Written Answers Nos. 1153-1170
1153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the amount and nature of the issuing of discretionary payments at social welfare offices in County Wicklow over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
An exceptional needs payment (ENP) is a single payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. An urgent needs payment (UNP) may be made to persons who may not normally qualify for supplementary welfare allowance but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or where an alternative is not available at that time. Government has provided €45.75 million for the exceptional and urgent needs schemes in 2022.
Table 1 shows the number of ENPs/UNPs paid by category for Co. Wicklow from 2019-2022.
Table 2 shows ENP expenditure for Co. Wicklow from 2019- 2022.
In addition, for ongoing or recurring costs, a supplement can be awarded under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist with costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - The number of ENPs/UNPs paid by category for Co. Wicklow from 2019-2022.
|
Category |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (to end of May) |
|
Bills |
405 |
215 |
150 |
35 |
|
Child Related |
93 |
70 |
59 |
21 |
|
Clothing |
650 |
551 |
306 |
412 |
|
Funeral |
101 |
131 |
78 |
33 |
|
General |
970 |
707 |
424 |
114 |
|
Housing |
950 |
1,315 |
1059 |
487 |
|
Illness |
90 |
72 |
45 |
17 |
|
Urgent Needs Payment |
69 |
13 |
12 |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
3,328 |
3,074 |
2,133 |
1,121 |
Table 2- ENP/UNP expenditure for Co. Wicklow from 2019- 2022
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 (to end of May) |
|
Expenditure |
€1,808,053 |
€2,128,603 |
€1,620,037 |
€852,323 |
Note: These figures are taken from the Department’s ENP/UNP database and represent a snapshot of the ENPs/UNPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. Please note the figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
1154. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if further medical evidence was considered in the determination for a disability allowance payment for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30934/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned submitted an application for Disability Allowance (DA) on 21 December 2020. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that this person was substantially restricted in taking up employment. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 19 April 2021.
The person concerned lodged an appeal and submitted further medical evidence for consideration to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO). On 3 August 2021 the SWAO notified the Department that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by the SWAO of the decision on their appeal. An appeals officer (AO)’s decision is final and conclusive, in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
The medical evidence provided by the Deputy with this question was not previously submitted to the Department by the person concerned. Therefore, it was not considered by the Deciding Officer when reaching a decision on their entitlement to DA.
This evidence has now been forwarded to the independent SWAO for consideration under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended. Once the SWAO has completed its consideration of the new evidence, that office will notify the person concerned directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1155. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseekers' benefit, jobseekers' allowance and signing for credits by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is included in the attached tabular statement. Note that these figures refer to all recipients under 25 who are on jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing for credits as of 05 June 2022.
|
County |
Jobseeker's Allowance |
Jobseeker's Benefit and Credits |
Total |
|
Carlow |
272 |
36 |
308 |
|
Cavan |
266 |
48 |
314 |
|
Clare |
414 |
41 |
455 |
|
Cork |
1,007 |
257 |
1,264 |
|
Donegal |
728 |
95 |
823 |
|
Dublin |
3,400 |
928 |
4,328 |
|
Galway |
673 |
127 |
800 |
|
Kerry |
458 |
89 |
547 |
|
Kildare |
519 |
145 |
664 |
|
Kilkenny |
243 |
35 |
278 |
|
Laois |
269 |
52 |
321 |
|
Leitrim |
102 |
13 |
115 |
|
Limerick |
636 |
121 |
757 |
|
Longford |
252 |
24 |
276 |
|
Louth |
585 |
121 |
706 |
|
Mayo |
409 |
74 |
483 |
|
Meath |
439 |
122 |
561 |
|
Monaghan |
156 |
42 |
198 |
|
Offaly |
281 |
46 |
327 |
|
Roscommon |
179 |
27 |
206 |
|
Sligo |
180 |
26 |
206 |
|
Tipperary |
579 |
90 |
669 |
|
Waterford |
546 |
100 |
646 |
|
Westmeath |
341 |
63 |
404 |
|
Wexford |
619 |
89 |
708 |
|
Wicklow |
422 |
77 |
499 |
|
All |
13,975 |
2,888 |
16,863 |
It should be noted that credits have been included with jobseeker's benefit as the numbers involved at county level are below five in almost all counties. The total number on credits across all counties is 28.
