Gary Gannon
Ceist:476. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who were in receipt of the blind pension and subjected to a review by her Department in 2019, 2020 and 2021. [26268/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (476)
Freagraí scríofa
The Blind Pension is a means-tested payment paid to blind and visually impaired people who are habitually resident in Ireland. To qualify for the Pension, an applicant must supply an eye test from an ophthalmic surgeon to verify their visual impairment.
The number of individuals in receipt of the Blind Pension scheme on 31st December for 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as the number of reviews carried out in each year, are shown in the table below.
|
Year |
Recipients |
Reviews |
|
2019 |
1,037 |
261 |
|
2020 |
1,085 |
269 |
|
2021 |
1,137 |
375 |
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (477)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:477. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if alternative documentation can be accepted by her Department in cases in which persons who are non-EEA nationals and have an appropriate immigration stamp but are awaiting an Irish Residence Permit card for which there are delays and therefore cannot access much-needed social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is a requirement that the holder of a letter from the Minister for Justice granting permission to reside, register this permission with the Irish Immigration Services. On registration, an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card will issue. While the residency permit gives the person a right to reside, there may be conditions associated with each permission as regards the right to access public services. When assessing entitlement to certain social welfare payments, this Department must establish a person’s right to reside in the State, and any conditions attaching to this right to reside, for the purpose of satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition. Having a right to reside in the State is an essential condition; however, other criteria are assessed and are equally determinative. It is in this regard that my Department requires supporting documentation.
While my Department is aware of delays in renewing permissions, in December 2021, my colleague the Minister for Justice, announced a further temporary extension of immigration and international protection permissions to the 31st May 2022. This temporary extension of immigration permissions means that people who held a valid permission to be in the State in March 2020 are legally permitted to remain until 31st May 2022, even if their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card has expired and they are awaiting a new one. They must either register or renew their permission before this date to ensure that they have a valid permission to continue to legally reside in the State.
Where there is a delay in registering with the Irish Immigration Services, a persons’ right to reside in the State is effective from the date of the letter from the Minister for Justice granting permission to reside. I have asked officials in my Department to contact officials in the Department of Justice regarding the wait time for IRP cards and to consider any appropriate action that may be taken arising from those discussions.
If the Deputy is aware of any particular individual who urgently requires assistance, they may avail of an exceptional needs payment, under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is not subject to the habitual residence condition. The individual should make contact with their local Intreo Centre. I would also be pleased to take details of any individual case directly from the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (478)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:478. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an application for a carer's benefit in the case of a person (details supplied); when the application will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26314/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
Before a decision can be made on entitlement to Carer’s Benefit (CARB), evidence must be provided in respect of the care recipient’s care requirement, the level of care the carer provides, the carer’s hours of employment and their PRSI record.
An application for CARB was received for the person concerned on the 5 May 2022. Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a deciding officer on 9 May 2022.
To date, we have not received a reply from the person concerned. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (479)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:479. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection when the Government response to the Pensions Commission Report is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on the 7th October 2021. It contained almost 250 pages of analysis, consideration and recommendations. The report established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and it has set out a recommended approach for Government.
In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare are also being considered as part of these deliberations.
Following detailed consideration of all these inputs and taking on board the views of my Ministerial colleagues, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in the coming weeks. I accept that this is somewhat later than planned but I am sure that the Deputy will understand that the issues raised and views expressed by the Joint Oireachtas Committee and others require careful consideration. In addition, as the Deputy will also appreciate, the Government and my Department has been centrally involved in the response to the crisis in Ukraine and other important matters in recent weeks.
It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Investigations
Ceisteanna (480)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:480. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by her Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Information and data is critical to the business of the Department of Social Protection. It is, therefore, vitally important to maintain the Department’s good record in relation to safeguarding confidential data and the confidence of the public. Therefore, the Department closely monitors issues around data breaches, whether they be personal or non-personal, including conducting investigations as and when necessary.
