Written Answers Nos. 613-639
613. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of outcome 3, aim 3.1 in relation to Better Outcomes Brighter Futures (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9925/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the 5 National Outcomes contained in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, Outcome 3 relates to ‘Safe and Protected from Harm’ and states that all children and young people have a secure stable and caring home environment and that they are safe from neglect and exploitation. All children and young people need safeguarding and the Government recognises that specific groups of children and young people are particularly at risk and need additional supports.
Significant progress has been made under outcome 3, action 3.1, with the introduction of the Children First Act 2015. The Act, which was signed into law in November 2015 and fully commenced in December 2017, provides for a number of key child protection measures, including raising awareness of child abuse and neglect, improving child protection arrangements in organisations providing services to children and the introduction of mandatory reporting of child protection concerns by certain key professionals.
The Act also places specific obligations on organisations providing relevant services to keep children safe from harm whilst availing of their services, to carry out a risk assessment and to develop a Child Safeguarding Statement that outlines the policies and procedures in place to manage the risks identified.
The Act operates side-by-side with the non-statutory obligations provided for in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The guidance sets out definitions of abuse, and signs for its recognition. It explains how reports about reasonable concerns of child abuse or neglect should be made by the general public and professionals to Tusla. It sets out what organisations need to do to keep children safe. It also describes the obligations under the Children First Act 2015 and who they attach to. These guidelines have been in place since 1999 and were fully revised and published in October 2017 to include reference to the provisions of the Act.
Work under outcome 3, action 3.1 is continuing including through the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group (IDIG). The Group, which was established on a statutory basis under the Children First Act, is chaired by my Department and includes members from every Government Department as well as representatives from Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive. The Group promotes compliance by Government Departments with their obligations under the Children First Act and is a forum where members can raise child welfare and protection issues of general concern or with a cross-sectoral dimension.
There has been much progress in relation to learning from investigations and reviews on child protection. In the context of these themes both my Department and Tusla has further progressed significant improvements in these areas as summarised below:
- Early intervention & family support – through the What Works and the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme.
- Out-of-hours services – expanded from the Dublin region to the entire country with on call support through a dedicated phone line and with social workers located in each of the 17 Areas of the country.
- Interagency collaboration - through full scaling and implementation of Children and Young People's Services Committees; and Tusla establishment of National Interagency protocols with the HSE and has a Joint Working Protocol with AGS under Children First.
- Child and youth participation – Tusla has developed and is in ongoing implementation of a Child and Youth Participation Strategy 2019-23.
- Child protection conferences – Tusla has a national children’s register for children at ongoing risk of significant harm called the Child Protection Notification System and this system is accessible by other key professionals who play a role in safeguarding and protecting children.
- Recording and Data Management– Tusla has established one integrated National Child Care Information System and has a comprehensive Data Management Strategy.
- The HIQA Statutory Investigation 2018 and its report and recommendation saw the establishment of an Expert Assurance Group to oversee Tusla’s progress against all actions arising from this investigation report.
- In 2017 Signs of Safety was adopted as the national approach to practice, to assist in the delivery of consistent responses to child protection concerns nationally. There was a three year implementation strategy to train all Tusla staff in the Signs of Safety approach, to upgrade all IT systems to align with the Signs of Safety format and to realign all internal policies with the new approach. The child protection and welfare strategy, called Creating Effective Safety runs from 2017-2022.
- Child sexual abuse - Development of the Barnahus model which is an Icelandic and EU model for child friendly centres for abuse victims. Integrating forensic medical, An Garda Síochána and Tusla specialist interviewing with therapeutic support in one centre to reduce trauma for the child. Tusla is a partner in the Barnahus network. https://www.barnahus.eu/en/
My Department works closely with Tusla to ensure that the learning from the range of review and regulatory mechanisms in place relating to child protection and welfare serves to directly inform policy development and organisational performance. Tusla as an organisation has proactively placed a priority focus on this area in its self-assessment mechanisms and its performance conferencing processes.
