Holly Cairns
Ceist:51. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports being offered to LGBTI+ persons in the direct provision system. [28649/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirect Provision System
Ceisteanna (51)
Freagraí scríofa
The potential vulnerability of LGBTI+ persons in the International Protection process is recognised by my Department. Where a protection applicant discloses information in relation to their gender identity or sexual orientation, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department makes every effort to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided. The newly established resident welfare team in IPAS will also work to assess any additional needs the person may have in the context of their accommodation.
As the Deputy may be aware a new Vulnerability Assessment process is currently being piloted by IPAS. The pilot commenced in December 2020 and was extended to all new applicants for international protection from the beginning of February. This assessment provides an opportunity for members of the LGBTI+ community to disclose information at an early stage, helping to ensure appropriate accommodation and support is provided without delay.
As vulnerabilities can manifest themselves at any stage of the protection process, applicants will also be able to undergo a Vulnerability Assessment at a later stage if this is desired by the applicant and deemed necessary by IPAS or other reception service providers. This is to help to ensure that any vulnerabilities that may subsequently arise are identified in a timely manner.
IPAS also liaises with State and NGO support agencies to assist our residents who may need guidance or support. In this regard, LGBT Ireland work with residents in our centres who identify as LGBTI+.
Since 2018, LGBT Ireland has facilitated a peer support group for LGBTI+ people in the International Protection process. Currently 'Is Rainbow Muid' meet online twice a month and continues to provide vital supports to members of the LGBTI+ community living in our accommodation centres at this time.
IPAS has commenced a review of a number of its operational policies currently in place for the IPAS accommodation network. As part of this review, a specific policy with regard to the provision of accommodation services for LGBTI protection applicants will be prepared in consultation with the Department's Equality Unit and relevant LGBTI support groups.
Question No. 52 answered orally.
Anti-Racism Measures
Ceisteanna (53)
Francis Noel Duffy
Ceist:53. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the work programme of the Anti-Racism Committee; when the final report from the Committee will be published; the interim actions he is implementing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Anti-Racism Committee is an independent Committee established by Government in 2020. The work of the Committee will help to strengthen the Government’s approach to combatting individual and institutional racism and will build on the anti-racism actions included in the Migrant Integration Strategy (MIS) and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS). The Committee will also examine international best practice in combatting racism and will benchmark its actions against these standards.
On 21 April this year, I had the pleasure of publishing the Anti-Racism Committee’s Interim Report, which sets out the Committee’s initial ideas and plans for developing the National Action Plan Against Racism. The publication of this Action Plan will fulfil a key commitment within the Programme for Government.
On the same day as the publication of the Interim Report, the Committee launched the public consultation phase of its work, which will run for twelve weeks from 21 April until 14 July 2021. During this phase, the Committee will hold a series of facilitated meetings with rights-holders and duty-bearers in order better to understand the nature and different forms of racism that are present in Ireland today. These meetings will address different themes which have identified by the Committee as being of particular concern in the fight against racism. The first meeting took place on 20 May and concerned issues surrounding Access to Justice. The second took place on 25 May and dealt with issues related to the Media and Communications, including new technologies.
These meetings will also help the Committee in the development of effective countermeasures against racism that will be included in the National Action Plan. During this consultation phase, members of the public will be able to present written submissions for the consideration of the Committee, which will play a significant role in the development of the National Action Plan. An online survey will also be made available shortly. The responses gained from this survey will be statistically analysed and will help the Committee to identify gaps in relation to current anti-racism measures.
A Consultation Report will be prepared by the facilitators for the consideration of the Committee in July, following the close of the Public Consultation phase. An analytical report on the responses to the online survey will also be prepared for the Committee and will be submitted for their consideration in August.
In addition to outlining its initial views with regard to developing the National Action Plan, the Interim Report also made three recommendations to the Government. These are as follows:
1. Remove Ireland’s reservation to Article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD);
2. Take steps to put in place ethnic equality monitoring across all public services;
3. Remove all barriers to accessing support for migrant women experiencing gender-based violence.
With respect to Interim Recommendation One, together with the Minister for Justice, I will seek advice from the Attorney General to consider whether the removal of the reservation is now appropriate and timely and, if so, we will establish the steps that would be needed to remove it and advise a future meeting of the Government accordingly.
