Thursday, 18 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 255-274

Environmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (255)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

255. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she has had discussions with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to a proposal by a group (details supplied) which proposes that the State would as a collaborative effort co-ordinated by the two Departments and including schools from all around the country, plant a native tree in a single site in a new national park for each school-going pupil in the State; her views in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56727/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I understand that the proposal in question relates to Coillte lands and would therefore suggest that the students might direct their proposal to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the first instance.  My Department would be happy to discuss with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine what support we might be able to offer in terms of connecting with schools, should that Department / Coillte, be in a position to progress the proposal.  

We are aware of a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging schools to plant trees, such as Self Help Africa’s ‘One Million Trees’ campaign, Crann Trees for Ireland Plant for the Planet project, the Tree Council of Ireland’s Tetra Pak Tree Day, tetra-pak-tree-day.

The National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to ensure that by 2030 “all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.

Under the first Strategy 2014 – 2020, significant progress was made.  We:

Integrated ESD themes and principles across curricula at all levels

Integrated ESD into Initial Teacher Education

Promoted and support programmes of ESD related CPD for Teachers

Integrated ESD into the Assessment Process

Integrated ESD into the Inspection Process

Established an ESD Portal centrally housing ESD related resources for schools

Integrated ESD into the Higher Education System Performance Framework 2018-2020

ESD has been prioritised as a key area for Research calls

During May and June 2021, myself and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (D.FHERIS), Simon Harris T.D., held a joint public consultation to inform the development of a 2nd National Strategy on ESD to 2030. 

The consultation set out the Department’s intention to develop the strategy in line with UNESCO’s Framework for ESD for 2030 with five key pillars:  Policy Alignment, Transforming Learning Environments, Capacity Building, Youth Empowerment and Community Engagement.

The 2nd strategy will build on the foundations laid under the 1st strategy with the aim of delivering on the UNs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 4.  ESD is widely acknowledged as both a target in itself and a key enabler for the achievement of all 17 SDGs. 

As part of the development of the new Strategy, and in line with the 1st pillar “Policy Alignment”, the Department together with D.FHERIS are holding bi-lateral meetings with other Government Departments to explore opportunities for collaboration and alignment in the area of ESD and to develop concrete actions for the accompanying implementation plan.   We will also hold bilateral meetings with key stakeholders including those representing the Youth Voice.

The Departments’ aim is to publish the strategy for ESD to 2030 and accompanying implementation plan in Q1 of 2022.

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (256)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

256. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén fhoireann bhreise agus cén maoiniú breise atá curtha ar fáil cheana féin don Aonad um Oideachas Gaeltachta chun beartas maidir le hoideachas trí Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt; cén fhoireann agus cén maoiniú breise a chuirfear ar fáil ina leith sin in 2022; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56735/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Tá mo Roinn tiomanta do chur chun cinn an oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge sa chóras oideachais trí forbairt a dhéanamh ar pholasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh de cheantair Ghaeltachta, mar aon le cur i bhfeidhm leanúnach rathúil an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta. Beidh forbairt an pholasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh de cheantair Ghaeltachta bunaithe ar chomhoibriú idir rannóga ábhartha mo Roinne, le tacaíocht chuí ó  ranna rialtais agus eagraíochtaí ábhartha eile agus trí phróiseas comhairliúcháin fairsing agus cuimsitheach le páirtithe leasmhara.  Cuirfear acmhainní breise ar fáil in 2022 chun tacú le forbairt an pholasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht, lena n-áirítear maoiniú breise chun taighde náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a choimisiúnú.

QUESTION:

To ask the Minister for Education what additional staff and funding has already been provided to the Gaeltacht Education Unit to develop a policy on Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht; what staff and additional funding will be made available in this regard in 2022; and shall make a statement thereon.