Next month, my Department is planning to bring together the range of regulatory and review bodies to share the learning relating to the protection, welfare and wellbeing of children. This will support a more strategic approach to ensuring the transfer and implementation of learning to address issues that impact on the safety, welfare and protection of children.
614. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will bring forward primary legislation to amend the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 to 2004 in order that women who had already started or completed their maternity period would be entitled to take a further 13 weeks leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9971/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Maternity Protection Acts provide for up to 26 weeks paid maternity leave, and a further 16 weeks unpaid leave. Where a child is born prematurely, additional weeks may be available.
There have been significant advances in the provision of family leaves in recent years. The Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, for example, extended the parental leave entitlement by 8 weeks, on a phased basis. The last of these increases came into effect on 1 September 2020 and parents are now entitled to 26 weeks in total of this type of leave.
In addition, the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks leave and an associated benefit for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Under proposals approved by Government in December 2020, each parent will be given an additional three weeks of paid parent’s leave, and the period in which it can be taken will be extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Legislation is currently being developed to give effect to these proposals and it is anticipated that the legislation will be introduced in early 2021.
Mindful of the recent significant increase in parental leave entitlements, the Government has no plans to make any further amendments to maternity leave.
615. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 139 of 4 February 2021, the status of the legislation giving each parent an additional three weeks of paid parental leave; the commencement date he is working towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra619. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the legislation regarding the previously announced additional parental leave will be introduced; and the date from which the scheme will begin. [10013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding the extended paid parental leave commitment in Budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10033/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 615, 619 and 620 together.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each parent to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
Under proposals approved by Government in December 2020, each parent will be given an additional three weeks of paid Parents' Leave, and the period in which it can be taken will be extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
The drafting of the legislation needed to make this change is well advanced and it will be introduced at the earliest opportunity. The aim is that this legislation will be enacted by the beginning of April 2021.
Payment of Parents’ Benefit is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
616. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to plans to limit asylum seekers to an in-house shop rather than allowing them to buy goods in local stores in a direct provision centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9973/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new accommodation centre in Letterkenny for International Protection applicants was procured through a tendering competition that was conducted through the Government’s Procurement Portal, www.etenders.gov.ie. The specifications for this tender included the provision of food and household items through a points system by way of an on-site foodhall whereby residents can obtain the items they need at no cost to themselves. Under the terms of the contract the service provider is also required to consult regularly with residents to help ensure the produce available in the in-house store is both ethnically and culturally appropriate to their needs.
This model was used in all eight of the regional tender competitions for the provision of such accommodation, of which the Borders Region was the last chronologically to take place. The provision of an onsite foodhall was crucial to the bid from all successful tenderers and would have been factored into their costs. Tenders were evaluated on the Most Economically Advantageous Tender model, whereby bids are assessed on a combination of the quality of the proposal of service delivery and price. Quality of the proposal of service delivery was 60% of overall marks while price was 40%.
It would undermine the integrity of the procurement process if bidders were asked (either individually or collectively) to change the service delivery model from that contained in the specifications following assessment and contract award.
Port Road, Letterkenny will be the 30th accommodation centre to come through the tendering process. All of the accommodation centres that have been procured through this process provide residents with items through the points based foodhall system. The foods available to residents generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods. Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department understand that the foodhall system works very well and residents are generally satisfied with the system. It is important to note that the foodhall system is an additional measure being provided in accommodation centres which allows for independent living.
Additionally, residents will be in receipt of a daily expenses allowance and many residents will qualify for permission to access the labour market and will do so. As the foodhall operates on a cashless system residents are of course free to spend their income wherever they see fit, including in local shops.
617. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the full inquiry into the scale of forced and illegal adoptions that occurred in Ireland as called for by Ms Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the former UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently published report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation makes it clear that unmarried mothers and their children lived in a hostile and uncaring environment in the period the report examined. As a result, many mothers effectively had little to no choice other than to put their baby up for adoption.
I am conscious that the Commission reviewed a major body of documentary evidence in this regard and that additional records or documentation may simply not exist, to support an effective revisiting of this matter by way of a further Commission or statutory inquiry.
