Cathal Crowe
Ceist:41. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is working on any policy initiatives to make the online sphere safer for Irish children. [28269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOnline Safety
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
A range of Government Departments and agencies have a role to play in relation to online safety. The Action Plan for Online Safety 2018 – 2019, which was launched by the then Taoiseach in July 2018, set out the range of actions and activities which were underway across six key Government Departments ((the then named) Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Education and Skills; Justice and Equality; Children and Youth Affairs; Health and Business, Enterprise and Innovation) to keep children and adults safe online. While the lifespan of this Action Plan has ended, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in a co-ordinated Government response to address issues arising.
The Children First legislation and guidance, which is under the remit of my Department, operates on the premise that it is the responsibility of everyone in society to keep children and young people safe from harm. This responsibility includes keeping children safe from harm online. As part of the Action Plan for Online Safety, in January 2019, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs published an addendum to the Children First National Guidance to include a specific reference to the need to consider online safety in the preparation of statutory risk assessments and Child Safeguarding Statements. In addition, Tusla revised its template for the completion of Child Safeguarding Statements to refer to the need to consider online risks to children if a service provides access to the internet.
My Department also provides funding to three national youth organisations that provide online safety resources for the youth sector. The National Youth Council of Ireland provides the Web Safety in Youth Work Resource, SpunOut has developed an Online Safety Hub which provides guidelines for young people on online safety and Foróige has rolled-out an online safety programme, which enables young people to engage online with safe and creative digital learning experiences.
The 2020 Programme for Government contains significant commitments relating to online safety. These relate to the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and the establishment of an Online Safety Commissioner.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Bill provides for the appointment of an Online Safety Commissioner, as part of a wider Media Commission, to oversee a new regulatory framework for online safety. The Commissioner will govern this new framework through binding online safety codes and robust compliance, enforcement and sanction powers. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media published the OSMR Bill 2022 in January 2022 and it was initiated in the Seanad later that month. The OSMR Bill sets out defined categories of harmful online content (e.g. cyberbullying material and material promoting eating disorders), a definition of ‘age-inappropriate online content’ and the process by which additional categories of harmful online content may be specified.
The Online Safety Commissioner will also have a role in promoting positive digital citizenship among children and young people, in conjunction with Webwise and other educational partners, schools as well as the Ombudsman for Children. The Webwise programme, funded by the Department of Education, is a key educational resource in the promotion of online safety, providing information and advice to children and young people, teachers and parents.
My colleague the Minister for Education has also brought forward significant policy initiatives in this area this year including the publication of the new Digital Strategy for Schools in April, which focusses on further embedding the use of digital technologies in all teaching, learning and assessment activities and includes building awareness and knowledge around online safety. The Department of Education is also currently reviewing the Action Plan on Bullying and the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools. The review will take account of the significant developments and relevant research since the Action Plan and Anti-Bullying Procedures were first published in 2013 and it will specifically consider cyberbullying, among other areas. My Department is represented on the Steering Committee established to carry out the review and to develop a new Action Plan.
Departmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (42)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:42. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration has been given to introducing bereavement support for parents who suffer the loss of a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recognise the enormous impact that the loss of a child has on parents, and I wish to extend my sympathies to all parents who have suffered such a loss.
As the Deputy may be aware, work to examine the needs of bereaved parents coping with pregnancy loss is being advanced at present. My Department is currently in the process of commissioning a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss. The study will examine whether policy interventions are required at a national level better to support bereaved parents in the workplace following pregnancy loss.
Recommendations arising out of this study will help to inform Government policy on this matter, including the development of legislation if required.
Officials are also considering the question of the provision of statutory bereavement leave following the loss of a child up to the age of 18. However, this work is still at an early stage. I would note that, in the case of a stillbirth, a parent is currently entitled to their full maternity or paternity leave.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (43)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:43. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the €400 monthly payment for those altruistically hosting displaced Ukrainians to be available; if it will be backdated; if it will apply to hosting situations that were arranged outside the pledge process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government announced on 17th May that a payment of €400 in recognition of those pledging property for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine will be introduced once appropriate legislation is enacted.
The administration of the Scheme will be carried out by the Department of Social Protection as an appropriate payment agent on behalf of the my Department.
The Recognition Payment Scheme will be a monthly flat rate payment of €400 per property in respect of individual properties (shared or vacant) pledged. There is no link assumed between the payment and actual costs incurred.
