Written Answers Nos. 1230-1249
1230. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 18 May 2022, if he will provide a list of the properties for which his Department currently has lease arrangements for the provision of direct provision and any other accommodation for those seeking asylum; and if he will provide a corresponding list of the service providers in each of these properties. [42773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information the Deputy has requested is broken down as follows.
Commercial
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Clare |
Clare Lodge Hostel |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
2 |
Clare |
The King Thomond Hotel |
James White & CO |
|
3 |
Cork |
Ashbourne House |
Barlow Properties |
|
4 |
Cork |
Clonakilty Lodge |
D & A Pizzas Ltd |
|
5 |
Cork |
Davis Lane Apartments |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
6 |
Cork |
Millstreet Accommodation Centre |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
7 |
Cork |
GlenVera Hostel |
Bideau Ltd |
|
8 |
Dublin |
Balseskin Accommodation Centre |
East Coast Catering |
|
9 |
Dublin |
The Central Inn |
Codelix Ltd |
|
10 |
Dublin |
The Towers, Clondalkin |
Fazyard |
|
11 |
Donegal |
Port Road Apartments, Letterkenny |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
12 |
Galway |
Dominick St Apartments |
Keldesso Ltd |
|
13 |
Galway |
Eglington Hotel |
Maple Star Ltd |
|
14 |
Galway |
Great Western House |
Sidetracks Ltd |
|
15 |
Kerry |
Atlantic Lodge Guesthouse |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
16 |
Kerry |
Linden House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
17 |
Kildare |
Eyre Powell Hotel |
PeachPort Ltd |
|
18 |
Kildare |
The Hazel Hotel |
Oscar Dawn Ltd |
|
19 |
Laois |
Hibernian Hotel |
Flodale Ltd |
|
20 |
Laois |
The Montague Hotel |
Fazyard Ltd |
|
21 |
Leitrim |
Carraig Accommodation Centre |
Townbe ULC |
|
22 |
Limerick |
Griffin House |
Double Ex Investments Ltd |
|
23 |
Limerick |
Hanratty’s Hotel |
Birch Rentals Ltd |
|
24 |
Longford |
Richmond Court |
Mint Horizon Ltd |
|
25 |
Louth |
Carroll Village, Dundalk |
East Coast Catering Ltd |
|
26 |
Mayo |
The Old Convent, Ballyhaunis |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
27 |
Meath |
Mosney Accommodation Centre |
Mosney |
|
28 |
Monaghan |
St Patrick's Accommodation Centre |
Tattonward |
|
29 |
Offaly |
Marian Hostel |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
30 |
Sligo |
Globe House |
Bridgestock Care Ltd |
|
31 |
Tipperary |
Bridgewater House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
32 |
Tipperary |
Riverside Apartments |
Double M Investments Ltd |
|
33 |
Waterford |
Atlantic House |
Atlantic Blue Ltd |
|
34 |
Waterford |
Birchwood House |
Stompool Investments Ltd |
|
35 |
Waterford |
Ocean View |
Ocean View Accommodation |
|
36 |
Waterford |
Viking House |
Millstreet Equestrian Services |
|
37 |
Wexford |
Rosslare Port Lodge |
Codelix Ltd |
|
38 |
Westmeath |
Temple Accommodation Centre |
Townbe ULC |
|
39 |
Wicklow |
The Grant Hotel, Wicklow Town |
Vesta Hotels |
EROCs
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Meath |
Mosney Accommodation Centre |
Mosney |
|
2 |
Roscommon |
Abbeyfield Hotel |
Next Week & Co Ltd |
|
3 |
Waterford |
Clonea Strand Hotel |
Clonea Strand Hotel Ltd |
Emergency Accommodation Centres (1)
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Cavan |
Dun N R House Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
2 |
Cork |
Riverside Park Hotel |
Next Week & Co Ltd |
|
3 |
Cork |
Travelodge Cork |
Travelodge Ireland Ltd |
|
4 |
Dublin |
Airport Manor Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
5 |
Dublin |
Bolton Street |
T/A Deerpark Ltd |
|
6 |
Dublin |
Cornerpark Lodge |
Cornerpark Lodge |
|
7 |
Dublin |
Emmet Road |
Coolebridge Ltd |
|
8 |
Dublin |
Moate Lodge |
Moate Lodge B&B |
|
9 |
Galway |
Travelodge Galway |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
10 |
Laois |
Commercial Inn |
Flodale Ltd |
|
11 |
Louth |
Carnbeg |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
12 |
Louth |
Alverno House |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
13 |
Louth |
