Written Answers Nos. 159-184
159. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently address a situation which has arisen in which children who do not return to take up their ECCE place within four weeks of 8 March 2021 will lose their place on the scheme; and if families who choose to care for their children at home during this continued period of risk will not lose their qualification for ECCE. [12326/21]
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.
Children who do not return to take up their ECCE place within four weeks of 8 March 2021 will not lose their eligibility/qualification for the scheme as consequence of this non-attendance.
My Department has continued to provide funding to providers whilst the scheme has been suspended. It has been open to providers from January 1st to March 7th to access ECCE funding (some of which was subject to certain terms and conditions) throughout this period regardless of whether the child was attending during the period. Many ECCE providers received a substantial proportion of their ECCE funding even though they were closed.
With the full resumption of the ECCE scheme from March 8th, the normal scheme rules apply. If a child stops attending an ECCE service, the Department will continue to provide payment to the service for four weeks. If the family is not availing of the service after that point, funding will cease until the child returns. If and when the child returns, funding will resume.
It is a matter for the provider to decide whether to hold the place in the interim.
If a provider is experiencing sustainability issues, additional supports may be made available under the Covid-19 sustainability fund to ensure services can continue to operate.
For further information please see the ECCE Programme Rules for 2020/2021 available on the Department's website.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he proposes to continue to support joint cross-Border activities on the island of Ireland with particular reference to addressing concerns arising from Brexit; if his Department will continue to support initiatives such as apprenticeship training or retraining with a view to addressing issues of social or economic deprivation on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12469/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to the enhancement of all aspects of our work relating to North South cooperation and the all-island economy. Specifically, I have prioritised regular bilateral engagements on a North-South basis, both at Ministerial and Official level in order to pursue a strong agenda of colleaboration of areas of mutual interest.
In this regard, my Department has collaborated very closely with the Department of the Economy in Northern Ireland on the development of a proposal to address skills needs in the 6 border counties and Northern Ireland, as part of the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) are preparing a public consultation on the draft programme, and we must await the outcome of this process, and the associated approval process, before engaging on its delivery.
I can assure the Deputy that this programme will facilitate the development of innovative cross-border responses in the area of skills, including re-skilling.
161. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if support will continue to be provided through the free fees initiative and SUSI grants for students that have to repeat a year due to the impact of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
In general, under the progression/previous academic attainment criteria of the Student Grant Scheme, students cannot qualify for grant assistance or free tuition fees for a second period of study at the same level or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant or tuition fees were paid previously.
The main objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. The Scheme operates in the context of competing educational priorities and limited public funding.
However, SUSI has disrection to waive the progression provision in exceptional circumstances in line with the relevant guidelines which accompany the Student Grant Scheme. Each grant application is assessed on a case-by-case basis on its own merits under this provision.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie
However, as the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits to a review into the impact of SUSI regarding the impact of Covid and this is currently underway.
162. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider including the pandemic unemployment payment received by students within the income disregard for the SUSI grant scheme; if his Department has conducted an analysis on the impact pandemic unemployment payments will have on access to SUSI for the 2021-2022 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12218/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the terms and conditions of funding, including those relating to residency, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2020/21 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.
The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment as a social insurance benefit scheme separate from other social protection statutory schemes including the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Jobseeker Allowance and Jobseeker Benefit schemes.
For student grant purposes the Covid-19 payment has been treated as reckonable income for the SUSI means assessment process since it was introduced in March 2020. This means that the Covid-19 payment is treated in a similar fashion to other Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection payments such as Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance, thus ensuring a consistency of approach and an equitable treatment of students and their families in the SUSI means assessment process.
All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants. However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on the current year (2020) and they may also be asked to provide evidence of the current year’s (2020) income.
The Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2021/22 academic year will be published towards the end of March/early April 2021. The opening of SUSI's online grant application system will coincide with the publication of the scheme. Grant applications are submitted online via www.susi.ie. Further information in relation to student grant assistance is also available from this website. The telephone number for SUSI’s Helpdesk is 0761 087 874.
A review of the Student Grant Scheme in 2020 ( following the impact of COVID-19) was committed to as part of the Programme for Government. This Review is currently being undertaken. It will document the impact of Covid-19 on the Scheme and outline a number of recommendations for consideration by the end of Quarter 1, 2021.
163. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the fee arrangements that will be in place for Irish students attending Scottish universities in autumn 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12299/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing legal advice, Scotland found it necessary to introduce fees for Irish students pursuing their higher education in Scottish universities with effect from the 2021/ 2022 academic year. This means that they will be treated as home students, in terms of paying fees at UK home rates, unlike students from the rest of the EU, who will be charged the higher international rate. Therefore, Irish students commencing their higher education studies in Scotland will be liable for fees of up to £9,250.
It is important to note that this decision does not effect those Irish students who are already registered with Scottish higher education institutions.
Following an amendment to the Student Support Act, eligible Irish students will maintain access to SUSI grants should they decide to study in UK higher education institutions. In addition, students seeking to pursue their studies in Scotland are being advised to contact the Student Awards Agency Scotland to explore their eligibility for further finance options.
164. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the GMIT Mayo campus mid-term review report of the independent assessor; if a date has been scheduled for when the report will be presented to the finance and governance section of the HEA in quarter 1 of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12332/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the 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 of the Working Group advised that a Mid Term Review of the recommendations of the GMIT Working Group Report be undertaken. 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 position as previously advised remains unchanged and the report of the independent assessor is still on schedule to be presented to the HEA’s Finance and Governance Committee by the end of Q1 2021. I will advise the Deputy of the updated position from the HEA pending completion of this review.
165. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a university (details supplied) is proceeding with student work placements in food processing plants during the current level 5 restrictions; and if his Department has provided guidance to the university on this matter. [12336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appreciate that this is a time of considerable stress and concern for third level students and the challenging and stressful circumstances that students are facing are being taken into account by Higher Education institutions as they adapt and respond to the changing situation. This includes the consideration of issues around work placements for students. The national co-ordination group for further and higher education is also meeting on a regular basis, and is closely monitoring the impact that Covid-19 is having on third level institutions and their students.
The government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021, Plan for Living with COVID-19, combined with the HSA Return to Work Protocols and ongoing Public Health advice, provide the over-arching framework for all sectors of society for the operation of their facilities and premises in keeping with public health advice.
Specific to further and higher education, the government has also published “Guidance for Further and Higher Education for returning to on-site activity in 2020: Roadmap and COVID-19 Adaptation Framework for returning to on-site activity in autumn 2020” accompanied by “Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)” and outbreaks protocols developed in collaboration with experts within the higher education sector and with the Department of Health. This suite of guidance provides robust advice to higher and further educational facilities on COVID-19 prevention measures, implementation of which will minimise the risk of infection for all students and staff. Further and Higher Education Institutes should adapt and customise these recommendations for their own particular settings, adhering at all times to the overarching Public Health principles on which the guidance is predicated.
Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential insofar as onsite presence is required and such education activities cannot be held remotely. The priority activities which can continue - subject to the appropriate protective measures, guidelines and local assessment- include practical tuition, workshops and skills-based learning (including in relation to apprenticeships) and engagement with vulnerable learners. Local assessment will focus on activities that are not capable of being delivered through alternative means, and are time-critical for students and learners during this period.
As Higher Education Institutions are autonomous, and as such are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes, including in relation to placement arrangements, and as there are a wide range of courses with work placement options, students are encouraged to approach their institutions directly if they have any queries in relation to their work placements. Reflecting the scale and diversity of third-level provision, higher education institution themselves are best equipped to determine where onsite presence is required.
166. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average time it is currently taking apprenticeship students to complete their qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current wait times for each off-the-job training phase; if this in line with the period of time advised by SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12338/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
Craft apprenticeships represent 25 of the 59 available apprenticeship programmes and 85% of total apprentice registrations as at the end of 2020. Craft apprenticeships consist of seven phases of training, three of which are off-the-job and delivered by Education and Training Boards, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities across the country.
Start and end dates for an apprenticeship are defined respectively by the date the apprentice is registered with SOLAS and when a Results Approval Panel confirms to SOLAS that an apprentice has successfully met the required standard by completion of all on and off the job elements of their apprenticeship. For craft apprentices, this process is generally completed by 208 weeks, while noting that this may not always be the case. For example there could be a delay in either the on or off the job elements for a variety of reasons.