It is accepted by all parties that, in the past, adoption was often a secretive practice, carried out without due regard to the rights of those involved. Such practice in adoption reflects wider societal prejudices of the time.
Today, the safeguards in the adoption acts ensure that the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in all adoption cases, and in every step of the process. Modern day adoption legislation and practice also ensures that the rights of all involved are vindicated, including birth fathers, within the overarching framework of working for the best interests of the child involved.
I am very conscious that every record on adoption represents the lives of a number of individuals. There are major ethical issues at play where the reality, identity and family and legal relationships that people have lived their whole lives may be fundamentally undermined. I am also concerned that the records may simply not exist, to effectively revisit adoptions that have taken place.
From listening to survivors I believe that what is most important is access to birth certs and early life information for adoptees. Addressing this issue is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan in response to the Commission’s Report. It is a priority for myself, the Attorney and the Taoiseach.
My Department and I are engaging intensively with the Attorney General to find a solution to the issue of release of birth information, including birth certificates. Through this engagement with the Attorney, I am hopeful that we will have Heads of Bill by end March/ early April.
My priority is having an effective information and tracing service available so that any individual with a question about their origins is empowered to access their own records and supported by a robust statutory tracing service. This ensures that any investigations are at the request of an individual, rather than initiated by the State.
618. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which illegally adopted persons will be considered for inclusion in any redress scheme to prevent further discrimination against this group further to the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has made clear recommendations in relation to redress on the basis of its extensive statutory investigations. Notably, the Commission recognises that redress can be financial or in the form of enhanced services. In the context of comparable previous redress arrangements, the Commission identifies a number of specific groups for whom it recommends redress might be considered.
The Government has made a very significant and early commitment to accept these recommendations and design a bespoke Restorative Recognition Scheme. I have now established an Interdepartmental Group on Restorative Recognition (IDG). Crucially, the Government agreed that the IDG would not be limited in examining solely the three criteria put forward by the Report as grounds for restorative recognition. The IDG held its first meeting on the 4 February and has been tasked with reporting back to me by the end of April to enable specific proposals to be brought to Government.
It has been asked to develop detailed proposals for a restorative recognition scheme. Its work must take account of the specific groups identified by the Commission but is not limited to those groups. Its work will be underpinned by a human rights focus and informed by strong stakeholder consultation and an understanding of lessons learned from the operation of previous schemes.
It is intended that the scheme will be designed as quickly as possible in 2021.
This is a hugely important process for all connected to these institutions and I will be working with colleagues and survivors to advance these matters as a priority.
621. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a copy of report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra634. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a copy of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra635. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who have requested and have yet to receive a copy of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; when such persons will receive a copy of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10362/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra636. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who have requested a copy of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10363/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra637. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of reports of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes sent to survivors to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10364/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra638. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be made available in audio format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10365/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra639. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published in Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10366/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra644. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a copy of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10386/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 621, 634 to 639, inclusive, and 644 together.
My officials are currently working through the large volume of requests received for hard copies of the final report.
Due to its size, the report is being printed and distributed in batches through a commercial printing firm. In order to meet the demand and requests still on hand, further batches are expected from the printers within the next two weeks. Once received these will be issued for immediate delivery through the third party distributor procured to undertake this service.
Up until Sunday 21st February my Department received 456 requests for full copies (which includes requests from former residents, public representatives, and members of the general public). The Department is prioritising requests from survivors, and we have put a robust process in place, in compliance with GDPR to ensure their safe delivery.
Requests for 270 copies have been fulfilled, this includes copies send to Irish embassies to assist survivors living abroad to access the report. Of the 270 copies which have been dispatched -243 copies have been delivered by our third party distributor to survivors and former residents including members of the Collaborative Forum.
We currently have 186 requests outstanding.
In relation to the requests from individuals which have been provided by the Deputy, my officials have confirmed that the they do not have a record of a written request for a hard copy of the full report from the individual that is referenced in PQ 10386. We will of course be happy to facilitate any such request when received.
