Written Answers Nos. 151-170
151. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the households and persons permitted to avail of childcare in crèches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2028/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetween 11th and 31st January, access to early learning and childcare services is restricted to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) pre school programme is not operating during this time.
Essential workers are those that work in the list of essential services published on gov.ie. One parent who is an essential worker confers eligibility on the child to access a service. For the purposes of accessing early learning and childcare services, an essential worker may be working from home.
Vulnerable children include those who currently have sponsorship arrangements under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). In addition, a child may be considered vulnerable because of factors related to their personal development, features of their family life, or because of wider influences that impact on them within their community. Some children who fall outside of NCS sponsor arrangements may be considered vulnerable for a range of reasons including children who experience family poverty; children and families with complex support needs; children living in households where there is domestic violence; and children whose families are significantly adversely affected by ill health or bereavement. Early learning and childcare providers have been requested to make every effort to accommodate vulnerable children during this period.
The levels of uptake of services will be closely monitored by my Department during January and the conditions on children’s eligibility to access services during this period will be subject to ongoing review.
152. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his engagement with the Minister for Health with regard to the provision of childcare for frontline workers during the level 5 lockdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have had spoken with Minister Donnelly on a number of occasions since the full level five restrictions were put in place on the 30th December on this specific issue. The provision of suitable childcare for the children of frontline healthcare workers, particularly for those with new childcare needs as a result of the closure of schools, is a significant concern for the Government. My officials have been examining options as regards this and are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Health to address the issue.
153. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review the resources which are available to early year service providers prior to reopening in terms of cleaning and sanitising facilities and equipment (details supplied). [2045/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpert guidance on the operation of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services during the COVID-19 pandemic was published by the HPSC last year and is available at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/childcareguidance/. The advice from the national public health experts is that no change is required to the Infection Prevention and Control guidance for settings providing ELC/SAC during the pandemic. Services have been following this guidance effectively since reopening last June and it has helped to minimise risk of spread of infection within settings.
While the Guidance provided by the HPSC recommends increased frequency and extent of cleaning regimes during the pandemic there is no requirement for a service to undertake a deep clean in advance of reopening. It is important to note that the sector already had cleaning, hygiene and infection control measures in place before COVID and the good practice in the sector has been a significant contributor to the relatively low incidences of COVID in ELC and SAC services.
In relation to cleaning rooms/settings where there was a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19, advice set out in the HPSC Guidance should be followed.
A range of financial resources are available to assist service providers with operating costs at this time, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and the continuation of Departmental funding schemes.
154. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising it's Statement of Strategy, 2021-2023, for publication. The Strategy will detail the current and planned priorities of my Department in that period. The Department continues to have wide responsibility for policy, legislation and services in respect of children and young people. In addition, a number of new functions have transferred to the Department including responsibility for policy, legislation and services relating to integration and equality. Responsibility for disability policy and legislation also transferred to the Department, and it is intended that responsibility for disability services will transfer from the Department of Health to the Department at a later date.
155. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if plans are in place to compensate the time lost for children in the ECCE scheme due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2131/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision was taken by Government on 6 January that the ECCE programme would be postponed until 1 February in order to reduce movement in the population to reduce the spread of Covid.
My Department acknowledges that it would be very difficult for providers and practitioners to make up the four weeks they will be closed, and does not expect them to do so. My Department has asked that, where possible, ECCE providers engage with children and families who normally take part in the ECCE programme and who are not otherwise attending the service. Providers are asked to give particular attention to supporting children who avail of supports through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).
To assist providers and parents a preschool hub with free online resources will be available on the First 5 website.
156. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a centre (details supplied) will continue to operate under the current restrictions of the Plan for Living with Covid-19. [2015/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Resilience and Recovery 2020 -2021: Plan for Living with Covid 19 designates Further Education and Training (FET) as essential insofar as onsite presence is required, meaning that where necessary it will be permitted to attend on-site during Level 5. Given the scale, diversity and heterogeneity of third-level provision, higher and further education institutions are best equipped to determine where such onsite presence is required. Reflecting the recent deterioration in the Covid-19 situation, FET providers have adapted and used their existing discretion to restrict onsite attendance further, only allowing the most essential and time-critical work to take place onsite.
In light of this, Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) have confirmed to officials of my Department that the Community Training Centre referred to in this question has moved to emergency remote training as per the guidance issued to the CTC on Friday 8th January 2021 by LMETB Training Services. This guidance in turn reflects guidance developed and issued by Education and Training Boards Ireland on 7th January for FET providers more broadly.
157. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the terms of reference approved by the HEA and a company (details supplied) for the mid-term review report at GMIT County Mayo campus; the progress on the implementation of the working group’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the independent report by a company (details supplied) on the GMIT Mayo Campus working group’s plan will be presented to the HEAs finance and governance committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2072/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
As the Deputy is aware a Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) Working Group was established in March 2017. The key objective of this group was to develop a plan to develop a sustainable future for the Mayo Campus arising from concerns about the financial viability of the campus. The Governing Authority of GMIT in consultation with the HEA have responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the report to promote the future sustainability of the Mayo Campus as an integral part of GMIT in the North West Region. The Report contained 33 recommendations for implementation. A status report on the recommendations in tabular form was provided to the Deputy in October 2020 and remains unchanged (attached again for ease of reference).
The report of the Working Group advised that a Mid Term Review of the recommendations of the GMIT Working Group Report be undertaken. This process formed part of the implementation plan (Section 6.1) which recommended a review at end of year 2. The Terms of Reference for the mid-term review were approved by the HEA and Mazars were appointed as the independent assessor for the review. The report of the independent assessor will be presented to the HEA’s Finance and Governance Committee by the end of Q1 2021. The assessor’s report will include an analysis of processes (including planning & budgeting), identify strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for the improvement of programme implementation.
The objectives of the review pending completion of the review are outlined below
- Assess progress in implementation of a sustainable development plan for the Mayo campus to review:
- Implementation of the management and governance structures required to underpin the plan.
- Progress on the reform of the existing programme portfolio and new programme development and examination of whether this has led to an increase in student numbers.
- Progress on the implementation of a distinct marketing strategy for the Mayo campus.
- Review of stakeholder engagement and enterprise development opportunities.
- Identification of progress on funding and financial sustainability and the underpinning campus infrastructure including increases in income and reduction in the cost base.
- Identify actions as necessary to ensure that GMIT continue to deliver the overall vision and objectives of a sustainable campus in Mayo.
I will advise the Deputy once I receive further update from the HEA after review has been presented.
159. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2086/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the establishment of the new Government, my Department has put in place a major funding package to support the higher and further education and training sector through the Covid crisis, including significant additional supports for individual students and learners. We have significantly expanded training places to support people to reskill and upskill as part of the July Stimulus and built on this in Budget 2021 to provide 50,000 additional places overall with an enhanced focus on digital and green skills. We have provided guidance for institutions to allow them plan how best to deliver learning during COVID-19 to protect public health. We have launched the Further Education and Training Strategy to guide the development of the sector over coming years and secured Government approval to tender for a significant capital investment programme in the technological sector. Progress on Technological universities has continued with the recent establishment of Munster TU and with significant advances for TU consortia in the South East, Midlands and Mid West area. We have brought a new focus to student well-being and required institutions to audit how well they are doing on equality issues.
In 2021, my Department will publish a Statement of Strategy to lead the further, higher education, and research sectors to underpin future economic growth and social wellbeing. We will continue to provide guidance in the ongoing safe management of public health across our institutions. We will provide key inputs to shape the new Climate Action Plan and agree a programme of investment as part of the National Development Plan to address development across our campuses, as well as critical investment in research. We will consult widely as we develop a new national research and innovation strategy to succeed Innovation 2020. We will publish a new Apprenticeship Action Plan, a new 10-year Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy, and undertake a review of the SUSI scheme. We will bring forward legislation to reform Higher Education governance and provide clarity on a funding strategy for Higher Education. We will advance North/South co-operation and develop a strong regional network of Technological Universities supported by the National Skills Council and the regional skills fora.
Our aim is to position Ireland globally as a knowledge economy, with a skills and innovation focus second to none.
160. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide information and clarity regarding the prospects of third-level students of studying abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year given the current Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Erasmus+ programme is the main avenue through which my Department and the Higher Education community support studying abroad for third-level students. I am optimistic that opportunities to study abroad under the Erasmus+ programme will continue to be maintained in the 2021-2022 academic year.
The European Commission approved the new work programme for Erasmus+ (2021-2028) in December 2020. The Higher Education Authority (HEA), which acts as the National Agency for the Erasmus+ Higher Education programme, is expecting to announce a call for applications to all participating Higher Education Institutions in March 2021. The HEA is working with the Sector to help it to benefit from the flexible approach proposed in the new Erasmus programme. In response to suggestions to the European Commission made over a number of years, shorter duration mobilities and the use of blended modes of participation are now being introduced. These measures will help widen opportunities for learning mobilities in our higher education sector.