1156. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseekers' benefit, jobseekers' allowance and signing for credits for 12 months or more in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
|
Recipients under the age of 25 with duration of 12 months or more as of 5 June 2022 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
12 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
4,847 |
|
Credits |
11 |
1157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of the full rate of jobseekers' allowance of €208 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30943/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1158. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of the lower rate of jobseekers' allowance of €117.70 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1159. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of a rate of a Jobseekers' allowance other than €117.70 and €208 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1157, 1158 and 1159 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below. Note that these figures refer to all recipients under 25 who are on Jobseeker's Allowance as of 05 June 2022.
|
|
Payment Rate of €117.70 |
Payment Rate of €208 |
Other Payment Rates |
|
Number of Recipients |
10,585 |
789 |
2,628 |
Age related rates for Jobseeker's Allowance recipients were introduced on a phased basis from 2009 to tackle high youth unemployment and avoid long term welfare dependency. Where a young jobseeker participates in an approved full-time education or training course they will receive the maximum rate of payment. The measure aims to protect young people from long term welfare dependency by providing them with a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training which would assist them to obtain sustainable full time employment.
Age related Jobseeker's Allowance rates do not apply to those who have dependent children, those transferring directly to Jobseeker's Allowance from disability allowance, individuals aged 18-24 years who were in the care of the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) during the period of 12 months before they reached the age of 18 and those who are living independently of the family home and are in receipt of qualifying state housing supports such as rent supplement or the housing assistance payment.
1160. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the Jobseeker's allowance for those young persons under 25 years of age who are currently on the weekly rate of €117.70 to the full rate of €208; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated full year cost of increasing the rate of payment by an additional €90.30, from €117.70 to €208 per week, is €66.8 million. This includes a proportionate increase for qualified adults and those on an age-reduced rate of Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
This costing is based on the estimated average number of recipients in 2022, and is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.
Any increase in the rate of payment for Jobseeker's Allowance for those aged under 25, and consequential linked increases, would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
1161. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Government has undertaken an assessment of needs created by the arrival of Ukrainian refugees; and the contingency planning that is in place. [30495/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 34,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.
Within my Department, a dedicated Ukraine Response Division has been newly established. The team includes more than 80 staff. The majority of these staff have moved from within the Department with consequent impacts on ongoing work priorities. The Division also includes new staff and those seconded from other Departments and Agencies.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted, including emergency accommodation. While this is not ideal, the priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
Providing accommodation and supports to displaced persons from Ukraine would not be possible without the whole of society response including the contributions from stakeholders, volunteers and the Irish public in general. My Department is in regular contact with all the relevant stakeholders to facilitate the provision of supports and services to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
This includes the Local Authorities who have stood up the Community Response Forum at local level which brings together organisations, statutory bodies such as Tusla and the HSE, and volunteers at a local level to link services to those that need them. It is within this forum that particular issues relating to needs of displaced persons are raised and brought to the attention of state agencies and voluntary groups who can assist.
Furthermore, my Department has regular engagement with NGOs working in this sector. They have been extremely supportive and my Department is committed to continued cooperation and collaboration in assisting displaced persons fleeing conflict in Ukraine, including elderly persons.
I have had the privilege in recent weeks to travel around the country to speak with representatives of community groups, family resource centres and youth services as well as those who are on the front line of this engagement. In particular, I thank the community groups around the country that have done so much, individually and collectively, to welcome those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to our country.
