Patrick Costello
Ceist:574. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of psychotherapists directly employed by Tusla by LHO. [11003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (574)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (575)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:575. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of referrals to outside therapeutic services not including CAMHS by Tusla in 2019, by LHO. [11004/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (576)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:576. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of referrals to outside therapeutic services not including CAMHS by Tusla in 2020, by LHO. [11005/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (577)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:577. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount spent by Tusla on external therapeutic services in 2019 and 2020, by LHO for each year. [11006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (578)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:578. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors who arrived in each month from January 2020 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Rape Crisis Network Funding
Ceisteanna (579)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:579. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of funding to be provided to a centre (details supplied) to cover services being provided in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Tusla provides funding to some 60 organisations around the country that provide front line services to those who have experienced, or are currently experiencing DSGBV.
The details of a funding arrangement between Tusla and a third party, made via the contract of a Service Level Agreement (SLA), is an operational matter for Tusla. I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (580)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:580. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if Tulsa will honour section 20 of the agreement pertaining to the dispute with a centre (details supplied) to ensure existing funding is retained pending the final arbitration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of discussions between Tusla and the organisation to which the Deputy refers, with regard to the agreed level of funding in 2021. The organisation is commissioned by Tusla to provide a service, for a specified funding allocation, covered by an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA). The details of any funding arrangement between Tusla and a third party, covered by an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA), is an operational matter for Tusla.
Tusla has advised that Section 20 of the SLA between Tusla and all funded bodies provides for a dispute resolution process. Tusla is open to engaging with funded organisations through this mechanism to resolve any differences constructively. The SLA must be signed so that this dispute resolution process can be established and in order to comply with obligations in the distribution of public funds. I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Parental Leave
Ceisteanna (581)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:581. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the three weeks extra paid parents leave will be implemented for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11073/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (582)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:582. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of early leaning and care and school age childcare services that have and have not, respectively signed up to the enhanced payment under the 1 February to 5 March 2021 funding measures by service type. [11079/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to ensuring that overall investment in the early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC) sector is maintained and that services are sustained through this crisis.
On 26 January, the Government made the decision to extend the suspension of the free pre-school ECCE programme and to continue to restrict access to childcare services to the children of essential workers and to vulnerable children until 5 March, to help to control the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
On 27 January, the Department announced a new funding model for childcare providers from 1 February to 5 March. This new funding arrangement ensures that childcare services can remain open where they have demand for places for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children.
As part of this funding model, providers were given the option to opt into certain terms and conditions to receive enhanced payments. The payments available varied depending on the service type and whether they were open or closed.
As of 01 March 2021, 4,387 active services have at least one DCEDIY scheme countersigned contract and/or budget approval and are therefore eligible to apply for enhanced payments.
For providers within those 4,387, which are particularly dependent on parental fees, a special Covid Operating Support Payment was made available as part of these enhanced payments. 1,309 services have been deemed eligible for this payment, of which 1,226 have opted to sign up.
3,952 services signed up to have signed up to the enhanced payment under the 1 February to 5 March 2021 funding measures. The breakdown is as follows
|
Service Type |
Confirmed T&Cs |
|
ECCE and providing other Programmes |
2,148 |
|
ECCE Only |
1,466 |
|
Other Programmes but no ECCE |
338 |
|
Total |
3,952 |
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (583)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:583. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of funding distributed by his Department to early learning and care and school age childcare services on a monthly basis from March 2020 to January 2021, by funding scheme type. [11080/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provider runs a number of schemes which are available early learning and care and school age childcare services. The schemes are administer by Pobal on behalf of the DCEDIY.
The following table includes the Department’s core funding programmes and supports
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- AIM level 1
- AIM level 7
- National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
- Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP)
- Training and Employment Childcare Scheme (TEC)
- Programme Support Payment (PSP)
- Crisis Management
In 2020 the DCEDIY introduced a number of schemes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which have also been included in the following table.
- Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme
- Reopening Grant
- COVID Capital
The negative values are a combination of reclassification of funding, as a result of the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector and of year-end overpayment adjustments.