The number and nature of investigations commissioned by the Department into instances in which it was suspected that Departmental documents or information may have been leaked to the media are set out below in tabular fashion.
|
Year |
Number |
Nature |
|
2012 |
0 |
|
|
2013 |
0 |
|
|
2014 |
0 |
|
|
2015 |
0 |
|
|
2016 |
0 |
|
|
2017 |
0 |
|
|
2018 |
0 |
|
|
2019 |
0 |
|
|
2020 |
0 |
|
|
2021 |
1 |
Joint HR / Internal Investigation |
|
2022(ytd) |
0 |
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Citizens Information Services
Ceisteanna (481)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:481. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any changes that have occurred to the operational processes of Citizens Information services across the State; if she will advise if these services will continue to utilise volunteer staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26395/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS). CIB provides funding to eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres.
Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a board of directors and makes decisions independently on the delivery of services in their regions. Decisions regarding the delivery of services are therefore entirely a matter for the respective Boards of these eight CIS companies.
Volunteers have not provided an information provision role in Citizens Information Services for over two years. The updates and changes to information, advice and advocacy that have taken place during the past two years have been unprecedented.
My Department therefore understands that CIB and the CIS have set up a Volunteer Strategy Working Group, which is currently working on proposals regarding the future role of volunteers in the Citizens Information Services. Recommendations from this group will inform CIB and CIS of the most suitable way to re-engage volunteers to support the services and deliver information, advice, and advocacy to the public.
The future role of volunteers is an operational matter for the respective CIS companies and not a matter for Ministerial decision.
Citizens Information Services
Ceisteanna (482)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:482. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide oversight of the new structures of the Citizens Information Board; the measures that are in place to ensure that these services remain available to the public in their existing walk-in community-based form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body with an information, advice and advocacy role in relation to a wide range of public and social services. CIB lies under the aegis of my Department, which provides annual Exchequer funding to CIB to deliver on its statutory functions.
The CIB provides funding to eight Citizens Information Services companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres (CIC), which in turn provide information, advice and advocacy services in their respective geographic areas. Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a regional manager and board of directors. Each company is entirely responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations.
Both the CIB and the CIS Boards are committed to the continued ongoing delivery of high-quality services nationally and will continue to provide essential information, advice and advocacy to the citizens of Ireland in the most effective manner possible.
Up to date opening times and details of each CIC is available on www.citizensinformation.ie (Find a Citizens Information Centre). Additionally, the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is a nationwide service that can be reached on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Many clients continue to access information through phone, email via www.citizensinformation.ie and across social media platforms.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (483)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:483. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that an application for working family payment was disallowed for a person in County Donegal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26398/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children. In order to qualify for WFP, an applicant must have a qualified child and be engaged in full-time paid employment as an employee for not less than 38 hours per fortnight.
A Working Family Payment application for the person concerned was received on 12/04/2022, along with the March pay slip for the person concerned. From the information provided and our records at this time, the person concerned did not meet the condition of being in employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight and the claim was disallowed.
However, the person concerned has since provided a pay slip for the month of April. This pay slip now shows that the person concerned has met the condition of being in employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight and the claim has now been awarded from the period 12/04/2022 at the weekly rate of €187.00. Any arrears due to the person concerned have been issued.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (484)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:484. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for the State pension (non-contributory) for a person (details supplied) will be re-examined; if the payment will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26425/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned on 18 October 2021. Since then the Appeals Officer has carried out three reviews of the decision under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 on the basis of the provision of new facts or evidence. The outcomes of these three reviews on 3 December 2021, 6 January 2022 and 16 March 2022 were that the decision was unrevised.
In correspondence issued to the person concerned on 16 March 2022 they were advised that if they were still unhappy with the decision that the Chief Appeals Officer may review a decision of an Appeal Officer under Section 318 of the Act on the basis of it being stated that the Appeals Officer erred in fact or law.
I am further advised that the Chief Appeals Officer received a request for a Section 318 review on 17 May 2022 from the person concerned. The necessary appeal papers have been requested from the Department of Social Protection and will be brought to the attention of the Chief Appeals Officer on their return.
