Written Answers Nos. 485-504
485. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views in relation to a document prepared by an organisation (details supplied) and submitted to Tusla; if he will provide a roadmap outlining the way he plans to bring about pay parity and pay restoration to those working in section 39 originations whose posts are funded by Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding to the organisation to which the Deputy refers. Over €1.13 million was provided by Tusla to the named organisation in 2020 for the provision of services to children and families.
Organisations in receipt of Tusla funding engage regularly with Tusla on funding or service issues, as appropriate. I am not aware of the document referenced by the Deputy, which by the Deputy's account was provided to Tusla directly as part of such an engagement.
Section 56 organisations provide services funded by Tusla under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. These commissioned services fulfill Tusla's statutory responsibilities and deliver on the Agency's strategic objectives. These organisations operate independently of Tusla and are responsible for the recruitment of their employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed. Some organisations were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004 prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014.
Section 56(14) of the Act of 2013 stipulates that ‘an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other.’ Tusla is not the employer of the staff of such organisations and the remuneration of these staff is a matter for their own employers.
The Minister is committed to working with colleagues in government, Tusla and other service delivery partners to address the sustainability of voluntary organisations and ensure that we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.
486. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to review or amend the Covid-19 guidelines for childcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpert guidance on the safe operation of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services during the COVID-19 pandemic was published by the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in May 2020 and has been updated on a number of occasions since then, most recently on 25 June 2021, and again on 9 July 2021 but with just some minor technical changes to text. The revised guidance was circulated to all registered providers on 29 June 2021. The guidance is available at www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/.
The HSE, in conjunction with my Department, is keeping this guidance under review and will update as appropriate.
487. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the social impact assessments carried out by his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37288/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. I also wish to confirm that the aegis bodies under my Department's remit will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
488. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his officials have reviewed the motion on personal assistance services for disabled persons which passed unanimously in Dáil Éireann on 19 November 2019; the measures that will be brought forward to progress these rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has reviewed the motion mentioned in the Deputy's question. As the Deputy is aware, the policy concerning personal assistance services is under the responsibility of the Minister for Health rather than myself, pending the transfer of responsibilities.
The HSE provides a range of assisted living services, including Personal Assistant (PA) services to support individuals to live independent lives. Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services, and the Government has ensured that an additional €100 million is being provided for new disability measures this year under budget 2021. These measures will include an additional 40,000 personal assistant hours. The Programme for Government agreed to deliver further Personal Assistance hours to people with disabilities.
489. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the services currently available for those who have hearing loss in particular but not exclusively, access to hearing aids and lip reading services; if there is a cost implication for the service user; the planned expansion of services for those with hearing loss; if he will address the lack of lip reader tutor training in order to increase the amount of lip reader tutors; the measures he is taking to increase the number of lip reading classes nationally and in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment on these matters which are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.
490. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to establish dedicated refuge space for male victims and survivors of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37408/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Separately, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has a responsibility in terms of capital provision for the development of new refuges.
Tusla currently allocates funding to two organisations that provide dedicated services for male victims of domestic abuse. In recent years, Tusla has substantially increased its funding allocation to Men's Aid, and began funding the Men's Development Network for the provision of services to male victims. The National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid, is also available to callers of all genders on a 24 hour basis. Tusla continues to keep the presenting needs of victims, both male and female, under ongoing review to ensure the needs of all victims are met in a holistic manner.
All organisations working with victims of domestic violence seek to support someone at risk, regardless of gender or access to refuge. Refuges in Ireland are high support services that provide safe and short-term accommodation for women and children at high risk of harm from domestic violence. The current service model in Ireland is in line with many other countries, where victims of domestic violence have been identified to be predominantly women at risk of violence from men.
Tusla is due to present a final draft of its strategic review of emergency accommodation to the Minister shortly. Tusla has advised that the accommodation needs of many cohorts were considered in its accommodation review, including men. It is expected that the findings of the review will recommend the future course of actions for Government with regard to current and future accommodation requirements for victims of domestic violence. These findings will be considered in conjunction with the audit of the responsibility for DSGBV across Government, and the Third National Strategy for DSGBV, which is under the remit of the Department of Justice and is currently in development.
