Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients receiving the household benefit package and the fuel allowance; the number who are in receipt of both payments; when the last rise in the fuel element of the household benefit package took place; and if there are plans to raise the amount in the coming period. [25299/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits package comprises of the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to some people under the age of 66, who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Only one Household Benefits package is payable per household.
The Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. This payment was increased from €28.00 to €33.00 per week in Budget 2022 and is a contribution towards heating costs, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made over the winter season, either weekly or, if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
At the end of 2021, the Household Benefits package was paid to some 484,000 recipients and the Fuel allowance to some 375,000 recipients. Numbers in receipt of both the Household Benefits package and the Fuel Allowance scheme was some 210,000.
There is no fuel element associated with the Household Benefits package. There is, however, the electricity and gas allowances, as mentioned above.
In 2013, the arrangements governing the electricity / gas allowance were changed from a unit-based allowance to a credit-based allowance. The rate was set at €1.15 a day (€35 per month approximately). Any decision to enhance or increase the electricity and gas aspect of the package would have to be considered in the context of overall budget negotiations.
The Government is acutely aware of the increase in consumer prices in recent months, especially the increase in fuel and other energy prices. To help mitigate the effects of these rising costs, the Government has announced significant additional expenditure which will make a positive impact on the incomes of all households in our country.
As part of these measures, I announced an additional lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of Fuel Allowance in mid-March 2022. Furthermore, as part of the measures included in the National Energy Security Framework, I announced a further additional lump sum payment of €100, equivalent to over 3 weeks additional fuel allowance, to be paid to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance during the final week of the 2021/22 season. This payment issued week beginning the 16th May 2022.
This means that low-income households will see an increase of 55% in Fuel Allowance support provided during this Fuel Allowance season compared to last season.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
143. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to improve childcare places in Dublin, in particular for babies under one years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24988/22]
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 learning 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%. Corresponding data for Dublin is shown below:
June 2021 Dublin vacancy rates
|
- |
Vacant places |
Children enrolled |
% vacant places |
|
Dublin - Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
403 |
3,784 |
11% |
|
Dublin - South Dublin |
983 |
5,577 |
18% |
|
Dublin - Dublin City |
1,662 |
8,263 |
20% |
|
Dublin - Fingal |
1,176 |
5,793 |
20% |
As part of ongoing efforts by my Department to monitor early learning and childcare capacity, Pobal, using the data captured as part of the Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey in June 2021 and current registration data, recently projected national vacancy rates in February 2022. These projections revealed an estimated fall in national vacancy rates from June 2021 to February 2022 – with vacancy rates projected to have fallen from 21% to 19%.
Pobal has commenced new data collection as of 4 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. 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. In addition, CCC are currently proactively engaging with early learning and childcare services to identify unused capacity and explore the potential for services in increase capacity where there is evidence of unmet early learning and childcare needs of families.
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.
144. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has had any recent engagements with the Dublin City Childcare Committee in relation to increasing the number of childcare places in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have recently engaged with the Dublin City Childcare Committee to identify vacant places for early learning and childcare in their catchment area.
At present, there are 8,263 children enrolled in early learing and childcare services in Dublin City and 1,662 vacant places. Update data is currently being captured as part of the Annual Early Years Sector Profile.
The cuurent profile of vacant places in Dublin City follows the profile nationally whereby the majority of capacity (enrolled and vacant places) in services is for pre-schoolers followed by school-age children and toddlers and babies. Overall, the proportion of places for babies and toddlers is higher in more urbanised counties, while demand for these places is very high.
As the Deputy is aware, the availability of high-quality early learning and childcare that isaffordable 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.
My Department is currently engaged in a range of steps to address any issue of under supply. A new core funding model, being rolled out at present, 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.
In addition to these measures, the Childcare Committees, including Dublin City Childcare Committee will proactively engage with early learning and childcare services to identify unused capacity and explore the potential for services to increase capacity where there is evidence of unmet early learning and childcare needs of families.
145. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a query raised by a person related to the provision of childcare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25020/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s main funding schemes to support families with the cost of early learning and childcare are the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
The main eligibility requirements for these schemes are that the family must be resident in Ireland and the parent(s) and child must have a PPS number. Families living in Northern Ireland, as in the case referred to in the question, are not eligible for ECCE or the NCS.
146. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the properties which his Department currently has lease arrangements for the provision of direct provision and any other accommodation for those seeking asylum; and if he will provide a corresponding list of the service providers in each of these properties. [25055/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your question, Deputy. Please find the requested information in tabular form below concerning the contracts rather than leases that the Department has for the provision of accommodation or related services.
State-owned accommodation
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Clare |
Knockalisheen |
Aramark |
|
2 |
Cork |
Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre |
Aramark |
|
3 |
Kerry |
Atlas House (Tralee) |
OnsiteFacilities Management |
|
4 |
Kerry |
Johnston Marina |
OnsiteFacilities Management |
|
5 |
Kerry |
Atlas House (Killarney) |
OnsiteFacilities Management |
|
6 |
Kerry |
Park Lodge |
OnsiteFacilities Management |
|
7 |
Westmeath |
Athlone Accommodation Centre |
Aramark |
Commercial
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Company |
|
1 |
Cork |
Ashbourne Hse |
Barlow Properties |
|
2 |
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Atlantic Blue Ltd |
|
3 |
Kerry |
Atlantic Lodge |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
4 |
Dublin |
Balseskin |
East Coast Catering (Ireland) |
|
5 |
Waterford |
Birchwood House |
Stompool Investments Ltd |
|
6 |
Tipperary |
Bridgewater House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
7 |
Leitrim |
Carraig Accommodation Centre |
Townbe ULC |
|
8 |
Louth |
Carroll Village |
East Coast Catering (Ireland) |
|
9 |
Clare |
Clare Lodge Hostel |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
10 |
Cork |
Clonakilty Lodge |
D & A Pizzas Ltd |
|
11 |
Cork |
Davis Lane Apartments |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
12 |
Galway |
Dominick Street Apartment Complex |
Keldesso Ltd |
|
13 |
Galway |
Eglinton Hotel |
Mapel Star Ltd |
|
14 |
Kildare |
Eyrepowell |
Peachport Ltd |
|
15 |
Cork |
Glenvera Hostel |
Bideau Ltd |
|
16 |
Sligo |
Globe House |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
17 |
Galway |
Great Western House |
Side Tracks Ltd T/A Great Western |
|
18 |
Limerick |
Griffin House |
Double EX Investments Ltd |
|
19 |
Limerick |
Hanratty's Hotel |
Birch Rentals Ltd |
|
20 |
Laois |
Hibernian Hotel |
Flodale Ltd |
|
21 |
Kerry |
Linden House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
22 |
Offaly |
Marian Hostel |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
23 |
Cork |
Millstreet Accommodation Centre |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
24 |
Meath |
Mosney Accommodation Centre |
Mosney |
|
25 |
Waterford |
Ocean View |
Ocean View Accommodation Ltd |
|
26 |
Donegal |
Port Road Apartments |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
27 |
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Mint Horizon |
|
28 |
Tipperary |
Riverside Apartments |
Double M Investments Ltd |
|
29 |
Wexford |
Rosslare Port Lodge |
Codelix Ltd |
|
30 |
Monaghan |
St. Patrick's Accommodation Centre |
Tattonward |
|
31 |
Westmeath |
Temple Accommodation Centre |
Townbe ULC |
|
32 |
Dublin |
The Central Inn |
Codelix Ltd |
|
33 |
Wicklow |
The Grand Hotel |
Vesta Hotels T/A Grand Hotel |
|
34 |
Kildare |
The Hazel Hotel |
Oscar Dawn Ltd |
|
35 |
Clare |
The King Thomond Hotel |
James White & Co |
|
36 |
Laois |
The Montague Hotel |
Fazyard Ltd |
|
37 |
Mayo |
The Old Convent |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
38 |
Dublin |
The Towers |
Fazyard |
|
39 |
Waterford |
Viking House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
EROCs
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Company |