With respect to Interim Recommendation Two, I have begun work within the framework of the existing Equality Budgeting initiative being progressed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department and linking with the Equality Data initiative being led by the Central Statistics Office to bring forward an interdepartmental initiative on Ethnic Equality Monitoring.
With respect to Interim Recommendation Three, I will work with the Minister for Justice towards the following objectives:
- developing referral pathways that will include the designation of appropriate non-governmental organisations to act as intermediaries between migrant women who are victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence or abuse and relevant authorities, including the Gardaí, the HSE, and Tusla;
- ascertaining whether changes should be made to the level of evidence required to support an application for a change in immigration status by a victim of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence or abuse with a view to strengthening protections available to them;
- running an information and communication campaign to ensure all migrant women, including holders of Stamp 3 permits, are aware of the range of State services, including welfare supports and emergency refuge, available for victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence which they can freely access.
The drafting process of the National Action Plan will begin in the Autumn, and it is anticipated that the final draft will be submitted to Government before the end of the year.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (54)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:54. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to consider additional allocated time under the early childhood care and education scheme given that the full service under the scheme was not available to children due to Covid-19 restrictions and some children may benefit from this ahead of starting primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28653/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I regret that so many children missed out on part of the ECCE programme last year over the last year, due to COVID-19 related closures.
ECCE is a free two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. ECCE is a play based learning programme. The programme runs from September to June each year, aligned with the primary school calendar. ECCE is not mandatory, but is very successful, with 95% of children in the eligible age rang attending.
I realise that some parents are concerned that their children may not be ready to start primary school in September as the ECCE programme was not available in January or February this year. However, ECCE has been back in operation since 8 March, and due to the strides we are making in controlling the spread of Covid-19, the programme should remain in operation until the end of term in late June.
ECCE services are preparing children for the transition to primary school in September, and my Department has launched the ‘Let’s Get Ready’ initiative to help to prepare children for the transition from pre-school to primary school this coming September.
While the ECCE programme was suspended from January to early March this year, providers were required to engage with the children and their families who normally take part in the ECCE programme.
My Department established the Preschool Hub to provide free online supports for providers to help them to continue to engage with children and families. Additional supports for parents were made available through the 'Preschool at Home' website. Particular attention was given to supporting children with additional needs who avail of supports through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).
The transition to primary school can be an anxious time for parents, but I can assure parents that ECCE providers and primary schools are working together to ensure that this years Junior Infants intake is not adversely effected by the loss of two months of ECCE provision earlier this year.
Emergency Accommodation
Ceisteanna (55)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:55. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the expenditure by county in 2020 on emergency accommodation arrangements for persons seeking international protection; and the expected expenditure by county in 2021. [28458/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below gives expenditure on emergency accommodation apportioned by county for 2020, together with expenditure to the end of April 2021 and estimated expenditure to year-end, based on actual expenditure in the first four months of the year.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to moving away from reliance on emergency accommodation. In the course of 2020, my Department contracted for accommodation in 45 emergency centres across 18 counties. Currently, there are 24 emergency accommodation centres in 12 counties around the country.
As accommodation for international protection applicants is a demand-led process, the actual expenditure for the remainder of 2021 may be greater should applications for international protection and accommodation increase when international travel resumes to more normal levels later in the year.
My Department has commenced work on a Request for Tender to procure additional accommodation for single people and families seeking international protection. This tender process will focus on the provision of own-door accommodation and facilities to allow for independent living (access to cooking and laundry facilities and communal family areas outside bedrooms). It is my intention that this will allow us to improve the quality of the accommodation and services offered to applicants and to move away from reliance on temporary based accommodation and to ensure that the Department has adequate capacity and can respond flexibly to increases in demand for accommodation as they arise.