The impacts of COVID-19 closures have had a significant impact on craft apprenticeship off the job training. When permissible, on-site practical training is operating at approximately 50% normal capacity to ensure adherence to public health guidance. The Government have allocated additional funding for 2021 to fund 2,000 apprenticeship places required to catch up on the lost provision in 2020 and to mitigate against the effect of smaller apprenticeship class sizes.
To date, SOLAS designed and implemented an alternative assessment strategy for approximately 2,100 craft apprentices in June 2020 to address immediate continuity of training and assessments issues at that time. Since January 11th training facilities have again been closed however theoretical training aspects of the craft apprenticeship courses have been delivered online for apprentices who are due to attend off-the-job training during this period. Intensive work is underway to agree a phased basis return to onsite training for apprentices who have had their training interrupted or who were close to assessment before the January shutdown. The onsite training and assessment is now time critical and apprenticeship stakeholders are working on this plan as a priority.
In addition to the urgent work on returning apprentices to onsite training, SOLAS and the HEA are exploring the development of additional training capacity across education and training providers with the objective of tackling the waiting lists and ensuring that apprentices complete their training as quickly as possible.
168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding and grants are available for mature students to purchase electronic devices to aid with their studies given courses have moved online due to Covid-19. [12371/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a package of COVID-19 supports for the higher and further education sectors, and in response to the shift to online and blended learning, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science allocated €15m to higher and further education and training providers for a grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices.
This has enabled the purchase of over 21,000 devices by higher and further education providers, in an effort to address concerns regarding the digital divide and to support disadvantaged students, including mature students, in adapting to the new models of learning.
Devices procured using the grant have been, and are still being, distributed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to disadvantaged students via lending schemes. It is a matter for each higher and further education provider to determine which individual students should be prioritised to receive a device, on a needs basis and within the terms and conditions of the grant.
Students, including mature students, who consider they may be eligible to apply for a device should contact the relevant HEI or ETB for further information.
169. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice the reason no decision has been made on an application by a person (details supplied) for naturalisation despite the fact the application was lodged in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12189/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizenship Division of the Immigration Service of my Department has corresponded with the person concerned on a number of occasions (by post on 13 September 2018 and again on 4 March 2019 and by email in January 2021). It should be noted that the address on record for the person concerned does not match the address provided in the details supplied by the Deputy.
The person concerned can contact the Citizenship Division directly at: info@citizenship.ie and they will arrange to reissue the correspondence. The person should also provide confirmation of their current address if not already supplied.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
170. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the training given to gardaí on implementation of the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010. [12271/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, but I have not received this information in time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
171. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 20 October 2020, the status of the reply given that no correspondence has been received in relation to the matter. [12283/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including recruitment and human resources matters, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Deputy has requested statistical information for each of the years 2018 to 2021 in relation to -
1. New recruits, actual and projected
2. Graduating recruits, actual and projected
3. Retirements/departures from service, actual and projected
4. Overall Garda force numbers, actual and projected
5. Overall civilian staff numbers, actual and projected
The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the following table shows the number of Garda recruits and additional members of Garda staff (civilians) provided for in each Budget from 2018 to 2021:
|
Budget 2018 |
Budget 2019 |
Budget 2020 |
Budget 2021 |
|
|
Garda recruits |
800 |
700 |
Up to 620 |
Up to 650* |
|
Garda staff |
500 |
Number not specified |
500 |
500 |
*Budget 2021 provided for the recruitment of up to 650 Gardaí this year, in addition to 500 Garda staff. The Justice Plan 2021, which I recently published, also commits to further redeployment of Gardaí to front line policing work, with a target of 400 redeployments to achieved in 2021.
In relation to Garda recruits, the Deputy will appreciate that these numbers have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent impact in relation to education and accommodation facilities at the Garda College.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is currently anticipated that An Garda Síochána will be in a position to take in 450 new Trainees over the course of 2021, however these plans will be kept under review in light of the situation which may be in place with regard to COVID-19 restrictions.