The proposed approach has the merit of being relatively simple to explain and administer. I anticipate it will take 2 months to put the legislation in place, and I confirm that payments will be backdated.
The payment will be conditional on a minimum time commitment for hosting (6 months), with payments continuing for hosting arrangements beyond this timeframe. The payment is for those who have pledged accommodation through the Irish Red Cross Portal, and for private pledged arrangements through other means.
Penalties will apply in the case of any false declarations made.
It is a financial contribution that recognises the valued contribution of those who host persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and I thank all members of the public who have been so generous with their assistance.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (44)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:44. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the challenges that have been experienced in the roll-out of the new core funding model for childcare providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Core Funding is an ambitious and far reaching new funding stream that will be coming into effect from the end of August of this year. It was first announced in Budget 2022 with further detail outlined with the publication of Partnership for the Public Good in December 2022. The project is on track for delivery in line with the original schedule.
There have been extensive communications on Core Funding and the roll-out of the project, particularly with providers and sector representative groups.
Core 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: 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 includes presentations and case studies to help providers understand the impacts and benefits of Core Funding for their services. This information, first published on 14th April and kept up to date at www.first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/, addresses many of the frequently asked questions around Core Funding and the New Funding Model.
City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) have also received extensive briefing and training on Core Funding so they can provide support and guidance to individual services or parents with any queries relating to Core Funding. CCCs are offering workshops and one-to-one sessions to providers to support them.
The Core Funding contract will be published in June so applicants can review what they will later be asked to sign in August. The details of the Core Funding application form will also be available in June along with a new FAQ. Payments to providers will commence at the end of August.
Core Funding is a very significant development and a new departure in how funding is administered in the sector. 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.
The new funding model is an extensive project requiring multi-annual investment. 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 of 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.
83% of services have now responded to Sector Profile survey, which is a first step in applying for the
new Core Funding scheme. 93% of providers have signed-up to the Transition Fund, which introduces fee control measures to be continued under Core Funding. I am encouraged by this high uptake and that providers have shown a real 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.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (45)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:45. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers that have been given own door accommodation since publication of the White Paper For Ending Direct Provision. [28429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As set out in A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service, my Department is currently working on implementing a new model of accommodation and supports for International Protection applicants.
Where capacity permits, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) will endeavour to provide own door accommodation - with families prioritised for own-door accommodation.
In March, 2021, Port Road Apartments, Letterkenny opened. These are own door apartments providing accommodation for 60 families. Own door emergency accommodation opened recently in Wicklow, with 9 families provided with own door accommodation with more families to move there in the coming weeks. In addition, there are currently around 400 people being accommodated in Travelodge Townsend Street, Dublin. All singles are in their own rooms there.
On the whole, across commercial and State-owned International Protection Accommodation Centres - not including emergency centres, reception centres, Emergency Reception Orientation Centres (EROCs) or centres recently taken on to accommodate Ukrainian arrivals - 81% of residents have access to independent living facilities. Residents can cook and shop for themselves, families have access to private living room spaces, and residents have access to social spaces. Added to this, 33% have access to own-door unit settings. This means that residents live in a self-contained unit such as an apartment which has a private kitchen and living space.
In addition, a request for tender (RFT) has been issued by my Department early this year seeking additional accommodation for applicants for international protection which enables families to be accommodated in independent living options. This tender is a key plank in the strategy to end the current reliance on emergency accommodation. The aim is to ensure that all families in the international protection process are accommodated in independent living options once they have completed the initial reception process.
The compliance check process was due to begin on 28 February but was delayed due to the Ukrainian refugee situation. However, the compliance check has now recommenced and properties which fulfill the requirements of the tender will be contracted as soon as possible.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (46)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:46. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to refugees being accommodated in hotels (details supplied) in Dublin that have not been provided with beds and have been sleeping on floors and on chairs, in unsafe situations for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate, temporary accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict.
My Department is focused on providing short-term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Over 23,000 people have been referred for accommodation from my Department to date.
The Citywest facility is designed primarily to respond to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).
The number of International Protection (IP) applicants has increased significantly over the last months, and as a temporary measure to avoid International Protection applicants being homeless, they were sent to Citywest where they were provided with temporary shelter and food.