|
1 |
Roscommon |
Abbeyfield Hotel |
Next Week and Co Ltd |
|
2 |
Waterford |
Clonea Strand Hotel |
Clonea Strand Hotel Ltd |
|
3 |
Meath |
Mosney Accommodation Centre |
Mosney |
Emergency Accommodation Centres
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Company |
|
1 |
Dublin |
Airport Manor Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
2 |
Meath |
Alverno House |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
3 |
Dublin |
Bolton Street |
TA Deerpark Ltd |
|
4 |
Louth |
Carnbeg |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
5 |
Laois |
Commercial Inn |
Flodale Ltd |
|
6 |
Dublin |
Cornerpark Lodge |
Paul Sweeney T/A Cornor Park Lodge |
|
7 |
Wexford |
Court Town Hotel |
Blockford Ltd |
|
8 |
Cavan |
Dun Na Ri House Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
9 |
Dublin |
Emmet Road |
Coolebridge Ltd |
|
10 |
Monaghan |
Lisanisk House Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
11 |
Dublin |
Moate Lodge |
Moat Lodge B&B Ltd |
|
12 |
Wicklow |
Rathmore Country Holiday Village |
E & B Hotel Ltd T/A Rathmore Country House |
|
13 |
Cork |
Riverside Park Hotel |
Next Week & Co Ltd |
|
14 |
Meath |
San Giovanni House |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
15 |
Louth |
Setanta Guesthouse |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
16 |
Offaly |
Shannon Lodge Hotel |
Shannon Lodge Hotel |
|
17 |
Wicklow |
The Esplanade |
Parmont Ltd |
|
18 |
Meath |
The Lodge |
Lerrigh Support Services Ltd |
|
20 |
Tipperary |
The White House |
Foxlair Ltd |
|
21 |
Cork |
Travelodge Cork |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
22 |
Galway |
Travelodge Galway |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
23 |
Monaghan |
Treacy's Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
Quarantine/Isolation Accommodation
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Company |
|
1 |
Dublin |
Travelodge Ballymun |
Travel Lodge Ireland |
|
2 |
Dublin |
Travelodge Dublin Phoenix Park |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
3 |
Limerick |
Travel Lodge Limerick |
Travel Lodge Ireland |
Pre-Reception Accommodation
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Company |
|
1 |
Dublin |
Red Cow Moran |
Guestford Ltd |
|
2 |
Dublin |
HIEX (Holiday Inn Express) |
Tifco hotel groups |
|
3 |
Dublin |
Crowne Plaza (Northwood) |
Tifco hotel groups |
|
4 |
Dublin |
Crowne Plaza (Blanchardstown) |
Tifco hotel groups |
|
5 |
Dublin |
Travel Lodge (Townsend Street) |
Travel Lodge Ireland |
|
6 |
Dublin |
Holiday Inn (Stockhole Lane) |
Holiday Inn Express |
147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated full-year cost to provide statutory reproductive leave for women going through fertility treatment and for pregnancy loss. [25216/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork to examine the needs of bereaved parents coping with pregnancy loss is being advanced within my Department and officials are currently in the process of commissioning research to explore the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss.
The study will examine whether policy interventions are required at a national level to better support bereaved parents in the workplace following pregnancy loss. I hope to have relevant findings from this research by the end of 2022.
Recommendations arising out of this study will help to inform Government policy on this matter, including the development of legislation if required. Any recommendations will be analysed with regard to costs the exchequer and for costs and other impacts on employers.
A Private Member's Bill, the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, which provides for reproductive health leave is the responsibility of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterpise, Trade and Employment.
148. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will give detailed consideration to issues raised in correspondence from a national representative body (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
On 4th May I met with a delegation for the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP) to discuss their position in relation to the new Core Funding stream following a survey of their members. The FECP shared extremely detailed materials at this meeting, including case studies and extensive data on provider costs. This was followed a number of days later with the letter attached to the email received by the Deputy.