ANSWER:

My Department is committed to promoting Irish-medium education in the education system through the development of a new policy for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas, as well as continuing to successfully implement the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. The development of the new policy on Irish-medium education outside Gaeltacht areas will be based on co-operation between relevant sections of my Department, with appropriate support from other government departments and relevant organisations and through an extensive and comprehensive consultation process with stakeholders.  Additional resources will be made available in 2022 to support the development of the new policy on Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht, including additional funding to commission national and international research. 

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (257)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

257. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if the State Examinations Commission plans to conduct an investigation into the reason a higher proportion of lower grades were awarded to students sitting the leaving certificate politics and society examination, particularly at ordinary level compared to other subjects such as history, geography and business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56763/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (258)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

258. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the additional resources made available by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for leaving certificate politics and society students and teachers following the addition of 17 key thinkers to the ordinary level syllabus in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56764/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has plans to develop additional resources to support the changes made to the Leaving Certificate Politics and Society curriculum. The time for the  development of these resources, which were planned to be published in the second quarter of this year, has been impacted by the requirement to assign a number of NCCA staff to the Health Service Executive (HSE) on a temporary basis, to form part of a dedicated Public Health Team, comprised of public health officials and members with educational expertise and experience, established in each of the HSE eight regions.

I can confirm that the NCCA are currently liaising with colleagues in the Professional Development Services  for Teachers (PDST) support service and the resources will be made available before the end of 2021.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (259)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

259. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the State Examination Commission’s plans to publish a more detailed marking scheme for the leaving certificate politics and society examination paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56765/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (260)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

260. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) will be informed of a decision by her Department on two emergency works applications relating to electrical work and a fire alarm further to the provision by the school of all information requested to the emergency works team of her Department. [56770/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I would like to inform the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application for funding under my Departments Emergency Works Scheme which combined both of the projects mentioned above, this was approved on the 12th of October. The school can access the approval letter and appendices under the Devolved Projects tab of their Esinet portal.

Rural Schemes

Ceisteanna (261)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

261. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will engage with union representatives (details supplied) of the rural social scheme supervisors and an organisation with a view to addressing pension claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56605/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

The Department is not the employer of Tús and Rural Social Scheme (RSS) supervisors or assistant supervisors, its role continues to be that of funder of the related programmes. 

Matters that relate to the employment relationship between the Implementing Bodies (IBs) as employers and the Tús/RSS supervisors and assistant supervisors as employees are dealt with by the employers and staff representatives.  The statutory mechanisms are in place to allow these parties seek the resolution of necessary employment-related matters between them.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Education Schemes

Ceisteanna (262, 263)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

262. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of students in receipt of the back to education allowance in each year since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56617/21]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

263. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of the approved third-level institutions for the back to education allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56618/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at second or third level.  The conditions under which the BTEA operates are designed to support customers into employment, subject to meeting certain conditions. The budget allocation for 2021 is approximately €96.5m which represents a considerable investment in supporting participants to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market.

An approved course of study must lead to a qualification that is recognised by the Department of Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science or awarded by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) as laid out under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The Department will provide the Deputy with a full list of the approved third level institutions supported under BTEA.

The table below details the number of students supported with a weekly BTEA allowance at year end from 2011, up to 31 October 2021. As part of the Government’s Pathways to Work 2021-2025 strategy, there is a commitment to increase participation and funding under this demand led scheme. 

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy. 

Year	No. of BTEA Participants at year end
2011	24,666
2012	25,033
2013	24,175
2014	22,714
2015	18,345
2016	14,386
2017	11,336
2018	9,215
2019	7,283
2020	6,387
2021  (as of 31st October)	4,929

 

Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 262.

Disability Services

Ceisteanna (264)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

264. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the target month and year she is working to for the publication of the cost of disability research; the reason the report has not yet been published; and the actions that have been taken on foot of the report since she received it. [56625/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

My Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out research into the cost of disability in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits the Government to use this research into the cost of disability to individuals and families to properly inform the direction of future policy. 