Table: Payments to Services March 2020 to January 2021 (€m)
|
Programme |
Mar-20 |
Apr-20 |
May-20 |
Jun-20 |
Jul-20 |
Aug-20 |
Sep-20 |
Oct-20 |
Nov-20 |
Dec-20 |
Jan-21 |
|
ECCE |
€30.86 |
€1.00 |
-€0.31 |
€0.10 |
€0.34 |
€24.93 |
€28.43 |
€30.14 |
€31.68 |
€3.35 |
€52.23 |
|
AIM Level 1 |
€0.44 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.66 |
€0.63 |
€0.69 |
€0.00 |
€0.51 |
|
AIM Level 7 |
€3.00 |
€0.02 |
-€2.90 |
€0.00 |
-€0.17 |
€0.01 |
€3.25 |
€2.69 |
€2.01 |
€0.17 |
€2.23 |
|
NCS |
€3.22 |
€2.68 |
-€0.68 |
€0.00 |
€3.09 |
€3.35 |
€6.00 |
€6.35 |
€7.55 |
€9.07 |
€7.76 |
|
CCSP (Savers) |
€7.97 |
€2.66 |
-€1.88 |
-€1.34 |
€8.11 |
€8.19 |
€1.96 |
€3.59 |
€4.31 |
€3.60 |
€6.15 |
|
TEC |
€0.56 |
€0.14 |
-€0.11 |
€0.00 |
€0.09 |
€0.06 |
€0.12 |
€0.13 |
€0.11 |
€0.08 |
€0.09 |
|
ECCE PSP |
€0.03 |
€3.22 |
€0.00 |
€6.23 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.12 |
€0.00 |
€0.01 |
€0.00 |
|
NCS & Savers PSP |
€0.03 |
€2.95 |
€0.00 |
€6.04 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.41 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Crisis Management |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.01 |
€0.00 |
€0.03 |
€0.52 |
€0.19 |
€0.00 |
|
TWSC |
€0.00 |
€22.18 |
€28.60 |
€7.42 |
€0.39 |
-€0.07 |
€0.01 |
€0.67 |
-€2.65 |
-€0.83 |
-€0.60 |
|
Reopening Grant |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€10.32 |
€2.11 |
€0.70 |
-€0.02 |
-€0.00 |
€0.00 |
-€0.01 |
|
COVID Capital |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€3.97 |
€6.27 |
€2.06 |
€0.70 |
€0.01 |
-€0.01 |
-€0.01 |
-€0.00 |
|
Total |
€46.12 |
€34.85 |
€22.73 |
€22.43 |
€28.44 |
€40.65 |
€41.82 |
€44.75 |
€44.21 |
€15.62 |
€68.36 |
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (584)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:584. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of child protection and welfare concerns reported to Tusla in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by each CHO area in tabular form; and the nature of the reports. [11241/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Public Procurement Contracts
Ceisteanna (585)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:585. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11371/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From the available information compiled to date by my Department, the contracts that were approved without competitive tender in 2018 and 2019 are outlined in the table following.
For 2020, the 40/02 for year ended 2020 is currently being prepared and will be submitted to the C&AG before the 31st March 2021. For 2021, the 40/02 for year ended 2021 will be compiled and submitted to C&AG before 31 March 2022.
There were three contracts in the department for 2019 and none for 2018.
Bodies under the aegis of the department : The Adoption Authority of Ireland and the National Disability Authority had one contract each to be included, and Oberstown Children Detention Campus had eight contracts to include in this reply.
I have also referred the question to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the Ombudsman for Children's Office and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and asked them to provide the information sought directly to the Deputy.
