consider how the pension system can further accommodate carers, who are predominantly women. These issues will be considered from a perspective of fiscal and social sustainability, and intergenerational fairness. I was delighted to attend its virtual inaugural meeting last week.
The membership of the Commission, approved by Government, reflects the need to have subject matter experts to deal with the complex social and public policy issues arising in pensions, as well as stakeholder representation which will keep the work of the Commission grounded. This includes representation of workers, employers, civil society, academics and those with technical and policy expertise. In this regard, the membership also includes those with involvement in organisations supporting older people.
I was keen to ensure that the Commission had strong female representation in its membership, and I am pleased that the majority of members – 6 out of 11 – are women. I am satisfied that the Commission, with its gender-balanced membership and extensive experience of social and public policy, is well equipped to grasp the potential impacts of any pensions reform options on affected groups, such as women, workers, and older people.
The full details of the Commission's membership are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ff7a2-minister-humphreys-addresses-inaugural-meeting-of-the-pensions-commission/.
As part of its work, the Commission has been asked to seek the views of recognized experts and representative/advocacy groups by means of submissions and/or presentations. The exact mechanisms for this engagement will be shaped by the Commission in due course.
It should be noted that while this Government is acutely conscious of the need to consider the sustainability of the State's finances, this is not the only consideration when thinking of the State pension age. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. The Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case, particularly in the context whereby many pensioners are dependent on the State Pension for all or most of their income.
In line with the Programme for Government, the Commission will report by 30 June of next year and the Government will take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within 6 months.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
517. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to extend further jobseeker's benefit due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker's Benefit is a weekly payment to people who have lost their employment and who satisfy the scheme's statutory conditions including the requirement to have paid sufficient social insurance contributions. This benefit is paid for 9 months (234 days) to people who have paid 260 or more PRSI contributions and for 6 months (156 days) to people who have paid less than 260 contributions.
If a person has exhausted their entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit they may apply for support under the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance which is payable to an individual of working age for as long as they continue to meet the conditionality of the scheme.
The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020, provides, amongst other provisions, for the attribution of social insurance contributions, for a prescribed period, to insured persons who were beneficiaries of certain income support payments. These payments include jobseekers benefit where an individual would otherwise be entitled to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
The attribution of contributions measure will ensure that eligible persons will have social insurance contributions attributed to them at the same value as they were paying while employed immediately before going on the payment. The measure means that people who lost their jobs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic will maintain their entitlements to short-term payments, as well as enhancing their PRSI records for long-term entitlements. Any person in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, where they had an underlying entitlement to PUP, and where that benefit has exhausted should contact their Intreo centre to assess their appropriate entitlement.
I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.
518. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to relax the jobseeker's allowance means testing process due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40493/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person who loses their job as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), which is not means tested.
For some people, depending on their family circumstances, it may be more beneficial to claim a jobseeker's payment, if they have an underlying entitlement to that payment. For example, for a person with a spouse or civil partner and children, the rate of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit would be higher than the highest rate of PUP.
Jobseeker's Allowance is one of a range of means-tested social assistance payments. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse / partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme.
The means assessment reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves so that social welfare expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most.
The means test for Jobseeker's Allowance takes into account the income of the claimant and their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, where applicable. Assessable income is a person or couple's gross earnings less deductions for PRSI, superannuation (including AVCs and PRSAs) and union dues. For Jobseeker's Allowance, a person can earn up to €60 per week (€20 per day for up to three days) from employment without it being assessed as part of the means test. Earnings above this threshold are assessed at 60%.
When calculating the weekly means from capital or property, an assessment formula is used. The first €20,000 of capital is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand.
Any changes to the means test for Jobseeker's Allowance would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
519. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is considering new supports for enterprise start-ups such as through the back to work enterprise scheme as Ireland commences exiting the Covid-19 setbacks to employment. [40500/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for unemployed individuals. This allowance is payable to self-employed individuals for up to a 24 month period from the commencement of their new business. Under the July Stimulus qualifying period is waived for individuals who have been in receipt of the PUP and wish to enter self-employment with the support of the BTWEA.
New entrepreneurs supported by the BTWEA are also eligible for the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). For those in receipt of the BTWEA, the maximum amount payable is €2,500 for the 24 month period of the BTWEA claim. This grant is designed to support new businesses with the set-up costs that would typically act as a barrier to setting up a new business.
