Written Answers Nos. 380-399
380. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent of supports that his Department will provide to displaced Ukrainian refugees who travel to Ireland as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13075/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to assure you that my officials and I are deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. We are monitoring the situation closely and My Department has begun to respond quickly and effectively in the event that Ukrainian nationals come to Ireland seeking international protection.
I am liaising with the Cabinet and my EU colleagues to ensure an effective humanitarian response. My Department is working closely with key stakeholders and with the European Commission, other EU Agencies, and Member States, to respond to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not possible to estimate the number of Ukrainians likely to come to Ireland as the situation remains so volatile. However, I can confirm that accommodation will initially be made available by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department to those Ukrainian nationals who seek international protection in Ireland should they require it.
My officials are actively working to procure accommodation and supports for Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland through hotel accommodation in the first instance and various other accommodation solutions.
In addition, on 18 January 2022, my Department published a request for tender (RFT) to procure additional accommodation. This tender process is a key plank in DCEDIY’s strategy to end reliance on emergency accommodation and will assist in alleviating the accommodation pressures currently being experienced.
The compliance evaluation process is currently underway and it is anticipated that this process will result in additional capacity.
We appreciate that many people may wish to make offers of accommodation to support those persons seeking temporary protection in Ireland. The Government has supported Red Cross to launch a national pledge where offers of accommodation can be pledged.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland will not be found wanting in offering people seeking protection the humanitarian support that they will need.
381. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of their difficulties securing childcare which is being replicated across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of high-quality early learning and childcare that is affordable and accessible is a key Government priority.
Since 2015, significant increases in State investment in early learning and childcare has given rise to a substantial growth in the numbers of children participating in these services. More than 100,000 children now participate on the universal pre-school programme on an annual basis and the National Childcare Scheme subsidises up to 80,000 children.
To ensure that the supply of early learning and childcare places meets demand, my Department has, since 2015, funded the creation of more than 27,000 new places through an Annual Capital Programme. Through this Annual Programme, priority has been attached to, inter alia, the creation of places for children under 3.
Before the onset of Covid-19, national data indicated that, on the whole, supply of early learning and childcare places was meeting demand, with evidence of undersupply for certain age groups including children under 3, and in certain areas.
Data gathered throughout the Covid-19 pandemic revealed lower demand for early earning and childcare, and reduced occupancy among early learning and childcare services. Indeed, data captured in June 2021 found significant vacancy rates across the country – with the national vacancy rate averaging at 21% and the vacancy rates for all age groups having risen significantly compared to two years ago.
|
National Vacancy Rate By Age (June 2021) |
|
|
Up to 1 year (0-12 months) |
20% |
|
1 year+ to 2 years (13-24 months) |
10% |
|
2 years+ to 3 years (25-36 months) |
17% |
|
3 years+ to 4 years (37-48 months) |
17% |
|
4 years+ to 5 years (49-60 months) Non-School-Going |
12% |
|
4 years+ to 5 years (49-60 months) School-Going |
42% |
|
5 years+ to 6 years (61-72 months) Non-school going |
30% |
|
5 years+ to 6 years (61-72 months) School going |
48% |
|
6 years+ to 8 years (73-96 months) |
37% |
|
8 years+ |
34% |
|
Total |
21% |
My Department is continuing to monitor early learning and childcare capacity, particularly in light of the recent lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Pobal has, using the data captured in June 2021 and current registration data, recently projected vacancy rates in February 2022. While this analysis shows a fall in vacancy rates from June 2021 to February 2022 – with vacancy rates falling from 21% to 19%, this analysis suggests that there is unused capacity across the country. Further analysis is being undertaken by Pobal to establish if this unused capacity varies by type of provision or location, to establish the degree of mismatch is supply and demand for certain cohorts or children or in certain areas.
Pobal will also commence new data collection in April 2022, as part of the Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey. This will allow for updated information on capacity among early learning and childcare services to be established.
In addition to these efforts to monitor capacity issues across the country, my Department is planning a range of steps to address any issue of under supply. A new funding model, to roll out in September, will provide funding for services aligned to costs of delivery so, for example, greater funding will be available to services that cater for younger children where costs of delivery are higher than older children. Some €70m has been allocated to my Department through the revised National Development Plan (NDP) – with the majority of this funding earmarked for new places. Another important step being taken by my Department, in partnership with the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), is to update the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Early Learning and Childcare Settings.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for assistance. Contact details for CCCs may be found on www.myccc.ie.
382. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to implement the recommendations made by the Ombudsman for Children to review the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra383. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to review the Disability Act 2005 to place a focus on intervention and service provision as well as assessments of needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 383 together.
I am very mindful of the Ombudsman for Children's report and will be in a position to consider further review and necessary reform of legislation after the current legislative reform programme has been progressed.
The Disability Act 2005 is a key part of the legislative architecture that enables provision to be made for the assessment of health and education needs of people with disabilities, amongst other important matters, and to promote equality and social inclusion in this regard.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is already involved in an extensive review of its legislative programme, with current priority being given to a review of the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 2000-2015 (the ‘Equality Acts). This work includes consideration of the disability ground.
In addition, I am working to fully commence the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which will be possible once the supporting legislation, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill, has been enacted. This important legislation moves us from a status based definition of capacity to a functional approach where capacity is assessed in relation to the decisions needing to be taken. This legislation is key for further realising the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Amendment Bill will also include many of the provisions of the previous Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which lapsed with the last Dáil. These include removal of the archaic ban on people "of unsound mind" standing for election in Dáil Éireann, providing a legislative footing for IHREC's role as the national monitoring body on UNCRPD, and doubling the number of people to be employed in the public service from 3% to 6%.
384. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is considering the inclusion of Ukrainian nationals in the community sponsorship scheme. [12416/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Sponsorship is an alternative resettlement stream to the traditional state-centred resettlement model. The model seeks to allow groups in a community setting to support refugees arriving in a Community Sponsorship Group (CSG).
A key aim of the Group is to source a housing solution for the refugee family. Since 2019 20 families have been settled across 20 different rural and urban communities throughout Ireland. A further 36 Community Sponsorship Groups are at various stages of development across 14 counties.
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) continues to engage with communities on Community Sponsorship and 20 families have benefitted to date from the programme. At the start of 2021, the IRPP commissioned four Regional Support Organisations (RSOs).
They have the role to oversee the recruitment, support, coordination and training of Community Sponsorship groups across seven regions throughout Ireland and to promote Community Sponsorship at a local level.
Community Sponsorship will continue to be available to refugees arriving under the current resettlement programme.
Consideration is being given to see if this model can be adapted to provide guidance to community groups interested in supporting new arrivals in Ukraine to find housing solutions while they are in Ireland.
385. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the pledges that have yet to be implemented in the white paper on ending direct provision; if he is satisfied with the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12458/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service is progressing as scheduled. The International Protection Support Service (IPSS) Transition Team, have been established in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and they are focused on delivering the commitments that were outlined in the White Paper 2024.
Governance structures have put in place in the form of a Programme Board which includes representation from the NGO sector and an External Advisory Committee to oversee transition to the new system. The Board has met regularly over the past twelve months to review progress. Further details on the Programme Board and the External Advisory Committee can be found on the new IPSS website at gov.ie/ipss.
In order to secure the accommodation required, intensive cooperation has been underway with key implementation partners such as the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and the Local Authorities to develop the new accommodation model and support services. A detailed implementation plan has been developed which will be further refined over the coming months.
Planning is advancing on the acquisition of a range of properties for Phase Two accommodation, developing a system of income support for international protection applicants and the integration support system that will apply. Detailed work has been undertaken on the income support and integration supports that will be provided.
The implementation of this new model is a very large and complex project. As outlined in the White Paper, the implementation process is scheduled to take place on a phased basis between 2021 – 2024. Considerable progress was made last year in the planning stage of the implementation process and 2022 will see parts of the new model begin to operationalise.
386. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff currently employed by his Department; the current annual salary of the highest and second highest paid persons respectively, employed by his Department; and the various pay scales for persons working in his Department. [12470/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of January 2022 my Department employed a total of 485.35 Whole Time Equivalents. DPER Circular 04/2022 sets out the pay adjustments due on 1 February 2022 for all Civil Service grades including Secretary General and Assistant Secretary as provided for under “Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022”. A copy of the Circular can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/ef515-application-of-1st-february-2022-pay-adjustments/.
387. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the correspondence he has had with a project (details supplied). [12515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
388. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a matter regarding resources for a family resource centre (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if assistance will be provided in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12530/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding to 121 Centres across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme which amounted to some €18m in 2021. I appreciate the work of Clones FRC and the Beacon Project Family Support Services in improving the lives of children and families in the Clones area.
Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions. The commissioning of services and requests for additional funding of the type outlined are operational matters for Tusla.
However, I am aware of the FRC's request for an additional core worker through direct representations made to me by Deputies on behalf of the FRC. Tusla has advised that the request from Clones FRC has been noted by Tusla’s National Commissioning Office should they receive additional funding. Recently, Tusla has advised my Department that a meeting had been scheduled between the Clones FRC Board of Management, the FRC Coordinator, and Tusla's National Service Director for Commissioning.
In the past, Tusla has advised the Department that the current level of funding is to sustain existing services operating in the FRC Programme. The Area Manager considers proposals in the context of the commissioning priorities in the local area. Tusla aims to utilise the resources available in the most equitable, proportionate and sustainable way to improve outcomes for children and families.
In relation to the refugee families that the FRC helps in resettlement supports, I would encourage the Deputy to contact Monaghan Local Authority in relation to any issues around the support of resettled refugees.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government, Tusla and our service delivery partners to ensure we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.
389. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that TUSLA provide to young adults leaving foster care to secure their own accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary responsibility for housing lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and local authorities. This responsibility includes the accommodation needs of young persons leaving all forms of State care, including that of foster care.
Policy responsibility for homeless young people, insofar as it extends to DCEDIY, relates to children under 18 and any child welfare and protection concerns that may arise in the context of the Child Care Act 1991. Children under 16 who present as being homeless to emergency services are taken into care. Children aged 16 and 17 may be taken into care, or provided with accommodation under section 5 of the Child Care Act 1991.
Young adults leaving State care from foster care, and who have one year’s care experience between the ages of 13 – 18 years of age, are eligible for referral to the aftercare service.
In addition Tusla have a legal obligation to have an aftercare plan for every young person who is eligible for an aftercare service, which is informed by an assessment of need carried out prior to the young person leaving care. This requirement to carry out an assessment of need has been legislated for through section 45a of the Child Care act, 1991, (as amended by the Child Care (Amendment) Act, 2015). Specifically section 45a(3)(f) of the Act stipulates that the assessment shall include any accommodation needs the young person may have. A requirement as to whether the young person would benefit from the allocation of an aftercare worker, also forms part of the assessment of need.
Once allocated, an aftercare worker will work in partnership with the young person in assessing their accommodation needs and securing accommodation to meet these needs. In this process the aftercare worker works in partnership with other key stakeholders in securing suitable accommodation. This may include the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the HSE, and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth on projects to secure housing for eligible young adults leaving foster care.
Eligible young adults leaving foster care are also entitled to an aftercare grant. The aftercare grant is a once off payment paid to the eligible adult when they leave placement and is to assist with rent/ deposit and startup costs associated with initial moving home expenses.
An aftercare allowance may also be available to eligible young adults transitioning from foster care and towards independent living. The allowance currently amounts to €300 a week and is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third level course or training programme as outlined in the young adult’s Aftercare Plan.
The allowance is provided to cover a young adults day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program. Continuing in further education or training entitles the young person to receive the aftercare allowance even after they turn 21 and up until 23 years of age.
The data below demonstrates the range of accommodation types for young adults in receipt of an aftercare service, Q4 2021.
|
Accommodation Type |
# |
|
Residential Care Placement (over 18 years) |
144 |
|
Remained Living with Foster Carers |
1047 |
|
Independent Living |
639 |
|
Designated Care Leavers Accommodation (CAS) |
54 |
|
At Home |
213 |
|
Supported Lodgings |
46 |
|
"Other" Accommodation |
196 |
|
Total |
2339 |
390. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacancies for social work positions that TUSLA currently has available; the steps that are being taken to recruit additional social workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12546/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
391. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine a matter raised in correspondence regarding the ECCE (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ECCE programme is available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date.
The number of entry points for ECCE reverted to one at the beginning of September 2018.
This measure addressed the previous situation with regard to three entry points whereby there was a broad fluctuation in the number of free preschool weeks a child could avail of and ensures a programme that is equitable for all children. One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year also makes it easier for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the ECCE programme and that they are applied evenly.