|
County |
Expenditure in 2020 € millions |
Expenditure January to April 2021 € millions |
Estimated expenditure in 2021€ millions |
|
Cavan |
1.10 |
0.39 |
1.18 |
|
Clare |
0.76 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Cork |
5.15 |
1.97 |
5.90 |
|
Donegal |
0.72 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
Dublin |
13.81 |
3.20 |
9.60 |
|
Galway |
4.17 |
1.89 |
5.66 |
|
Laois |
2.54 |
0.13 |
0.40 |
|
Leitrim |
0.48 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Limerick |
0.96 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Louth |
1.40 |
0.50 |
1.50 |
|
Mayo |
0.03 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Meath |
2.23 |
0.81 |
2.42 |
|
Monaghan |
6.18 |
1.83 |
5.47 |
|
Offaly |
1.51 |
0.26 |
0.77 |
|
Tipperary |
1.38 |
0.50 |
1.49 |
|
Waterford |
0.44 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Wexford |
3.09 |
0.93 |
2.78 |
|
Wicklow |
5.96 |
2.36 |
7.09 |
|
Total * |
51.90 |
14.91 |
44.42 |
* All figures are rounded and therefore total figures are not exact total of individual figures
Question No. 56 answered orally.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 46.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (58)
James Lawless
Ceist:58. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28741/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 (CES) is the primary disability employment policy initiative in Ireland. It is a cross-government approach, bringing together actions by Government Departments and Agencies to address the barriers and challenges to employment of persons with disabilities. The CES’s strategic priorities are to build skills, capacity and independence, to provide bridges and supports into work, to make work pay, to promote job retention and re-entry to work, to provide co-ordinated and seamless supports and to engage employers.
Implementation of the Strategy is undertaken through agreed action plans and is monitored by an Implementation Group with an independent chairperson, Mr Fergus Finlay. Currently the group is monitoring the CES Phase Two Action Plan which covers the period 2019 – 2021. Development of a final Action Plan for the period 2022 – 2024 will soon take place.
As part of the monitoring by the Implementation Group, the Independent Chair produces an annual report on progress. In addition, the National Disability Authority produces an annual independent assessment of progress of the CES.
Each Department is responsible for delivering and implementing the actions assigned to it and for reporting on those the CES Implementation Group.
Key areas of recent progress under the strategy include the ongoing implementation of specific recommendations arising from the Make Work Pay Report, the production of an online training programme to support employers in becoming “disability confident and the production by the Public Appointment Service of a Guide to Promoting Inclusive Employment. In addition CES monitoring has highlighted reported increases in the participation by students with physical or mobility disabilities in higher education, the increased uptake in mainstream education and training options among young people with disabilities and the ongoing provision by HSE Mental Health teams of Individual Placements and Support (IPS) to individuals.
My own Department has a coordination function and provides secretariat to the Implementation Group. In addition, my Department has responsibility for a number of specific actions under the CES. Initiatives progressed by Department under the current CES Action Plan include the funding and establishment of a disability information service for employers run by the Open Doors Initiative. This service ‘Employers for Change: A Disability Information Service’ provides expert peer source of advice and information on employing staff with disabilities, with a view to enhancing the confidence and competence of individual employers to employ, manage and retain staff with disabilities.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 34.
Departmental Regulations
Ceisteanna (60)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:60. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the support available to provide for the extension of regulation to childminders in respect of the National Action Plan for Childminding. [28336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Action Plan for Childminding, published in April, sets out an incremental and supportive pathway to regulation for non-relative childminders.
Phase 1, which will last 2-3 years, involves preparatory work, including developing new regulations that are specific to childminding, amending legislation, and rolling out Foundation Training.
Phase 2, which will last 3-5 years, will be a transition phase in which a significantly increased number of childminders will be able to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme, while benefiting from training and supports.
Phase 3 will involve full implementation of the Plan, and will include a review of the childminder-specific regulations following initial implementation.
A range of supports will be made available to childminders under this Plan.
A Foundation Training Programme will be developed, as well as a Quality Development Programme, both of which will be specific to childminding and delivered in formats that are suited to childminders.
Staffed local childminding networks led by trained network leaders will be introduced.
Childminders will also be supported to prepare for the reforms by Childminding Development Officers within the City and County Childcare Committees, as well as by Voluntary Childcare Organisations.
There will also be a strong focus on communications, to ensure that childminders and parents are well informed about the changes being made and benefits that will accrue.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (61)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:61. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding available for youth groups that are keen to arrange formal cross-Border youth initiatives under Peace Plus Theme 3 Empowering and Investing in Young People; and the process and contact details for making an application under this or any other funding stream. [28716/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Preparation of the new PEACE PLUS cross-border programme is being led by the Special EU Programmes Body in close co-operation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in Ireland and the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland, as sponsor Departments, and with input from other key Departments. The new Programme is at an advanced stage of preparation and public consultation on the draft programme closed on May 12th 2021. Once the draft programme is approved by the Irish Government, Northern Ireland Executive and European Commission, it is anticipated that funding calls, under the PEACE PLUS programme, will commence opening towards the end of the year or early 2022. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is making every effort to ensure that the Programme can open as soon as practically possible.
