Written Answers Nos. 69-88
69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 27 May 2021, the status of the strategic review by Tusla of emergency domestic violence accommodation nationwide; when the review will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Programme for Government recognises the need for additional refuge spaces and has committed to an action plan on this issue. Tusla is due to provide its finalised Strategic Review of Emergency Domestic Violence Accommodation to my Department shortly. The review will examine the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. The Review will also present recommendations on future configuration of accommodation and services that may be required to holistically meet the needs of victims of DSGBV. I had hoped to receive the review during May but work on completion of the review was interrupted by the Cyberattack on the HSE.
Following the finalisation of the review, I look forward to engaging with Tusla, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Housing, and other relevant parties on its recommendations and future outcomes. I am not in a position to advise on a publication date before these initial engagements. It remains my priority to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met, and that the recommendations of the review inform strategic actions in the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
70. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the autism innovation strategy working group; the key priorities for the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36345/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
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 intention is that the Working Group is to be formed in September of this year. The Working Group will then begin work on identifying achievable and practical actions around a framework being developed by the Minister and officials. The Strategy will then launch in January 2022.
It is 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 in the development of the strategy.
71. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to provide playgrounds with accessible features for children with disabilities. [36287/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a scheme, the Play and Recreation Capital grant scheme, which provides funding, via Local Authorities, to support the development of new recreation facilities for children and young people, and for the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and incorporation of natural play elements.
There was strong demand for funding under this scheme in 2021; with some 52 projects being approved for funding across (all) 31 Local Authorities. Owing to the strong demand for funding on this scheme, my officials employed a weighted scoring system as part of the evaluation process.
One of the key criteria that is measured and scored during this process is Accessibility & Inclusivity; under this criteria we require Local Authorities to indicate how improvements to facilities and equipment for which funding is sought will:
- improve access/inclusivity to the park/facility for children and young people with additional needs
- and provide access/inclusivity to the play equipment for all children
In order for a project to qualify for funding under this scheme, a minimum threshold must be reached on each of the (5) funding criteria (therefore if no consideration is given towards accessibility/inclusivity, the project does not qualify for funding).
In addition to ensuring all projects take account of accessibility in their project applications, having accessibility included as a funding criteria encourages Local Authorities to include projects for consideration that are primarily geared towards accessibility/inclusivity. This year for example, we approved funding for a number of projects to incorporate basket swing and wheelchair accessible swings into existing playgrounds.
The Play and Recreation scheme, as noted above, is operated via Local Authorities and this year’s scheme was opened to applications from Local Authorities on April 1, with a closing date of April 22. It should be noted the Play and Recreation fund, and the criteria applied for accessing funding, represents my Department’s contribution to the funding of new and refurbished play and recreation facilities accessible for all children and young people.
Local Authorities are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all of their investment in this area provides facilities that are accessible to all children and young people in their respective communities.
72. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement his Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) since it withdrew from the National Childminding Action Plan. [36210/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan for Childminding (NAPC) sets out a pathway to be developed over the next eight years towards regulation, support and subsidies for all paid, non-relative childminders. The National Action Plan will involve change and will bring significant benefits for childminders, children and the families using their services.
While the organisation in question, which represents childminders, temporarily withdrew from processes related to the National Action Plan on 2 June, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that officials in my Department received written confirmation on 5 July that the organisation is now re-engaging in the National Action Plan processes. They have confirmed that they will accept the invitation to take up a seat on the Steering Group for the National Action Plan. The Steering Group is currently in the process of being formed by my Department, in order to drive, oversee and monitor implementation of the National Action Plan.
Their agreement to re-engage is very welcome as I believe that active engagement and consultation with childminders and their representatives will be a key to successful implementation of the National Action Plan. To this end, a number of places will also be reserved for childminders themselves on both the Steering Group and the Advisory Groups that will be established to support the Steering Group. (The Steering Group will be supported by four Advisory Groups in relation to: regulation and inspection; training and support; funding and financial supports; and consultation and communications.)
The organisation's re-engagement follows a number of constructive communications between the organisation and officials in my Department, including meetings on 10 June and 2 July.
The publication of the National Action Plan was a milestone in Government policy on childminding, putting childminding at the heart of Government policy for the first time. It creates a crucial opportunity to support childminders on a pathway towards recognition and support. I look forward to working with all childminders, their representatives and other stakeholders, including Childminding Ireland, over the years ahead as we set out to implement the commitments in the National Action Plan.
73. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if children taken into care are being accommodated in hotels in recent months; if this is a regular situation; the steps he plans to take to ensure children in such situations are provided with appropriate care and accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36226/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, The Child and Family Agency, has responsibility to provide alternative care services for children who are in need of care and protection. Where a child needs emergency or long term care Tusla’s first priority is to find a family placement and 91% of children in care are in foster care placements. The majority of emergency placements are also provided by specialist foster carers.
Tusla's has an Out of Hours Emergency Social Work Service and its role is to ensure the safety and welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection outside of normal office hours. The service provides emergency care placements for children as required.
There were no young people placed by Out of Hours Services in hotel accommodation in 2019. In 2020 eight young people stayed in temporary hotel accommodation accompanied by two care workers. The total number of hotel nights was 11 at a cost of €4,290. To date in 2021 ten young people have been placed in hotel accommodation.
These situations arise where there is no residential vacancy in the immediate area, and older teenager is not suitable for a foster care placement. As it is not appropriate for a young person in this situation to be placed in a hospital or a Garda station, Tusla provides safe overnight accommodation under the supervision of trained staff. The short length of stay indicates that the young person either goes home, with supports, or is accommodated in a suitable community setting as soon as possible.
Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 empowers An Garda Síochána (AGS), without a court order, to remove a child urgently from a situation for his or her safety and welfare where the Garda believes there is an immediate or serious risk to the child. Once the child is removed custody of the child is transferred to Tusla.
A 2017 National University of Ireland, Galway research project reviewed 452 cases, over a year, where AGS transferred children to Tusla’s care in such an emergency situation. The biggest cohort of the children were aged 15 to 17 years, slightly more boys than girls and the most common reported reasons for invoking Section 12 were:
- Severe parenting Difficulties (103)
- Parental Alcohol/Drug Abuse (88)
- Child Behaviour Difficulties (72).
As the data was collected in 2016/2017 many of the findings of the report, and subsequent recommendations, have been addressed through ongoing service development and improvements in Tusla. The findings of the report are being considered as part of the review of the Child Care Act 1991.
There are strategic plans to increase Tusla capacity in Children’s residential services.
74. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects to publish the two reports his Department has commissioned into domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36207/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
The Programme for Government recognises the need for additional refuge spaces and has committed to an action plan on this issue. Tusla is due to provide its finalised Strategic Review of Emergency Domestic Violence Accommodation to my Department shortly. It will examine the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities. The Review will also present recommendations on future configuration of accommodation and services that may be required to holistically meet the needs of victims of DSGBV.
Following the finalisation of the review, I look forward to engaging with Tusla, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Housing, and other relevant parties on its recommendations and future outcomes. I am not in a position to advise on a publication date before these initial engagements. It remains my priority to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met, and that the recommendations of the review inform strategic actions in the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
With regard to a second report that the Deputy has not referred to by name, I surmise that the Deputy is referring to an audit report that was commissioned by the Department of Justice, with regard to the segmentation of responsibility for DSGBV matters across Government bodies. The Programme for Government provided for this audit. My Department and Tusla assisted the Department of Justice in the tendering process for the audit. I understand the Minister for Justice will provide information shortly to relevant stakeholders about the publication of the report of the audit. The Minister for Justice and I will be jointly providing an update to Government on a number of DSGBV matters covered by the Programme for Government.
75. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will be seeking additional core funding for family resource centres in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36294/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not in a position to make a statement or commitment at this time, regarding funding for the FRC or other individual programme areas, but this will be given full consideration in the upcoming Estimates process.
Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme and, since 2019, an additional €1.5m has been provided in funding, which has meant that yearly funding has amounted to €18m for this programme.
My Department officials and I will work closely with Tusla and with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to ensure that the Agency and the services it provides, both directly and through funded organisations, including Family Resource Centres, receive adequate funding in the coming year.
76. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the ratification process for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Optional Protocol. [36286/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government reiterates the commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol after the first reporting cycle. That timeline remains the objective.
This position has been based on the assumption that Ireland's initial State Report would be examined by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If it emerges that there are delays in the scheduling of Ireland's appearance before the Committee, my Department will begin the work to assess the actions needed for ratification of the Optional Protocol. That process would begin following the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 and when the Decision Support Service is operational, both of which are due to occur by the end of June 2022.