Given the significant number of both BOTPs and IP applicants arriving, the overnight sleeping area in CityWest which since this week has a capacity of around 360 (290 beds and 70 mattresses in dorm-style rooms) has at times of peak arrivals been in full use.
On such occasions, families, children, and the elderly have been prioritised for available bedding and this has resulted in some BOTPs and IPs having to spend overnight periods in the main waiting area.
This is regrettable, but is a result of the difficulty involved in sourcing enough accommodation for all arrivals.
Work is ongoing to move BOTPs out of IP accommodation into other accommodation to free up much needed hotel space for IP applicants. Work is also ongoing to procure more accommodation both for BOTPs and IP applicants, but this is a significant challenge for my Department.
The Red Cow Hotel is being used to receive single IP applicants, and those placed there are currently staying in a temporary centre in the facility until accommodation is made available for them.
International Protection applicants are entitled to the same facilities at Citywest as people feeling Ukraine, with families (BOTPs and IP applicants) getting priority.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (47, 58, 65)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:47. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the White Paper to end direct provision; the timeline of proposed works and actions to dismantle direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Holly Cairns
Ceist:58. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the process to end the direct provision system. [28406/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:65. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if will report on progress on his commitment to abolish direct provision; if he will outline current numbers in direct provision in the State and those if any currently in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 58 and 65 together.
As the Deputies will be aware I published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service on the 26th of February 2021. In the fourteen months since its publication my department has placed a significant focus on delivering the new model of accommodation and supports for International Protection applicants. The progress made has included:
Establishment of a dedicated transition team to drive implementation of the programme.
Development of a detailed implementation plan including inputs from other key stakeholders who have a responsibility for delivering services to International Protection applicants.
Governance structures established to oversee transition to the new model in the form of a Programme Board and an External Advisory Committee. The membership of the Programme Board includes a representative with lived experience of International Protection and representatives of non-governmental organisations. The Board has met regularly over the past twelve months to review progress. The board most recently met on the 28th April and are due to meet again on the 16th June to review project timelines in light of the Ukraine Crisis. As part of the Programme Board governance framework it has appointed a Risk Committee to oversee the management of risks.
Significant progress has been made on putting in place the new accommodation model. This work has involved working very closely with the Housing Agency in the development of detailed policy advice papers including an acquisition policy, an ownership model and a funding model. Proposals in relation to the ownership model were brought to the Programme Board in November and approved by myself in January 2022. Work is also ongoing to develop a funding model for Approved Housing Bodies to support them in building a pipeline of Phase Two accommodation. The funding model will be launched in the coming months.
The County and City Management Association has developed and approved a Local Authority allocation key. The key allows for a distribution of applicants across the country according to population criteria. DCEDIY and the Housing Agency are using the allocation key to identify suitable properties for purchase for Phase Two accommodation.
The Housing Agency has proceeded to source a range of properties for Phase Two accommodation and has acquired an initial number to date. Work to source and acquire properties will continue for the remainder of 2022.
Work is also moving ahead on developing the system of income support that applicants will receive when moving into Phase Two accommodation. A policy paper has been developed and work is now proceeding to design the operational structures for the payment.
The Transition Team is also developing an integration programme to support the principle of ‘integration from day one’ as set out in the White Paper. In collaboration with the Local Authorities there has been a focus on designing the supports that will be required at a local level. The proposal is to expand the current model of interagency working groups and resettlement and intercultural workers that is in place for the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. The aim is to establish a permanent integration system at local level that will provide support both to programme refugees and to applicants for international protection. Work is being finalised to determine the respective roles of Local Authorities and NGOs in delivering the new integration model;
Work is ongoing to launch an integration fund in the coming months which will fund civil society organisations to support the integration of International Protection applicants;
A number of stakeholders meetings were held in the early part of 2022 including a briefing of the NGO sector which I was delighted to attend. Over 30 organisations were in attendance and were provided with a comprehensive update on how the implementation of the White Paper is progressing. Further briefings with the NGO sector will be held periodically.
Development of a Communication strategy including in February 2022 the launch of a dedicated webpage where all members of the Public can find updates on the progress being made in implementing the White Paper. Work will continue in 2022 to develop further, other avenues to ensure communities are fully briefed on implementation of the White Paper.
As deputies will appreciate the war in Ukraine has had an unavoidable impact on timelines for implementation of the White Paper, as staff in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth were temporarily diverted to fulfil Ireland’s obligations including members of the White Paper Transition Team. Upwards of 33,000 Ukrainian refugees have come to Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive, and over 23,000 have been accommodated by the State.