My officials are engaging regularly with the SEUPB and with relevant Departments North and South to ensure that that new PEACE PLUS programme reflects the needs of young people and youth services throughout the country.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (62)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:62. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role his Department provides in supporting the local youth club grant scheme; and if he plans to increase its budget given the important role youth clubs play in the development of young persons. [28335/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department allocates almost €67 million to support the provision of youth services nationwide. This funding has been maintained throughout the recent challenging period and this has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, supports youth work activities at a local level by providing small grants to youth clubs and groups. Over €2.2 million has been made available for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme this year. These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through their local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Each year, in the region of 1,400 local youth clubs or groups are eligible to apply under the scheme. The Scheme is intended to support the operation of volunteer-led youth projects.
Any increase in funding for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme would be dependent on an increase in youth funding in Budget 2022. In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department increased from €51.9m to €61.79. Additionally, last year I secured a €5 million increase in funding for youth services, including an increase of 7% for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (63)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:63. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will meet or intervene with HSE officials to discuss the situation of healthcare workers currently in direct provision who are being accommodated in alternative accommodation during the Covid-19 crisis and who are receiving contradictory information from the HSE in relation to the security of their current accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The closure or otherwise of temporary accommodation premises operated by the HSE for the housing of frontline healthcare workers is entirely a matter for the HSE.
The Social Inclusion Office of the HSE has assured the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department that there are no plans to discontinue its accommodation scheme and has further agreed with IPAS to inform them of any changes to, or cessation of, the HSE accommodation scheme which may necessitate the return of international protection applicants to IPAS accommodation.
My officials continue to engage with the HSE to ensure that arrangements to re-accommodate applicants in their original IPAS accommodation, or as close to it as possible, can be made in advance. However, it should be noted that the current IPAS operational policy for any international protection applicant, including health care workers returning to IPAS accommodation, is that they must complete 14 days isolation at a dedicated IPAS quarantine facility. This policy was put in place by IPAS following consultations with the HSE last year and has not changed since then. I am advised that officials from IPAS are meeting with the HSE and public health officials this week to review the policy. Should HSE and public health officials advise that the policy should now be amended for any particular group, or is no longer required at all, IPAS will review the policy accordingly.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, IPAS has made every effort to retain accommodation for residents who chose to avail of the HSE temporary accommodation scheme or who decided to move to other temporary accommodation during the pandemic. However, it has not been possible in every case to retain the original accommodation. For instance, where the accommodation premises is no longer retained under contract with my Department or where a centre has been re-profiled in terms of its room makeup to meet changing demands, the accommodation may no longer be available.
Another issue that has arisen is that IPAS has not always been made aware that a resident who left their IPAS accommodation centre was working in the healthcare sector and left to take up accommodation in temporary HSE accommodation. In such cases, the resident’s original accommodation may not have been retained and it will be necessary for the healthcare worker to re-apply for IPAS accommodation.
IPAS will endeavour to ensure that alternative like-for-like accommodation is provided as close as possible to their previous accommodation.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (64)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:64. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the programme to move persons with disabilities from nursing home settings into the community following recommendations by the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26436/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment as responsibility for disability services has not yet transferred to my Department. These matters are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.
The recent cyber attack on the Department of Health has rendered them unable to access their IT systems.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (65)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:65. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a timeline in place for the establishment of the working group to develop an autism innovation strategy; the key priorities of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26437/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte T.D., recently announced her intention to establish a Working Group to develop an Autism Innovation Strategy.
The focus of the strategy in the short term will be to deliver real and tangible solutions to the challenges, needs and experiences of people with autism.
The Autism Innovation Strategy will be cross departmental in nature as autism innovation is not solely an issue to be addressed with health supports but one which requires a more holistic approach to be taken. Key areas of focus will relate to education, employment, health and housing.
Minister Rabbitte intends to set up an Autism Innovation Strategy Working Group, which will seek to develop this Strategy and will chair this Working Group once established. The formation of the Working Group is at the planning stage. It is certainly the intention that, in line with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there will be consultation and participation of people with disabilities.