The remaining 2 individuals have supplied their details and consent to the department and will have their requests fulfilled within the current print run. I wish to acknowledge the Deputy's ongoing efforts to assist survivors in accessing this report and my Department has provided a number of copies to the Deputy to assist in this regard.
In relation to the availability of the report in various formats; The Commission's Final Report was made available in digital format in the first instance so as to immediately make it accessible to the widest possible audience. There are a number of tools available both on and offline that can provide assistance to individuals in accessing the Report by converting text to audio. This includes a read aloud function available on most devices which can be enabled through the accessibility settings on the device. My officials have published guidance on my Department's website to assist users in availing of this functionality. I have no plans at the present time to publish an version of the report in Irish at this time, however I understand there are tools available on line that might assist in translation of the report.
622. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when additional cooking facilities will be sanctioned at a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10044/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra623. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to concerns amongst residents at a centre (details supplied) regarding the standard of food; the actions being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10045/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra632. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10273/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 622, 623 and 632 together.
I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by the residents of Ashbourne House Accommodation Centre. The health and wellbeing of all residents is the highest priority for both myself and my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
My Department takes complaints from residents very seriously. All residents of accommodation centres are made fully aware of their ability to contact IPAS at any time in confidence.
With regard to the issues raised, IPAS has been in touch with the management of Ashbourne House. The management in Ashbourne House have also met with residents’ representatives last week to discuss their concerns.
IPAS held a virtual clinic on Monday 22 February for residents in the centre to give them an opportunity to elaborate further on their concerns. IPAS has undertaken to look at the issues raised with a view to resolving them.
The Jesuit Refugee Service is also on hand to provide a confidential helpline service to residents at the centre should they wish to raise their concerns with an independent body. IPAS understands that not everybody feels comfortable contacting the Department directly so the helpline can be used to discuss issues or problems they are having with their accommodation or other issues of concern in confidence. The services of the Ombudsman are also available to residents should they wish to make a complaint about any services provided to them by the State.
624. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the White Paper on ending direct provision will be laid before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10090/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper was submitted to Government for consideration at its meeting of 23 February. Subject to Government decision, it is my intention to publish it in the coming days.
625. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of all contracts with private companies providing direct provision accommodation, including the monetary value of each contract and the expected expiry date of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10091/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has contracts in place for 48 accommodation centres, including management contracts for 7 State owned centres. The 48 centres comprise 45 accommodation centres for International Protection applicants including the National Reception Centre for International Protection applicants in Balseskin, Co. Dublin and 3 Emergency Reception and Orientation Centres (EROC) for refugees brought to Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). It should be noted that Mosney Accommodation Centre provides accommodation for both International Protection applicants and, in a separate block, for IRPP clients.
The table attached provides contract information for each of these centres. However it is our policy not to disclose financial information on individual contracts for the most recent two calendar years. It is not appropriate to provide the current individual contract values entered into by my Department as negotiations take place with a number of commercial entities on an on-going basis with a clear focus on achieving the best value for money in respect of each contract. It is not in the interests of yielding best value for the taxpayer that the details of current individual contracts are made available to other commercial bodies who are, or may be in the future, engaged in these negotiations.
Contract information is published on an annual basis each January. Details of payments made to contractors are published on http://www.ria.gov.ie/en/RIA/Pages/ContractValues . Our policy document on the release of financial information on contract values is also available on this webpage.
626. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost of providing PPE to all residential care facilities; the number that are Tusla units and privately run units respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am taking it that the Deputy's question relates to residential care facilities for children that are managed or funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have requested that Tusla respond to the Deputy directly on this issue.
627. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position of those who made submissions to the mother and baby home commission that did not relate to one of the 18 mother and baby homes of the commission, but to another home (details supplied); the way their testimony and personal details were incorporated into the work of the commission; if his Department acknowledges the personal trauma and effort involved on the part of those who made submissions in preparing same; if so, the way in which such trauma and effort will be acknowledged within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10140/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Terms of Reference for the Commission provided for the list of 18 institutions which were under investigation. The Commission has previously indicated that, while its terms of reference were quite focused, they encompassed a huge span of time and breadth of information to investigate. The Commission was charged with examining the pathways in and out of the institutions for former residents, so it was open to them to examine information provided by individuals connected to other institutions.