|
Subject of Contract / Purchase |
Contract Period |
Value € (exclusive of VAT) |
Reason for no competitive tender |
|
Departmental contracts |
|||
|
Niamh McCullagh - Forensic archaeological work on behalf of Commission of Investigation. |
2019 |
83,787 |
N McCullagh is the only forensic archaeologist working in Ireland who has the necessary experience in the search, location, and recovery of human remains. Ms. McCullagh worked on a number of similar cases and was recommended by another public sector body. All work was agreed with MBH in advance with regular updates. |
|
KAG Contractors - Forensic archaeological work on behalf of Commission of Investigation. |
2019 |
51,213 |
KAG single invoice relates to a once-off project [Sean Ross excavation] conducted 18/02-15/03. The company was engaged as it has the experience in working with other public bodies (Justice, Gardaí) in the search, location, and recovery of human remains. They worked on a number of similar cases. Work was agreed in advance. |
|
John & Ger Halbert - Support for Guidelines Development for the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive |
2019 |
44,000 |
An RFT was advertised but yielded no response. The supplier was approached and asked to submit an RFT which was evaluated using the original criteria so the final contract was awarded by direct negotiated process. |
|
Agencies under the department contracts |
|||
|
Marion Reynolds - Overseeing an independent review into incorrect birth registrations and production of report on same. |
2018 |
32,753 |
When the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was made aware of evidence of illegal birth registrations in the files of the defunct adoption society St. Patrick’s Guild, the Minister directed that further investigations be carried out immediately to see if clear evidence of Illegal registrations could be obtained from the records of other former adoption agencies. An Independent Reviewer from outside the State was appointed to oversee this process. Under these circumstances it was not possible to undertake a competitive process, owing to the need to commence the review promptly.It was intended that this would cost less than €25,000. However, due to the complexity of the task as well as GDPR and legal issues, it took longer than expected. This impacted on the number of days the independent reviewer charged the Department for. |
|
Noonan Security - Security services provided to the National Disability Authority |
2018 |
29,166 |
The security contract expired 31 December 2017, however a number of factors led to a delay in establishing a new contract including complications arising from new regulations and unsuccessful tendering competitions, so that the NDA had little choice but to extend the contract for essential security reasons. Further to a repeated competition process, a contract was awarded successfully in December 2018. |
|
Recreational support to young people - James O’Connor, Samantha Byrne, Tommy Stack, Conor McGuire |
2018 |
118,951 |
Suppliers were in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. A review of procurement procedures did not take place until 2019. |
|
Financial Advice - McInerney Saunders Financial Advice |
2018 |
68,673 |
This supplier’s unique knowledge of Oberstown was invaluable for the service required at the time. The opinion was that no alternative provider could be used in the circumstances. From 2019 the supplier was no longer required. |
|
Occupational Health- Medwise Occupational Health |
2018 |
33,987 |
Supplier was in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. The supplier is no longer required. |
|
Security equipment - Scan-X security |
2019 |
33,350 |
Three quotes obtained due to urgency of supply. |
|
Agency Staff - Orange Recruitment |
2019 |
63,365 |
Supplier was in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. The supplier is no longer required. |
|
Occupational Mental Health Services - Inspire Occupational Health |
2019 |
32,039 |
Staff Mental Health Service providers were explored via a desk research project. They were measured against specific marking criteria for the purposes of awarding the contract. The tender was not put through eTenders. |
|
Recreational Support to young people - Danny Bianchi, Jaime Travers, Ray Lawlor, Conor McGuire, James O'Connor, Scoil Seamus Ennis, Image Fitness Training Ltd |
2020 |
196,289 |
Suppliers were in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. A review of procurement procedures did not take places until 2019. |
|
Recreational Support to young people - Conor McGuire, James O’Connor, Jack Wycherley |
2020 |
93,822 |
Supplier was in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. The supplier is no longer required. |
|
Agency Staff - Orange Recruitment |
2020 |
54,920 |
Supplier was in place prior to the establishment of Oberstown Children Detention Campus as a legal entity on 1 June 2016. The supplier is no longer required. |
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (586)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:586. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the ECCE scheme in early years settings can be made fully accessible for children with physical disabilities. [11460/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The goal of AIM, which was launched in 2016, is to empower pre-school providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care. It offers tailored, practical supports based on need and does not require a formal diagnosis of disability.
AIM includes 7 levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted. The levels of support include:
- Level 1, which aims to embed an inclusive culture in services, includes the national inclusion policy and guidelines for ECCE, the funding of the LINC training programme in Leadership for Inclusion, the establishment of Inclusion Co-Ordinator roles in ECCE settings, and a small increase in capitation for services with qualified Inclusion Coordinators.
