Written Answers Nos. 1189-1206
1189. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of resettlement places which Ireland has offered for asylum seekers detained in migrant detention centres in Libya in the period 2018 to present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm, Deputy, that no resettlement places have been offered to asylum seekers in migrant detention centres in Libya during the period from 2018 to present. The focus of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme for the past years has been on resettling Syrian and Afghan refugees. Some Libyan nationals may have been given asylum in Ireland as a consequence of applications for international protection. Queries on the outcome of such applications should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
1190. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify the situation in relation to a facility (details supplied); if Tusla has withdrawn this facility’s registration and therefore its ability to access funding under the early childhood care and education scheme; if so, the reason for this action; if the agency has met with any representatives of the facility to resolve this issue; if the agency will now meet with parents, the relevant local authority and staff affected by this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1191. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will clarify the position in relation to Pobal funding for a facility (details supplied); if Pobal has withdrawn funding from this facility; if so, the rationale for same; the efforts that the agency has made to resolve any outstanding issues; if the agency will meet with management, local authority personnel and parents affected by this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1190 and 1191 together.
All Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services which apply for funding under any of my Department’s early learning and childcare support schemes, including ECCE and the NCS, must be registered with Tulsa. Tulsa ensures that the staff are properly qualified, that they are Garda vetted and that the premises are fit for purpose.
If an ELC or SAC moves to a new premises they are required to notify Tulsa to enable them to inspect the premises to ensure that they are appropriate for use as an early learning and childcare centre, including that they have to appropriate planning permission, fire safety certificate and that the proposed number of children is appropriate. A change of address nullifies Tulsa registration.
The service must also inform Pobal, the scheme administrator, by updating Pobal's Hive platform, as set out in the funding agreements for my Department's funding schemes, as set out below:
In the case of a change of address of a service, the service must ensure the new address/premises is registered with Tusla and then the service must log onto the Hive with all relevant details in order to request a new Service Reference number.
The childcare service referred to in the question moved to a new premises without notifying Tusla or Pobal. This meant that the service was operating on a unregistered basis. Scheme funding cannot be paid to services which are not Tulsa registered, to ensure the quality and safety of early learning and childcare services.
When my Department became aware of that the service was operating on an unregistered basis scheme funding was suspended, as is the normal practice. Both Pobal and Tulsa immediately engaged with the service to ensure that the situation could be rectified and to complete the change of address procedure.
The service's scheme funding is no longer suspended and the service can reopen, at the new address.
1192. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the endeavours that have been undertaken to provide Ukrainian refugees with information as to accessing State services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30082/22]
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-government 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 32,000 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.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response to meet the immediate accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
Upon arrival at the Citywest welcome centre, officials from the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Protection are present to engage with displaced persons fleeing conflict in Ukraine. Special arrangements have been made for displaced persons fleeing conflict in Ukraine so they do not need to apply for a PPSN online. Instead, individuals are able to apply directly at the Citywest convention centre at this early stage. Alternatively, provision has been made for displaced persons who have not arrived through Dublin Airport to apply for a PPSN at local intreo/branch offices.
State supports are the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection which has a dedicated webpage entitled Social Welfare supports for those arriving from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive. The information is comprehensive and addresses public services, income supports, getting a payment, what to do if one starts working and where to go to get government supports. In addition, the information on the website has been translated and is available to view in both Ukrainian and Russian.
As part of a whole-of-Government communications response, a dedicated website entitled: Ireland’s response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine – Information for people on Gov.ie provides a range of information on matter such as arriving in Ireland, accommodation, social welfare supports, employment, childcare and education supports, healthcare and how people and community groups can help.
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 locally 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.
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.
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.
My Department and its staff will continue in their efforts to assist those arriving as best they can.
1193. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific endeavours that have been undertaken to engage and support older Ukrainian refugees with a view to inclusion and integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30083/22]
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 four 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.
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 older people 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.
1194. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to ensure that all persons within the direct provision system are treated with dignity and respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I can assure you Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
Accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and QTS Limited. Inspection reports are published on www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/.
As you may know, a vulnerability assessment pilot programme is overseen by a dedicated Resident Welfare Team within the IPAS of my Department. IPAS makes a written offer of a vulnerability assessment to all persons who make an application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO). Applicants in IPAS accommodation centres are assisted in filling out and returning letters by support services working on site, such as the Peter Mc Verry Trust and DePaul.
Assessments begin with an initial interview with a Vulnerability Assessment Officer from the Resident Welfare Team. The purpose of these assessments is to determine if, by virtue of a particular category of vulnerability, an applicant is deemed to have special reception needs, what those needs are and what actions are required to address those needs.
