Michael McNamara
Ceist:644. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) has not been facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (644)
Freagraí scríofa
Fuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs.
The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. The threshold for the fuel allowance means test is €120.00 above the maximum weekly rate of state pension (contributory).
The Department received an application for fuel allowance on 19 September 2017. This application was disallowed on 7th March 2018 as the requested information on household means was not provided. The person concerned submitted another application form on 26 November 2020. Their entitlement was examined and they were notified in writing that their weekly household means exceeded the limit for fuel allowance.
If the person’s circumstances have changed, it is open to them to reapply for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (645)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:645. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale for the refusal to grant illness benefit to a person (details supplied); the entitlements the applicant can receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14950/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned made an application for Illness Benefit from the 27th December 2022, received 31 January 2022. Her claim has been awarded. However, as she is currently being paid as a qualified adult on her partner's social welfare claim, this means that her partner is currently in receipt of a payment for her.
The monetary difference between this payment and her illness benefit entitlement is being calculated and processed currently, and any arrears due to her will be paid as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (646)
Michael Creed
Ceist:646. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if clarification will be provided regarding the situation of persons in receipt of the disability allowance and their entitlement to work reduced hours without impacting on their disability payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. The applicant must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect, which has lasted for one year or is expected to last for one year and as a result of which, they are substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications. The person must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.
The DA scheme is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in either insurable employment or self-employment. When an individual engages in either, they can avail of an income disregard of 100% of the first €140 earned per week, and 50% of earnings between €140 and €350 are also disregarded, for the purpose of the means test. The upper earnings disregard figure is increasing to €375 in June 2022. Any amounts over the upper disregard figure are assessed in full. This disregard is available to all DA recipients who engage in employment and there are no restrictions on the hours worked each week.
Under the make work pay (MWP) initiative where a DA recipient is assessed as having means in excess of the threshold after the disregard is applied to their earnings, they are entitled to retain their free travel (FT) pass for five years. My Department has also put in place a system for the fast-track reinstatement of DA to people with disabilities who have taken up or returned to an employment which subsequently did not work out within 12 months.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (647)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:647. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the avenues that are available to community employment supervisors that are not eligible or satisfied with the terms of the recently approved ex-gratia payment; if there is leave to appeal or some other avenue open to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14994/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Community Employment (CE) supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
This claim creates some difficulties because the State is not the employer of the CE supervisors or CE assistant supervisors. Within this context, officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform held discussions on proposals to progress and resolve this complex issue, while having regard to the wider budgetary framework. Department officials also held discussions with unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.
Following extensive discussions, between the relevant Departments and union officials, a proposal was brought to both unions, which was then voted on by union members. On the 23rd December, both unions involved confirmed acceptance of this settlement with specific terms which will benefit over 2,200 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008. It is estimated to have a total cost of over €24 million.
The terms of this agreement are binding and there is no appeal process; as this proposal has been voted on, accepted and agreed. The agreement resolves this long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors.
CE Supervisors and assistant supervisors will apply directly to the ex-gratia scheme once the process for doing so has been established. Each application will be reviewed and payments will based on the specific terms of the scheme as agreed with unions.
Generally, under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008. People who retired since 2008 and who have reached retirement age will be able to apply for payments immediately when the scheme is in place.
The qualifying period for the scheme is from 1st July 2008 to 31st December 2023 and will apply to all periods of employment as a CE supervisor or CE assistant supervisor during that period subject to certain conditions.
The ex-gratia payment provides for 2 weeks pay per year of service or part thereof in the qualifying period. The calculation will be based on the salary point of the CE supervisor or CE assistant supervisor on the date of retirement, subject to a cap of €600 per week.