Ultimately, the recommendation on ratification will be taken to Government in a memorandum brought by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
77. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider the establishment of a fund to support parents in sending children to summer camps. [36253/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not offer a scheme similar to that referred to by the Deputy. Additionally, my Department does not have policy responsibility for summer activities that may be organised by local communities or are provided through the private sector. Funding from the Department's Youth Affairs Unit is to youth groups and clubs around the country, some of which will operate in the summer months.
Parents enrolling children in summer camps that operate in Tusla-registered early learning and childcare services may be eligible for supports under the National Childcare Scheme.
78. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements he has had with community childcare providers regarding the national childcare scheme detailing the concerns that have been highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36035/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has had ongoing engagement with the childcare sector including with community childcare providers prior to, and since the launch of the National Childcare Scheme. Over the last 7 months my Department has conducted a number of stakeholder consultations to gain further insights into their experience of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
The stakeholder consultations were established to provide services with the opportunity to engage in a structured consultation and discussion process, identifying any concerns and opportunities to further support the operation of the NCS.
As part of the statutory required 12 Month Review of the NCS, an independent consultancy firm, Frontier Economics has been engaged to undertake a review of the NCS following its first year of operation. During the information gathering process of the review childcare providers were asked to complete a survey of the NCS. A considerable response was received and the responses are currently being examined by the consultant. A number of interviews were also conducted by the consultant with interested parties.
This engagement was in addition to the consultations taking place as part of the ongoing review of the costs of childcare.
In addition to these targeted consultations, submissions and meetings from interested parties of the formal review process were provided to the consultant.
Given the multi-faceted and wide-ranging engagements, I am confident that Frontier Economics have a comprehensive overview of all concerns at this stage of the review process and all parties have had an opportunity to engage with process on at least one occasion.
79. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement he has had with the Chair and authors of the Mother and Baby report since they made their report; if he is satisfied that the exclusion of the witness evidence from the main report was the correct approach; if the final report sufficiently addresses the issue of forced adoption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36284/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was established and operated in accordance with the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. While a range of views have been expressed in reaction to the Commission’s Final Report, it is important to emphasise that the Commission was entirely independent in the performance of its functions and this independence was guaranteed in law.
It was a matter for the Commission alone to reach whatever conclusions it deemed possible based on its assessment of the wide range of evidence available to it, including through the work of the Confidential Committee.
Following submission of the Commission's final report, I met with Judge Murphy and Professor Daly in advance of bringing the report to Government, primarily to acknowledge the completion of their significant inquiry process. I was also in contact with the Commissioners earlier this year in an effort to establish the facts relating to the status of audio recordings of witness testimonies. It is a matter of record that the audio tapes were subsequently recovered. The tapes are now held by my Department and are accessible to individuals who seek access to their personal information in the archive under GDPR.
In terms of witness evidence, the value of the work of the Confidential Committee should not be underestimated. Its report is an essential element of the Commission’s final report – giving a window into the trauma and grief which has blighted the lives of vulnerable mothers and their children. I commend those who were so brave to come forward and take part in this process. It is not correct to say that these narratives were “discounted” or “discarded”. It has been confirmed that they were taken into account, and relied upon, by the Commission in making its determination on crucial questions. The Commission also examined many thousands of records related to adoption.
I fully understand the disappointment which some feel in relation to how their personal narratives have been relayed within the Confidential Committee report. I am conscious of the need for the lived experiences of those who attended the Confidential Committee, and other survivors, to be officially recognised as part of our history. I am exploring mechanisms to achieve this, and would hope to engage with survivors, in this regard.
80. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the pilot vulnerability assessment scheme for international protection applicants has been implemented; the lessons his Department has gleaned from the pilot; when it is expected the standard implementation of vulnerability assessments will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Vulnerability Assessment process, as provided for under Regulation 8 of the European Union (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, is currently being piloted by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department. The pilot commenced in December 2020 and was extended to all new applicants for international protection from the beginning of February. The pilot will continue until end 2021, at which point it will be evaluated, and this will be used to inform the long term implementation of vulnerability assessments.
The purpose of these assessments is to determine if, by virtue of a particular category of vulnerability, an applicant is deemed to have special reception needs, what those needs are and what actions are required to address those needs.