Over the coming weeks, a review will be undertaken of project timelines with a view to presenting a revised implementation plan to the Programme Board. This will take account of the delays that have arisen as a consequence of the Ukraine crisis and will consider its impacts on project implementation.
Notwithstanding the impact of the Ukraine crisis, the implementation of the new model is and will continue to be a key priority for my department.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (48)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:48. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the student housing supports that his Department is offering to help Ukrainian student refugees live on campuses across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (49)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:49. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to reduce the costs of childcare for ordinary families.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Significant steps are being taken to support families with the costs of early learning and childcare.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is currently supporting thousands of families to offset these costs. A recent review of the NCS showed that:
38% of families reported that half or more of their early learning and childcare costs were covered by the NCS;
56% reported that they had more money to spend; and
28% reported that they were working more (with 8% reporting they would not be in work without the NCS).
I recognise however that the burden on some families remains high and we need to do more to ensure affordability.
The recommendations of an Expert Group to develop a new funding model for early learning and childcare were adopted by Government in December. This new funding model marks a new departure in State funding of the sector and is a significant step towards ensuring high-quality, affordable, sustainable and accessible services.
An essential and top priority for the Funding Model Expert Group was to make recommendations for a mechanism to control fee rates for different types of provision for early learning and childcare.
There are four specific recommendations on fee management, including the introduction of a fee freeze in the first instance, improvements to price comparability, and developments to the fee management system further to the assessment of cost data.
Fee management will start with a requirement of providers not to increase fees on September 2021 levels. The fee management system will be further developed in subsequent years, informed by income and cost data analysis.
The Expert Group made a further three specific recommendations on affordability, including amendments to the NCS and further development of subsidies linked to household income and expenditure or other criteria.
The Expert Group report informed the transformative package of measures for the sector committed to in Budget 2022, including the new €221 million Core Funding stream. Core Funding will operate from September 2022 to support improved quality, affordability, and sustainability.
Core Funding will have a contractual requirement that fees between September 2022 and August 2023 are not greater than September 2021 levels. This feature of the scheme will ensure that parents feel the full affordability benefits of the NCS and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.
Significant investment is being made by my Department to address affordability for parents through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). I announced a number of changes to the Scheme as part of Budget 2022. These changes will be of significant benefit to many parents.
For instance, from 2 May, the NCS no longer deducts hours spent in pre-school, or school, from NCS awards. This means that parents may use their full awarded subsidised NCS hours – benefitting an estimated 5,000 children from low income families.
In September 2022, the NCS Universal subsidy will be extended to all children under 15 years of age – benefitting up to 40,000 children.
Both of these changes will result in more parents getting additional subsidised hours for early learning and childcare.
Since the start of the pandemic, my Department has ensured the sustainability of services and prevented the additional costs from public health measures being passed on to parents. ELC and SAC employers continued to benefit from the exemption to the turnover rule for the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) until April 2022.
In advance of the introduction of Core Funding, a Transition Fund is available to providers, contingent on an agreement not to increase fees from September 2021 levels. This fund will operate from the end of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme until the introduction of Core Funding (May-August 2022).
So far 93% of services have signed up to the Transition Fund. I am delighted that in return for this investment, the vast majority of parents will benefit from the operation of a fee freeze. Parents should feel confident and reassured knowing that in services participating in the Transition Fund, their ELC and SAC fees will not increase. This is the beginning of fee management that will now make it possible for substantial future investment to reduce parental fees over time.
Government has approved the recommendations of the Expert Group. Core Funding and the changes to NCS introduced in Budget 2022 begin the implementation of many of these wide ranging recommendations. Implementation will be further progressed in the coming years as additional funding is secured through the annual Estimates process.
The fee management system, in tandem with developments to the NCS will together deliver improved affordability for families.
Maternity Leave
Ceisteanna (50)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:50. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that he plans to improve the provision and payment rate of maternity leave and benefit in the State considering recent findings that Ireland ranks amongst the lowest in Europe for paid maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Maternity leave and benefit is one of the suite of family leaves available in Ireland to people with parental responsibilities, which also includes unpaid parental leave and paid parent’s leave.