- Level 2 involves provision of information for parents and providers on AIM, through the AIM.gov.ie website and information provided by County/City Childcare Committees.
- Level 3 recognises the requirement to continue to develop a qualified workforce that can confidently meet the needs of all children participating in the ECCE Programme. Supports include funding of training courses such as Hanen, Lámh and Sensory Processing E-Learning (SPEL).
- Level 4 addresses the needs of early years practitioners to have timely access to advice and support from experts in early learning and care (and disability in particular) to assist them meet each child’s needs.
- Level 5 recognises that some children require specialised equipment, appliances, assistive technology and/or that some early learning and care settings may require minor structural alterations to ensure children with a disability can participate in the ECCE programme. Supports include grants for equipment and some capital building works for a service.
- Level 6 provides access to therapeutic supports where they are critical to enable a child be enrolled, and fully participate, in the ECCE programme.
- Level 7: Additional assistance in the pre-school room involves additional capitation for service providers where an application process has demonstrated that supports Level 1-6 have not, or will not, by themselves, meet the child’s needs. Funding can be used by the provider to buy in additional support, or reduce the staff / child ratio, supporting the pre-school leader to ensure the child’s optimal participation.
County/City Childcare Committees (CCC) can provide information on AIM, the application process and local pre-schools that may have capacity for children, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities, to attend. See www.myccc.ie for contact details.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (587, 588)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:587. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will be able to carry out three inspections of each direct provision centre in the country in 2021. [11463/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:588. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the roll-out of the new inspection regime for direct provision centres. [11464/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.
My Department is currently engaged with HIQA with regard to undertaking the role of monitoring the services provided to those accommodated in our centres against National Standards that were published in 2019. The National Standards meet the requirements of the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive (Directive 2013/33/EU) which we voluntarily opted into in June 2018.
It is hoped that HIQA will begin this role shortly. A strong and transparent monitoring capacity is crucial to ensure that quality of service is maintained during the significant transformation process that will occur over the coming years in line with the White Paper that I published last Friday, 26 February.
The existing inspections system contracted by my Department from QTS Ltd will continue to remain in place to oversee issues such as health and safety, environmental safety and fire safety. QTS Ltd have now recommenced inspections.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (589)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:589. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his Department will publish a general scheme of a domestic violence Bill to provide for paid leave relating to domestic violence as referenced in the Programme for Government. [11477/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to undertake an investigation into the provision of paid leave and social welfare supports for victims. The Government agreed on 8 December 2020 to examine the feasibility of establishing a statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave and to provide a report within six months, with legislative proposals to follow within 4 months.
Consistent with this timeline, the development of a scheme of domestic violence leave is currently being scoped which will include the international models and the identification of best practice. Consultations with service providers and victims’ representative groups have begun through the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence on how a scheme of paid leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively. Consultations are also being undertaken with employer groups and with trade unions.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (590)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:590. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the audit on segmentation of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence responsibilities across Departments and agencies will be initiated; the lead Minister for the audit; and the scheduled date by which this work will be completed. [11478/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government committed to an audit of how responsibility for DSGBV is segmented across Government bodies, and developing proposals on the required infrastructure to ensure the issue is dealt with effectively. External consultants were appointed to carry out this work in late 2020, and the audit is currently in progress.
Responsibility for the audit is being led by my Cabinet colleague, Minister McEntee, with collaboration and input from my Department and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. It is currently envisaged that the audit will be completed by the end of this month.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (591)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:591. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the impact of the loss of family supports, community supports and voluntary community supports that cannot be put in place due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11538/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am conscious of the negative impacts caused by COVID-19 to children, young people and their families, and the serious disruption to their lives. The effect on those in our society who are already vulnerable, or who have additional needs, can be even greater.
My Department has worked closely with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to support services across Ireland, and those working directly with children and young people have taken a leading role in delivering an innovative response to this crisis. Tusla has developed Child and Family Support Networks (CFSNs) across Ireland, through the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme. The CFSNs consist of local services that play a role in the lives of children and families. The networks aim to ensure that there is no wrong door for families seeking help, by directing them to the right support in their community. There are 118 CFSNs across Ireland.