1162. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a breakdown of all refugees that have been granted asylum in Ireland including their country of origin from 2016 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30661/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below breakdown of persons admitted to Ireland as refugees including their country of origin from 2016 to 2021, in tabular form as requested by the Deputy:
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
Iraq |
63 |
23 |
5 |
19 |
7 |
|
|
Syria |
531 |
771 |
604 |
764 |
195 |
92 |
|
Irish born |
15 |
11 |
9 |
19 |
2 |
|
|
Palestine |
10 |
1 |
||||
|
Libya |
1 |
|||||
|
Afghanistan |
13 |
|||||
|
Myanmar |
2 |
|||||
|
Total |
619 |
807 |
618 |
802 |
197 |
114 |
In addition to the 3,157 persons outlined in the table above, there were 404 Afghans arrivals in 2021 in Ireland through Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) as Humanitarian Aid cases.
Information on the number of persons who have been granted asylum through applications for international protection is a matter for the Department of Justice.
1163. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of early learning facilities that have reopened baby rooms; and if it is allowable for facilities to refuse to take children under two years of age. [28856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of high-quality early learning and childcare that is affordable and accessible is a key Government priority.
Since 2015, significant increases in State investment in early learning and childcare has given rise to a substantial growth in the numbers of children participating in these services. More than 100,000 children now participate on the universal pre-school programme on an annual basis and the National Childcare Scheme subsidises up to 80,000 children.
To ensure that the supply of early learning and childcare places meets demand, my Department has, since 2015, funded the creation of more than 27,000 new places through an Annual Capital Programme. A particular priority in the Annual Capital Programmes has been the creation of places for children under 3.
Before the onset of Covid-19, national data indicated that, on the whole, supply of early learning and childcare places was meeting demand, with evidence of undersupply for young children.
Lower demand for early learning and childcare owing to Covid-19 gave rise to unprecedented vacancy rates in 2020 and 2021, with data from June 2021 revealing an overall vacancy rate of 21% and vacancy rates for children under 1 and children aged 1-2 years of 20% and 10% respectively.
Preliminary analysis of the data captured by City and County Childcare Committees (CCC) and Pobal over April and May of this year reveal a drop in vacancy rates across the country – with the national vacancy rate now averaging at 13% and the vacancy rates for children under 1 and children aged 1-2 years 14% and 6% respectively.
The network of 30 CCC across the country are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places. CCC are also proactively engaging with early learning and childcare services to explore the potential for services in increase capacity where there is evidence of undersupply.
Currently, there is no specific data on the number of early learning and childcare providers that have reopened baby rooms. In addition, there is no requirement for providers to offer places to children under 2. Recent data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile reveal just 15% of all services cater for children under 1, while 27% of services cater for children aged 1-2.
A range of steps are being taken by my Department to address issues of under supply. Some €70m has been allocated for early learning and childcare under the National Development Plan, the majority of which has been earmarked for new places. Work is underway to update the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Early Learning and Childcare Services, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The new Core Funding Scheme, to roll out in September, will provide funding for services aligned to costs of delivery. This means higher levels of funding will be available to services that cater for younger children where costs of delivery are higher. I am hopefully this new approach to funding will encourage services to operate baby and toddler rooms, where demand exists.
Parents currently experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for assistance. Contact details for CCCs may be found on www.myccc.ie.
1164. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to an issue raised by a person (details supplied) regarding the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen first introduced, the ECCE Programme was delivered over 38 weeks in a given ECCE programme year and children were required to be between the ages of 3 years and 2 months and 4 years and 7 months in September in the year they enrolled.
The entry age has since been decreased on two occasions, the first in 2016, when it was reduced from 3 years and 2 months to 3 years of age and the number of hours a child could avail of was expanded. The second reduction was in 2018 whereby the number of points at which a child could become eligible for the programme was reduced down to one (September) and the age of eligibility was further reduced.
A child must now have turned 2 years and 8 months on or before the 31st August of a given programme year in order to be eligible (and cannot turn 5 years and 6 months during the programme year). This has allowed children to avail of a full two years of the ECCE programme. This change was based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory requirements for early learning and and care.