There have been a number of developments in terms of leave for working parents in recent years. These notably included, in 2019, the introduction of two weeks paid Parent's Leave and Benefit for each parent in the first year of a child's life, extended in 2021 to five weeks to be taken within the first two years. Provision has been made in Budget 2022 to increase the number of weeks of Parent’s Leave and Benefit available to eligible parents from five weeks to seven weeks from July 2022. Practical arrangements for the payment of Parent’s Benefit are being finalised with the Department of Social Protection and a date for the commencement of the extension will be announced shortly.
The rates at which Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit and Parent's Benefit are paid are matters for the Minister for Social Protection in the first instance. As a result of measures in Budget 2022, the rates of Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit and Parent's Benefit were increased by €5 to €250 a week, effective from January 2022. New parents are also eligible for Child Benefit which is paid at €140 per month for each child. Any changes to the rate of Maternity Benefit would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
Family leave entitlements are kept under review to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of parents and children. However, there are no plans at present to amend the maternity leave entitlements currently provided for under the Maternity Protection Acts.
Rights of People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (51)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:51. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if any meetings of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group have taken place since January 2022 to progress the review of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers' scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28537/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) is one of two national policy frameworks through which the rights of people with disabilities are advanced in Ireland. Implementation of the NDIS is monitored by the NDIS Steering Group, which I chair.
In addition, a Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to drive Action 104 of the NDIS but its work was paused to prioritise initial responses to the pandemic, while the work of the main NDIS Steering Group continued.
Action 104 of the NDIS commits that ‘we will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.’
The Transport Working Group's membership is made up of relevant Government Departments and state agencies including the National Disability Authority and the National Transport Authority.
Following engagement from my colleague the Minister of Finance Paschal Donohoe T.D. last year, it was decided to use the Transport Working Group to assist with the review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. Legislative and budgetary responsibility for the Scheme continues to lie with the Department of Finance.
The Transport Working Group met at the end of January this year at a meeting which I chaired. An update on the work of the group was also given to the Steering Group of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy in April. The current focus of the groups work is a stock taking exercise to scope and map the provision of transport supports across a range of government departments and state bodies.
While delays have occurred in scheduling committees because officials have been temporarily diverted to the work to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, further meetings of the NDIS Steering Group and the Transport Working Group will be scheduled over the coming period.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (52)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:52. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are available for parent and toddler groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recently announced details of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2022 including funding of €325,000, which will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
New start up Parent & Toddler groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1250, while existing Parent & Toddler groups can apply for a maximum grant of up to €800.
For 2022 an additional amount of up to €400 is available for all Parent & Toddler groups providing an additional session and a maximum of up to €400 will be available to establish Buggy Walking Groups.
Pobal administer the scheme on behalf of my Department and release the allocated funding to CCCs, any unspent funds must be returned to Pobal at end of year.
City/County Childcare Committees are responsible for the implementation of the Parent & Toddler Grants at county level. This involves promotion, contracting, appraisal, monitoring and reporting of the grant. Each CCC develop a Grant Appraisal subcommittee/sub group who appraise all grant applications using a standard appraisal form.
CCC's have been asked to promote the participation of Ukrainian families in parent and toddler groups where possible.
As I have have referenced this year, two new funding streams are being introduced under Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative, firstly, funding of up to €400 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. The grant of up to €400 is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community. Secondly, funding of up to €400 is available for new or existing Parent and Toddler Groups to provide an additional session.
In addition to these new funding streams, Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for funding towards:
Toys, equipment and books for indoor and outdoor activities, children’s refreshments
Storage for equipment
Training for parents, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses, facilitated sessions
Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music
Limited funding will be available towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment
Further information on the application process, including detailed application guidelines is available now on local CCC websites. Parent and Toddler Groups are encouraged to contact their local CCC with any queries on the Initiative and the application process. Contact details and links to websites of all local CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (53)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:53. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on Government plans with respect to a new State agency for Early Learning and Care following receipt of the Independent Review of the Operating Model conducted by Indecon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27702/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to report that on 29th March, Government accepted the findings of the Review of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) Operating Model that a dedicated State agency is the optimal operating model for the ELC and SAC sector for the years ahead. This independent Review was published on 30th March 2022. It is envisaged that this dedicated agency will undertake the functions currently carried out by Pobal Early Years (including Better Start), the City/County Childcare Committees, as well as operational functions currently undertaken by my Department.