The Minister recognises that male victims of domestic violence experience particular difficulties that may differ significantly from those experienced by women, and that some men would undoubtedly benefit from access to refuge accommodation. The Minister has engaged with Men’s Aid and other advocates in this area, and is open to further engagement with the sector on this issue as part of a broader consultation with regard to future actions in the Third National Strategy. Tusla will continue to engage with key stakeholders, and listen to the experiences of service providers that work with men, to determine the level of need for ongoing service provision.
491. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase the funding available to national organisations within the remit of his Department; if additional funding pathways will be considered for an organisation (details supplied); the supports that will be put in place to assist childminders with any regulatory obligations resulting from the National Action Plan for Childminding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of the operating model for early learning and childcare. This is line with a commitment in First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2019-2028). The early learning and childcare sector has grown substantially in the past decade. The objective of this Review is to ensure that the operating model is fit for purpose to implement early learning and childcare policy relating to quality, affordability and access, to the scale and standards required in an evolving and expanding sector.
Until the Review has been completed, I am not in a position to consider additional funding pathways for any of the national organisations that are funded by my Department at this time to support the early learning and childcare sector.
The National Action Plan for Childminding aims to improve access, through childminding, to high quality and affordable childcare. The Action Plan sets out a pathway over the next eight years towards regulation, support and subsidies for all paid, non-relative childminders. The Action Plan will involve change and will bring significant benefits for childminders, and for the children and the families using their services.
The Steering Group for the National Action Plan for Childminding is in the process of being convened, to drive, oversee and monitor implementation of the National Action Plan. 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. Once convened, the Steering Group will oversee the development of new childminder-specific regulations, and will consider the necessary supports to assist childminders with regulatory obligations.
492. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of protection applicants who presented as unaccompanied minors that have been age-disputed and subjected to an assessment by Tusla since the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015; the number deemed as adults and placed into direct provision; and the number deemed minors and placed in the care of Tusla. [37477/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice has the remit for immigration and international protection processes. Decisions in relation to a person’s eligibility for international protection and related services are a matter for that department. The assessment of minors is a matter for the IPO also under the remit of Department of Justice.
493. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports of worms found in food served in Kinsale direct provision centre in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been made aware of a social media post which I understand may be the incident report to which the Deputy refers. Having consulted with my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), they have advised me that a resident at the centre in question had reported to centre staff that a lettuce slug had been found on their plate on 26 June 2021.
I can assure the Deputy that this was an isolated incident which regrettably occurred despite the lettuce going through a sanitisation process in line with HACCP procedures prior to being served. Any remaining lettuce products on service were removed and replaced immediately. At the time the issue was raised, centre staff responded immediately and apologised in person to the resident. The resident was offered an alternative meal.
Centre management followed up with resident the next morning to reiterate their apology and ensure the resident was not adversely affected by the unfortunate incident the previous day. To date IPAS has not received any formal complaint regarding this matter.
494. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports of the deaths of persons in the Mosney direct provision centre in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37486/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra500. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to correspondence he received from this Deputy (details supplied), if he will consider introducing a system whereby the number of deaths within the direct provision system is recorded and published on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 500 together.
Under established protocols governing such matters I am made aware by officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service within my Department whenever a resident within the IPAS accommodation network sadly passes away.
I am also aware of reports that circulate on media and social media regarding the deaths of residents. I would however caution that great care and compassion should always be taken in reporting on such events, particularly on social media platforms, to avoid adding to the distress of family and friends of the deceased and to afford them the necessary privacy to come to terms with their sad loss.
It is also important to point out that it is an offence under Section 26 of the International Protection Act, 2015 to publish any information that may be lead to the identification of a person as a protection applicant without their consent. This provision does not exclude former applicants including applicants who pass away while their application is under consideration. This is particularly important to note given that a deceased applicant’s family could potentially be in danger in their home country were such information to be published.
In keeping with relevant provisions in the International Protection Act 2015 safeguarding the identity of protection applicants, and, out of respect for the deceased's next of kin, I can not comment further on the specific details of any such cases.
In the event of the death of a resident at a centre, a critical incident policy is in place to provide guidelines for staff in the International Protection Accommodation Service of my Department (IPAS) and accommodation centre managers and staff. IPAS officials work closely with the centre manager to assist the person’s next of kin, if known, in accessing the supports provided by the State, and to offer supports to any residents affected by the death. Where children are involved, the family is linked with Tusla to provide relevant supports.