Data Protection
Ceisteanna (66)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:66. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he has taken to ensure that personal data of all families and children interacting with Tusla is protected. [28633/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware of Tusla's Data Management Strategy 2019 – 2022. The Strategy includes a a focus on Data Security Management with a view to minimising the risk of inappropriate access to Tusla data.
Tusla is developing a verified data security environment in line with regulatory compliance and establishing a culture of data security and trust. There have been significant improvements in this regard and I have committed my full support to this process as evidenced by the significant increase in funding and for structural reorganisation within Tusla in 2021.
The timescale and processes contained within the strategy will be reviewed in light of the impact on Tusla of the cyber attack on the HSE.
Registration of Births
Ceisteanna (67)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:67. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his attention was drawn to the issue of illegal adoptions. [26148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am interpreting the Deputy's question as referring to the issue of illegal birth registration.
When I took office I was briefed on this matter, including the Independent Review into illegal birth registrations and the broader work of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation.
Following the publication of the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation in January of this year and the subsequent publication of the Independent Review in March, I requested the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection to consider the issue of appropriate next steps in relation to illegal birth registrations. He is due to submit his report to me by the end of October.
I am focused at present on progressing legislation that enables the full release of birth certificates and other important origins information for adopted people and others, including those who are the subject of an illegal birth registration. This legislation also addresses the issue of correcting the birth registration of those who are the subject of an illegal birth registration, and providing them with certainty and clarity on matters relating to identity. I have commenced a consultation process with the relevant individuals which will inform finalisation of the proposed legislation.
Finally, it is acknowledged by all parties that adoption in the past was a secretive process, carried out without due respect for the rights and dignity of those involved. 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.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (68)
Colm Burke
Ceist:68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures taken by his Department to support the professional and career development of childcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28567/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has, in the past taken, a number of important steps to support professionalisation of early learning and childcare, including the introduction of a minimum qualification requirement, a Learner Fund to support practitioners to undertake qualifications at Levels 5 through to 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and a range of training and CPD supports, including the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) programme.
I am committed to continuing to support for the professional and career development of those working in the sector over the years ahead, with a view to improving outcomes for children and families, providers and practitioners themselves.
First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, commits to developing a Workforce Development Plan (WDP) for early learning and childcare. Among other objectives, the WDP will set out plans for moving to a graduate-led workforce by 2028 and establishing a career framework, including role profiles, qualification requirements and career pathways.
The first phase of work in developing the WDP concluded in late 2020. A progress report on the first phase of work has recently been published on the gov.ie website (available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/26122f-workforce-development-plan-for-the-elcsac-sector/ ).
Phase two of work on the WDP, which began in February 2021, involves the preparation of detailed policy proposals by a number of working groups, one of which is looking at the career framework and career pathways, while another is examining Continuing Professional Development supports for the sector. The final WDP report is expected to be published by the end of 2021.
Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries
Ceisteanna (69)
Pa Daly
Ceist:69. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on providing redress to all affected residents of county homes. [28218/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government has committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions. This scheme will include a restorative recognition payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) has been set up to develop detailed proposals for the Restorative Recognition Scheme, which must then be brought to Government for approval. While the IDG must take account of the specific recommendations made by the Commission, its considerations are not limited to those recommendations. The work of the IDG is underpinned by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors.
To support and inform the work of the IDG, a public consultation process took place during March and April. The input from survivors to that consultation is invaluable in order to develop a scheme that will have their needs at its core. I was delighted with the strong response to the consultation process with approximately 450 written submissions received and 17 online meetings held.
The work of the IDG is ongoing and, so, the specific details of the Restorative Recognition Scheme are not yet decided. I am aware that the IDG are working extremely hard to ensure that they deliver their report to me very soon. On receipt of this, I will submit recommendations to Government for a decision on the Scheme. The development of this scheme, and the work being undertaken on all aspects of the Government's response to the Commission's Final Report, is a priority for me.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (70)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:70. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the uptake of the €93,000 announced in late 2020 under the Comhairle na nÓg ICT capital funding scheme; and if this allocation has been sufficient to date in 2021. [28715/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department secured capital funding in 2020 to administer a once-off grant scheme for the purchase of ICT hardware by Local Authorities, to enable Comhairle Na nÓg to meet Covid-19 related challenges.