In addition to the financial assistance those looking to enter self-employment have a suite of business support measures available. Officers from my Department work alongside the network of Local Development Companies to ensure mentoring and supports are available during the business planning and initial stages of a new business.
Aside from BTWEA, those in self-employment, looking to reopen their business, may have other income support options available from my Department depending on their circumstances. A self-employed individual receipt of the PUP is entitled to earn up to €480 from their business, over a rolling four week period and retain their weekly PUP.
Where a person exceeds this threshold and is engaging in regular limited self-employment, access to the Part-Time Job Incentive has been extended to those who transition from the PUP. Under this scheme, a self-employed recipient can engage in self-employment for up to 24 hours per week and retain a personal weekly rate of payment of €128.60. A self-employed jobseeker with a qualified adult can be paid €209.70 per week.
As current restrictions lift and these PUP recipients begin to fully reopen their business, the Covid Enterprise Support Grant of up to €1,000 is available to qualifying self-employed individuals to assist with re-opening costs.
Any person seeking to re enter employment through the establishment of a new enterprise or to re-open their existing enterprise should contact their local Intreo Centre for advice as to the options available to them.
I trust this clarifies the position.
520. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the number of places on the rural social scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40514/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for farmers and fishermen/women who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments.
Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen/women and participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities.
During 2017 and 2018 the number of places funded on RSS was increased by 750, bringing the total number of places available up to 3,350. As at 31st October, 2020 there were 3,143 participants availing of RSS. As there are over 200 places currently available on RSS, there are no plans to increase the number of places available at this juncture.
My Department continues to review all aspects of its income and employment support programmes to ensure their most effective delivery and the best outcomes for both participants and communities. I trust that this clarifies the question raise.
If the Deputy has a specific concern, he might contact my Department officials who will review the issue.
521. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reintroduce the mortgage interest supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40515/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe original purpose of the mortgage interest supplement scheme (MIS) was to provide short-term support to eligible people who were unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which was their sole place of residence, due to temporary unemployment or loss of earnings.
The mortgage interest supplement scheme was discontinued for new entrants from 1 January 2014, on the basis that the on-going payment of Mortgage Interest Supplement did not address the long term housing challenges for people in serious mortgage arrears and that the Central Bank's Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) provides for an appropriate framework for customers, with the responsibility of forbearance for a customer’s mortgage difficulties resting with the mortgage service provider.
Any change to this decision would need to be considered in the overall budgetary and policy context.
The most appropriate way in which customers experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported remains through on-going engagement with their lender to explore a sustainable and appropriate response from their lending institution.
Under the CCMA (2013), measures and policies are in place to support customers in financial difficulty with their mortgage commitments. The CCMA is issued by the Central Bank under Section 117 of the Central Bank Act 1989 and ensures that the responsibility of forbearance remains with the mortgage service provider. The CCMA provides support for those that are in arrears, pre-arrears or those who fall under scope of the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). Under the CCMA, lending institutions are encouraging customers to contact them at the earliest opportunity regarding their concerns and any particular circumstances which may impact on the customer’s financial well-being.
A cross-industry co-ordination Group, chaired by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) lead to the provision of Covid 19 payment breaks introduced in March of this year. In total, 74,000 Covid 19 payment breaks were provided to private dwelling households; with 9,000 still active as at October 2020. The Covid 19 payment break initiative was discontinued on the 30th September 2020, though customers can still avail of breaks on a case by case basis via the MARP process.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, also continues to provides assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments, who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems. As part of its free services, MABS provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
522. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the circumstances under which the Child and Family Agency refers an allegation of child sexual abuse to the St. Clare's unit in Temple Street Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39560/20]
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.
523. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the extension of paid parental leave from two weeks to five weeks will not take effect until April 2021 rather than from January 2021 (details supplied). [39748/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo support parents of children born during the strict lockdown measures, the Government intends to extend parent's leave from two weeks to five weeks for each parent of all children born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019. The Government also intends to extend the period in which parent's leave can be taken up until that child turns two or, in the case of an adoption, two years after the adoption placement date of the child. This extension will apply to parents who may have already availed of their existing entitlements.
Heads of a Bill to effect these changes are currently being drafted in my Department and I hope to bring these to Government shortly.