My Department has now commenced a further phase of detailed analysis and open planning, consultation and engagement with sectoral stakeholders to determine how the recommendation arising from the Review can best be implemented. This phase will include, inter alia, a detailed design of a new operating model, an examination of all legal requirements, transition and continuity planning, a risk management strategy, and an examination of associated costings.
My Department is committed to ongoing consultation with stakeholders throughout this phase, and engagement in this regard has already commenced. Officials from my Department have met with all organisations comprising the existing operating model, and with other key stakeholders, to brief them on the Review and to provide them with an opportunity to share their initial feedback and views.
A dedicated State agency will assist in the development of a more streamlined structure to better support the delivery of ELC and SAC at national and local level, and will facilitate my Department in implementing and progressing the significant reform agenda envisaged under First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.
I look forward to bringing a further report to Government next year following the completion of this phase of what is a significant and transformative reform project.
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (54)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:54. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Report 2021/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Early Years Sector Profile Report is based on an annual survey of the early learning and childcare sector and on administrative data gathered on DCEDIY funded programmes and schemes.
The Report, which is compiled by Pobal on behalf of my Department, plays a central role in informing policy development, in assessing the impact of policy change and in monitoring key trends over time.
Notwithstanding the significant challenges presented by Covid-19, the 2020/21 survey went ahead, with almost 60 per cent of providers taking part. The Report of the 2020/21 survey, which I launched earlier this month, provides us with important data, insight and analysis into the sector – particularly in the context of Covid-19.
Fieldwork for the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2021/2022 survey commenced on 9 May. As well as capturing data on the numbers of children participating in DCEDIY funded programmes and schemes, fees, staff wages, qualifications and turnover within the sector, this year’s Sector Profile includes questions on services’ income and costs in order to establish the most up to date and accurate picture on providers financial circumstances
With the end of pandemic supports and the imminent introduction of a major new funding stream, Core Funding, this year’s Sector Profile is an optimal time to capture this essential information about the sector. Importantly, it also provides a baseline to assess the impact of Core Funding against.
Given the importance of collecting this data at this point in time, completion of the Sector Profile is a necessary requirement in order to access Core Funding later this year. To avail of Core Funding, a service must have completed the Sector Profile.
Approximately 83% of providers have already completed the Sector Profile survey to date and more have sought the opportunity to do so next month. This is very encouraging and bodes well for the future of Core Funding and the new funding model more widely.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 30.
Departmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (56, 314)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which services for children are deficient in a specific way, with particular reference to his proposals to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28402/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent, if any, to which the provision of appropriate services for children continues to be a major priority; the specific areas in question identified for improvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 314 together.
The Department's Mission is to enhance the lives of children, young people, adults, families and communities recognising diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.
The Department's work involves the identification of policy and legislative initiatives that will improve the outcomes of those we serve, the provision of a range of services that will meet their needs as well as, helping children who are vulnerable and at risk in overcoming adverse circumstances.
While we seek to be proactive in identifying where make need to make improvements, a key part of our approach is that we learn from the findings of independent monitoring and review mechanisms, such as the Ombudsman for Children and HIQA, and drive improvements to our systems and services.
The European Child Guarantee seeks to prevent and combat social exclusion by guaranteeing access for children who are in need of a range of key services. It calls on Member States to guarantee for children in need, free access to early childhood education and care; education (including school-based activities); and healthcare; and to ensure effective access healthy nutrition, a healthy meal each school day and adequate housing.
The Commission’s proposal emphasises that a Child Guarantee will only be effective if it triggers national investments and a ‘supportive enabling policy framework’. The design of national action plans for its implementation is crucial to its success. The consultation process in relation to the National Action Plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee involved close engagement with the National Advisory Council for Children and Young People; input from key Departments and agencies across government; and online consultation resulting in twenty-one submissions from various organisations in January of this year.