The table below shows the actual numbers for the figures requested for the years 2018, 2019 and as at 30 September 2020:
|
Actual 31/12/2018 |
Actual 31/12/2019 |
Actual to 30/09/2020 |
|
|
New Recruits |
799 |
600 |
275 |
|
Garda Trainees Attested |
789 |
605 |
522 |
|
Retirements/Departures from service |
312 |
334 |
233 |
|
Overall Garda Strength numbers (members) |
14,032 |
14,307 |
14,593 |
|
Overall Garda Staff numbers (civilian) WTE |
2,429.4 |
2,944.9 |
3,105.8 |
I have asked the Garda authorities for the final statistics for 2020 and projections for 2021 and I will forward this information to you when it becomes available.
|
Actual 31/12/2018 |
Actual 31/12/2019 |
Actual 31/12/2020 |
Actual to 28/02/2021 |
Projected 31/12/2021 |
|
|
New Recruits |
799 |
600 |
275 |
0 |
450 |
|
Garda Trainees Attested |
789 |
605 |
522 |
75 |
148 |
|
Retirements/Departures from service |
312 |
334 |
339 |
41 |
350 |
|
Overall Garda Strength numbers (members) |
14,032 |
14,307 |
14,491 |
14,522 |
14,289 |
|
Overall Garda Staff numbers (civilian) WTE |
2,429.40 |
2,944.90 |
3,112.60 |
3,124.20 |
3,550 |
172. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the projected Garda recruitment in 2021; and the impact of Covid-19 on same. [12284/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible, by law, for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including recruitment and human resources matters, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
As the Deputy will appreciate, recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees. The final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, are managed by the Commissioner.
Budget 2021 provided for the recruitment of up to 650 Gardaí this year, in addition to 500 Garda staff. The Justice Plan 2021, which I recently published, also commits to further redeployment of Gardaí to front line policing work, with a target of 400 redeployments to achieved in 2021.
In relation to Garda recruits, the Deputy will appreciate that these numbers have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent impact in relation to education and accommodation facilities at the Garda College.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is currently anticipated that An Garda Síochána will be in a position to take in 450 new Trainees over the course of 2021, however these plans will be kept under review in light of the situation which may be in place with regard to COVID-19 restrictions.
I am informed that the schedule for these currently anticipated intakes is as follows:
|
Date |
Garda Trainees |
|
24 May 2021 |
150 |
|
19 July 2021 |
75 |
|
20 September 2021 |
150 |
|
15 November 2021 |
75 |
|
Total |
450 |
The Deputy may wish to further note that intake 203, who have been on placement in training station in recent months, are due to return to the Garda College on 22 March 2021.
173. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice her plans to establish a formal accredited training service for oversight personnel employed in GSOC to further empower them to critically investigate Garda actions; the analysis her Department has carried out into the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12295/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has a hugely important role to play in ensuring that public confidence in An Garda Síochána is safeguarded and, as such, it is an independent oversight body with extensive powers under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The Government is committed to ensuring that GSOC has the necessary supports and resources in order to fulfil its statutory functions and mandate. A provision of €11.27 million has been made for GSOC in Budget 2021.
I am informed that GSOC is currently putting in place a comprehensive Learning and Development (L&D) Strategy to identify its key learning and development needs, including the need for appropriate accreditation and continuous professional development, for all its staff. This is a particular imperative for GSOC in light of new personnel joining the organisation, advances in investigative techniques, the increasing complexity of the policing environment in Ireland and the nature and range of functions envisaged for GSOC under the Government’s programme for policing reform arising from the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
It is not possible to determine the cost of the required training programme in advance of a detailed specification of requirements being completed by GSOC. Nevertheless, it is clear that the cost will be substantial, given that an extensive programme is required to be designed, procured and delivered over the period 2021-23 and for the ongoing provision of training and continuous professional development thereafter. When GSOC was first established in 2007, UK services were used to provide appropriate training for its investigators.
It is essential to ensure that GSOC’s staff have the appropriate skills, knowledge and expertise commensurate with carrying out their statutory oversight functions in accordance with best practice, and my Department will continue to engage with GSOC with regard to their training needs.
174. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice her plans to establish a historical investigation directorate in GSOC with its own dedicated staff which would be added to the existing staffing GSOC complement along the lines of the directorate set up in 2010 within the office of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12296/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was established as a statutorily independent body, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. I have no role or function in the processing or management of complaints which are made to GSOC for investigation.