San Giovanni House |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
14 |
Meath |
The Lodge |
Lerrigh Support Services |
|
15 |
Monaghan |
Lisanisk House Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
16 |
Monaghan |
Treacy’s Hotel |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
17 |
Offaly |
Shannon Lodge Hotel |
Shannon Lodge Hotel |
|
18 |
Tipperary |
The White House |
Foxlair Ltd |
|
19 |
Wexford |
Court Town Hotel |
Blockford Ltd |
|
20 |
Wicklow |
Rathmore Country Holiday Village |
E&B Hotels Ltd |
|
21 |
Wicklow |
The Esplanade Hotel, Bray |
Parmont Ltd |
Emergency Accommodation Centres (2)
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Cavan |
The Bridge Guesthouse |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
2 |
Donegal |
Market House Accommodation |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
3 |
Donegal |
Meadowbank Lodge |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
4 |
Donegal |
Sparkburn Lodge |
Brimwood Ltd |
|
5 |
Dublin |
55 Parnell Square West |
Longfield Ventures Ltd |
|
6 |
Dublin |
Avenue Bed and Breakfast |
Longfield Ventures Ltd |
|
7 |
Dublin |
Belvedere Guest House |
Longfield Ventures Ltd |
|
8 |
Dublin |
Clifton Court Hotel |
Forbairt Órga Teoranta |
|
9 |
Dublin |
Sinclair Guesthouse |
Grangelough Ltd |
|
10 |
Dublin |
Tallaght Cross |
Tallaght Cross Hospitality Ltd |
|
11 |
Galway |
Gort Apartments |
Dom. St Properties Ltd |
|
12 |
Galway |
The Continental Hotel |
Realt Na Mara Hospitality |
|
13 |
Laois |
Didean Properties |
Didean |
|
14 |
Laois |
East End Hotel |
Nera investments Ltd |
|
15 |
Louth |
55 Trinity Street Apartments |
Forbairt Orga Ltd |
|
16 |
Mayo |
The Connaught Inn |
Shakeview Ltd |
|
17 |
Meath |
Athlumney House |
Streamland Ltd |
|
18 |
Tipperary |
Corville House |
Praemonitus Ltd |
|
19 |
Westmeath |
Daly’s Apartments |
Cloudview Properties Ltd |
|
20 |
Westmeath |
Kilmacoo Apartments |
Cloudview Properties Ltd |
|
21 |
Wicklow |
Baltinglass Apartments |
Property Services Ltd |
Pre Reception Accommodation
|
Number |
County |
Location |
Management Company |
|
1 |
Dublin |
Travelodge Ballymun |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
2 |
Dublin |
Travelodge Phoenix Park |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
3 |
Dublin |
Travelodge Townsend Street |
Travelodge Ireland |
|
4 |
Dublin |
Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road |
Guestford Ltd |
|
5 |
Dublin |
Holiday Inn Express |
Tifco Hotel Groups |
|
6 |
Dublin |
Holiday Inn Stockhole Lane, Swords |
Tifco Hotel Groups |
|
7 |
Dublin |
Crowne Plaza (Northwood) |
Tifco Hotel Groups |
|
8 |
Dublin |
Crowne Plaza (Blanchardstown) |
Tifco Hotel Groups |
|
9 |
Limerick |
Travelodge Limerick |
Travelodge Ireland |
1231. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to address the recent violent attacks including those occurring on public transport on members of the LGBTQ+ community; the steps that are being taken to challenge the anti-gay and trans rhetoric evident in the national media recently; the ways in which he is working with the community to identify new and effective strategies to address issues of homophobia and transphobia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42782/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to achieving its vision of a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland where people are supported to flourish and to live inclusive, healthy and fulfilling lives, whatever their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Ireland’s first National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022, published in November 2019, is the primary policy vehicle to achieve this vision.
The Strategy pursues objectives under four thematic pillars providing a vision of an Ireland where LGBTI+ people are visible and included, treated equally, healthy and feel safe and supported. It includes over 100 actions aimed at making progress towards these high-level objectives. To offset delays in the strategy's implementation due to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I extended its lifetime into 2022. Work is continuing this year on the implementation of the strategy.