IPAS endeavour to accommodate the needs of applicants who have been deemed vulnerable within the meaning of the reception recast conditions in so far as possible, and to take all appropriate actions required to address those needs. It is the policy of IPAS to consider any identified vulnerabilities in allocating accommodation to applicants, within the overall constraints of the accommodation available. This means that it is not always possible for IPAS to address all identified vulnerabilities optimally when allocating accommodation, however where possible, IPAS will improve the alignment between accommodation and vulnerabilities as more appropriate accommodation becomes available.
As vulnerabilities can manifest themselves at any stage of the international protection process, all applicants are advised that they can contact IPAS to discuss their needs at any stage, even if a vulnerability assessment has previously been conducted. Although the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation portfolio is currently operating at full capacity, IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents.
Furthermore, if a resident wishes to make a complaint that person should email the IPAS helpdesk directly at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
There is an open and fair complaints procedure set out in the House Rules & Procedures Booklet for International Protection applicants. In the event that a resident is not satisfied with how their complaint is dealt with, they have full access to the services of the Ombudsman. In addition, a dedicated Customer Services Team has also been established in IPAS and, as well as strengthening the existing resident complaints system, this team will be taking a more proactive approach to dealing with residents' issues, actively engaging with residents through customer feedback mechanisms and focus groups in the months ahead.
To provide further support to all residents, a confidential Freephone telephone support service is available. The Freephone helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. All residents have access to this independent support helpline. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) helpline contact number is 1800 929 00 or you can email: info@jrs.ie.
While the system is under considerable pressure because of accommodation scarcity, IPAS is working actively to seek to mitigate negative impacts for those currently accommodated by it.
1195. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 14 of 2 June 2022, the expected timeframe for the conclusion of the review of existing transport schemes for disabled persons including the drivers and passengers with disabilities scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Transport Working Group of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) commits that a review will be conducted of existing transport schemes, and a coordinated plan will be developed to enhance the options for transport to work or employment for people with disabilities.
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. However, legislative and budgetary responsibility for the scheme continues to lie with the Department of Finance, in the same manner that responsibility for the parameters and delivery of all transport measures and schemes operated by members of the Review Group continue to lie with the relevant department or agency. In that sense, any decision regarding the parameters of the Disabled Drivers and Passenger Scheme is ultimately a matter for the Minister for Finance.
I chaired the most recent meeting of the Transport Working Group at the end of January 2022. The current focus of the Group's work is on scoping the provision of transport supports across government departments and public bodies, with a view to assessing gaps or anomalies in provision. Following the January meeting my Department requested information from Group members on the array of transport measures and supports currently being provided. A substantive amount of material was received which is presently analysed and a further meeting of the Group will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
1196. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the membership of the national disability inclusion strategy transport working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1197. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if disabled persons organisations are represented on the national disability inclusion strategy transport working group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1196 and 1197 together.
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.
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 a review will be conducted of existing transport schemes, and a coordinated plan will be developed to enhance the options for transport to work or employment for people with disabilities.
The Transport Working Group's membership is made up of relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and the Disability Stakeholder Group (DSG).
Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) are represented in the DSG, the membership of which was formed on foot of an open call for applicants. Alongside DPO representatives, the DSG membership includes persons with expertise of disability including lives experience and experts by experience, civil society organisations, and persons with academic expertise.
A list of the members of the Transport Working Group is outlined below:
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- National Disability Authority
- Department of Social Protection
- National Transport Authority
- Department of Health
- Health Service Executive
- Department of Transport
- Department of Finance
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Revenue Commissioners
- Local Government Management Authority
- Irish Wheelchair Association
- Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland
- Disability Stakeholder Group
1199. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the baby box programme as per the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday, 13 June 2022, I was pleased to announce the details of the plan to pilot the 'Little Baby Bundle'. This gift from the State to expectant parents and newborns will be piloted with 500 families in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital Dublin and University Hospital, Waterford.
The Little Baby Bundle - an initiative under First 5, A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028 - is a welcome gift from the State for a new arrival to a family - acknowledging this very significant and special moment for parents.
Designed to promote the health and well-being of newborn babies and help parents in the first weeks and months of a baby’s life, the Little Baby Bundles is inspired by similar successful initiatives in Scotland and Finland.
The Little Baby Bundle will be filled a range of key items, including play items to encourage early communication and bonding, household items for help with safe bathing and safe sleep, as well as a range of other items to support new parents after the birth.
A procurement process for the Little Baby Bundle Managing Agent is now underway and a Request for Tenders for the Little Baby Bundle Evaluation Partner, who will examine whether the Little Baby Bundle is suitable for wider roll-out, will be published later this Summer.
The pilot is expected to begin this Autumn.
1200. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to ensure that childcare is affordable and accessible for all parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30415/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving early learning and childcare affordability for parents is a key priority, along with increasing quality and accessibility for children.
Significant investment is being made by my Department to support parents with the costs of paying for early learning and childcare and to support providers with the costs of delivering early learning and childcare.