This funding was secured in order to support the development and implementation of a blended virtual and in-person approach by the Comhairle Na nÓg, designed to maximise the potential for participation of young people in the activities of the comhairli, whilst adhering to Covid-19 Government guidelines.
My Department processed applications for funding from 30 Local Authorities under this scheme in 2020. The €93,000 expended under this scheme resulted in an average of €3,100 being allocated to the participating Local Authorities. The funding allocated amounted to 90% of the funding requested as a small proportion of the applications submitted did not meet the qualifying criteria.
This scheme, as noted above, was conducted on a once-off basis to meet the unique circumstances that arose last year. It is not planned that this scheme will run again in 2021. My officials engage closely with the Local Authorities in relation to the administration of the Comhairle Na nÓg on an ongoing basis. If additional supports are required, these will be considered the context of ensuring that comhairli can continue to operate effectively, engaging with young people at local level on matters of relevance to them.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (71)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:71. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the transfer of unaccompanied child migrants to Ireland as refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28743/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am happy to confirm that planned relocation of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIPs) is progressing. Next weekend officials from my Department, Tusla social workers and members of An Garda Siochana are travelling to Greece to meet the 27 separated children seeking to come to Ireland.
Over the past months there has been intensive activity between my Department and Tusla with colleagues in the EU and Athens to make the necessary arrangements.
Covid 19 restrictions, vaccinations for staff travelling and changes at European Union level in the procedures for managing the relocation of separated children contributed to delays in arranging the transfers. Ireland will continue to work on reception of refugees from Greece and other countries.
Tusla has a dedicated social work team for separated children seeking asylum. Over the past 20 years the team has developed expertise through Ireland’s participation in international protection programmes and by receiving into care separated children who arrive unannounced at Irish ports and airports. The service provided to these children is demand-led, and accurately estimating future demand is challenging, particularly as the effects of Brexit are yet to be seen.
In Budget 2021, an additional €5m was secured for Tusla to provide dedicated services to accelerate the intake of these children in Greece to whom we have a commitment. Tusla officials are developing a suite of care options to include expansion of residential care placements, development of specialist foster care placements, Fáilte Care, and provision of additional aftercare supports to free up ‘child in care’ places.
We remain confident that Ireland will fully achieve the existing commitment and the additional funding will ensure such transfers can take place on a consistent and sustainable basis.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (72)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:72. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is examining the serious issues in relation to the current national childcare scheme exclusion of disadvantaged children as part of the wider review of childcare funding. [28590/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am strongly committed to improving access to high quality early learning and childcare, especially those who are most disadvantaged given the benefits this confers to children.
The National Childcare Scheme represents the first ever statutory entitlement to financial support for early learning and childcare.
It marks a shift away from previous schemes, which were based on medical card and social protection entitlements to a more progressive system of universal and income-based subsidies.
Under the NCS, significantly more families are eligible for support.
NCS makes early learning and childcare more affordable, and in some instances free, to these families - with those on lowest incomes receiving the greatest level of support.
NCS is designed to ensure that access provided is at a level necessary to support positive child development outcomes regardless of whether parents are in work or study.
This approach is taken in other jurisdictions, and there is strong international evidence that it is to the benefit of children.
Where parents are not engaged in work or study, the NCS subsidises up to 20 hours per week.
Where parents are engaged in work or study, the NCS subsidises up to 45 hours of per week.
The definition of work or study is broad, covering all forms of work or study arrangements: full-time, part-time, week-on/ week-off and zero hour contracts. In addition, the minimum hours required to engage in work or study to qualify for enhanced hours is very low – at just two hours per week.
The NCS also includes sponsorship arrangements that allows for additional support for vulnerable families where there is an identified need for early learning and childcare on the grounds of child development or child welfare.
External assessment by the OECD and ESRI point to a range of benefits of NCS, including a reduction in the cost of early learning and childcare and an increase in family income, with the most disadvantaged families experiencing the greatest gains.
I recently contracted Frontier Economics to undertake a review of the NCS. This review will assess the effectiveness of the NCS in meeting the objectives which are meaningfully measurable within the first year of the Scheme. This Review may suggest enhancements to the NCS to better fulfill its objectives.