In 2021/2022, students and staff will have the opportunity to undertake a physical mobility to their chosen destination, should the circumstances surrounding international travel and the Covid-19 pandemic permit this. Students can also undertake a blended mobility approach, combining a period of physical mobility with a period of virtual learning. If international travel is not possible, students can do a virtual mobility for the entire duration of their Erasmus experience.
161. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice her plans and views regarding each of the recommendations of the expert group report to review the law of torts and the current systems for the management of clinical negligence claims relevant to her Department and those bodies under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1976/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2018, as part of a commitment in the then Programme for Government, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Justice and Equality, in association with the Minister for Finance, announced the establishment of an Expert Group to consider an alternative mechanism to the court process for resolving clinical negligence claims.
The Group, chaired by the High Court Judge, Mr Justice Charles Meenan, comprised representatives from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Public Expenditure and Reform, Justice and Equality, Health, Office of the Attorney General, HSE, State Claims Agency as well as patient advocacy representation and a practising solicitor who has experience representing plaintiffs.
The Working Group’s Report, which was published last December, contains seventeen recommendations for change, six of which come under my Department’s remit. These recommendations relate to:
- the implementation of pre-action protocols for clinical negligence actions;
- the imposition of penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of pre-action protocols;
- the commencement, following the introduction of pre-action protocols, of section 221 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 which will amend the Statute of Limitations in clinical negligence cases;
- introduction by the Courts of case management of clinical negligence claims;
- introduction by the Courts Service of a dedicated High Court list for clinical management claims; and
- the amendment of section 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 to provide for sanctions where a defendant files a defence containing matters in respect of which there is no supportive expert report.
In relation to pre-action protocols, my Department is finalising details of the necessary regulations with the Office of the Attorney General. Commencement of the relevant section of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 which will amend the Statute of Limitations will follow shortly after the introduction of the pre-action protocol regulations. My Department will shortly be engaging with the Courts Service in relation to case management of clinical negligence actions and in relation to the possibility of a dedicated High Court list for such actions. Consideration of the recommendation to amend section 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 is ongoing.
In line with the Government decision on this issue, I will be reverting to Government regarding implementation of the recommendations shortly.
162. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the protections in place to prevent a parent leaving the country with a young child born here who has dual citizenship without the permission of the other parent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1991/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 16 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 establishes the offence of international child abduction in Irish legislation.
It is an offence for any person including a parent or guardian to take or send a child under 16 years from the State:
(a) in defiance of a court order, or
(b) without the consent of each person who is a guardian, or without the consent of a person to whom custody of the child has been granted by a court, unless the consent of a court was first obtained.
If a parent/guardian fears that their child may be abducted, the following steps may be taken:
- Contact the Gardaí informing them of the perceived threat,
- If a person is the legal guardian of a child (or has applied to be a guardian) he or she may contact the Passport Office and request that he or she be informed if the other parent applies for a passport for the child,
- Apply to the Court requesting that it direct who should hold the child's passport, e.g. the parent/guardian, the Gardaí and/or the courts.
If a child has been removed from the State, the International Child Abduction Unit is the Central Authority within my Department that provides assistance to parents and guardians of children who have been removed from the jurisdiction without their consent. This unit is a transmitting and receiving agency for applications for the return of children to the jurisdiction under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003.
The procedures for dealing with situations of international parental child abduction involving countries which are party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction are set out in the Child Abduction and Enforcements of Custody Orders Act 1991. EC Regulation 2201/2003 supplements and supports the terms of the Hague Convention in instances of international parental child abduction between Member States excluding Denmark.
Any assistance provided by embassies overseas would be a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
163. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if there is an increase in cars being seized by An Garda Síochána due to lack of tax renewals. [2019/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational matters such as the seizure of cars. As Minister, I have no role in this matter.
However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of vehicles detained by An Garda Síochána for no tax under Section 41(c) of the Road Traffic Act 1994 decreased by 11% in 2020 in comparison with the number of vehicles detained in 2019.