However, the Commission is independent in the conduct of its inquiries and I had no role in, or knowledge of the particulars of its approach to incorporating information into its report and findings.
I am acutely conscious of the effort and bravery of all those who took part and shared their lived experiences to assist in framing our understanding of what happened in these institutions. I acknowledge the personal trauma of all those who gave testimony to the Commission.
628. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider putting in place the necessary legislation to provide unconditional access to birth certificates for adopted persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI know the absolute importance of access to birth certs and early life information for adoptees. Addressing this issue is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan in response to the Commission’s Report. It is a priority for myself, the Attorney and the Taoiseach.
My Department and I are engaging intensively with the Attorney General to find a solution to the issue of release of birth information, including birth certificates. Through this engagement with the Attorney, I am hopeful that we will have Heads of Bill by end March/ early April.
630. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the childcare supports in place for front-line hospital staff, including for children who are of primary school age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10257/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 6 January it was announced that, in order to reduce movement in the population, early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services can remain open on a restricted basis, to offer services to the children of essential workers and to vulnerable children only. These arrangements were subsequently extended until 5 March.
An essential worker is someone who works in an essential service. Only one parent need qualify as an essential worker for their child to be eligible to access ELC/SAC services. For the purposes of accessing ELC/SAC an essential worker may be working from home. ELC/SAC providers have been asked to ensure that a place is available for all children of essential workers within their service.
The full list of essential services is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/
Parents who are having difficulty finding places are advised to contact their local CCC. Information is available at myccc.ie
The National Childcare Scheme is also available to parents to offset the costs of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare. It comprises of two types of subsidies:
- A universal subsidy is payable for children between the ages of 24 weeks and 36 months (or until the child qualifies for the Early Childhood Care and Education programme if later) who are availing of childcare services from an approved childcare service provider. The universal subsidy is not means-tested and is available to all qualifying families of any income level.
- An income-related subsidy is payable for children from 24 weeks to 15 years of age who are availing of childcare services from an approved childcare service provider. The level of subsidy is determined by the family’s assessable income (i.e. gross income minus tax, PRSI and other deductibles and minus any applicable multiple child discount).
Families engaged in work or study can qualify for up to 45 hours of subsidised childcare per week. Information on the NCS can be found at www.ncs.gov.ie and by phoning the Parent Support Centre at 01 906 8530. Parents can also contact their local City/County Childcare Committee to learn more about Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare supports available to them. Parents can find details about their local CCC at www.myccc.ie.
631. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of inmates currently in Oberstown Children Detention Centre, Dublin; and if a social worker has been provided to each of those residing in the facility. [10260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of today 23 February 2021 there are 34 children (14 children on remand and 20 in detention) in Oberstown Children Detention Campus (Oberstown).
Oberstown has advised me that each young person is assigned a keyworker on admission. There is also a Social Worker and Advocacy Officer on campus and all young people have access and meet with them on a regular basis.
Where a young person has a social worker prior to admission to Oberstown, engagement will continue whilst the young person is in Oberstown.
633. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to review the early childhood care and education programme entry time; if he will examine a potential exemption for children born prematurely, as a consequence of which, parents feel the child may not be able to enter early education within the current window; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10354/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year. A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date and a child cannot turn 5 years and 6 months of age during the course of the ECCE programme year.
The ECCE programme is not mandatory, and a parent may choose to delay their child’s entry in to the programme and avail of one year of ECCE only.
Supports are available for children with additional needs through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to enable them to take part in ECCE. AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with additional needs can access the ECCE Programme in mainstream pre-school settings. Its goal is to empower pre-school providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every child can meaningfully participate in their full two years of the ECCE Programme alongside their peers and can reap the benefits of quality early years care and education.
Parents can receive further information on ECCE and the AIM supports from their local County Childcare Committee, details of which can be found at www.myccc.ie