The Child Guarantee will help Ireland to sharpen its response and frameworks towards the goal that all children can grow up with the same opportunities, and access to quality support services that will allow them to thrive in society and in a post pandemic world. As part of the obligations for Ireland under the European Child Guarantee, my Department has developed a National Action Plan for the implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
I am happy to report that I brought the National Action Plan for the European Child Guarantee to Government on 31st of May 2022. The Government has approved the Plan, which will be published on www.gov.ie in the coming days. It will also be submitted to the European Commission in accordance with guidance
In examining the how we can address perceived deficiencies or weaknesses in the provision of services to children and to improve the outcomes of those we serve, my Department focus on the following set of priorities for 2022;
1. Amongst the legislative priorities we are progressing this year are publishing and enacting the following
Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Amendment Bill and
Guardian Ad Litem Bill
2. I am also advancing the Child Care (Amendment) Bill to Heads of Bill stage.
3. My Department is leading the development of cross Government strategies with specific focus on a successor to the Brighter Options Better Future policy framework (which includes youth and participation) and specific policies in relation to autism, women and girls, Travellers and Roma, integration, anti-racism and disability; and continue implementation of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy and the LGBTI+ Youth Strategy.
4. My Department is further developing capital plans under the National Development Plan in the areas of childcare, disability, international protection and Tusla services.
5. We are implementing recommendations for a new funding model and operating model for Early Learning Care and School Age Childcare sector and well as advancing workforce and regulatory reforms for the sector.
6. We are working to support the structural reform of Tusla to ensure high- level performance across all areas of service provision impacting on children and families.
7. We are progressing the implementation of planned reforms of the Youth Services Grant Scheme.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (57)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:57. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the contracts his Department has with a company (details supplied); if these were all open to a public tender process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28494/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Aramark provide full facilities management services for three existing state owned International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres located in:
Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre, Co. Clare;
Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre; Co. Cork; and
Athlone Accommodation Centre, Co. Westmeath.
These services were procured compliantly under a Request for Tender (RFT) process under which Aramark were awarded contracts on 25 November 2016. Two extensions have been provided to Aramark, until the 9 November 2022. A new RFT process will be established for state owned centres this year.
With regard to the Ukrainian Crisis specifically, Aramark was engaged by the Department on an emergency basis and at short notice to provide catering to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine at:
The Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork, and,
The Dun Laoighaire/Rathdown local authority Temporary Rest Centre for Ukrainian BOTPs located at Ballyogan, South Dublin.
Given the large number of Ukrainian BOTPs seeking accommodation and the urgency involved, my Department was not in a position to procure the necessary contracts by advertising openly. Rather, the Department formed the view that in view of such urgency and in furtherance of the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 that it was open to my Department to rely on the exception under the applicable EU procurement Directive 2014/24 to negotiate directly without prior publication to put in place a number of short service contracts.
Two separate communications from the European Commission of 8 and 23 March 2022 which states that “Member States that need to ramp up reception capacity to provide shelter, supplies and services can make use of the rules foreseen for urgent public procurement, as was the case during the migration crisis of 2015-16 and the COVID-19 pandemic” copper fastened my Department’s view in this matter.
At this stage of the emergency response to the Ukraine Crisis, it is not clear, and it is difficult to predict, as to whether or not this need will continue to be required after six months. An RFT for catering services is intended to be conducted prior to a six-month period from the service commencement date should the catering needs for Millstreet and Ballyogan continue beyond this timeframe.
Separately, but related, my Department is being offered use of buildings and premises from religious orders, such as the Christian Brothers, and from various voluntary bodies that can be used for the accommodation of refugees. These buildings and premises require a third party facilities management service provider to be appointed to run them on the Department's behalf. Aramark are one of a number of service providers that are being utilised, under Article 32 of the Directive, to provide full facilities management service.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 47.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (59)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Questions No. 154 of 23 March 2022, the engagement he has had with the Minister for Justice with regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; to report on the work of the High Level InterDepartmental Group which was established to explore issues around refuge provision and service expansion, and on which his Department is represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28488/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Thank you deputy for once again raising this matter. It is wholly appropriate that it remains a prominent issue for discussion and warrants our attention.
As you know the response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue. With input from the Taoiseach, Minister McEntee and I have worked intensively with our officials on the Audit of the segmentation of Government’s response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and how the results of that audit fits with the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
As a result of those discussions and in response to the Audit, we have agreed that the Department of Justice will become the lead Department with responsibility for responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, and that responsibility for policy, accommodation and services will also sit within the Department of Justice. In the meantime, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, will continue to have responsibility for accommodation and services while the new administrative arrangements are put in place.
In February 2022, the Minister for Justice and I jointly submitted a memorandum to the Government on the publication of Tusla's Accommodation Review. We requested the Government to note that the Programme for Government commits to implement a plan for future refuge space and recommends an approach to address this with immediate, medium and long term actions. We jointly issued a statement on the publication of the review.