GSOC’s main area of responsibility is to deal with complaints concerning Garda conduct. While the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, provides for time limits for the making of complaints, such time limits may be extended where there is good reason. It is also the case that GSOC may investigate matters in relation to the conduct of Gardaí, when it is in the public interest. I am advised that there is nothing therefore to prohibit GSOC engaging with legacy cases where appropriate to do so. Furthermore, the organisation of the work of GSOC is a matter for the Commission.
As the Deputy will be aware, dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task. The Stormont House Agreement sets out a comprehensive set of measures to deal with legacy issues in a way that can meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors and support closure and reconciliation for those communities most affected by the Troubles.
The Government remains committed to the implementation of those measures and we will continue to work with the Government of the United Kingdom and the parties in Northern Ireland to give effect to them.
175. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice the current processing time for applications made by local authorities for authorisation to operate a CCTV system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12342/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of Garda CCTV systems are, by law, matters for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these decisions.
Community-based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as data controller, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country. Decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of Garda CCTV systems are matters for the Garda Commissioner and not for me as Minister.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that CCTV applications are processed and reviewed by the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau prior to their consideration by the CCTV advisory Committee and a recommendation being made to the Garda Commissioner as to their suitability for authorisation. Due to the varied nature and size of applications, it is not possible to give a generic timeframe on processing an application as all applications are different.
In general, delays in processing applications are mainly caused by applications which are incorrectly made, or applications missing required information. Applications received with errors or omissions cannot be considered for approval, and must be returned to the applicant to be rectified, resulting in additional delays.
176. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if his Department has conducted research on the way to safely reopen the wedding industry at different levels of restrictions of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead plan. [12252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if his Department has conducted research on the way to safely reopen the wedding industry at different levels of restrictions of the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead plan. [12248/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if his Department has conducted research on how to safely reopen the wedding industry at different levels of restrictions of the living with Covid plan. [12250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 202 and 203 together.
As has been the case throughout this pandemic, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) considers a range of different indicators of disease and compliance, and considers those indicators in context, when making its recommendations to Government.
The public health measures in place at any level of the the Government's updated plan for managing Covid-19 - COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead recognise the need to reduce congregation and interactions between people to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. The number of people allowed to gather in different scenarios in the plan is based on a review of international practice and the judgment of public health experts. It seeks to balance the risks of different types of gatherings against the desire to allow normal activities to proceed in so far as possible. The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
Details of weddings numbers at each level of the COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead can be found at Appendix 1 under Social and Family Gatherings/Weddings.
Details of the public health measures currently in place for weddings can be found at:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#weddings
Fáilte Ireland has also provided guidelines for the hospitality industry which includes guidance on weddings and is available at: - https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Hotels-and-Guesthouses.pdf
177. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on the case of a five-year-old profoundly deaf child (details supplied) who has been waiting for over four years for a speech and language therapist. [12180/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
178. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists employed by the HSE who have Irish sign language; and if a list of the areas they work in will be provided. [12181/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists employed by the HSE who had Irish sign language in the past five years; and if a list of the areas they work in will be provided. [12182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a medical card. [12183/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
181. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided in relation to the circumstances of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12184/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised I have asked CORU (the Health and Social Care Professional Council) to respond to the Deputy directly.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a timescale and regime has been agreed for Covid-19 vaccinations for undertakers with particular reference to those in the front-line who have direct contact with nursing homes and hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group began in February.
On the 23rd of February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy.
In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death.
The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.
The NIAC continues to monitor data around this disease and indeed emerging data on effectiveness of vaccines on a rolling basis.
Further details are available at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b44b2-minister-donnelly-announces-update-to-vaccine-allocation-strategy/
The ongoing review process will continue to look at the other priority groups yet to be vaccinated, along with the competing needs of those working or living in high-risk situations, carers who deliver essential services to highly dependent individuals in the home setting, and those who are socially vulnerable/disadvantaged.
183. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 550 of 20 January 2021, if he will provide a full and accurate breakdown of the assessment of needs requests by primary concern listed on the application forms between 2016 to the latest date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12192/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 550 of 20 January 2021, if he will provide a full and accurate breakdown of the assessment of needs requests by suggested supports listed on the application forms between 2016 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12193/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