A key structure for service planning in Ireland are Children and Young People's Services Committees (CYPSC). CYPSC help children and young people by co-operating across agencies. In 2020 CYPSC diverted 50% of funding allocated by DCEDIY towards COVID-19 related initiatives in their communities. These initiatives include school meals provision and distribution, mental health and wellbeing supports, delivery of activity packs to children and families, working with homelessness accommodation services, working with the Children Rights Alliance on a privately funded food provision scheme in local communities in disadvantaged areas and the co–ordination of school supports/digital divide supports. In 2021 CYPSC continue to utilise DCEDIY funding to co-ordinate various initiatives in response to COVID-19.
Tusla also directly supports family support services through structures including Family Resource Centres (FRCs) and the Tusla ABC Programme. FRCs are Ireland’s largest family support programme delivering universal services to families across the country such as education, community groups and counselling services. With 121 Centres nationwide, FRCs work to meet the needs of many local areas.
In response to COVID-19 public health measures, organisations delivering parenting and family supports adapted their services throughout 2020. Services have coordinated with School Completion Programmes, Tusla and the Gardaí to distribute essential goods, and adapted to remote service delivery. For parents, many family support and home visiting services are working remotely or delivering online resources including learning and play plans for young children.
The Tusla ABC Programme is an area based prevention and early intervention initiative delivered across 12 areas of significant socio-economic disadvantage in areas across the country, operating as part of the wider Tusla Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme (PPFS). I am conscious that ABC sites have taken numerous measures to address effects of COVID-19, including remote delivery of some interventions with particular attention to those who are vulnerable. Tusla have implemented a 5 Level Roadmap aligned to wider Government efforts.
Finally, I wish to note that my Department recently re-launched the Supporting Children campaign. Supporting Children was designed to acknowledge the potential harms of the current public health crisis and to draw attention to the robust network of supports which exist for those in need across areas including Parenting and Family Support, Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Child Protection and Welfare. It also encourages all of us to look out for vulnerable children and young people and highlights many significant adaptions of services across Ireland to COVID-19.
Foster Care
Ceisteanna (592)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:592. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of young persons due to age out of foster care and who are at risk of living in poverty or becoming homeless; the supports in place for young persons at risk of poverty of homelessness on leaving foster care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11540/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question. As this is an operational matter I have referred it to Tusla for direct reply.
Foster Care
Ceisteanna (593)
Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:593. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some foster carers are excluded from applying for Tusla home improvement grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11545/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question. As this is an operational matter, I have referred it Tusla for direct reply.
Magdalen Laundries
Ceisteanna (594)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:594. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) will receive the full health services equivalent to those provided under the health amendment act card as recommended by the Quirke report. [11554/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Medical services provided to women under the Magdalen Laundries Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme are underpinned by the Redress for Women Resident in Certain Institutions Act, 2015.
While Justice Quirke recommended that the women should receive medical services equivalent to those provided by the holder of a HAA card, he also advised that not all of the services described in the Guide for people infected with Hepatitis C may be directly relevant to the Magdalen women.
Accordingly, the women are provided with an enhanced medical card (2015A Card) which allows them access to a range of medical services and to primary and community health services. These services are free of charge and include GP services, prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances, dental, ophthalmic and aural services, home support, home nursing, counselling services, chiropody, podiatry and physiotherapy.
There is no means assessment for any of the above services provided to these women. In addition, they are exempt from charges for acute in-patient services and out-patient services.
I am informed by the Department of Health that the person mentioned by the Deputy was issued with her 2015A medical card.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (595)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:595. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost of recruiting 30 additional full-time early years inspectors for Tusla. [11559/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries
Ceisteanna (596)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:596. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the sending out of a document by his Department on the enhanced model of engagement to members of the collaborative forum less than 24 hours before a meeting with the forum; his views on whether this constitutes good practice and a survivor centred approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In responding to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government committed to taking a survivor-centred approach, characterised by consistent engagement with former residents and their representative groups. The design and delivery of the measures within the Government's Action Plan will be directly informed by the views of survivors, their families and advocates.