A further letter setting out the outcome of the Section 318 review will issue to the person concerned in due course.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (485)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:485. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if a qualifying social welfare payment supersedes a non-qualifying social welfare payment for households that already receive the fuel allowance, for example households in which a pensioner qualifies for and receives fuel allowance and a member of the same household later becomes in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit; the process for determining which payments take precedence in determining qualification for the scheme over others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from October to April, which is supporting up to an estimated 400,000 households in 2022, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
Fuel Allowance is a household payment and the status and income of all members of the household will be taken into consideration when deciding an application for Fuel Allowance.
To qualify for the Fuel Allowance an applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, satisfy a means test and satisfy the household composition test.
Qualifying payments for Fuel Allowance are those payments that are considered long term payments. People on long term payments are unlikely to have additional resources of their own and are more vulnerable to poverty, including energy poverty. It is for this reason that the Department allocates additional payments, supports and resources to help this cohort of claimants.
To satisfy the household composition criteria an applicant may live alone or only with:
- a qualified spouse/civil partner/cohabitant or qualified child(ren); (if the qualified spouse is in receipt of half rate carers, in addition to the IQA payment, they may qualify for fuel allowance, subject to a means test) or
- a person in receipt of a qualifying payment who would be entitled to the allowance in their own right or
- a person who is in receipt of carer’s allowance or carer’s benefit in respect of providing full-time care and attention to the fuel allowance applicant or their qualified spouse/civil partner /cohabitant or qualified child(ren) or
- a person receiving pandemic unemployment payment (PUP), a person receiving short-term jobseeker's allowance (JA) or basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) - i.e., less than 391 days for JA and less than 15 months/456 days for SWA).
Fuel allowance is not payable if an applicant lives with any person, including a family member who is not covered by the criteria outlined.
Any decision to extend the eligibility criteria for Fuel Allowance to include households in receipt of short-term benefit schemes would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (486)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:486. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will raise the issue of the payment that persons receive on the community employment scheme, given that many of these workers are working long hard hours (details supplied) for low pay and are struggling to make ends meet given the high cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26442/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Employment (CE) Scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis. Participation on the scheme is part time - 19.5 hours per week.
The payment rates on CE are related to the underlying social protection payments plus €22.50 per week. In addition, a participant may be eligible, where appropriate, for payments in respect of any qualified dependent adult and children.
If a CE participant's underlying payment (including dependents) is €208 a week or less, they receive the minimum CE weekly rate of €230.50, that is €208 plus the top up of €22.50. If a participant's underlying payment (including dependents) was €208 or more, then they receive the same rate as their social welfare payment plus €22.50.
CE participants can retain their medical card and can also retain any additional benefits they were entitled to on their underlying scheme prior to joining CE, for example Fuel Allowance.
CE participants can also work outside of the 19.5 hours that they participate on CE. The income from this employment does not affect their CE payment rate.
A number of Social Welfare payment increases took effect in January 2022 as part of measures introduced by Government in Budget 2022. All core social welfare weekly payments increased by €5. The weekly payments for qualified child dependents increased by €3 to €48 for children aged 12 or over and by €2 to €40 for children aged up to 12. Fuel Allowance, which is paid during the fuel season each year, was increased by €5 to €33 per week.
An additional payment of €125 was paid to recipients of Fuel Allowance in March 2022 and a further payment of €100 is now due to be paid to eligible CE participants.
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 have recently introduced additional expenditure measures to a total of €505 million.
I am fully committed to the future of this programme and will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants in particular, given the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services. However, any change to payment rates on the scheme would have to be examined at Budget time, in line with all budgetary priorities and commitments.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Parental Leave
Ceisteanna (487)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:487. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the extension of parent’s leave from five to seven weeks scheduled for July 2022; when this will commence; if the details will be provided in order that parents can start to make plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26454/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, five weeks Parent's Leave and Benefit is available to all eligible parents of children born or adopted from 1 November 2019. The leave and benefit must be availed of within the first two years of the child’s life or adoption.