This matter is significantly wider than the income support system which is why a whole-of-Government perspective is being taken. There is not a single typical ‘cost of disability’, rather there is a spectrum from low additional costs to extremely high extra costs of disability, depending on the individual circumstances of the person with a disability. Additional costs of disability go across a number of areas of expenditure including housing; equipment, aids and appliances; mobility, transport and communications; medicines; care and assistance services and additional living expenses.

The report has been received and my Department has been considering it in detail. As part of this consideration, the Department briefed and sought the views of relevant Government departments which have a role to play in the delivery of disability services and supports.

This process is now complete and I intend to submit the report to Government for consideration shortly. A decision regarding the appropriate date of publication will be made once Government has had an opportunity to consider the report fully.

The supports and services for people with a disability are continually reviewed by my Department. As part of Budget 2022, I announced a number of improvements, including specific changes to Disability Allowance and the Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS), as follows:

- €5 increase in the maximum weekly rate of Disability Allowance, with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate.

- An increase in the earnings threshold above which means is fully assessed by €25 from €350 to €375 per week, for Disability Allowance (and Blind Pension), effective from June 2022.

- An increase in the general weekly means disregard entry point for Disability Allowance from €2.50 to €7.60. Increasing this to €7.60 will bring the  weekly means disregard for Disability Allowance in line with Blind Pension, One Parent Family and Carer’s Allowance. The effect of this measure will be to increase the weekly rate of payment by up to €5 per week for Disability Allowance recipients who have means.

- The Wage Subsidy Scheme base subsidy paid to employers who employ people with a disability will increase from €5.30 to €6.30 per hour from January 2022.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Civil Service

Ceisteanna (265)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

265. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which the pension of a civil servant who has taken additional annual leave days more than their entitlement who has since retired is affected; the process and procedures in place to retrieve the overpayment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56682/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

For retiring officers, upon receipt of a notice of retirement and the completed exit forms, the officers annual leave entitlement is calculated and verified with their line manager and the Department's HR Unit.

In cases where retired officers have taken leave in excess of their entitlement, in line with the Civil Service Annual Leave Circular 27/03 and the Overpayments Circular 07/18, the equivalent monetary amount is recouped from the individual.

In relation to cases who have already retired from service, the National Shared Services Office, the civil service office with responsibility for processing pay and pensions to civil servants, in accordance with the above circulars, will write to the individual to notify the amount of the overpayment and arrange for recoupment by direct payment or deduction from pension payments.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Employment Support Services

Ceisteanna (266)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

266. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be a provision in the request for tenders for the provision of regional employment services to ensure that full employment services will be available in the medium of the Irish including written and oral contact with the services themselves; if there will be a further requirement for all tenders to outline the way they propose delivering on such a provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56722/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

My Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of procuring new employment services.  This phase involves the procurement of regional employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West across four lots.  Procurement for the second phase, while will roll out services across the State, will commence shortly.

All services provided on behalf of the Department of Social protection are required to provide access to services through the Irish language in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003 and the Department's own Irish Language Scheme (2019-2022).

This will remain the case for procured employment services in 2021 and 2022.

Tenderers for the Regional Employment Services lots, in particular, are required to demonstrate how the will add social value, specifically through improving the social and economic well-being of the specific area. This includes Gaeltacht areas, where relevant. 

The expansion of employment services will see coverage for the first time in several key Gaeltacht areas including Donegal and County Galway outside of Galway City.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Child Protection

Ceisteanna (267)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

267. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken by Tusla under section 3 of the Child Care Act 1991 to fulfil its statutory function to promote the welfare of children that are not receiving adequate care and protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56608/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Section 3 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory responsibility on Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection.

Tusla has a statutory duty to respond to reports of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Tusla assesses the information received and the child and family’s situation, and provides appropriate social work intervention and family support services. Where necessary in the best interest of the child, children are received into the care of Tusla.