There is a great level of detail contained within the various materials provided. My officials have over the past week been examining these materials in order to issue a comprehensive response to the FECP. A reply has been prepared by officials in my Department to issue to the FECP shortly.
The response to the FECP will seek further clarification on the data provided and address a number of the issues raised but I think it is important to be clear that the Department will not be accepting the proposals made by this sector representative group to extend the scope for additional optional extras or voluntary contributions to be charged to parents whose children are participating in the ECCE programme. It is my view that this risks parents incurring additional charges for a universal service which is designed and intended to be free at the point of use and available to all families, regardless of ability to pay. That would be entirely contrary to the spirit of the programme.
In examining all of the data available to the Department, including that provided by the FECP, there is no evidence about a significant lack of sustainability for ECCE-only services or to suggest that services will face closure as a result of Core Funding. The vast majority of services will see an increase in funding, and around 1% of service will see no change. No service will see a decrease in funding.
The sectoral information on income and costs does not show signs of financial unviability for ECCE-only services. In fact, the evidence suggests that ECCE-only services see the highest levels of income in excess of costs compared to other types of provision.
I am committed to ensuring more stability of income for services, and that is one of the key objectives of Core Funding.
The vast majority of services will see an increase in funding, and around 1% of service will see no change. No service will see a decrease in funding. For any service that does experience financial difficulties, a Sustainability Fund will be in place. This new strand of the Sustainability Fund, linked to Core Funding, will be designed to provide an extra safety net for providers. This will be open to both private and community providers.
The Government is committed increasing investment in early learning and care and school-age childcare. As part of this, the new Core Funding package amounts to €221 million in full year costs (€173 million of which is new investment).
Every year a number of services close and others open. Current data on service closures and openings are not markedly different to the trend in previous years. This data also shows that services close for a wide range of reasons including retirement of owners or other personal circumstances and only a small minority relate to sustainability issues.
The €221 million Core Funding budget is distributed to services in a fair and proportionate manner, based primarily on the features that determine services’ operating costs.
Importantly, Core Funding and this significant increase in investment is the vehicle through which the Government will deliver improved pay and conditions for staff through supporting the drawing up of Employment Regulation Order for different roles of the sector by the Joint Labour Committee and through introduction new mechanisms to control parental fees.
It may be of interest to the Deputy to know that there is significant material relating to Core Funding available at www.first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/Core-Funding/. This public material was prepared in response to a number of queries received by my Department, including some of which are raised by the FECP.
The new funding model being implemented aims to transform the sector to one that is increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed, delivering a service for the public good, through a partnership between the State and providers, to the benefit of children, parents, educators and practitioners, and society overall.
This transformation starts with Core Funding and the new approach will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding.
It is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding. Core Funding however is optional for providers.
I look forward to working together in partnership with providers to deliver ELC and SAC services for the public good.
150. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to ensure that early childhood care and education funding is equally distributed to non-full-day care providers and full-day care providers. [25318/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2021, Government adopted the 25 recommendations contained in an Expert Group report, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC).
The new funding model will support delivery of ELC and SAC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families. To achieve this, there is a need for greater State investment and greater public management of provision.
Core Funding is the new funding stream to start this partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Its primary purpose is to improve pay and conditions in the sector as a whole and to improve affordability for parents, as well as ensuring a stable income to providers.
Core Funding is distributed in a fair and reasonable manner that is related to services’ costs of delivery. Core Funding is allocated to services based on the number of child places being made available (whether filled or not), the age group of children for whom the places are available and the number of hours the places are available for, as well as the graduate qualifications of leaders in the service. These are the primary drivers of services costs and this is therefore the most proportionate and transparent manner to allocate funding.
Sessional services with standard capitation, Full Time, Part Time and School Age services will all see substantial increases in funding. Most ECCE services currently in receipt of higher capitation rates will also benefit significantly. No service will lose out.
The formula for distributing funding to services is based on the statutory adult: child ratios that underpin the type of provision being offered. Full day services are required to operate to lower adult: child ratios outside of the delivery of the ECCE programme than sessional pre-school services so consequently the allocation for this type of provision is higher on a per place, per hour basis.