The extension of parent's benefit is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection and I understand that it will take time for the relevant IT system changes to be made and that it will be April 2021 before the necessary updates can take place. However, it may be possible for parent's leave to be taken in advance of these changes and the benefit claimed retrospectively, once the legislation has been enacted, and I will ensure that parents are fully informed of their entitlements in this regard.
The extension to parent's leave and benefit follows a number of advancements in family leaves in recent years, including the introduction of parents leave and benefit in 2019 and the extension of unpaid parental leave to 26 weeks in September this year for a child under 12 years.
524. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of the actions in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 that are complete; the percentage that are pending completion; the percentage that have yet to be actioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra525. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff within his Department have been assigned to work on the implementation of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021; the total full-time equivalent of these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39567/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.
The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 was launched in November 2019. It is a comprehensive framework for action on LGBTI+ equality and contains 108 actions that are directly aligned to concrete outcomes intended to transform the lives of LGBTI+ people across Ireland. The implementation of the Strategy is overseen by a steering committee which I chair, and which includes representatives of Government Departments, key public bodies, and NGOs, particularly those representing LGBTI+ people.
Following the transfer of functions from the Department of Justice to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in October, my Department has overall responsibility for the coordination of the Inclusion Strategy. There are four officials that, among other duties, are currently assigned to coordinating the administration of the Strategy, and the progression of actions for which my Department is directly responsible.
The total full time equivalent of the team is 3.8 and the time allocated to work on the Strategy and related policy is approximately 2.8.
This team also draws on expertise from other teams within my Department, such as the team that is responsible for administering funding schemes associated with the Strategy.
Of the 108 actions contained in the Strategy, 67 are now in progress. An additional six actions have been completed, including the announcement that I made last week in relation to the provision of funding to 29 projects around the country under the 2020 LGBTI+ Communities Services Fund. A total of €700,000 in grant funding has been provided under the Scheme, which will support LGBTI+ community services and the promotion of LGBTI+ visibility and inclusion.
Some of the actions contained in the Strategy will be ongoing over its lifetime, such as those under outcome 26. These actions relate to the ongoing supports being provided to ensure that LGBTI+ people can travel in safety and confidence.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused some unavoidable delays with the implementation of some actions contained in the Strategy. I recently announced the extension of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy into 2021 and I will also be considering in the coming months whether to extend the lifetime of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy beyond 2021.
526. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the ECCE programme 2020 will not run to coincide with the local school calendar (details supplied). [39622/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarly learning and care providers providing the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme are required to provide 38 weeks of ECCE over 44 calendar weeks. The 2020/21 ECCE programme year began on 24 August 2020 and will finish 44 weeks later on 25 June 2021. ECCE service providers can choose which 38 weeks out of the 44 week period to provide services, which enables them to align their term with the local primary school terms if they wish.
527. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps his Department has taken to tackle the problem of cockroaches in a direct provision centre (details supplied). [39818/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra529. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a cockroach and mice infestation in a centre (details supplied); the engagement he has had with the management of the centre on this topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39820/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together.
I am aware of the issues which occurred at St. Patrick's accommodation centre, Co. Monaghan. I understand that these were addressed in September.
Accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Inspections cover a wide range of issues including the quality of the food, fire safety and other health and safety issues.
Inspections were suspended temporarily during the first phase of COVID-19 restrictions but they recommenced on 14 September 2020 with all necessary safeguards in place.
Officials from IPAS inspected the centre referred to by the Deputy on 24 September 2020. The report of the inspection to the centre has been completed and sent to the centre's management for comment prior to finalisation. I intend to review the report of the centre and engage with IPAS about its findings and any recommendations. The report will be published shortly as are all such inspection reports.
A subsequent inspection in respect of this issue was carried out by QTS Ltd. on 11 November and they reported that the issue was caught by the routine inspection program by management of the centre and that there is no infestation issue currently as adequate treatment and control issues are in place.
528. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to an instance in which an asylum seeker is reportedly sleeping at the gates of a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39819/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy. The person concerned had been accommodated at the National Reception Centre in Balseskin which is the initial phase of reception where medical screening and an orientation process is provided over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. If a person wishes to remain in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service, he or she is allocated a place in a suitable longer-term centre at the end of the 6 weeks period.