The ultimate goal is that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one, and we are all working with partners in the sector and across Government and its agencies to achieve that.
A High Level Interdepartmental Group, as recommended by the Review, has been established to explore issues around refuge provision, service expansion and to identify changes that can be made to the system to deliver additional spaces as effectively as possible. As we progress this work we will be engaging with local authorities, government departments and State agencies across the country to source refuge provision.
The Interdepartmental Group is chaired by the Department of Justice, with members from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Taoiseach and Tusla. I understand that the high level Inter-Departmental Group, has met on a number of occasions, and is due to report by the end of June.
Timelines for delivery of additional places, as well as further targets for nationwide delivery of refuge accommodation, will be outlined in the Department of Justice's Third National Strategy and further detail will be contained in the associated action plan.
I strongly urge any group seeking to develop a refuge, notify Tusla in the first instance of their plans so they can be helped to progress them as appropriate.
Residential Institutions
Ceisteanna (60)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:60. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made in meeting the commitments set out in the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 16 November 2021, my Department published an Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Action Plan is a high-level framework to drive, monitor and report on implementation of the 22 wide-ranging measures announced by Government in responding to the needs and concerns of those who spent time in these institutions.
Each action identifies key strategic milestones and related timelines. Of the 22 actions, 7 have already been completed while another 13 are currently in progress. Work is ongoing in all thematic areas to advance measures in accordance with the published Action Plan. My Department and other state authorities are working to ensure survivors see tangible results as early as possible.
In addition to an annual progress report, which will be laid before the Houses, my Department continues to prepare quarterly progress updates. On 31 May, the second of these updates was issued directly to every person who has provided their contact information to my Department's dedicated mailing list. The update was also published on my Department's website.
Key achievements in implementing Government's Action Plan include:
Firstly, dedicated professional counselling support continues to be available nationwide with services being prioritised for survivors.
A centre-piece of the Government’s response is the development of a scheme to provide eligible applicants with financial payments and a form of enhanced medical card. The draft Heads of a Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill were published on 29 March. They were referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for pre-legislative scrutiny, requesting the Committee's assistance in meeting the urgent need to deliver this Scheme for survivors as soon as possible. In April, the Joint Oireachtas Committee undertook a public consultation process on the draft legislation. Hearings on the Heads of Bill have now commenced and my Department has engaged with the Committee.
In parallel with the legislative process, my Department is working on the administrative arrangements needed to operate the Scheme and deal with applications.
My Department has also published two substantial pieces of legislation this year.
The Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022 was published on 12 January. The Bill has passed all stages in Dáil Éireann and is scheduled for Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday the 1st June. This legislation will provide a full and clear right of access to birth certificates, birth and early life information for all persons who were adopted, boarded out, the subject of an illegal birth registration or who otherwise have questions in relation to their origins.
The Institutional Burials Bill 2022 was published on 22 February. The Bill completed Dáil Second Stage on 3 March and Dáil Committee Stage on 3 May. Report Stage in the Dáil is to be held on 15 June. The children in Tuam deserve an appropriate burial and I am determined to deliver legislation which achieves this dignity for them and their families and provides a clear legal basis should such intervention be necessary at other locations.
I established a dedicated Information Management Unit, with a professional archivist, to manage the Commission’s archive of records and provide access for individuals to their personal information. So far, we have received 627 Subject Access Requests for information from the archive, and we have issued replies to 559 of these requests, with the remainder in progress.
On 10 March 2022, the Minister for Health signed the new Data Protection Act 2018 (Access Modifications) (Health) Regulations 2022. These Regulations remove the mandatory requirement to consult an individual’s health practitioner before releasing their health data to them as part of a response to a Subject Access Request. My Department is now reviewing all Subject Access Request responses where information was previously withheld and working to provide health data to individuals as quickly as possible.
My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, established a working group to develop central guidance which will assist local authorities in facilitating local memorialisation in line with the wishes of survivors. Consultation with survivors is integral to the operation of this working group. A consultative process, led by independent facilitators, will start in the coming weeks and survivor advocacy/representative groups have been invited to participate. In addition, the Minister is preparing a circular which will issue to all planning authorities advising them of the precautionary approach they should take to safeguarding possible burial sites in their area from potentially harmful development.
I am aware of the urgency and sensitivity of this work and it is an absolute priority for myself and the Government.