In fact, the value of funding offered is weighted in favour of sessional services for 2.5-6 year-olds. ECCE services receive proportionately more than other types of services relative to the staffing requirements of sessional pre-school provision.
It is important to acknowledge that Core Funding will intentionally address some of the existing disparities in funding levels across ECCE and non-ECCE provision, providing funding proportionate to the age ratio of children being cared for and supporting the employment of graduate Lead Educators across ELC provision as well as graduate Managers. Core Funding also replaces ECCE higher capitation and distributes public funding in respect of graduate staff more fairly across ELC provision.
Core Funding is related to the costs of delivery. Services opening for longer hours or offering more places will receive a higher value of Core Funding than other services. This is because their costs of operation are higher. The majority of Core Funding (i.e. €183 million of the €221 million) will be distributed based on a service's capacity - the opening hours, opening weeks and the age group of children for whom services are provided as well as number of places available. This €183 million includes allocations for improvements in staff pay and conditions (€138 million), for administrative staff/time (€25 million), and a contribution to non-staff overhead costs (€20 million). It is important to note that both contact and non-contact time, holiday pay, sick pay and other employer costs, are all factored in to the estimated staff costs allocation in Core Funding.
In addition, a further €38 million is allocated to contribute to support graduates to be Lead Educators across ELC and to support graduates as Managers in ELC or combined ELC and SAC services. Heretofore funding has only been available in respect of graduate Room Leaders in the ECCE programme. The Graduate Lead Educator Premium in Core Funding is paid as a top up on the number of hours of provision that is led by a graduate. The Graduate Manager Premium is paid as a top up on the number of hours of operation of a service whose manager is a graduate.
Structuring Core Funding primarily based on capacity means that services will have an allocation each year that will not fluctuate in line with children’s attendance. Providers will have a stable income source based on the service they deliver. Allocating Core Funding based on capacity in this way also closely links the level of funding available to the delivery costs for different types provision.
In response to queries received by my Department on a number of matters, including the impact of Core Funding on different service types, detailed information relating to Core Funding is now available at https://first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding.
City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) have received training in order to assist providers in calculating their potential Core Funding allocations. I would encourage providers to contact their local CCC for guidance and support in understanding the impacts and benefits of Core Funding for their service. Contact details for CCCs are available at myccc.ie/where-is-my-nearest-ccc and providers can reach out for support at any time.
The new funding model being implemented aims to transform the sector to one that is increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed, delivering a service for the public good, through a partnership between the State and providers, to the benefit of children, parents, practitioners, and society overall. This transformation starts with Core Funding and the new approach will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. It is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding. Core Funding however is optional for providers.
I look forward to working together in partnership with providers to deliver ELC and SAC services for the public good.
151. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the definition of reasonable profit as outlined in the Independent Review of the Cost of Providing Quality Childcare Services in Ireland. [25319/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe term ‘reasonable profit’ has a particular meaning within European legislation on State Aid, and particularly the conditions under which State Aid rules do not apply whereby investment in considered to be a Service of General Economic Interest. Advice received on this issue points to reasonable profit consisting of the level of return from risk-free investment (swap rates) plus a modest premium. The historically low swap rates that have been in place for many years in the Euro zone suggest that the reasonable profit rate that should apply in order for the Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) exemption to be effective would therefore also be quite low.
The consideration of a sector-wide reasonable profit rate in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) sector requires further detailed analysis, including in relation to the structure of the sector and the level of risk attaching to investment, which will vary by service location and service type. An estimation of reasonable profit for ELC/SAC provision in Ireland would be required to consider what the profit might be required to cover; the timeframes required for obtain a return; the drivers of risk; and the costs of capital.
It may also be of interest to the Deputy to be aware that the 'Independent Review of the Cost of Providing Quality Childcare Services in Ireland', published in October 2020 and the 'Analysis of the Rate of Surplus for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Services in Ireland', published in October 2021, provide relevant information and insight.