On completion of this person's health screening and orientation period the individual concerned was allocated accommodation in the border counties area and was due to leave for the centre on Wednesday 18 November along with other residents.
On the date he was due to travel to new accommodation, he instead opted to remain on the grounds of the centre he was due to leave. The person could not go back to his room in Balseskin as he had completed the screening and orientation process and the room he had been staying in had already been allocated to new arrivals. It should be noted that at all times accommodation and transport to the new centre were available to the person, though it is unfortunate that no option could be found for the man in the short time available and I understand he ultimately spent one night in a car belonging another Balseskin resident.
IPAS officials worked to try and resolve the situation and the following day the applicant accepted another offer of accommodation in a quarantine centre in the East of the country while IPAS attempted to find an alternative accommodation solution. A new offer of accommodation, this time in the West of the country, was made to the applicant last weekend which was accepted and the transfer was completed the following Monday. Arrangements have been made with relevant service providers to link the person in with other non-accommodation related services close their new centre. The team at his new accommodation centre were prepared in advance to ensure he was settled and received appropriate care. The local HSE Social Inclusion office were contacted to provide help with any medical referrals necessary, and additionally there is a good migrant support group in the area to whom he can look for help in terms of settling into the larger community.
530. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that died while residing in direct provision for each of the past five years; and the breakdown by cause of death, age, nationality and geographical location. [39821/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll deaths and serious incidents that occur within accommodation centres provided by my Department are referred to An Garda Síochána as a matter of course, who in turn refer all deaths to the relevant Coroner’s office.
As is the case with all such matters, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is not privy to information pertaining to individual investigations carried out under the remit of the Gardaí or the Coroners. IPAS provides information to An Garda Síochána and the Coroner’s Office as and when requested.
All records of deaths in Ireland are held in the General Register Office, which is the central civil repository for records relating to Births, Marriages and Deaths. My Department does not have an official role in the collation of statistics on deaths of International Protection applicants. IPAS, and the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) before it, may not have always been informed of the death of a resident in previous years, for example if the death occurred in a hospital or other setting. As a consequence, I cannot provide details of deaths since 2015 of such people whose place of residence at the time was in accommodation provided by IPAS/RIA.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department introduced its Critical Incident Policy on 29 November 2019. The Policy provides that once notified of a death or other serious incident, IPAS will record the incident. The Critical Incident Policy also sets out the guidelines for centre managers on what to do should a death occur in their premises. However, it should be noted that it is the Office of the Coroner who makes the official record of deaths. The IPAS record is only of deaths notified and it is not an official record.
Sadly, five deaths have been so notified to the IPAS since the introduction of its Critical Incident Policy in November 2019. Of these, one death occurred last year and a further four deaths have occurred this year.
531. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children that have applied for an ECCE overage exemption; the number of children whose applications have been successful; and the number of children that have been unsuccessful for the overage exemption by county in tabular form. [39823/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not routinely record overage exemptions applications by county.
The table below outlines the number of overage exemption applications approved and the number declined since the 2017/18 programme year.
|
Programme year |
Number Approved |
Number Declined |
|
2017/18 |
533 |
20 |
|
2018/19 |
475 |
40 |
|
2019/20 |
534 |
81 |
|
2020/21 (to date) |
451 |
101 |
532. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the innovations he plans for the upcoming statement of strategy of his Department. [40110/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the process of developing a new Statement of Strategy to cover the three year period 2021-2023. I will revert to the Deputy as the content of the Strategy is developed, taking account, inter alia, of my Department's expanded range of functions on foot of the Programme for Government.
533. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has recorded a significant drop-off in children in early childhood settings or in the number of providers offering service during Covid-19. [40111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not recorded a significant drop off in the number of early learning and care providers or in the number of children attending these services.
The number of early learning and care services which are currently registered with Tulsa, the independent regulator, to provide services is 4, 209, which compares with 4, 317 in March 2020, before early learning and care services were closed due to Covid, a reduction of just 2%.
My Department does not have information on the total number of children attending early learning and care services, as providers are not required to provide data on the number of children attending in a private, full fee paying capacity. However data from the Department subsidised schemes shows does not indicate a significant drop off in numbers attending.
The number of children availing of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme on 01 November 2020 was 101,150 which is 1.7% less than ECCE registrations on 1 November 2019. This slight reduction was expected due to demographic changes and is in line with trends from previous years.