The National Childcare Scheme is currently supporting thousands of families to offset their costs. A recent review of the NCS showed that:
- 38% of families had more than half of their early learning and childcare costs covered by the NCS;
- 56% of families had more money to spend due to the scheme; and
- 28% of families were working more because of NCS, with 8% reporting that they would not be in work without it.
I recognise however that the burden on some families remains high and we need to do more to ensure affordability and accessibility. The major programmes funded by my Department that contribute to affordability and accessibility for parents include the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
The universal ECCE pre-school programme provides for free access to early learning and childcare for 15 hours per week for the two years before children start primary school. This significantly offsets the costs to parents of early learning and childcare at this stage.
An estimated 95% children in the relevant age cohort participate in this programme.
The Access and Inclusion Model provides a range of both universal and targeted measures, to support children with disabilities to take part in the ECCE pre-school programme in mainstream settings, and to help make pre-school services more accessible and inclusive – benefiting all children in those services.
The NCS provides universal and income-assessed subsidies to parents. A universal subsidy for children up to three is available for up to 45 hours per week. An income-assessed subsidy is available for children of all ages for up to 45 hours per week, the level of which is determined by the family’s income. The NCS is designed to be highly inclusive and to meet the needs of those families who need it the most. The NCS is based on the principle of progressive universalism and has regard to the best interests of children.
An Expert Group to develop a new funding model for the early learning and childcare sector examined the current model and made recommendations to Government in December which were accepted in full. This new funding model is now beginning to be implemented to improve quality, affordability, sustainability and accessibility of services.
The package of measures for the sector announced in Budget 2022 was informed by the Expert Group recommendations. The package includes a new Core Funding stream valued at up to €221 million in a full year. Making early learning and childcare more affordable to parents and improving quality including through better terms and conditions for the workforce are key objectives of Core Funding, along with improving services' sustainability.
A central condition of Core Funding is that providers agree not to increase fees above those which were charged last year. This will give parents greater certainty about what they will be charged and ensure that increases to NCS subsidies are not absorbed by fee increases. The approach to fee management will be developed further over time.
Budget 2022 extended universal NCS subsidies for children of all ages up to 15 and this will come into effect for the new programme year. Budget 2022 also changed how ‘wraparound hours’ for NCS subsidies are determined, essentially offering greater numbers of subsidised hours to families where not all parents are in work or study. This change is already in effect. The Expert Group report also recommended increasing the NCS rates and this will also be implemented for future years.
Ensuring no fee increase, in tandem with developments to the NCS will together deliver improved affordability for parents.
As outlined, I am committed to putting in place a strong foundation to improve affordability and accessibility for parents and sustainability for services, as well as improved quality of provision, including pay and conditions for the workforce. This foundation will allow for further developments in future years which I plan to build on further.
1203. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration has been given to increasing the foster care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, stipulates that the allowance payable to foster carers and relatives shall not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.
The foster care allowance was last increased on January 1st 2009. Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
If required, Tusla can also provide additional financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments.
Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised fostering allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager. Each application for an additional payment will be accompanied by supporting documentation evidencing the need.
Enhanced allowances for foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid in respect of children aged between 0-18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs.
The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after the foster child. In considering any enhanced allowance the assessing social worker is required to evidence that the standard fostering allowance does not adequately provide for the cost of caring for the child.
A request for enhanced supports must certified by the Principal Social Worker and approved by the Area Manager following submission of an assessment of the child’s needs and supporting documentation. A review arrangement for the enhanced allowance must be part of the submission for approval.
In addition to the foster care allowance, foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan.
Pre-assessment and ongoing training are compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality care. Recognising the specific dynamics and the personal nature of relative care, Tusla addresses the training needs of relatives who are foster carers separately. In addition, Tusla provides funding for the Irish Foster Care Association which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a telephone advice service.
The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs.
The rate of the foster care allowance is kept under review by officials within the Department and at present there are no plans to change the rate. However, the Department is undertaking an extensive review of the Child Care Act 1991 and will examine foster care arrangements as part of this review.
Further, Tusla has advised that they have recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of a Strategic Plan on Foster Care. Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted their view that the foster care allowance should be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. Once the Strategic Plan on Foster Care is finalised by Tusla, it will then be considered by the Department. Any decision to review the current rate of the foster allowance shall be informed by the Tusla Plan and the consultations that have preceded it.
1204. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to make the enhanced medical card scheme available for those who spent time in mother and baby homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March, I secured Government approval for the Heads of Bill for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme. I have sought priority drafting of the Bill to ensure that it can be introduced to the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible. I have also referred the draft Heads of Bill to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for pre-legislative scrutiny, again requesting their assistance in meeting the urgent need to deliver this Scheme for survivors as soon as possible.