There is no situation in which a child is only entitled to one year of the ECCE programme and the current arrangements ensure that all children have the same entitlement, unlike the 3 entry point system. It should also be noted that whilst there is one point at which the child becomes eligible, eligible children can enter the ECCE programme at any time during the 2 year cycle.
I would also highlight the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with early learning and childcare costs. There are two types of subsidy for children over 6 months of age:
- A universal subsidy for children under 3. Children over 3 who have not yet qualified for the ECCE programme are also eligible. It is not means tested. From September 2022, this subsidy will be extended to children of all ages up to 15.
- An income-assessed subsidy for children up to 15. It is means tested.
The NCS is currently supporting thousands of families to offset their costs. A recent review of the NCS showed that:
- 38% families had more than half of their early learning and childcare costs were covered by the NCS;
- 56% families had more money to spend due to the scheme; and
- 28% families were working more because of NCS, with 8% reporting that they would not be in work without it.
I would note that my Department will shortly commence a 12 month review of the ECCE programme which will consider whether the programme is meeting its objectives and subject to the findings consider whether any changes need to be made. As part of this review, there will be wide stakeholder engagement.
1165. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total funding allocated to domestic violence refuge services in 2022; and the expenditure under this subheading to date. [28981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-Agency issue. Under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Tusla is funded from my Department through Vote 40.
The Taoiseach, Minister McEntee and myself have worked intensively with Departmental officials on the Audit of the segmentation of Government’s response to DSGBV and how the results of that Audit fits with the, soon to be published, Third National Strategy on DSGBV. As a result of those discussions and in response to the Audit, it has been agreed that the Department of Justice will be the lead Department with responsibility for responding to DSGBV, and that responsibility for policy, accommodation and services will also sit within the Department of Justice. Tusla will continue to have responsibility for accommodation and services while the new administrative arrangements are put in place.
In 2021, my Department allocated Tusla with €28m in core funding for DSGBV services plus €2m in contingency funding to address challenges arising from COVID-19. In 2022, funding has been increased to €31.5m which includes an additional €0.5m funding for Tusla DSGBV services and the retention of a further €2.0m used for once off funding in 2021. This funding will maintain continuity of services including core sustainability costs, ongoing support for initiatives commenced in 2021 and to support implementation of the recommendations of Tusla's review of accommodation for victims of DSGBV.
The total funding allocated to domestic violence refuge services in 2022 and the expenditure to date are an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
1166. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date that the parental leave period will increase by two weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1198. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date in July 2022 on which the extension of parents' leave from five to seven weeks announced in Budget 2022 will come into effect. [30301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1166 and 1198 together.
As you are aware, 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. This will be introduced by way of Regulation as provided for under the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended). It has been decided that the additional two weeks' leave and benefit will apply to parents of children who are under the age of two in July 2022 (or adoptive children who have been with their parents for less than two years at that point).
Practical arrangements for the payment of Parent’s Benefit are being finalised with the Department of Social Protection and, once finalised, a date for the commencement of the extension will be announced.
1167. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to improve the pay and conditions of professionals in the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1201. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to minimise staff turnover in the childcare industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30416/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1202. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to ensure pay and conditions for staff in the childcare industry are sufficient to incentivise people into the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30417/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1167, 1201 and 1202 together.
I firmly believe that the level of pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners should reflect the value of their work for children, for families, for society and the economy. The most recent available data indicates the average hourly wage for non-managerial staff in the sector in 2021 was €12.60, with many staff working part-time or on temporary contracts. This data underscores the need for significant improvement in both pay and conditions of employment.
The State is not the employer, and my Department does not set wage levels nor determine working conditions for staff in the sector. However, I am doing all that is in my power to address the issue.
In particular, I began a process in December 2020 to examine the possibility of regulating pay and conditions and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee for the sector. This process culminated in the establishment of a Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, which began meeting in December 2021.