In relation to the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes the registrations for these combined on 01 November 2020 was 54,309. This is a 12.4% reduction on the comparable figure for 1 November 2019, which included only CCSP and TEC schemes. A reduction in CCSP and TEC registrations was expected as these schemes closed to new entrants in November 2019 with the introduction of the NCS, and children are aging out of CCSP and TEC.
Numerous supports have been made available to the childcare sector to enable them to continue to deliver services over the Covid period, including the current enhanced Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Aged Childcare (SAC) providers are eligible for participation in EWSS, regardless of turnover. A special exemption for childcare services to the 30% turnover rule within EWSS was included to recognise the need to retain capacity in the sector and support parents to access childcare places and get back to work. The EWSS provides an average of 80% of a service provider's staff costs, before any income from parental fees or subsidy from my Department.
534. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and or financial penalties and or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40205/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows a list of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms that were engaged by my Department to carry out work in the years 2018 to date with a synopsis of their work and costs paid. This does not include engagements for non consultancy work including report writing and research projects. There were no disputes over costs and no contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation.
|
Name of Firm |
Years - 2018, 2019, 2020 |
Work summary |
Full costs (€ excl VAT) |
|
Anne Sanson |
2018 - 2020 |
Provision of advice in respect of Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) |
21,630 |
|
Auxilion Ireland Ltd |
2019 |
Provision of Systems Code Review Services for Early Years Platform & National Childcare Scheme (NCS) |
19,000 |
|
BID Services |
2019 - 2020 |
Procurement consultancy advice |
31,868 |
|
Castlebridge |
2018 |
Provision of Data Protection Advice Services |
8,050 |
|
Centre for Effective Services |
2019 - 2020 |
Support the reform of the Targeted Youth Funding Scheme & co-ordination and management of What Works |
149,785 |
|
Change Exploratory |
2020 |
Facilitation of a nationwide consultation with the Early Years workforce and reporting the findings to DCEDIY for the Workforce Development Plan. |
19,105 |
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
2020 |
External Quality Assessment of Internal Audit Function |
11,500 |
|
Crowe Horwath |
2018 - 2019 |
Provision of Process Audit/ Procurement Advice Services, and development and support of the NCS |
221,605 |
|
Datapac |
2018 - 2019 |
IT Hardware costs |
250,976 |
|
Document File Solutions Ltd T/A Edocs |
2018 - 2020 |
Software development, licences and scanning documents |
18,671 |
|
Dr John Bamber, Independent Consultant |
2018 - 2019 |
Development of a Learning Framework under What Works |
24,000 |
|
Egan Consultation |
2018 |
Facilitation of Child Care Act Review consultations |
3,396 |
|
Elliot & Fitzgerald |
2020 |
Land valuation |
1,000 |
|
Expert Technical Group - former Mother and Baby Home Tuam |
2018 |
Services in relation to the Expert Tecnhical Group at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home |
28,816 |
|
Flex Time |
2020 |
Management of Flextime clocks |
13,458 |
|
Fusio |
2018 - 2020 |
Design, development, website hosting, domain registration, online consultation |
42,483 |
|
Grant Thornton |
2019 - 2020 |
Targeted Youth Services Reform UBU |
63,400 |
|
Institute of Public Administration (IPA) |
2019 - 2020 |
Provision of consultancy services and project management expertise |
5,814 |
|
Integrated Electronic Solutions and Security Ltd |
2018 |
Services in relation to the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home |
1,966 |
|
IT Executive Focus |
2018 - 2020 |
ICT Business & Systems Analysts to support the NCS Design & Implementation |
210,270 |
|
Jim Duffy - Independent NCS Project Board member |
2018 |
To strengthen the composition & expertise of the NCS Project Board, enhancing oversight & accountability |
1,027 |
|
Jim Halley T/A 2-Collaborate Ltd |
2018 - 2020 |
Services in relation to the Collaborative Forum of former residents of Mother and Baby Homes |
22,424 |
|
John and Ger Halbert |
2020 |
Work on the Toolkit Our Voices, Our Schools |
44,000 |
|
John Bynner |
2018 |
Provision of advice in respect of the GUI |
3,000 |
|
Kiabay T/A Linesight |
2018 |
Quantity Surveying Services |
750 |
|
KICK |
2020 |
Design and artwork projects, domain hosting and finalisation of website documents |
29,206 |
|
KOSI Corporation Ltd |
2020 |
Provision of accountancy/auditing services to manage a range of EU funded programmes |
24,224 |
|
Maureen Bassett |
2018 |
Facilitation of Child Care Act Review consultations |
2,759 |
|
Mazars |
2018 - 2020 |