Notably, my Department has been contacted by several hundred survivors since the report was published, many of whom have never been in contact with us before. It is clear, therefore, that new demands emerge in seeking to facilitate dialogue and consultation on the Commission’s Final Report and the State’s Action Plan. Structured consultation of this nature requires specific structures, systems and resources to ensure it is inclusive and effective. This can only happen through a significantly enhanced model of engagement, with the requisite scale to support and represent the multiplicity of voices and perspectives on these matters.
I believe that a new enhanced model of engagement, which builds upon the strengths of the existing process, can add to the significant work of the Forum to date. I also believe the experience of Forum members is invaluable in beginning a discussion on how we transition to a new model of engagement. For these reasons, I arranged two meetings with members of the Collaborative Forum in February and attended both in order to provide updates on priority actions and to start a dialogue on the structures necessary to support future engagement on these issues.
Discussion on a new model of engagement was on the agenda of both meetings. It was not reached in the first meeting. The two page document to which the Deputy refers was provided to participants in advance of the second meeting to support and prompt discussion on this item. It was not an item for decision. The facilitator to the Forum is now further engaging with each individual member with a view to capturing their feedback and progressing a number of matters.
I look forward to further discussions with Forum members following the completion of this process.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (597)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:597. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the situation in a direct provision centre (details supplied) in which residents are refusing the meals provided in protest at the standard and suitability of food and have been refused access to raw food to prepare their own meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11582/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by the residents of Ashbourne House Accommodation Centre. I take complaints from residents very seriously. The health and wellbeing of all residents is the highest priority for both myself and my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
Following receipt of correspondence to me from the residents, IPAS immediately contacted the management of Ashbourne House who met with residents’ representatives 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 undertook to look at the issues raised with a view to resolving them.
I am happy to report that the residents have ended their protest and the management of Ashbourne House are working with them to improve the facilities and to resolve the issues raised.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (598)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:598. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of instances of officials in his Department requesting conscience-based refusal in dealing with legislation or the administration of areas of Departmental responsibility that have occurred since 1 January 2016; the details of the legislation or areas concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that all appropriate measures are taken by my Department when legislation is under development.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (599)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:599. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when legislation for the extension of parent's benefit (details supplied) is expected to be passed in 2021; when it will come into effect in order that parents can apply for same; the details of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11602/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Parental Leave
Ceisteanna (600)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:600. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of introducing additional parental leave as outlined in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11692/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (601)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:601. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will make childcare providers who are in receipt of national childcare scheme eligible for the Covid-19 standard operating payment in order to waive and refund fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Covid-19 Operating Support Payment (COSP) is intended to support services that are very reliant on parental fees to remain sustainable during the period of high level restrictions, while meeting the condition of not charging fees for families whose children are not attending the service. The payment seeks to enable services to support parents by not charging fees for children who are not attending, regardless of whether non-attendance is because their parents are not essential workers or because their parents have chosen not to use ELC and SAC services at this time.
A childcare provider is eligible for the COSP if they meet all of the following criteria.
Criteria
- The service must be Tusla-registered.
- The service must have at least one child registered on a DCEDIY funding scheme (including the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)).
- The service must be reliant on parental fees for sustainability. Community services that currently receive significant State funding (other than EWSS) from non-DCEDIY sources (e.g. HSE, Tusla) for the childcare element of their organisation (used to support service delivery between 8 March and 28 March) are excluded from the COSP.
- The total value of DCEDIY funding schemes (ECCE, AIM, NCS, legacy schemes) allocated to the service in the week ending 13 December 2020 must be less than 45% of the ‘calculated-income-capacity’ of the service.
The criteria reflect the continued availability of the enhanced EWSS rates (which are estimated to meet 80% of payroll costs or 50% of operating costs), 100% continued funding of DCEDIY schemes for services that receive the COSP and avail of enhanced ECCE funding, and receipt of parental fees for children attending services that are open. Closed services have reduced operating costs.