The Department of Social Protection is currently working on the administrative arrangements including any review mechanisms that may be available to implement the agreed settlement so that payments will issue to qualified CE workers in 2022.
i trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (648)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:648. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will allow apprenticeships to be considered as full-time education to allow those in receipt of payments such as the guardian's payment to continue receiving it in respect of a child up until the age of 22 in circumstances in which that child is in full-time education rather than just seeing full-time education at second or third level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides a range of supports for families with children. In most cases, these payments can be made until the child reaches age 18 or until the child reaches age 22 where they are engaged in full-time education. This is the position with regard to Guardian's Payment, whether contributory or non-contributory, to which the Deputy refers, as well as other payments such as Increases for a Qualified Child which can be paid with a range of social welfare payments.
Full-time education is defined in Regulations for this purpose. For someone to be considered in full-time education requires their attendance at a course of full-time instruction, on a full-time basis, by day, at an institution of education. With the exception of Youthreach, courses provided by Solas which attract an allowance are not included in the definition. Similarly, courses which form part of an employment or work experience programme, which arise from employment, or which include an extensive period of work experience are also not included in this definition.
An apprenticeship is a training and education programme, which mixes learning in a college or training institution with work-based learning in a company. At least half of apprenticeship learning is done on the job. To become an apprentice in Ireland a person has to be hired by an employer. As an apprentice, a person will have a formal employment contract, and they will be paid a salary during their apprenticeship training.
An apprentice is in quite a different position to a person covered by the current definition of "full-time education". The current arrangements ensure that support is targeted at those parents whose children are not in a position to earn their own income due to the fact of being engaged in full time education and recognise that those parents are likely to continue to incur costs in light of their child's continuing education. There are no plans to change the definition full-time education as proposed by the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (649)
Niall Collins
Ceist:649. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to a query raised in relation to recoupment of an overpayment of a pension (non-contributory) (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15012/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I note that details of a specific case have not been provided in this instance.
State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension (contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means-test, at application stage and at review intervals, a claimant must provide complete and up to date details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments held. At all times, recipients of state pension (non-contributory) are obliged to notify the Department of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their pension entitlement. At pension award stage, a list of reportable changes is provided, as well as subsequent review communications.
The current provisions in relation to claim reviews (revised decisions) and the recovery of sums overpaid can be found in Parts 10 and 11 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) and Part 9 of Statutory Instrument 142 of 2007.
Response times in relation to correspondence regarding estate cases can vary and are dependent on the circumstances of the individual case, the range and nature of the outstanding matters to be finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (650)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:650. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if we will examine the possibility of Ireland and the European Union initiating a refugee programme for Tibetan refugees who are currently in India but who are facing appalling conditions with little prospect of safely returning to their homelands soon; if he will support a European Union response to their plight and an offer of sanctuary in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Thank you for your question, Deputy. As this is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs I would suggest that you contact my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, directly in this regard.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (651)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:651. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding options available to an organisation (details supplied) that is endeavouring to organise events in June 2022 to promote gay pride and inclusion. [14722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with the commitments in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, my Department continues to work on the mapping of LGBTI+ community services. In November 2021, 42 projects around the country received funding to a total amount of €1.5 million under the 2021 LGBTI+ Communities Services Fund.
The fund comprises two schemes – one dealing with community services, and the other with visibility and inclusion. The applications received were of a high standard and the application process was very competitive. The project mentioned by the Deputy did not make an application for funding.
The LGBTI+ Community Services Fund for 2022 will be announced in the coming months.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (652, 657, 671, 680, 681, 682)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:652. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the person or body to which enquiries (details supplied) should be directed; if a scheme is being introduced for such housing to cover electricity and heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14728/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:657. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if financial support will be provided to Irish families and persons who are taking in and hosting Ukrainian refugees in their homes in order to cover the basic cost of living of such an endeavour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:671. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department’s plans for providing temporary and permanent accommodation for Ukrainian nationals fleeing into Ireland. [14353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:680. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the provision of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDessie Ellis
Ceist:681. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has identified private and public buildings which could accommodate the projected large numbers of Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14514/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDessie Ellis
Ceist:682. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if financial support from the European Union will be made available to facilitate the provision of accommodation, services and supports for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 652, 657, 671, 680, 681 and 682 together.