Tusla has a dedicated Quality Assurance Team which produces monthly, quarterly and annual reports in respect of Tusla's functions, including detailed reporting on child safety and protection services. The reports are published on Tusla's website and are scrutinised by my officials. Issues of note are brought to my attention. The reports provide statistical evidence of improvements to child welfare and protection services and highlight challenges and areas where further improvement is required, such as the recruitment of additional social workers. Most recent reports indicate that 89% (5,233/5,851) of children in care nationally had an allocated social worker at the end of Q2 2021; down three percentage points from Q1 2021 (92%).

Additionally, Tusla child protection and welfare, and alternative care services are inspected against the relevant Standards and Regulations by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). These inspection reports are also published, and the findings used to inform the development and improvement of services within Tusla. Most inspections are generally positive, and reflect both examples of good practice and dedicated staff. However, some reports identify challenges, within individual areas, to maintaining a consistently high standard of service, including the impact of staffing shortages, and difficulties in finding appropriate placements for children and young people.

Officials from my Department meet Tusla management on a regular basis to review the level of service provision, including areas in need of improvement. The recruitment and retention of social workers is a priority for Tusla, and in that regard there is a significant amount of work being done, both by Tusla and my officials, to increase the recruitment of social workers.

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (268)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

268. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of times that Tusla has applied to the District Court for child welfare order under section 13, 17 or 18 of the Child Care Act 1991 when it has found that a child or children are considered to be at immediate and serious risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56609/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Child and Family Agency

Ceisteanna (269)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

269. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of times Tusla has made an application for section 17 orders, interim care orders with respect to newborn babies including in those circumstances in which a pre-birth case conference has taken place and a court has judged that the child will be at serious risk if they do not come into care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56610/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I thank the Deputy for his question relating to the very serious and sensitive matter of interim care orders being sought for newborn babies. As the Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (270)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

270. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address concerns that there is no emergency accommodation available in County Offaly for victims of domestic violence; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this situation has been ongoing for the past 25 years; the steps he is taking to rectify this service deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56621/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Overall policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Capital funding for approved housing bodies, including services that provide refuge accommodation for victims of DSGBV, is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

I am informed by Tusla that support for victims of DSGBV in County Offaly is available through the services of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services (ODVSS), which is based in Tullamore and funded by Tusla. ODVSS has received an allocation of approximately €247,000 in 2021 to support their important work. This amount is inclusive of additional funding to address service pressures arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has allowed for this service to operate at weekends. In relation to a dedicated refuge, there is no purpose built refuge facility in County Offaly at present, but women can avail of emergency domestic violence accommodation in Counties Kildare and Westmeath, where there are two refuges supported by Tusla. I am aware, along with Tusla, of the gaps in emergency accommodation provision across the Midlands area, including County Offaly.

Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined 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 has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication. It is intended to publish the Review this month. I am not yet in a position to confirm if a refuge for victims of DSGBV will be established in County Offaly. In Budget 2022, Tusla has been allocated an additional €41 million over the 2021 allocation. I have directed Tusla to use part of these additional resources to maintain supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review of refuge provision.

My Department will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV. The Review represents my commitment to prioritising and supporting victims of DSGBV. Implementation will require collaboration from a range of statutory and other bodies. My Department continues to engage with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies (particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice) to progress work in this area.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (271)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

271. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding is available from his Department to support local authorities in hosting fireworks displays at Halloween and on New Year’s Eve. [56669/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth does not provide dedicated funding to support local authorities in hosting fireworks displays at Halloween and on New Year’s Eve.

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (272)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

272. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the additional supports being put in place in each county to support victims of domestic violence on a long-term basis; if his Department will review the need for a dedicated refuge in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56677/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Overall policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Capital funding for approved housing bodies, including services that provide refuge accommodation for victims of DSGBV, is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Tusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined 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 has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication. It is intended to publish the Review this month. I am not yet in a position to confirm if funding for refuges for victims of DSGBV will be provided for the establishment of a dedicated refuge in each county.