The outcomes of the Joint Labour Committee process will be supported by the new Core Funding stream I announced in Budget 2022 which will provide an additional €73 million of funding in 2022 and is equivalent to more than €221 million in a full year. Core Funding is expected, among other objectives, to support Employment Regulation Orders that may arise from the Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, improving workforce recruitment and retention through improvement in pay and conditions.
In addition, last December I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in early learning and care and school-age childcare. One of its five "pillars" comprises commitments aimed at supporting recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce, and it includes actions to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
A comprehensive Implementation Plan is included within Nurturing Skills and covers the first phase of implementation from 2022-2024. A Monitoring Committee is currently being established with the task of monitoring the implementation of Nurturing Skills .
1168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made in relation to implementing the report of the advisory group on the provision of support including accommodation to persons in the international protection process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. The report of the advisory group published in October 2020 (also known as the Catherine Day report) fed into the creation of the White Paper. 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 in July to review project timelines in light of the Ukraine Crisis. A Risk Committee to oversee the management of risks as part of the Programme Board governance framework has also been appointed.
- Significant progress has been made on the establishment of 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 2021 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.
- 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.
While the Ukraine crisis has delayed implementation of the White Paper, with key members of the Transition Team redeployed to the Ukraine response, work is now resuming on the White Paper implementation. The focus will be on implementing key elements of the White Paper model between now and year end. In the coming months, my Department will review the implementation of the White Paper to take account of the significant impact of the Ukraine migration crisis.
The implementation of the new model is and will continue to be a key priority for my department.
1169. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the access-and-inclusion model payments will be reviewed for September 2022 in line with the employment regulation order given that currently there is a shortfall in funding per-AIM support worker that is subsidised by the provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. Its goal is to empower pre-school providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE Programme and reap the benefits of high quality early learning and care.
Where AIM Level 7 support is granted, additional capitation is provided to the pre-school service to either reduce the child-to-adult ratio in the pre-school room from approximately 1:11 to 1:8 or to buy in additional assistance. Level 7 is not a 1:1 support (nor is it an SNA support) but it is a shared resource with other children to facilitate optimal participation for the child who has additional needs.
When AIM was introduced in 2016, the maximum weekly AIM Level 7 capitation rate was €195 (equivalent to approximately 3 ECCE places at the standard ECCE capitation rate at the time). The maximum weekly AIM Level 7 capitation rate was increased to €240 in 2021 to align with an increase in the ECCE capitation rate in 2018.
From September 2022, Core Funding will be rolled out. Core Funding will, among other objectives, support providers to meet the requirements of any Employment Regulation Orders that result from the work of the Joint Labour Commission (JLC). It is understood that the JLC is continuing to meet, with a view to agreeing proposals.
Core Funding will provide additional funding to the overwhelming majority of providers delivering the ECCE programme, as well as providers more broadly. My Department is currently reviewing the AIM Level 7 capitation rate in light of this, with a view to maintaining the level of funding that is sufficient to achieve its policy objectives.
1170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department plans to extend the access-and-inclusion model support beyond the three hours for children with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order for a child to access AIM supports, he or she must be within the eligible age range for the ECCE programme and be registered on the programme in a registered pre-school service. The ECCE programme is provided for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week over a 38 week programme year which runs between September and June. Operational weeks of the ECCE programme year are closely aligned with the primary school year. AIM operates in tandem with the ECCE programme and provision of AIM supports are directly linked with participation in the programme and hours of operation.
One of the commitments in First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, was to undertake an evaluation of AIM and subject to evaluation findings and other relevant developments, to consider enhancements to, and/or extension of, AIM to, for example, all early learning and care services, all school-age childcare services and to children with additional needs other than a disability.
The AIM evaluation is close to completion and the report is due to be published in quarter 3 of this year. The findings from the evaluation will inform further development of AIM, as committed to in First 5.