My Department is providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees who seek such accommodation. It is currently sourcing accommodation from hotels and guesthouses. It has also engaged with the Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, the Defence Forces, the Health Services Executive (HSE) and higher education institutions to identify buildings that could potentially be repurposed for use to accommodate refugees.
Local Authorities have completed a survey for the Department of Housing of buildings in their local areas that could be repurposed for this purpose. My Department is working actively with the Department of Housing and the City and County Management Association to extend the supply of buildings with the potential to accommodate refugees.
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 has put in place a national pledge. The website has been launched and is available online through registerofpledges.redcross.ie . There has been a remarkable response by the public – already there have been over 20,000 pledges received. Members of the public are free to indicate whether or not they will offer property free of charge or if they will charge a rent for that property.
My Department has published a FAQ document on its website to help aid any questions people may have and more information on supports and services has been published at www.gov.ie/ukraine
The European Union will provide financial assistance through the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and through other EU funds. These programmes are currently being finalised.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (653)
Pa Daly
Ceist:653. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme vetting of programme refugees; if he will provide a broad outline of the detail and nature of the checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) and An Garda Síochána (AGS) travel to Lebanon and Jordan to interview refugees who have been pre –screened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
IRPP staff conduct interviews relating to integration while AGS conduct security interviews. Following discussions between IRPP and AGS refugees are invited to resettle in Ireland.
Deputy, I trust this information satisfies your query.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (654)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:654. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he and his Department will support the independent living movement with particular reference to fully or partially disabled men and women with a view to accessing the workplace in a more meaningful way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I engage on an ongoing basis with a range of stakeholders, including disability service providers and Disabled Persons Organisations to make progress on the issues and challenges facing people with disabilities and to further realise the UNCRPD in Ireland.
My Department coordinates a dedicated national strategy to address employment barriers for people with disabilities - the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 (CES). This is the overarching disability employment policy initiative in Ireland.
Employment contributes significantly to the capacity of people with disabilities to live independently and the CES takes a cross-government approach, bringing together actions by Government Departments and Agencies to address the barriers and challenges to employment of all persons with disabilities. The CES’s strategic priorities are to build skills, capacity and independence, to provide bridges and supports into work, to make work pay, to promote job retention and re-entry to work, to provide co-ordinated and seamless supports and to engage employers.
My Department has responsibility for a number of specific actions under the CES that are aimed at raising awareness amongst employers and providing support to them in employing people with disabilities. To this end, my Department have funded the establishment of a disability information service for employers run by the Open Doors Initiative. This service ‘Employers for Change: A Disability Information Service’ provides expert peer source of advice and information on employing staff with disabilities, with a view to enhancing the confidence and competence of individual employers to employ, manage and retain staff with disabilities. This is complemented by a range of actions under the Strategy being led by differing Department and Agencies.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (655)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:655. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of qualified childcare workers who are available to be recruited; the number who are being trained; the attrition rate since the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Many early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services report staffing challenges, as a result of difficulties in both recruitment and retention of staff. In general, staffing pressures in the sector are caused not by insufficient supply of qualified personnel, but by high levels of staff turnover, compounded more recently by high numbers of COVID-19 cases. Recruitment and staff retention difficulties are undoubtedly linked to poor terms and conditions, with for example the average pay for non-managerial staff being €12.60 per hour in 2021.
The current number of qualified early years educators who are available to be recruited is not known. The figure depends on the number of individuals who have achieved a qualification at Level 5 or higher (on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Early Childhood Care and Education over many years, or a qualification recognised as equivalent, their current employment status (whether inside or outside the ELC/SAC sector), as well as the current employment status of qualified staff who have previously left the sector but could return. In addition, some ELC/SAC services recruit qualified staff from outside Ireland. It should also be noted that there is no qualification requirement to work in SAC, and so the potential pool of people who could work in SAC is much larger.