In 2021, I allocated €30m to Tusla specifically to support DSGBV services throughout the country. This included €2m for necessary supports to service providers arising from Covid19.

In Budget 2022, Tusla has been allocated an additional €41 million over the 2021 allocation. I have directed Tusla to use part of these additional resources to maintain supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review of refuge provision.

My Department will be guided by the recommendations of the Review. I expect that the implementation process for the Review will identify priority areas where there is greatest urgency in achieving safe accommodation for victims of DSGBV. This process will also be guided by the Review in the consideration for refuge spaces over the longer term. The Review represents my commitment to prioritising and supporting victims of DSGBV. Implementation will require collaboration from a range of statutory and other bodies. My Department continues to engage with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice, to progress work in this area.

Youth Services

Ceisteanna (273)

Francis Noel Duffy

Ceist:

273. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review the restrictions on youth group work which are currently restricted to pods of six given the vast majority of volunteer led youth work has not been able to resume or to have open access services such as youth cafés and drop ins and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56698/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Having regard to the need to support often vulnerable young people during the pandemic, the Guidance for Exchequer /DCEDIY funded Youth Work Organisations was recently updated to allow for pods of up to 15 young people of mixed vaccination status to be allowed for indoor youth service provision. The guidance provides for larger numbers where all participants are fully vaccinated and also states a preference for outdoor provision or smaller group work where these are viable options.

The Department has worked with youth services throughout the duration of the ongoing pandemic to ensure that young people, especially those who are vulnerable, continue to receive necessary supports to the greatest degree possible. In recent weeks, many services had continued to be delivered in a variety of ways, some remotely, some outdoor when weather permitted, and some, with strict regard to public health guidance, through indoor work using multiple pods, be it that until recently, each pod was made up of a maximum of six young people. Larger pods will now assist services to reach young people and support their attendance.

The Department has worked closely with key youth sector representatives to provide sector-specific guidance in line with the Government’s Resilience & Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 and Reframing the Challenge: Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting to ensure that young people continue to be supported in a manner consistent with evolving public health guidance and to address other issues arising in the sector as a result of Covid-19.

As we move beyond the pandemic, I am committed to continuing to support this important sector, which has enormous value to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Ceisteanna (274)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when excavations will be carried out at the burial site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam; the reason for the delay in commencing same; if An Garda Síochána will be involved in the supervision of the excavation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56731/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Government is committed to advancing the legislation that is required to support intervention at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam.

The General Scheme of a Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill was developed to provide the required legal basis for exhumation, identification and dignified reburial of the infants at the Tuam site and other locations should similar circumstances come to light. The Bill, which covers a range of complex issues, was published in December 2019. It was due to commence pre-legislative scrutiny in early 2020 but this was affected by the general election and the subsequent formation of a new Government and establishment of new Oireachtas committees.

I referred the General Scheme afresh to the Oireachtas for pre-legislative scrutiny in January 2021. The Committee published its report on the legislation in July. The report makes a number of recommendations in relation to the Bill. In light of these recommendations, and engagements I have had with families in Tuam, the Department is reviewing the legislation to take account of issues raised by the Committee, survivors, and family members. I hope to publish the Bill and bring it through the Houses of the Oireachtas as quickly as possible to allow excavation of the site in 2022.

An Garda Síochána does not have a supervisory role concerning the excavation of a site in the context of the Bill; however, it is outlined that, where the remains show evidence of violent or unnatural death, the Director overseeing the intervention at the site will have to immediately inform them, as well as the coroner within whose district the remains were recovered. An Garda Síochána may request the Director to suspend work relating to the excavation on the grounds that a criminal investigation relating to a person or persons buried at the site can be conducted. The Director will be required to comply with the request and assist the investigation by An Garda Síochána.