Parents may prefer for their children to start school at age 4 rather than 5 years and may therefore choose to avail of one year of ECCE only. This is the parent’s choice to make, ECCE is not a mandatory scheme and a parent may choose to send their child for one year only, or not at all.
I would note that my Department will commence a 12 month review of ECCE this year which will consider whether ECCE is meeting its objectives and subject to the findings consider whether any changes need to be made. As part of this review, there will be a wide stakeholder engagement.
392. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the business case which his Department submitted to Tusla in 2021 to ensure optimum cover and support for women and children seeking supports given the ongoing and very significant pressures on services at the Drogheda women’s and children’s refuge centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy as the matter raised is an operational matter for Tusla.
393. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently review the need of a centre (details supplied) to expand its childcare services to cater for the wide range of children entering its services; if he will fund a feasibility study or community consultation on the need of the provision and the identification of potential premises and spaces in the adjoining area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy as the matter raised is an operational matter for Tusla.
I have no plans to directly commission a study as the Deputy suggests, this would be a matter for Tusla as an operational concern.
Tusla’s recently published ‘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.
Government 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.
394. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commitment will be made to a full national review of pay and conditions for staff in women and children's refuges across the country given refuge staff are currently aligned to the HSE social care scales as recommended in the Murphy report 2008, but this is not reflected in the budgetary process and staff have not had a pay rise or increase of increment in 12 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the establishment of Tusla in 2014, the Agency has funded many organisations, mostly in the community and voluntary sector, to deliver services on its behalf under sections 56 to 59 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. 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. The remuneration of these staff is a matter for these organisations as employers.
Each organisation funded under these arrangements operate independently of Tusla. Each is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which individuals are employed. 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’.
Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014 some of the organisations now funded under section 56 were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004. In October 2018 the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) reached agreement between the Department of Health and HSE and trade unions representing staff in certain section 39 organisations. Pay restoration in relation to organisations funded through section 39 was applied to organisations who met certain specific criteria.
The criteria related to the organisations rather than types of individual workers that are employed in them. The criteria included only organisations who received in excess of an agreed, specified amount from the HSE by way of the Service Level Agreement process. Pay restoration was limited and solely applicable to those organisations included in the initial WRC agreement. This process has reached a final resolution and there is no scope to revisit eligibility criteria.
Tusla remains in close contact with service providers directly or through service level agreements allowing for key concerns to be raised and discussed appropriately
395. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans and strategies to assist refuge services to expand their outreach and counselling services and create additional safe spaces to meet with clients who are in many cases very vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides supports for victims of domestic violence primarily through funded NGO service providers.
Government has agreed that the Department of Justice will assume responsibility for responding to DSGBV, and that the responsibility for policy and services will sit within that Department. Tusla will continue to have responsibility for the existing DSGBV services it provides and funds until the new administrative arrangements are in place.
Minister McEntee is leading on the development of a new whole-of-government 3rd national strategy to combat DSGBV. The goal of the strategy is zero tolerance for violence against women and it will be structured around the four pillars of the Istanbul Convention: prevention, protection, prosecution and co-ordinated policies.
The Strategy will be accompanied by a detailed action plan setting out how each of the aims will be achieved, who is responsible for them and the timeframe for delivery. This is currently being drafted with the sector so that it is targeted, ambitious and deliverable.
Feedback is also being invited through a focused consultation process on the final draft of the strategy. The draft strategy has been shared as part of the ongoing consultation led by Minister McEntee. A public consultation is also underway and it will help ensure that the Strategy is correctly focused on addressing the areas that people feel need the most urgent attention.
Following these consultations, the strategy and action plan will be finalised, brought to Government, and it is expected that the Strategy will be published in April.
It is important to note that the Third National Strategy will also make provision for how we deliver refuge spaces, both in the immediate and longer term, to cater for the needs of victims.
Tusla’s recently published ‘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.
Government 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.
396. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the vulnerability assessment process for linking international protection applicants to healthcare services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12876/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your question, Deputy. As your question relates to the vulnerability assessment (VA) process for linking international protection applicants to healthcare services and supports, I would like to inform you about stage 2 of the VA process.
As you may know Deputy, Stage 2 VAs are carried out following a referral from a possible vulnerability being identified in a Stage 1 VA, the screening process to determine if an applicant is vulnerable or not.