I am further informed that the monthly breakdown of figures is shown in the table below:
164. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the main policy initiatives undertaken by her Department since 27 June 2020; and her main priorities for 2021. [2089/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that since my appointment as Minister, I have prioritised a number of issues, including the tackling of sexual and domestic violence, the reform of family law, and digitalisation of the justice sector, in particular. Key actions I have taken since my appointment as Minister include:
- Published the findings of the O'Malley Review and secured Government approval for an implementation plan to give effect to its recommendations for Tackling Sexual Violence and building a Victims Centred Approach to protect Vulnerable Witnesses in the Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offences;
- Secured Government approval for the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (The Lanzarote Convention)
- Published the heads of a new family law bill to overhaul and modernise family law and the courts;
- Launched a public consultation on Spent Convictions policy;
- Enacted the Civil and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 to provide for greater digitisation in court proceedings;
- Re-launched the No Excuses awareness campaign to highlight sexual harassment and violence;
- Commenced the Gaming and Lotteries Act 2019;
- Launched new strategy to help reduce recidivism by supporting employment options for people with past convictions, 'Working to Change - social enterprise and employment strategy 2021-2023';
- Published the results of a comprehensive public consultation and comparative research on Hate Crime Legislation;
- Published Terms of Reference for a review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017;
- Announced Jobs Stimulus investment for An Garda Síochána, Courts Service and Irish Prison Service projects;
- Published the General Scheme of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill;
- Secured Government approval to criminalise distribution of intimate images without consent, which has now been enacted as the Harassment and Harmful Communications Act 2020, known as Coco's Law;
- Worked to ensure operational cross-border cooperation in light of Brexit; and
- Published the Hamilton Report on economic crime and corruption, and commenced work on an Action Plan to tackle these issues, which will be published in the New Year.
I am in the process of finalising the Strategy Statement for my Department, which will set out the actions we will take in 2021 to:
1. Tackle crime, preserve national security and transform policing;
2. Improve access to justice and modernise the courts system;
3. Strengthen community safety, reduce reoffending, support victims and combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence;
4. Deliver a fair immigration system for a digital age; and
5. Accelerate innovation, digital transformation and climate action across the justice sector.
In preparing the final draft and plan, officials have engaged with key stakeholders seeking input on priorities and associated actions. We have consulted with all of our key agencies and bodies, the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, other Government departments, along with inviting submissions from members of the public.
The plan and strategy will be launched and published on the Department's website, setting out in specific detail, policy priorities, initiatives, consultation timelines and legislative timeframes.
165. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the steps that have been taken to create new pathways for long-term undocumented persons here as agreed in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice if non-documented residents in Ireland will receive assurances they will not be deported if they present to their local immigration office to regulate their status as suggested by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2100/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government, to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents, meeting specified criteria and bearing in mind Ireland's European Union (EU) and Common Travel Area (CTA) commitments.
Currently there is no scheme for the undocumented in place but work is underway in my Department to give effect to this commitment. This work is being informed by an assessment of international best practice and having regard to our EU and CTA commitments. I intend to consult with relevant Government Departments, civil society and other interested parties, before finalising the Scheme, which I expect to be in a position to launch in the second half of this year.
In the meantime, I would encourage any person who is resident in the State without permission to contact my Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their own and their family's status. In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
For those who are in the State illegally, a full consideration of all aspects of their case will be carried out before a decision is made to grant permission to remain in the State or to make a Deportation Order. This will include a consideration of their private and family life rights, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Immigration Service of my Department examines each case of undocumented or illegal persons in the State on a case by case basis and a pragmatic approach is taken in relation to each case which is considered on its individual merits.
167. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the status of the Irish nationality and citizenship (amendment) Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2121/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2019, the previous Government approved the priority drafting of an Irish Nationality and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to address issues arising from the High Court judgment in the case of Jones v. Minister for Justice and Equality relating to the continuous residence condition for the issue of a certificate of naturalisation under section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956.
The subsequent judgment of the Court of Appeal in the Jones case, which was delivered in November 2019, overruled the High Court’s interpretation of the continuous residence condition and enabled the processing of naturalisation applications to resume, removing the immediate need for legislation to address the issue.
However, the continuous residence requirement in the 1956 Act is under review within my Department, as it is my intention to modernise the provisions to reflect the realities of modern life.
I will bring proposals for legislation on this matter to Government in due course.
168. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the number and percentage of the Garda fleet within the Limerick division that are aged less than one year old, between one to three, three to six, six to ten and over ten years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2127/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 31 December 2020, there were 3,112 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of over 11% since 31 December 2019, when there were 2,794 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am further informed that there were 102 vehicles assigned to Limerick Division as at the same date. For the Deputy's information the table below, as provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number and percentage of vehicles within the Limerick division that are aged less than 1 year old, between 1-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-10 years and over 10 years of age.
|
Age |
Number of Vehicles |
% of Divisional Fleet |
|
Less than 1 Yr Old (2020) |
19 |
18.63 |
|
1-3 Yrs Old (2019-2017) |
24 |
23.53 |
|
3-6 Yrs Old (2016-2014) |
44 |
43.14 |
|
6-10 Yrs Old (2013-2011) |
8 |
7.84 |
|
Over 10 Yrs Old (2010 +) |
7 |
6.86 |
|
Total |
102 |
100 |
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that significant capital investment is being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million specifically for the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
169. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider legislation to ensure that all semi-State companies working with the trade union movement adopt a workplace domestic violence policy; if she will examine the way many State companies have adopted such a policy as part of the audit recently announced into sexual and domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2142/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling domestic abuse and providing supports for victims is a priority for me as Minister and for Government. I am working with my colleagues and with our partners to ensure we have an appropriate collective national response that supports victims and holds perpetrators to account.
The Deputy will be aware that the draft Programme for Government contains a commitment to conduct an audit of statutory responsibilities in this area. I am committed to delivering on this commitment to audit how domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is segmented, the terms of reference have been agreed and include particular reference to policies and services designed to respond to victims’ practical needs and data collection and analysis to inform policymaking across the sector. This will provide valuable guidance for designing our systems to best meet the needs of victims and will determine what policy changes, or possible legislative changes, are required going forward.
My Department also coordinates the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, which is a whole-of-Government approach addressing the many actions necessary to address these matters fully. We are currently reviewing the outstanding actions under this whole of Government approach, which in addition to the audit will inform the 3rd National Strategy to be agreed before the end of 2021.
It is the aim of the Government collectively, and of myself as Minister for Justice to make available appropriate supports for people who are victims of Domestic Abuse to ensure there is a comprehensive approach that fully addresses their needs.
I am not specifically aware of any State companies who have adopted a workplace domestic violence policy but I am happy to review these if the Deputy would like to provide additional information in relation to which State companies he is referring.
I am aware of proposals to provide for paid leave and social protection supports for domestic violence victims more generally, but when it comes to the employer / employee relationship, consideration has to be given to how the victim would prefer the issue of domestic violence to be dealt with, including whether sensitive issues such as domestic abuse are best dealt with in a private and confidential manner between employers and employees, using existing leave mechanisms such as force majeure. In addition, any such provision, if advanced, would need to be considered within the appropriate legislative framework.
This Government is committed to putting in place the systems and structures needed to deliver on our commitment to combat domestic abuse and is working on many policy options and comprehensive consideration will be given to the systems, processes and structures on how to best support victims of Domestic Abuse.
170. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the supports in place or being considered to support radiography students through their placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1979/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if consideration is being given to remunerating student radiographers for their placements in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the €100 weekly grant payment to student nurses working during Covid-19 to radiography students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2038/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 170, 194 and 212 together.
Radiography students do not receive an allowance to support time spent on placement as part of their course and there are no plans to change this.
I can also confirm that in 2020, assistant radiographers were employed on a 3 month contract following completion of their final year clinical placement, subject to the needs of the Health Service. As their skills were identified as being required during the COVID-19 response and subject to the needs of each acute hospital, they were offered a temporary 3 month assistant radiographer role following successful completion of their 7 week final year clinical placement. The 3-month period commenced on 18 May 2020.
It should be noted that across the health and social care disciplines, there could be over 8,000 students on placement in hospital and healthcare settings. Of this number, around a third are final year students. The length of placements and the activities performed during these placements vary between the disciplines. These students are not employees and in many cases the nature of the placement can, in the main, be limited to participation in an observing and a learning capacity.
Uniquely for student nurses and midwives there is, in the final year, a paid salary when they are specifically employed on an internship placement. Student nurses and midwives’ final year internship placement consists of a continual 36-week rostered clinical placement, including annual leave. The internship placement is a paid placement as the student nurses and midwives take a reduced caseload. During these placements, students are under supervision and are considered as 0.5 WTE of the workforce. In addition, Intern students can be allocated across all shift patterns including nights, weekends and 12-hour days.
Student nurses and midwives undertaking unpaid supernumerary clinical placement as students are currently in receipt of an allowance. Again, given the unique requirements of these training programmes attendance at many placement sites is required, some of which are at a distance to base training hospital and the current allowance is to contribute to the cost of alternative accommodation / travel.