Data on yearly enrolments and graduation in further and higher education institutions is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. However, published data from QQI indicates that 1,728 students were awarded a level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education in 2021, while 1,517 students graduated with a level 6 award. In addition, many of those completing relevant degrees (at levels 7 and 8) are also qualifying to work in the sector for the first time.
Statistics on the turnover rate of staff in the ELC / SAC sector are gathered through the Annual Early Years Sector Profile. The most recent published report, for 2019/2020, indicates the annual staff turnover rate in 2020 was 18%, which was down five percentage points on the previous year’s figure of 23%. Data on staff turnover in the sector in 2021 will be available with the publication of the 2020/21 Annual Early Years Sector Profile, which I expect to publish in the coming weeks. It should be noted that data on staff turnover includes both those who leave the sector and those who move from one service to another but remain working in the sector - in 2019/20, of those leaving a service, 22% were reported to have gone to another service, and the destination of 13% was unknown.
As the Deputy is aware, the State is not the employer, and my Department does not set wage levels nor determine working conditions for staff in the sector. However, I am doing all that is in my power to address the issue.
I began a process in December 2020, which examined the possibility of regulating pay and conditions and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee for the sector. This process culminated in the establishment of a Joint Labour Committee, which began meeting in December 2021. In Budget 2022, I announced a new Core Funding stream which, among other objectives, will support service providers to meet new higher rates of pay that may be negotiated through the Joint Labour Committee.
Also, in December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028, which aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in early learning and care and school-age childcare, and includes actions to support staff recruitment and retention and to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (656)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:656. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the support and assistance that has been provided to prevent the closure of a crèche (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department funds a national network of County Childcare Committees (CCC) who provide support and advice to early learning and childcare (ELC) providers including support on operating the various funding schemes provided by the Department and assistance for parents on accessing funding schemes and place. Contact details for all of the CCCs are available at myccc.ie
The Dublin City Childcare Committee (DCCC) team has been in contact with the service in question and is providing appropriate support including:
1. Updating the manager on current and upcoming DCEDIY funding schemes,
2. Outlining the potential for the service, going forward.
3. Providing support and guidance to bring about a change of ownership of the service.
The DCCC Development Officer has offered to call on site or virtually to provide advice and training (as required) to ensure the viability of this service.
Question No. 657 answered with Question No. 652.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (658, 659)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:658. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:659. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost incurred by his Department for the supply of Covid-19 related hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13904/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 659 together.
As requested by the Deputy, the costs incurred by my Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks/face coverings and hand sanitiser since March 2019 to date are outlined in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1: Name of Supplier and cost of Covid-19 Face Masks incurred by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth from March 2019 to date
|
Purpose |
Supplier |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
International Protection Applicants |
Critical Healthcare |
€1,212,892.36 |
€15,730.00 |
||
|
International Protection Applicants |
MJ Scannell |
€33,390.96 |
€9,239.79 |
||
|
Departmental Staff |
Medguard |
€167.28 |
|||
|
Departmental Staff |
OCS |
€94.46 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
€0.00 |
€1,212,892.36 |
€49,288.24 |
€9,334.25 |
Table 2: Name of Supplier and cost of Covid-19 Hand Sanitiser incurred by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth from March 2019 to date
|
Purpose |
Supplier |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
International Protection Applicants |
West Cork Distillers |
€88,524.38 |
€28,000.00 |
||
|
International Protection Applicants |
Bunzl |
€16,084.92 |
€144.53 |
||
|
Departmental Staff |
Eciffo |
€24.54 |
|||
|
Departmental Staff |
Safety Care |
€459.80 |
|||
|
Departmental Staff |
Hunt Office |
€312.17 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
€0.00 |
€88,548.92 |
€44,544.72 |
€456.70 |
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department has put the required measures in place for Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC), including the provision of hand sanitiser and face masks/coverings. This is in line with obligations set out in the Transitional Protocol: Good Practice for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (published 31st January 2022) and its predecessor the Return to Work Safely protocol (first published 9th May 2020).