In Budget 2022, the Government provided for the number of weeks of Parent's Leave and Benefit available to eligible parents to be increased from five weeks to seven weeks from July 2022. The additional two weeks leave and benefit will apply to parents of children who are under age two in July 2022 or, in the case of adoption, where less than two years have passed since the child's placement.
I understand that the regulation to implement the changes to Parent's Leave is currently being finalised by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth. My Department is responsible for the associated changes to Parent's Benefit for the extended leave period. Section 8 of the Social Welfare Act 2021 provides for the extension of Parent's Benefit by two weeks. It requires a Commencement Order which will be brought forward shortly.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (488)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:488. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a pension will be provided for full-time carers as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26469/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system already includes a comprehensive range of measures including PRSI Credits, Homemaker's Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment in the calculation of a pension payment.
The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment to examine options for a pension solution for carers, the majority of whom are women, particularly those of incapacitated children, in recognition of the enormous value of the work carried out by them.
The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund. The Commission’s terms of reference included consideration of how people who have provided long-term care for incapacitated dependents can be accommodated within the State Pension system.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on 7th October 2021. It established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed. The report set out a wide-range of recommendations, including enhanced pension provision for long-term carers.
In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare are being considered as part of these deliberations. I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in the coming weeks.
It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (489)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:489. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention and that of his officials has been drawn to the situation of the female Afghan journalist (details supplied); if his Department has been able to provide any assistance to them with a view to providing an emergency visa to relocate here given the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the crisis in Afghanistan in August 2021, my Department, through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), has made approximately 545 programme refugee places available for humanitarian cases from Afghanistan. My Department has co-operated with a wide range of organisations to identify individuals and families whom we could welcome to Ireland under the IRPP. We have prioritised human rights defenders, people supporting women’s organisations, LGBTI+ activists, journalists and those most at risk.
The person mentioned has been granted access to the programme and has been issued with the relevant documentation, allowing for entry into Ireland. My officials are currently working with colleagues in civil society to make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (490)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:490. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to the conclusion of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017 to 2021, when work on a new strategy will commence. [25663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment that the Government will develop and implement a new National Strategy for Women and Girls, which provides a whole-of-Government framework through which women’s empowerment continues to be advanced.
The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2021 was developed in consultation with stakeholders, and the process included consultation with civil society and with the public.
I will work with stakeholders to examine what has been achieved over the term of the National Strategy for Women and Girls and consider how we can bring forth the next iterations of the suite of national equality strategies and ensure they are even more robust and effective. In this regard, my Department has commissioned a study to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies, which includes the National Strategy for Women and Girls as well as the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.
Consultations in regard to the successor strategy will commence during 2022.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (491)
Niall Collins
Ceist:491. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise on a family relocation matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25689/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive shortly thereafter, my Department has been working intensively as part of the cross-Government response to the Ukraine crisis.
My Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 21 000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
My Department has contracted approximately 17,500 beds in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings with additional capacity also being pursued through Airbnb, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, large adapted centres such as the Millstreet Green Glens Arena, religious properties and Local Authority facilities. The Department is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes. Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families.
My Department is working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to identify medium to long term housing solutions.
While we make every effort to limit the number of times that people have to move accommodation, unfortunately there are situations where this is necessary, in particular given the temporary nature of the accommodation that we are contracting. My Department is assisting the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in identifying medium to long term housing solutions.
In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
Child Abuse
Ceisteanna (492)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:492. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons in foster care who have made allegations of sexual abuse against their foster families in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [25692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Child Abuse
Ceisteanna (493)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:493. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons in foster care who have made allegations of sexual abuse against their foster families in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [25692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to Tusla for its direct reply to the Deputy.
Child Abuse
Ceisteanna (494)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:494. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who were removed from foster care placements based on suspicions that they were victims of sexual abuse in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [25693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to Tusla for its direct reply to the Deputy.