Provision of Audits, Organisational Review and Strategy planning |
286,201 |
|
Michael J Walshe & Co |
2020 |
Analyisis of technical aspects of tender bid for accommodation centre |
5,904 |
|
Micromail |
2018 - 2020 |
Microsoft Software licences |
128,269 |
|
Peter Plunkett - Independent NCS Project Board member |
2018 - 2020 |
To strengthen the composition & expertise of the NCS Project Board, enhancing oversight & accountability |
10,985 |
|
Public Procurement Services |
2020 |
Work on RFT for Children and Young People's Participation Support Services |
680 |
|
Ratio Research |
2018 - 2019 |
Narration on the Story so Far in prevention and Early Intervention in Ireland |
23,950 |
|
Research Matters |
2018 |
Project management of the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) |
26,217 |
|
RSM Ireland |
2018 - 2019 |
End of year one Evaluation of AIM |
35,754 |
|
Satya Brink |
2018 |
Provision of advice in respect of the GUI |
59,305 |
|
SP3 |
2019 - 2020 |
Business Continuity Plan consultancy advice |
6,000 |
|
Storm Technology |
2020 |
Migration of Dept Documents to Document Management System and development of Case Management System |
251,645 |
|
Trilateral Research Ltd |
2019 - 2020 |
Provision of Data Protection Advice & Support Services re: the NCS |
34,500 |
|
Turlough O'Donnell |
2020 |
Mediation services |
6,500 |
|
UCL (Ingrid Schoon) |
2018 |
Provision of advice in respect of the GUI |
2,975 |
|
University College Cork (UCC) |
2019 - 2020 |
Preparation of a report documenting the process and findings of child consultations |
6,777 |
|
Version1 |
2018 |
Support for Oberstown payroll project. |
9,884 |
|
Version1 |
2020 |
Support, including licences, for a Financial Management System (software). |
74,385 |
|
Wholestory |
2020 |
Provision of facilitation services in respect of the GUI |
2,400 |
535. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify the guidelines in relation to donations such as food, toiletries and toys to direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40243/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department does not have a formal policy regarding donations to centres. It is a decision for the management of each centre to make, subject to the facilities available to receive and store such donations and the IPAS 'Living with COVID Plan'. In alignment with the 'National Living with Covid Response' plan, the IPAS Covid response plan, restricts visitors to centres at certain levels, from level 3 to 5. Those wishing to make donations should contact the centre management with regard to the requirements for complying with public health regulations and avoiding Covid transmission risks. Friends of the Centre groups may also be able to offer advice on making donations to specific centres.
The Deputy may wish to note that toiletries and food are provided to all residents residing in centres as part of the IPAS accommodation centre model. They are provided free of charge through either the food halls where the independent living model is in place, or directly via centre catering and reception facilities where independent living is not yet available.
536. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the findings of the Covid-19 return on school absenteeism recently completed by Tusla. [40394/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 which emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention.
TESS has been working in collaboration with my Department and the Department of Education (DoE) to support the return to school since September.
As part of this process, TESS has gathered information in relation to return to school post Covid-19 closure. The verification and analysis of this data is still ongoing.
The Department of Education has requested the data be provided to them for further consideration in the context of other information inputs. TESS continues to engage with the Department of Education on this matter and once the verification and analysis is complete, a report will be provided to both my Department and the Department of Education.
I can however assure the Deputy that from early indications TESS do not have a significant concern, which is testament to the work of schools and community supports in student engagement during the pandemic. TESS has, and continues to, work with schools in respect of school attendance and works in close collaboration with my department and the Department of Education.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Taoiseach announced, as part of his speech on the formation of Government on Saturday 27 June, that “Educational welfare functions will be returned to the Department [of Education].” and arrangements for the transfer of functions are now at an advanced stage.
537. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of home school applications received between August and November 2020 that have not yet been placed on the home education register. [40395/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter I have asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