The hand sanitiser, provided for use by Departmental staff in the Miesian Plaza office was supplied by One Complete Solution (OCS), the company contracted to provide facilities management services including the provision of supplies. These costs are managed by the Department of Health as lead tenant in the building and my Department pays an agreed percentage. As such, these costs are not reflected in Table 2 as the Department of Health will include the full cost in its response.
Further due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, my Department's International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS), at very short notice, was instructed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to distribute hand sanitiser and masks to International Protection applicants in all centres around the country.
Question No. 659 answered with Question No. 658.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (660)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:660. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that all offers of accommodation to Ukrainian refugees will be collated and compiled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13922/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Thank you for your question, Deputy.
As you are aware, my officials are extremely busy working with colleagues across Government to assist the humanitarian efforts regarding Ukraine.
Due to this, my officials will require more time to provide requested information. The details will be supplied to the Deputy shortly.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (661)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:661. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding streams exist through his Department to support locally organised diversity and equality events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13957/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has numerous funding streams in place to support locally organised diversity and equality projects. The Department funds these events through both EU and national funding programmes.
The Department’s EU funding programmes include the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). AMIF is intended to help manage migration flows and support a common approach to migration and integration across EU countries. ESF is the EU’s fund to support social initiatives across EU states. Ireland’s ESF programme is aimed at providing supports in the areas of employment, social inclusion, education and youth employment.
My Department’s national funding programmes include the Communities Integration Fund (CIF), the National Integration Fund (NIF), the LGBTI+ Community Services Fund and the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF).
The purpose of the CIF, which is an annual small grants funding call, is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants. This fund is open to applicants operating at local level.
The purpose of the NIF, which has been run in 2017 and 2020, is to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of migrants. This call is open to applicants operating at regional and national level.
The purpose of the LGBTI+ Community Services Fund, which is an annual funding call, is to assist the development of rural community infrastructure to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTI+ persons, to address gaps in LGBTI+ services and to support existing LGBTI+ community organisations.
The purpose of the DPAF is to support Local Authorities across Ireland to improve opportunities for disabled people to partake in activities at local level, to help remove barriers to community involvement and to support the promotion and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities.
Funding provided to Gender Equality and Traveller and Roma organisations is also used to support locally organised diversity and equality events.
Traveller Community
Ceisteanna (662)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:662. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions that his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [13999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to improving the lives of the Traveller and Roma Communities in Ireland. Across all of Government, a wide range of specific and targeted policy approaches, designed in consultation with Traveller and Roma community representatives, are in place to seek those improved outcomes and encourage much greater inclusion across all of Irish society.
The recommendations contained in the Report of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community will inform the next iteration of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. I am leading on this strategy and the support of all Government Departments will be crucial in ensuring the successor strategy will have a more outcomes focused approach.
I engaged with the Joint Oireachtas Committee before publication of their report in November 2021.
Review of NTRIS and development of successor strategy
With regard to the recommendations pertaining to my Department, you will be aware that the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) provides a framework for action on Traveller and Roma issues. It represents a whole of Government approach and brings Government Departments and Agencies together with representatives of Traveller and Roma communities to focus on key issues in a structured I chair the NTRIS Steering Committee.
The Programme for Government commits to a review of the Strategy and I will work with stakeholders to reviewing what has been achieved, and to developing new approaches, as necessary, with a particular focus on implementation and measurement. Proposals for an evaluation of the processes for implementation of three equality strategies - the Migrant Integration Strategy, the National Strategy for Women and Girls and NTRIS, which all concluded last year, have been sought. It is expected that the contract will be signed very shortly with work commencing in March and concluding in quarter three this year.