Separately, an Expert Group has been convened by my Department to develop a new funding model for early learning and childcare. This Group is reviewing the effectiveness of current approaches to funding and will submit recommendations later this year on how additional funding could be structured to deliver for children and families. These recommendation will include a particular focus on children and families experiencing disadvantage.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (73)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:73. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to deal with early childhood care providers who are opting out of the national childcare scheme and therefore leaving parents who are reliant on their services to foot the full costs of their services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28750/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is the first ever statutory entitlement to support for childcare costs in Ireland. Since the introduction of the NCS in November 2019 over 105,200 applications have been submitted for the NCS relating to over 99,400 children.
Childcare providers are private businesses and as such it is matter for those businesses to decide whether they enter into any contractual arrangement including for the provision of the NCS. Childcare Services contract on an annual basis to participate in the Scheme. At present, over 3,000 ELC/SAC providers are contracted to participate in the NCS.
To support providers and encourage sign-up in advance of the launch of the NCS, my Department provided a number of supports including a transition support payment and a capital grant for ICT equipment to support scheme administration.
In addition, my Department provides an annual programme support payment to support administration of all schemes.
Along with these payments, multiple training sessions were offered through all City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) nationwide. Training continues to be available from all CCCs for ELC/SAC providers who require assistance in operating the NCS.
I do appreciate the difficulties caused when a parent’s preferred childcare provider does not engage with the NCS. However, parents can access their NCS award through any registered ELC/SAC provider.
The NCS is designed to be flexible. Therefore a CHICK number, which unlocks a subsidy award, can be used in any NCS-registered ELC/SAC service.
Parents needing support to source childcare places should contact their local County Childcare Committee, details of which can be found on myccc.ie
A formal review of the NCS has commenced, as required under Section 26 of the Childcare Support Act 2018. It is intended that a finalised report of this review will be published in late 2021. The review will include the views of providers on the scheme.
The review will provide a basis for my Department to consider how effectively the NCS is operating and whether it is meeting the objectives which are meaningfully measurable within the first year.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 43.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (75)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:75. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress on enabling rights following Ireland’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28742/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2018. Advancing the implementation of the UNCRPD is an ongoing priority. Our approach to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of progressive realisation, moving forward each year on key reforms.
The obligations arising from the Convention will be met over time, with initial priority given to meeting legislative commitments. For example, my Department is responsible for the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 which is an important step towards full implementation of the UNCRPD.
In addition, the UNCRPD requires State parties actively to involve people with disabilities in policy development. In order to progress this aspect of the UNCRPD, my Department has funded the development of a Participation and Consultation Network to build capacity within the disability community so that people with disabilities and their representative organisations can participate fully in policy development. The Network was formed in late 2020. One of the Network’s first tasks has been to bring the voices of people with disabilities into consultations on Ireland’s first State Report to the UN on our progress in implementing the UNCRPD. This Network is an important initiative that will help us to realise both the spirit and the substance of the UNCRPD here in Ireland. It will provide a platform for people with disabilities to become actively involved in issues that affect their lives.
The Programme for Government commits to establishing a UNCRPD Implementation Plan. This Plan will coordinate and monitor progress on implementing the UNCRPD across Government departments. Work on this Plan is at an early stage.
My Department is currently responsible for coordinating the two significant whole of Government strategies that currently exist in the area of Disability, namely the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES). These are the key frameworks for policy and action to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Ireland and support effective progress in delivering on the obligations set out in the UNCRPD.
The UNCRPD operates in a similar manner to other UN Human Rights treaties. The State is required to prepare a comprehensive report on the implementation of the Convention in Ireland and this will be followed by a public appearance before the CRPD Committee in Geneva.
Ireland is preparing its first State Report. My Department is responsible for preparing the Report, in consultation with other Departments and Agencies who have responsibility for implementing the Convention. The Report will set out how Ireland is implementing the Convention. It will describe progress in a number of areas and acknowledge where further action is required for Ireland to comply fully with the Convention.
Ms Anne Rabbitte T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, published the draft State Report in December 2020 and a public consultation process has recently concluded. The Report, incorporating the information obtained during the public consultation process, will be brought to Government for approval in advance of its formal submission to the Committee by Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva later this year.
Following the submission of the State Report, Ireland will then take part in an appearance with the UN Committee. The information gathered at this appearance will inform the Committee's report on how Ireland is implementing the UNCRPD and I would expect their report to include recommendations on areas for improvements. There is no indication at this time on a likely date for that appearance.