IPAS offers a vulnerability assessment to everyone who makes an application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO). Where an application includes children of an applicant, IPAS, with parental consent, also assess their vulnerability in an appropriate manner.
The Vulnerability Assessment begins with an initial interview after the applicant first applies for international protection. If this initial assessment indicates that the applicant is a vulnerable person, within the meaning of the relevant EU Directive, further assessments may be carried out while the applicant is living in the IPAS Reception Centre, or subsequently when they have moved to longer term accommodation.
Taken together, these assessments are used to determine whether the applicant has special reception needs arising from any vulnerabilities identified. IPAS will endeavour to accommodate these needs in so far as possible either through its own accommodation and ancillary services or, where appropriate, in collaboration with the HSE and other service providers.
To ensure that the interview stays to its purpose, the assessor uses a standard list of assessment questions. These questions are based on the various categories of vulnerability identified within the EU Reception Conditions Directive and the Irish Regulations, and have been refined within the Irish context with the help of the HSE. The assessment is carried out in a sensitive, conversational manner with gender-appropriate officers and interpretation as required.
It is intended that the assessment questions, the interview environment, and outcomes of assessments already conducted, will be kept under review during the pilot phase. This ongoing review will inform any further development of the assessment process to assist IPAS and other State actors in their efforts to meet the special reception needs of vulnerable protection applicants.
The purpose of these assessments is to determine if, by virtue of a particular category of vulnerability, an applicant is deemed to have special reception needs, what those needs are and what actions are required to address those needs.
IPAS offers a vulnerability assessment to everyone who makes an application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO). Where an application includes children of an applicant, IPAS, with parental consent, also assess their vulnerability in an appropriate manner.
The Vulnerability Assessment begins with an initial interview after the applicant first applies for international protection. If this initial assessment indicates that the applicant is a vulnerable person, within the meaning of the relevant EU Directive, further assessments may be carried out while the applicant is living in the IPAS Reception Centre, or subsequently when they have moved to longer term accommodation.
Taken together, these assessments are used to determine whether the applicant has special reception needs arising from any vulnerabilities identified. IPAS will endeavour to accommodate these needs in so far as possible either through its own accommodation and ancillary services or, where appropriate, in collaboration with the HSE and other service providers.
To ensure that the interview stays to its purpose, the assessor uses a standard list of assessment questions. These questions are based on the various categories of vulnerability identified within the EU Reception Conditions Directive and the Irish Regulations, and have been refined within the Irish context with the help of the HSE. The assessment is carried out in a sensitive, conversational manner with gender-appropriate officers and interpretation as required.
It is intended that the assessment questions, the interview environment, and outcomes of assessments already conducted, will be kept under review during the pilot phase. This ongoing review will inform any further development of the assessment process to assist IPAS and other State actors in their efforts to meet the special reception needs of vulnerable protection applicants.
81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the basis on which records relating to health are being withheld from persons making data subject access requests in respect of records of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes held by his Department; his plans to ensure that such persons are provided with their health records in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36283/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently responding to subject access requests from individuals whose personal data is contained in the archive.
The policy of my Department is to release to individuals who request their personal information as much information as legally possible from the Commission’s archives, consistent with the approach required under the GDPR.
Under 1989 Regulations (S.I. No. 82/1989 - Data Protection (Access Modification) (Health) Regulations, 1989), my Department, as a data controller, must act in a certain way when records contain “health” data. Where there is “health” data, my Department is required by the regulations to engage in a consultation procedure with the requestor’s health practitioner before supplying them with any of this data.
The Statutory Instrument does not enable my Department to exercise discretion in this work and requires consultation with an appropriate health practitioner in all cases.
My Department is therefore currently releasing all other non-health related information and asking the requestor to give it the details of their health practitioner and consent to it consulting them. Once the requestor’s medical practitioner has reviewed the personal data and has determined that it can be released, my Department will release the personal data in question to the requestor.
My officials have consulted the Data Protection Commission in relation to the matter. Following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, I consider that it would be preferable if new Regulations are made and that it is important that such Regulations would be made at an early date.
Any new Regulations would apply generally to access to health data and to data controllers in both the public and private sectors. I have written to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Health to raise the making of new Regulations as a matter of urgency. The making of new Regulations continues to be a priority for me and my Department.
82. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the collaborative programmes that are being run between the Department for Education and his Department to promote and build greater tolerance of LGBTQI+ communities in view of the recent burning of a pride flag in the village of Ballon, County Carlow. [36209/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe incident in Ballon was wholly unacceptable. I recently raised the Pride flag in Waterford following a similar incident. I felt really privileged to witness the response of the community there, as they came together to stand with the LGBTI+ community, and showed that local communities really do not tolerate acts like this.
Indeed, over Pride, I live-streamed the Live Out Loud: Celebrating LGBTI+ Youth event from the National Opera House in Wexford, a neighbouring county. I was gladdened at the overwhelming support shown to us by the people of Wexford and Wexford County Council. I have no doubt that Carlow locals would give us the same reception. We were joined in Wexford by young LGBTI+ creators, activists, sportspeople and artists, who showed the nation what a difference it makes for LGBTI+ young people to be able to live openly, freely expressing their true selves. I am encouraging everyone to watch this celebratory event that is available on the RTE Player and join us in celebrating the LGBTI+ youth of Ireland. The Department of Education (DoE) supported the Live Out Loud campaign and event and was represented on a working group to deliver this celebration.
Ireland remains one of the very few countries that have developed a national Strategy to support LGBTI+ young people. The Department of Education was represented on the Oversight Committee that developed the National LGBTI+ Youth Strategy in 2018, a cross-Government strategy led by my Department. Full implementation of this strategy has been one of my key priorities.
My Department is working with the Department of Education and others to implement the Strategy and to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment in schools and colleges throughout the country and across society for every LGBTI+ young person.
The Department of Education is committed to implementing a number of actions under the Strategy including encouraging schools to develop a whole-school policy to include LGBTI+ young people and explore ways to include LGBTI+ lives in the curriculum. It is also encouraging schools to participate in the roll out of the LGBTI+ Welcome Sticker campaign, an initiative that was originally intended for business and youth centres.
In April, the Department of Education published a new School Design Guide for sanitary facilities representing a significant review of the design guidance to ensure ease of access for all, including LGBTI+ young people.
It also provides annual funding to BeLonG To for the annual Stand Up! Campaign in secondary schools. This campaign provides schools with an opportunity to look at how they can make them safe and supportive places for LGBTI+ students, a key element of the Strategy.
My own Department also provides funding to BeLonG To for a range of training for professionals including teachers, as well as for their youth services. We also fund ShoutOut, a charity committed to improving life for LGBTI+ people by educating school students, parents and teachers. ShoutOut delivers workshops in secondary schools, which tackle LGBTI+ bullying.
I am very happy to welcome the various collaborations between my Department and the Department of Education. The outcomes of actions under the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy will be reported on later this year.
83. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the need for AIM workers to hold a level 5 ECCE qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36206/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with emerging best practice to support the integration and independence of children with a disability, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provides additional funding to pre-schools who have a child requiring extra support. Providers can use this funding either to reduce the child-to-adult ratio in the pre-school room or to fund an extra staff member. This staff member works alongside other staff to provide early learning and care for all children in the pre-school room.
The Early Years Services Regulations (S.I. No. 221/2016) require that all staff who are employed by an early learning and care provider and who work directly with children of pre-school age must hold, at a minimum, a major award at level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) in Early Childhood Care and Education or an equivalent qualification
The December 2016 amendment to the Regulations (S.I. No. 632/2016) provided for exceptional cases in which an exemption from the Level 5 requirement may be made for children with specific needs in the context of AIM. An example of a relevant situation is where a child with complex healthcare needs requires specialised health supports, such as nursing, in order to attend the pre-school.
Tusla, the independent statutory regulator of pre-school services, has published a Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF), which specifies how the Regulations will be interpreted by the Early Years Inspectorate. The QRF (section 2, paragraph 6) specifies that exemption under AIM from the qualification requirement requires an exemption letter from Pobal.
This requirement for an exemption letter from Pobal is also specified in the Funding Agreement for the ECCE programme, which states, with reference to the Level 5 minimum qualification requirement, that "In exceptional cases, an exemption may be made under AIM, wherein a child with medically complex needs who is availing of AIM Level 7 requires specialised health supports, for example healthcare assistant or nursing care. An exemption may be granted by Pobal where it is considered that such specialist support is required and this may detail the qualification requirements or relevant specialist training of the staff member involved."
As these cases are exceptional, the majority of AIM workers are still required to hold at least a major award in Early Childhood Care and Education at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework, as set out in S.I. No. 221/2016.
84. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the research into the provision of domestic violence leave; if he expects to be able to advise to introduce the leave; the timeline in place concerning same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its formation, this Government has made clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to investigate the provision of paid leave and social protection provision to victims of domestic violence with a view to establishing a statutory entitlement to paid domestic violence leave.
The issue of domestic violence leave is currently being studied by officials in my Department, including the examination of domestic violence leave at international level, the identification of best practice and the development of a suitable model for rollout in Ireland.
My Department has also engaged in a targeted consultation process with relevant stakeholders and social partners to examine how a scheme of paid leave should operate to address the needs of victims most effectively, including with the monitoring committee of the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, employers' groups and trade unions and with stakeholders of the national Equality Strategy Committees falling under my Department’s remit.
A report is being prepared based on this work which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks. The report will include recommendations on how best to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, including the provision of a form of leave.
85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which ongoing efforts continue to be made to augment services for the protection of children with particular reference to the need for early response and safe and secure placement in circumstances in which threatening issues have arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, thank you for this very important question.
The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving child welfare and protection outcomes for children. As the Deputy may be aware, I secured an additional €61M for the Agency in 2021. This brings the total budget of the Agency to €878M.
Tusla’s Child Protection and Welfare Strategy 2017-2022 outlines its strategic vision to provide an appropriate, proportionate and timely response to children at risk or in need of support in Ireland. Similarly its business plan and corporate strategy are all orientated to improve services, including those for children in care.
Tusla has a statutory duty under the Child Care Act 1991 to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Tusla assesses all child protection and welfare concerns that are reported to it. If it is found that a child is not receiving adequate care and protection, Tusla has a duty to take appropriate action to promote the welfare of the child. This may include supporting families in need of assistance in providing care and protection to their children. The Child Care Act also sets out the statutory framework for taking children into care if necessary. Tusla received approximately 60,000 referrals of concern in 2020. Many of these concerns are best served by a family support approach while some children need the direct intervention of a child protection approach.
An Garda Síochána has powers under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 to remove a child from a situation of danger and, under Section 13, to deliver that child into the custody of Tusla. Tusla will at that point carry out an assessment to determine the child's needs.
Tusla provides an Out of Hours Service (OHS) and Emergency Out of Hours Service (EOHS) to ensure the safety and welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection outside of normal office hours. The Service provides support and assistance to An Garda Síochána and foster carers outside of regular business hours. The service also provides emergency care placements for children as required. A growing feature of this services is where parents of older children, aged 15 and 16, seek assistance with their children outside of office hours.
Once a child has been received into care, the most crucial task for the social worker is to find a placement that matches that child's needs. Ideally this is with foster carers in the communities in which they live. Social workers recruit foster carers on an ongoing basis and Tusla places over 91% of children in care in foster placements.
A key part of the social worker role is to develop, in consultation with the child and relevant others, a care plan which will guide the quality and safety of the child's placement, and to meet with the child on a one to one basis on all visits. There are safeguards surrounding each child's care placement, whether foster or residential care, and all placements are supervised by a professionally qualified social worker.
Services provided by Tusla are subject to internal reviews and audits and are also the subject of HIQA inspections in relation to Child Protection Services, Foster Care Services, Special Care and Tusla run Children's Residential Centres. This monitoring of provided services ensures issues that are identified can be addressed and the quality of service is maintained or improved. In addition, the Ombudsman for Children and Tusla’s own National Review Panel will report on specific topics relating to the work of Tusla which prompts further improvements in Tusla services.
Throughout the pandemic and current effects of the cyber-attack of Friday 14 May 2021 Tusla has continued to provide essential child protection services and services to children in care.
Tusla and my Department have taken numerous steps to respond to the public health crisis including increasing the number of foster carers through the implementation of emergency measures that allow swift recruitment and approval of foster carers and suspending a requirement to allow for more than two unrelated children to be placed with approved foster carers, if necessary.
The recent cyber-attack on HSE IT systems has also impacted on Tusla’s operations. However, it continues to provide a full range of services and supports, with social workers and social care workers around the country continuing their core work with children and families, supported by manual systems. Priority is being accorded to Child Protection and Children in Care Services (including assessment of risk). While the referrals portal for this service is impacted, referrals are being taken via phone and post and anyone with a concern is being asked to contact their local duty social work office. Contact details are available on Tusla's website at www.tusla.ie/about/ict-update/
The National Childcare Information System (NCCIS) has recently been restored; this is a significant step in recovering from the cyberattack.