In accordance with the draft Heads of Bill, a person will be eligible for an enhanced medical card if they were resident in a relevant institution for six months or more. The card will provide access to the same suite of services offered to those who hold the Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme medical card. The decision to provide an enhanced medical card to those who spent 6 months or more in an institution was taken by Government as it is felt that those who spent longest in these institutions will likely have endured more negative impacts on their health and wellbeing and are also more likely to be at the older end of the broad spectrum of survivors. This ties in with ensuring that access to health services is determined based on need.
For those eligible applicants who live outside of Ireland, they will have the choice to accept a once-off health support payment of €3000 instead of the medical card, if they wish. This would be in recognition of, and as a contribution towards, their individual health needs.
It is also important to note that beyond the plans for the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, and through the broader Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions , counselling support has been made available to all survivors since before the publication of the Commission’s Final Report. That service has been strengthened with additional investment and an expanded out of hours service. In addition, the Department of Health, in partnership with the HSE, is working on establishing a Patient Advocacy Liaison Service. When up and running, that service will have a dedicated team who can provide bespoke information and support to survivors to assist them in accessing health services which they may need. The Department of Health is also working with the Health Research Board on a research project to identify the health needs of survivors. This research will help to further inform future health policy and service responses.
1205. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when Ireland will sign and ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 20 March 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the Convention in 2007.
Ireland's approach to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of progressive realisation - each year moving forward on key reforms, with the obligations arising from the Convention being met over time. Initial priority has been given to meeting legislative commitments and requirements.
I recognise the importance of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD. As the Deputy will be aware, the Optional Protocol is an international treaty that establishes procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Convention. Ratification of the Optional Protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government, following the State's first review period before the UN Committee.
Due to delays at UN level, Ireland’s appearance before the Committee will now be delayed, possibly for some time. In light of this, both Minister O'Gorman and I have indicated that we are open to earlier ratification, contingent on the State being in a position to meet its obligations thereunder. This is reflective of the State’s longstanding approach to entering into binding international obligations in good faith, and at a point where the State is in a position to meet its obligations.
In that regard, we know that commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is required before ratification can occur, and for closer alignment with Article 12 of the Convention. It is intended that this important legal reform will be in place once the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill is passed into law.
Alongside that, ratification of the Optional Protocol requires a comprehensive review of existing domestic remedies for breaches of the Convention in order to ensure the State can meet the obligations arising from the Optional Protocol. My Department is currently in the process of examining the requirements for ratification, and my officials have had engagement with our internal legal advisors on the steps required. This work is being progressed as part of the development of the UNCRPD Implementation Plan which is a priority for the second half of 2022.
1206. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will comment on Tusla’s preparations for the introduction of the child abuse substantiation procedure; the number of foster carers who have received training on the issue as of 8 June 2022; the training that is planned; if the introduction date of 27 June 2022 is still proceeding given the lack of training to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe “Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure” (CASP) is a revision of the “Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Abuse and Neglect” 2014. It is based on learning that indicated the need to further enhance consistency of practice across Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. In addition, changes were also required to incorporate new legal judgements in this complex area of law and practice.
The Child Abuse Substantiation Procedure (CASP) is available on the Tusla Hub and will be effective from 27th June 2022 across all Tusla areas.
CASP will assist social workers in achieving an optimum standard of child protection practice when carrying out substantiation assessments. Furthermore, this procedure will allow Tusla to function within the correct parameters of its legal obligations, fair procedures, and information management.
Engaging extensively in a consultation process both internally and externally was a very important step for the Agency in encompassing views from colleagues, both within Tusla and across many organisations working in this deeply complex and sensitive area including the Irish Foster Care Association and dedicated focus groups with foster carers. This consultation process contributed significantly to the finalising of the CASP.
In preparation of the implementation of CASP on 27th June 2022 a bespoke training plan is currently underway. The interactive online programme consists of a mix of theory and skills-based practice. It has a number of training streams for relevant staff within Tusla and consists of both eLearning and virtual classroom training. It includes modules on CASP, CASP Data Protection Guidance and CASP Tusla Case Management System (TCMS). CASP training is currently underway on a phased basis for Tusla frontline and regional staff, who will have responsibility for implementing the CASP. This training is very specific to Tusla staff as Tusla social workers fulfil their statutory responsibility to work in this difficult, sensitive and complex area, under Section 3 of the Child Care Act 1991. It is not envisaged that Tusla will provide training to external stakeholders, of which there is a vast number from diverse backgrounds, all deeply invested in this area of work.
Tusla has commited to review the operation of CASP after 12 months of operation with stakeholders, to take account of evolving evidence-based practice and research in this area, developing case law and changes in legislation.
Tusla is mindful that there will be many questions from stakeholders in advance of CASP go-live date. Consequently, as part of its communications planning, Tusla is designing a YouTube video will provide a concise overview of the application of the CASP.