Under the Critical Incident Policy, any death or very serious incident that occurs within accommodation centres provided by the Department is referred to the Gardaí as a matter of course and, where appropriate, the Gardaí will in turn refer those deaths to the local Coroner’s office. Where cause of death has not already been certified by a qualified medical practitioner, investigations and inquests into the cause of a death are matters for those authorities.?
Responsibility for the formal registration and recording of all deaths in the State, including information on cause of death where known, rests with the General Register Office in the Department of Social Protection.
I can also confirm that since my response to the Deputy's correspondence on 3 March 2021 that the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department has developed a new policy on the collation and provision of statistics on deaths that occur at any of IPAS accommodation centres.
The policy, which came into effect on 1 June 2021, will be published on a new IPAS website due to launch in coming days. The policy covers procedures to be followed with regard to notification of a death of a resident to IPAS and other relevant authorities, collation of statistics, and publication of information. Alongside the policy, my Department will also be publishing statistical information on the deaths of residents going back to the earliest recorded death of a resident. These statistics, which will include a breakdown by cause of death, where known, have been collated with the assistance of the General Register Office.
495. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the last time a HIQA inspection was carried out in each direct provision centre in the country in tabular form. [37487/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in discussion with the Department of Health and HIQA to formulate the agreement for HIQA to start monitoring the application of the Standards in International Protection Accommodation Services accommodation and to identify the legislative basis under which HIQA will operate that monitoring role.
496. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department currently has contracts with a company (details supplied); if so, the purpose and nature of these contracts; the number of contracts with the company; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37488/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has three contracts with the company to which the Deputy refers to provide management and related services at three of the seven State-owned direct provision accommodation centres. The three accommodation centres the company manages are: Athlone Accommodation Centre, Co. Westmeath; Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre, Co. Clare; and Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Co. Cork. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to provide current individual values for contracts entered into by my Department. However, it may assist him to note that the total value of the three contracts in question comes to approximately €5 million per annum.
497. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports of cockroach infestations in direct provision centres since he took office; and if so, if he will provide detail on these incidents. [37489/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports or instances of mice or rat infestations in direct provision centres since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 498 together.
I am aware of reports that circulate on media and social media regarding the presence of vermin in some accommodation centres for International Protection applicants. My Department officials are also made aware of occasional incidences by the centre management.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any premises whether residential or otherwise, there is always the possibility of intrusion by vermin.
The requirement for inspection of dedicated accommodation centres is a contractual obligation for all service operators contracted by my Department. Accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Ltd). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Ltd.
Inspectors examine all communal areas, bedrooms, kitchens and dining areas. Inspectors also examine occupancy registers, staffing records, health and safety documentation (including fire safety records), food preparation systems , menu cycles (in centres that provide full catering), facilities available to residents, information provision to residents and the condition of external grounds.
Evidence of any vermin infestation is also noted during the routine inspections by the centre management and by my officials or by QTS Ltd. Where there is evidence of any vermin activity, this is dealt with appropriately by the centre management and further inspections may follow. For example, where a cockroach infestation is found, a pest control company will be engaged to fog any affected rooms. More than one intervention may be required to fully address the issue if evidence is found of eggs on cloting etc. Residents of any affected room will be moved to another room until the situation is brought under control and the room is suitable for re-occupation.
Completed inspection reports are published on www.ria.gov.ie once the contractor has been given the opportunity to comment on the findings and, if necessary, indicate how and when any required remedial work has or will be undertaken.
499. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports or instances of hunger strikes in direct provision centres since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37491/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn any occasion where a resident refuses food for any significant period of time, such matters are brought to my attention by officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service within my Department.
I am informed that, while such instances are rare, some residents have in the past, refused food in order to draw attention to a particular issue that may, or may not, relate to their accommodation. It is important to note that often the issues that give rise to such incidents may relate to matters outside the remit of my Department.
IPAS officials also advise that as soon as they become aware of such instances, they work closely with the resident, accommodation centre staff, and other relevant state agencies and service providers to resolve the matter with compassion and sensitivity for the individual concerned. The health, both physical and psychological, of residents is paramount in doing so.