The sectoral information on rate of surplus in ELC and SAC in Ireland suggests that, on the whole, there are not excessive profits in the sector. However, there are significant variations across different types of provision. For example, the evidence suggests that ECCE-only services see the highest levels of income in excess of costs compared to other types of provision. The sector average rate of surplus is 4% whereas the characteristics associated with ECCE provision indicate surplus rates of between 14% and 23%.
The collection of information on income and costs is essential for the full understanding of this complex and diverse sector in order to inform the development of policy. This is recommended by an Expert Group in their report, 'Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model For Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare'.
This income and cost information and analysis was important in securing significant additional public investment in Budget 2022, specifically the new Core Funding package which amounts to €221 million in full year costs (€173 million of which is new investment).
I am pleased to report that the recent data collection for the Annual Sector Profile, including questions on income and costs, has already been completed by 83% of services and I understand that a further cohort of providers have sought an option to return a completed survey at a later point.
I am encouraged that providers have shown a willingness and openness to work in partnership with the State towards the shared goal of delivering high quality and affordable ELC and SAC for families, for the public good. The high level of participation in the Sector Profile survey bodes well for the future of the sector as we move towards greater public investment and public management.
152. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when details of the nurturing skills package for the early childhood care and education sector will be released. [25320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 7 December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC).
Early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners and childminders play a key role in supporting children’s development and well-being, working in partnership with families. Recognising their central importance for the quality of provision, Nurturing Skills aims to support the professional development of the workforce and raise the profile of careers in the sector.
Nurturing Skills sets out actions to achieve workforce commitments in First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, including:
Achieving a graduate-led workforce in ELC by 2028, with new financial supports to assist Early Years Educators to study while continuing to work in the sector;
Supporting School-Age Childcare Practitioners to meet new qualification requirements that will be introduced incrementally over the coming years;
Development of a career framework and strengthening career pathways, including new supports for leadership development;
Building a national infrastructure for Continuing Professional Development for the sector; and
Supporting staff recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce.
A comprehensive implementation plan was developed as part of the drafting of Nurturing Skills which covers the first phase of implementation from 2022-2024. A Monitoring Committee is being established with the task of monitoring the implementation of this plan.
In Budget 2022, I announced a new Core Funding stream which will provide an additional €69m of funding in 2022 and is equivalent to more than €207 million in a full year. Core Funding is expected, among other objectives, to support the delivery of Nurturing Skills through supporting the employment of graduate staff and through supporting an Employment Regulation Order that may arise from the Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, improving workforce recruitment and retention through improvement in pay and conditions.
153. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a new FAQ document on core funding in the early childhood care and education sector will be released. [25321/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCore Funding was first announced in the context of Budget 2022 in October of last year. Initial information about the scheme was made available as part of the Budget FAQ: at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b3e97-budget-2022-overview-and-faqs-for-early-learning-and-care-elc-and-school-age-childcare-sac-providers-and-parents/.
This was followed in December with the publication of the report of an Expert Group, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare. The report sets out extensive detail for the rationale for the introduction of Core Funding along with specific recommendations for implementation which have been accepted by Government. The report is available here: https://first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/report/
Extensive information was communicated to the sector on 7th March, including detail on the way in which Core Funding will be allocated to individual services. A Ready Reckoner was also launched to assist providers in estimating the potential value of Core Funding for their individual service, as well as to test different scenarios. A detailed FAQ was published at this time which is available here: earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/how-to-guides/faqs/faq-rr/DCEDIY-FAQ-for-Ready-Reckoner.pdf.
In response to a number of queries received by my Department, officials have produced public information relating to Core Funding for the whole sector. This information was published on 14th April at www.first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/ and addresses many of the frequently asked questions around Core Funding and the New Funding Model.
The Core Funding contract will be published in June so applicants can review what they will later be asked to sign in August. The application form will also be available in June along with a new FAQ. Payments to providers will commence at the end of August.
The new funding model being implemented aims to transform the sector to one that is increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed, delivering a service for the public good, through a partnership between the State and providers, to the benefit of children, parents, practitioners, and society overall.