The reason for proceeding with an evaluation process that spans a number of equality strategies is to place the focus on implementation and to identify potential good practice in some areas that can be transferred to others. The objectives of our equality strategies remain largely relevant and the key challenge is to ensure better delivery. The issue of intersectionality also needs to be addressed in a more coherent manner.
The current NTRIS Steering Committee is remaining in operation during the Review process and our next meeting is scheduled for the end of March. Work will continue on implementing NTRIS’s actions, many of which remain highly relevant.
The Strategy Committee’s role will also be pivotal in developing the consultation process and the content for the successor strategy. The advice provided by Traveller and Roma organisations will directly shape the scope and focus of the next strategy.
Early learning and Care Services
With regard to the recommendations that relate to the early years sector, my Department will consider approaches to informing and supporting enhanced participation of Traveller and Roma children in Early Learning and Care services.
First 5 commits to the introduction of a DEIS-type model for Early Learning and Care settings to create further opportunities to narrow the gap for disadvantaged children including those from Traveller and Roma communities and we will be working on the design and development of this model.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is available for all children including Traveller and Roma children with additional needs. The AIM model seeks to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. The model achieves this by providing universal supports to pre-school settings, and targeted supports, which focus on the needs of the individual child, without requiring a diagnosis of disability.
My Department also provides for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training. This training aims to foster awareness regarding equality, diversity and inclusion. It seeks to encourage and support those working in the Early Learning & Care (ELC) sector to actively advocate for the inclusion of all children and their families within the ELC setting.
Employment
Employment is an ongoing challenge in the Traveller and Roma community. In the development of the successor strategy to NTRIS, my Department will work with the NTRIS employment subgroup, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in developing an action plan for Traveller employment.
Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty
Finally, as you will be aware, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty is a legal obligation on all public bodies to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users and everyone affected by their policies and plans. Furthermore, a public body is required to report annually on developments and achievements in regard to the equality and human rights issues and actions, in a manner accessible to the public, in its annual report. The requirement to integrate the Duty in strategic plans and annual reports means that it is an ongoing obligation that must be monitored, reviewed, and developed in each strategic planning cycle.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (663)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:663. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Syrian and Afghan citizens who have been granted leave to remain in Ireland under the recently established programme refugee scheme and family reunification scheme. [14026/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As you may be aware, the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) was established in 2015. Since that time there have been 3,093 Syrian refugees granted leave to remain in the country. I can also confirm that 450 Afghan Refugees have been granted leave to remain under the refugee programme scheme.
In regard to family reunification, this is a programme under the remit of the Department of Justice. Therefore, I suggest that you contact my colleague, the Minister of Justice, for a response on this matter.
Juvenile Offenders
Ceisteanna (664)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:664. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who died while in juvenile detention in each of the past ten years; and the breakdown of the causes of death, in tabular form. [14048/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There have been no deaths of a young person in juvenile detention in the last 10 years.
Juvenile Offenders
Ceisteanna (665)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:665. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons currently in juvenile detention. [14049/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 21/3/22 there were 14 young people on remand and 15 in detention - a total of 29 - at Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
Juvenile Offenders
Ceisteanna (666)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:666. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of reported assaults on persons in juvenile detention in each of the past ten years. [14050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested is in the process of being collated by Oberstown Children Detention Campus and a response will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (667)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:667. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Tusla employees sacked or dismissed in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [14056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (668)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:668. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will publish the work-life balance directive heads of Bill. [14102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Heads of a Bill to give effect to remaining aspects of the EU Work-Life Balance Directive will go to Government in the coming weeks. The Bill will include provisions to give effect to the right of workers to leave for medical care purposes and a right to request flexible working arrangements for workers who are parents of children up to at least 8 years old or who are carers under the terms of the Directive.
The Bill will also include provisions to extend the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks for mothers returning to work after maternity leave.