On a more general note, I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
A confidential Freephone telephone support service, funded by, but independent of, this Department, was also established in May 2020 to provide further support to residents that are being accommodated by my Department. This Freephone confidential support helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Any isue raised through this service may be passed in confidence to IPAS for investigation and resolution.
Residents also have full access to the Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Children should they wish to lodge a complaint regarding any services provided by my Department or other State Agencies and Departments.
501. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who are currently resident in direct provision by nationality, age and gender in tabular form. [37514/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of Wednesday 7 July 2021 there were 6,445 persons staying in accommodation offered by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department.
The table below shows the number of persons residing in accommodation as of 7 July 2021, by nationality. No breakdown is provided for nationalities with less than 10 people due to the increased risk of their identification, which is prohibited under Section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015. This figure is included as a total which made up of persons from 55 countries. In total there are people from 105 nationalities being provided with IPAS accommodation.
|
Nationality |
Total |
|
Afghanistan |
211 |
|
Albania |
434 |
|
Algeria |
209 |
|
Angola |
30 |
|
Bangladesh |
164 |
|
Bolivia |
34 |
|
Botswana |
44 |
|
Brazil |
23 |
|
Burundi |
12 |
|
Cameroon |
55 |
|
Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The |
216 |
|
Egypt |
19 |
|
El Salvador |
35 |
|
Eritrea |
17 |
|
Ethiopia |
28 |
|
Georgia |
475 |
|
Ghana |
91 |
|
Guatemala |
16 |
|
Guinea |
10 |
|
India |
59 |
|
Iran (Islamic Republic Of) |
29 |
|
Iraq |
67 |
|
Jordan |
10 |
|
Kenya |
34 |
|
Kosovo/UNSCR 1244 |
31 |
|
Kuwait |
10 |
|
Lebanon |
10 |
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya |
15 |
|
Malawi |
182 |
|
Malaysia |
11 |
|
Mauritius |
33 |
|
Morocco |
66 |
|
Nepal |
12 |
|
Nigeria |
1071 |
|
Pakistan |
438 |
|
Palestinian Territory, Occupied |
33 |
|
Russian Federation |
17 |
|
Sierra Leone |
54 |
|
Somalia |
287 |
|
South Africa |
534 |
|
Sri Lanka |
11 |
|
Sudan |
55 |
|
Swaziland |
23 |
|
Syrian Arab Republic |
48 |
|
Tanzania, United Republic Of |
14 |
|
Togo |
29 |
|
Uganda |
35 |
|
United States Of America |
17 |
|
Zambia |
15 |
|
Zimbabwe |
874 |
|
Others including unknown countries |
198 |
|
Total |
6445 |
Gender Breakdown of residents
|
Male |
57.97% |
3736 |
|
Female |
42.02% |
2708 |
|
Not Specified |
0.01% |
1 |
|
Total |
100% |
6445 |
Age Breakdown
|
Age (Years) |
Number of Residents |
Percentage of Residents |
|
0-4 |
551 |
8.55% |
|
5-12 |
827 |
12.83% |
|
13-17 |
340 |
5.28% |
|
18-24 |
656 |
10.18% |
|
25-34 |
1659 |
25.74% |
|
35-44 |
1636 |
25.38% |
|
45-54 |
584 |
9.06% |
|
55-64 |
136 |
2.11% |
|
65+ |
55 |
0.85% |
|
Unknown |
1 |
0.02% |
|
Total |
6445 |
100.00% |
502. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding will be provided for a freephone line for men who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37787/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice. Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.
Tusla currently allocates funding to two organisations that provide dedicated services for male victims of domestic abuse. In recent years, Tusla has substantially increased its funding allocation to Men's Aid, and began funding the Men's Development Network for the provision of services to male victims. Both organisations operate helplines for male victims of domestic abuse. The National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid, is also available to callers of all genders on a 24 hour basis. Tusla continues to keep the presenting needs of victims, both male and female, under ongoing review to ensure the needs of all victims are met in a holistic manner.
503. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of legal cases brought against his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021; and if he will provide details on the nature of these cases. [37805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collating## the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
504. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current policy for Tusla employees in regard to protected time for breastfeeding; if the agency has plans in place in regard to adopting the HSE breastfeeding policy for the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37830/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