This transformation starts with Core Funding and the new approach will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding.
It is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding. Core Funding however is optional for providers.
I look forward to working together in partnership with providers to deliver ELC and SAC services for the public good.
154. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the uptake levels and the progress of efforts to address issues involving consent and sexual harassment as referenced in his remarks to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality on 5 May 2022 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe programme to which the Deputy refers is a research-based, social impact initiative based at NUI Galway. It provides student-facing educational resources to nearly all Irish HEIs and staff training. Beginning in 2013, the programme scaled up between 2019/2023 with philanthropic donor support, to provide the HE sector with a robust, research-informed portfolio of interactive workshops, theatre and drama resources, social media campaigns, and staff training initiatives. This is provided free of charge to the sector.
The programme supports HEI consent programme implementation, particularly First Year orientation programmes. Additional supports are provided on sexual violence and harassment (awareness raising, disclosure training, etc.), with partners including Galway Rape Crisis Centre. Other programmes and agencies work in the sector as well e.g. UCC Bystander Programme, TCD’s consent programme, etc.
The programme bases its work on an ecological model of campus culture change, creating baseline and evaluative research, awareness, education, and training resources, policy maker engagement, and national dissemination of findings. Its goals are to:
Empower young people to have positive, confident sexual health and wellbeing;
Enable stakeholders such as professionals, parents, and policy makers to engage in development through capacity building; and
Support sustainable systems by addressing consent, sexual violence and harassment through research, prevention, and education.
Some of the programme’s key outreach statistics include:
Over 250 staff members and students are trained annually in facilitating consent workshops. Since 2016, over 1,000 staff and students have taken part.
In the year before the pandemic (Academic Year 2019/20), almost 10,000 college students took part in face-to-face consent workshops or consent dramas.
During the pandemic, the 3-part online student consent programme comprised: (a) An online consent workshop, (b) Self-directed brief eLearning resource (key definitions, peer support through signposting/interpersonal communication skills, bystander intervention, knowledge of supports/services, etc.), and (c) Ongoing messaging, delivered through campus campaigns and paid social media.
Over 250,000 students were targeted in the paid social media ‘Start Here’ campaign (Q1, 2021).
In Academic Year 2020/21, 17,010 First Year students took part in online workshops. The comparable 2021/22 figure is 16,075 so far (May 2022).
Positive feedback includes 84% of students recommending the workshop to peers.
Student leader / staff training initiatives include education briefings, seminars, and Consent Ambassador training.
A schools programmes was launched in 2021/22 and works with the Further Education sector, promoting an integrated societal approach.
The live drama performance will recommence on campuses in Academic Year 2022/23.
Additional outreach development crucially depends on enhanced support and resourcing at all levels in HEIs.
I hope the above is of assistance in terms of providing an overview of the ongoing activities of the programme to which the Deputy refers and its engagement with my Department.
155. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provisions that his Department has in place for the increase of dentistry places and courses; when additional funding for the expansion of Irish dental schools will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no quota placed on dental courses by my Department, and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions, in line with their autonomy. However due to the high level of practical work involved there are material constraints on the number of students that can be accepted onto dentistry courses.
My Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.
The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service.
My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health on determining the longer term skills needs of the healthcare services, and the role which the further and higher education sector can play in meeting those skills needs. I will ensure that there is continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.
In relation to funding for the expansion of dental schools, in February I announced a second call under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF) for applications for major HE capital projects. The prioritisation of projects is a matter for each higher education institution and it is open to UCC or TCD to submit an application for expansion of their dental schools.
156. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the decision by SUSI to not award a grant to a person (details supplied) to continue their studies at a third-level institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
SUSI, the grant awarding authority, has advised that the student in question has made no grant application for the academic year 2022/23. SUSI’s online application process for student grant applications for the 2022/23 academic year opened on 10th March 2022 for renewals and on 28th April 2022 for all new applications. The priority closing dates are Thursday 9 June 2022 for grant renewal applications and Thursday 7 July 2022 for new grant applications.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
157. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of European Union undergraduate enrolments in medicine in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnrolments in medicine by domicile for the 2020/21 academic year are available in the table below. Enrolment figures for 2021/22 are not yet available. These figures are taken from the HEA's student records system (SRS) which records the number of students as of 1st March of each academic year.
|
Domicile |
Enrolments |
|
Ireland |
3,382 |
|
Great Britain |
106 |
|
Northern Ireland |
54 |
|
(Other) EU |
66 |
|
Non-EU |
3,523 |
|
Grand Total |
7,131 |
158. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the courses that have been forced to use random allocation to allocate places in 2021; the number of additional places that will be added to each course in the 2022-2023 academic year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Applications Office (CAO) is a not-for-profit company created by the Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of HEIs. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. The CAO publishes information on Round 1 offers, including the courses which were offered via random selection, on its website.
Random selection is the method chosen by the CAO to differentiate between candidates when the number of candidates with a given number of CAO points outnumber the places available on the course these candidates have applied for. It is based on a randomly generated number allocated to each candidates for each course they apply for. Where candidates are tied on points and random selection occurs, this selection is based on which students have the highest random numbers. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, or the use of random selection.
My officials are engaging with the HEA and the higher education sector on the creation of additional places for the 2022 academic year. It is important that these places be in areas of specific skills needs, and in courses where demand outstrips supply. Places in courses which provide healthcare workers, courses related to construction, and courses related to the green economy are of particular interest.
159. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he will publish the SOLAS report on the skilll needs of the construction sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is working with colleagues both in SOLAS, the HEA and other Government Departments to deliver an appropriate response to existing projections of skills needs in the construction sector. All new relevant reports and projections inform this response.
This particular report is currently being peer reviewed by colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
Once this review is completed the report, we will be working with SOLAS to develop a responding action plan and the documents will be jointly published.
160. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices on each programme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of apprentices on each programme in tabular form for end of March 2022 is attached,
A breakdown of apprentices on each programme for April is not yet available as it is being collated by SOLAS.
Craft apprentice registrations have experienced a marked increase in interest over the past 4 years. In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered, this is an increase of nearly 40% compared to 2019. As of Monday, 16 May 2022, there have been 2,286 registrations (1,997 craft and 289 on post 2016/consortia led apprenticeships).
161. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the target number of apprenticeship registrations for 2023; the targeted total apprenticeship population in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key objective of the ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ is to ensure that the apprenticeship system will increase its contribution to meeting Ireland’s skills and human capital requirements by delivering on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025.
Craft apprentice registrations have experienced a marked increase in interest over the past 4 years. In 2021, a record 8,607 new apprentices were registered, this was an almost 40% increase on the figures from 2019, the last “normal” pre-pandemic year. 6,955 of these registrations were in craft apprenticeships. As of Monday, 16 May 2022, there have been 2,286 registrations (1,997 craft and 289 on post 2016/consortia led apprenticeships).
While interim targets are not defined, the forecast for projected growth in registrations indicates a rise from 5,000 in 2020 to 10,000 in 2025. This would have an associated incremental growth in the overall apprentice population, from approximately 20,000 in 2020 to over 30,000 by 2025.
To monitor progress against the 2025 target, annual registration and population figures have been forecasted. An approximate indicative trend has been mapped as follows - ~6,450 in 2021, ~7,500 in 2022, ~8,300 in 2023, ~9,100 in 2024, and ~10,000 in 2025 (the target year). The associated forecasted overall apprentice population figures would correspondingly be ~22,000 in 2021, ~23,000 in 2022, ~25,000 in 2023, 28,000 in 2024, and ~30,000 in 2025.
However, in terms of comparing the forecasts against the actuals, the background of Covid restrictions over 2020-21 has had a major impact. This resulted in a significant impact on registrations, as well as impacts from the closing of training centres, and the closures of the construction sector.
It is too early to tell if these figures will sustain going forward. The sector may well experience further variations and corrections on an annual basis, but the Action Plan for Apprenticeship remains focused and committed to the target of reaching 10,000 registrations per annum by 2025.