I trust the points above give some clarification on how my Department and agencies under its remit continue to improve and evolve services provided for the protection of children.
86. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made to date on the implementation of the White Paper to End Direct Provision and replace it with a new international protection support service; the expected timeline of implementation going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36290/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to ending the system of Direct Provision and has pledged to replace it with a new International Protection Support Service (IPSS), which will be centred on a not-for profit approach. As part of this process, I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This White Paper outlines the proposed system of accommodation and supports that will be offered to applicants for International Protection and is the result of an extensive consultation process with Civil Society Organisations, residents of Direct Provision centres, and other Government Departments and Bodies. IPSS will ensure that protection applicants are helped to integrate into Ireland from day one, with health, housing, education, and employment supports at the core of the new system. As stated in the White Paper, it is the Government’s intention to have this new system fully operational by December 2024.
The implementation of the White Paper is in the early stages, with a first draft of a detailed implementation plan currently being drawn up. An Implementation Team is currently being assembled and engagement and discussions have begun with certain implementation partners. Much of the progress to date has focused on development of the new accommodation model, and discussions have been held with the Housing Agency on available funding schemes for accommodation in the community and the role that Approved Housing Bodies will play. In addition, the County and City Managers’ Association (CCMA) are developing an allocation key on behalf of the Local Authorities, in co-operation with my Department. The allocation key will serve as a guide as to how many applicants for International Protection are to be accommodated in each Local Authority area, and a draft of this key is to be discussed during an upcoming meeting of the CCMA.
Work is also underway to establish both a Programme Board and an external Advisory Group, which will form the governance structure for the project as outlined in the White Paper. The membership of the Programme Board will comprise representatives of relevant Departments, Agencies and NGOs. At least one former resident of the Direct Provision system will be represented on the Board, which will also include experts in areas such as housing and change management who will support the delivery of these key areas. The external Advisory Group will consist of three independent experts who will help to monitor the implementation of the IPSS model and provide independent feedback to Government. I will be announcing details of the individual members of both entities in the coming weeks, and it is envisaged that a first meeting of the Programme Board will take place shortly.
87. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps being taken to support organisations wishing to establish new family resource centres; if a capital funding scheme to build new family resource centres will be put in place; the supports that can be offered in the interim to groups such as in the case of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36256/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme and, since 2019, an additional €1.5m has been provided in funding, which has meant that yearly funding has amounted to €18m for this programme.
Organisations that wish to join the Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance, with regard to potential next steps. There are no plans to expand the FRC Programme or to establish new funding schemes for the Programme in the immediate future. Any such plans would depend on the availability of additional funding for the Programme, and decisions on the most appropriate use of such funding within the Programme. Tusla does not have a capital funding allocation to fund the building of new FRCs.
I am not in a position to make a statement or commitment at this time, regarding funding for the FRC or other individual programme areas, but this will be given full consideration in the upcoming Estimates process. My Department officials and I will work closely with Tusla and with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to ensure that the Agency and the services it provides, both directly and through funded organisations, including Family Resource Centres, receive adequate funding in the coming year.
88. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to increase the number of women in politics. [36254/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGreater female representation in politics is one of the aims pursued under High-Level Objective Four of the National Strategy for Women and Girls, to advance women in leadership at all levels. My Department has coordinating responsibility for the Strategy, which provides a whole-of-government framework through which women's empowerment can continue to be advanced across Irish society.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the provisions to encourage the selection of a greater number of women candidates in general elections introduced in the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012. Under Action 4.5 of the National Strategy for Women and Girls, and in line with the Action Programme for Effective Local Government, his Department is also continuing to work with local authorities, the Association of Irish Local Government and political parties to promote and assist women candidates in local government elections.
Policy matters in regard to family leaves and flexible working for political representatives are being examined by my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Cultural norms are among the barriers to women’s participation in politics. The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality, which submitted its report to the Oireachtas on 2 June, has made a number of recommendations in connection with gender equality in politics and public life. The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment that the Government will respond to each recommendation of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality. The Citizens' Assembly's recommendations are currently being considered by the Oireachtas which will identify potential next steps in this regard.