Stage 2 VAs are conducted by social workers in the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) who embrace an evidenced-based approach to screening and assessment.
Stage 2 VAs seek to refer anyone with identified significant vulnerability/needs to access comparable services to that of the Irish population. The referrals include, among other services, non-governmental organisations such as Peter McVerry Trust, Health Service Executive services including paediatric, mental health, primary care services, specialist services such as Ruhama and Spirasi, and education including TUSLA Education Support Services.
Furthermore, in cases where children are concerned, the guiding principle is the best interests of the child in all decisions that affect them as required by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, in particular Article 3 on the best interests of the child, and Article 22 on the special protection needs of refugee children.
IPAS social workers carry out Stage 2 VAs for children who are accompanied by their parents/guardians. Unaccompanied minors seeking international protection are the responsibility of the Child and Family Agency, TUSLA.
Importantly, Stage 2 VAs identify and respond to the impact of trauma by referring to specialist services such as Spirasi, as well as ensuring that appropriate follow-up assessments and intervention are undertaken.
Stage 2 VAs make recommendations in relation to accommodation needs. IPAS endeavour to accommodate the needs of international protection applicants who have been deemed vulnerable within the meaning of the reception conditions directive in so far as possible, and to take all appropriate actions required to address those needs.
It is the policy of IPAS to consider any identified vulnerabilities in allocating accommodation to applicants, within the overall constraints of the accommodation available. This means that it is not always possible for IPAS to address all identified vulnerabilities optimally when allocating accommodation. However, where possible, IPAS will improve the alignment between accommodation and vulnerabilities as more appropriate accommodation becomes available.
397. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 542 of 1 March 2022, the number of submissions submitted following the publication of the request for tender to procure additional accommodation for singles, couples and families seeking international protection on 18 January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12911/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 18 January, my Department published a request for tender (RFT) to procure additional accommodation for singles, couples and families seeking international protection. This tender process is a key plank in my Department’s strategy to end reliance on emergency accommodation and will assist in alleviating the accommodation pressures currently being experienced.
The RFT encouraged tenders from not-for-profit organisations and promoted tenderers to work with not-for-profit organisations in the delivery of related services. The published RFT sought to procure additional accommodation for singles, couples and families seeking international protection.
The tender seeks to establish two panels from which contracts will be awarded –
a) singles and couples in settings with communal facilities, and
b) self-contained own door units for families.
The deadline for submissions under the request for tender was 21 February 2022. The compliance check process is currently underway.
At this stage no further comment can be made until all the necessary steps under the procurement process are complete.
398. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken by his Department to support the reception and accommodation of persons from Ukraine following the recent conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12912/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to assure you that my officials and I are deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. We are monitoring the situation closely and My Department has begun to respond quickly and effectively in the event that Ukrainian nationals come to Ireland seeking international protection.
My Department is ready to assist if the EU develops a coordinated approach to supporting refugees from Ukraine. I am liaising with the Cabinet and my EU colleagues to ensure an effective humanitarian response. My Department is working closely with key stakeholders and with the European Commission, other EU Agencies, and Member States, in order to be prepared for a sudden increase in individuals seeking international protection in the EU.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not possible to estimate the number of Ukrainians likely to come to Ireland as the situation remains so volatile. However, I can confirm that accommodation will initially be made available by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department to those Ukrainian nationals who seek international protection in Ireland should they require it.
My officials are actively working to procure accommodation and supports for Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland through hotel accommodation in the first instance and various other accommodation solutions including the use of modular housing on state owned land.
In addition, on 18 January 2022, my Department published a request for tender (RFT) to procure additional accommodation. This tender process is a key plank in DCEDIY’s strategy to end reliance on emergency accommodation and will assist in alleviating the accommodation pressures currently being experienced.
The compliance evaluation process is currently underway and it is anticipated that this process will result in additional capacity.
We appreciate that many people may wish to make offers of accommodation to support those persons seeking temporary protection in Ireland. The Government is working with the Red Cross on the logistics for putting a national pledge in place. Arrangements will be finalised shortly and information will be provided for those wishing to pledge accommodation shortly through gov.ie and the Red Cross.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland will not be found wanting in offering people seeking protection the humanitarian support they will need.
399. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in care on their third placement or more by Tusla area office. [12921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to Tusla for their direct reply to the Deputy.