My Department is committed to providing ongoing support to the LGBTI+ Community that will enable them to feel safe and supported. During Pride in June, I launched the 2022 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call. This Funding Call will support and bolster community services that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTI+ people. The Funding call was open to organisations and groups operating at national, regional and local level.
Following direct engagement with LGBTI+ community groups, Scheme A of the Funding Call was expanded to include a ‘core support’ model that was open for larger style projects. The Scheme was also open to applications from existing LGBTI+ NGOs for funding to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives. This will assist these organisations build capacity and maintain existing and well-established LGBTI+ supports. The outcome of the Funding Call will be announced in the coming weeks.
Action 21 of the strategy aims to ensure that Ireland has robust legislation and supports in place to combat hate crime, and encourages people to report it. The Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána lead on this action, and have introduced several measures to protect LGBTI+ people including changes to the recording of motives on the Garda PULSE system and the implementation of an online hate crime reporting tool.
The Employment Equality Acts also provide protection against harassment in the workplace, including against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition, my Department recently commissioned research aimed at capturing the views and experiences of people who have been subjected to the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland. This qualitative research which commenced in February 2022 is expected to be completed in autumn 2022, and will assist the Government in developing legislation to ban the practice of conversion therapy. My Department will also examine international good practice in this regard.
The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy will be reviewed next year as part of the process of developing a successor strategy.
1232. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the totality of grant aid and-or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by my officials that specific funding streams are available to Local Authorities in the policy areas of Children & Young People and Equality, as follows:
- UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme formally known as Targeted Youth Funding Scheme
- Youth Capital Funding Scheme
- Comhairle na nOg funding
- Play and Recreation Fund
- National Play and Recreation Day
- Comhairle na nOg ICT funding (once-off in 2020)
- Irish Refugee Protection Programme
- Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund
- National Integration Funding
- Community Integration Funding
- Funding for Traveller and Roma Projects
- LGBTI Funding
Amounts provided to Local Authorities in respect of grants relating to the Children and Young People policy area from 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022 are as follows.
|
Local Authority |
2019 |
2020 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to Date* |
|
Grant Funding Scheme |
Targeted Youth Funding Scheme |
Targeted Youth Funding Scheme |
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme |
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme |
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme |
|
Dublin City Council |
€1,661,671 |
€839,144 |
€839,144 |
€1,720,245 |
€1,328,889 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€345,810 |
€174,634 |
€174,634 |
€357,999 |
€276,554 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€580,481 |
€293,143 |
€293,143 |
€600,943 |
€464,228 |
|
Cork City Council |
€47,072 |
€23,771 |
€23,771 |
€48,731 |
€50,193 |
|
Total Funding |
€2,635,034 |
€1,330,692 |
€1,330,692 |
€2,727,918 |
€2,119,864 |
*UBU Your Place Your Space funding is provided on a quarterly basis so up until August 2022 75% of funding had been provided to Education and Training Boards for onward payment to Local Authorities with the final 25% payable in Q4.
|
Local Authority |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to Date |
|
Grant Funding Scheme |
Youth Capital Funding Scheme |
Youth Capital Funding Scheme |
Youth Capital Funding Scheme |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
|
€15,701 |
|
|
South Dublin County Council |
€30,000 |
€30,000 |
|
|
Cork City Council |
€4,500 |
|
|
|
Total Funding |
€4,500 |
€45,701 |
€30,000 |
|
Comhairle na nÓg Name |
paid 2019 |
paid 2020 |
Paid 2021 |
Paid 2022 |
|
Carlow |
€19,992.76 |
€19,999.09 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Cavan |
€20,000.00 |
€13,242.27 |
€18,291.26 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Clare |
€20,000.00 |
€13,816.56 |
€15,170.11 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Cork City |
€20,000.00 |
€19,794.56 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Cork County |
€19,987.32 |
€17,828.26 |
€18,179.34 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Donegal |
€20,000.00 |
€19,998.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Dublin City |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€19,999.86 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Fingal |
€20,000.00 |
€14,152.00 |
€23,627.38 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Galway City |
€20,000.00 |
€19,999.42 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Galway County |
€20,000.00 |
€16,521.01 |
€23,985.61 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Kerry |
€20,000.00 |
€14,431.45 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Kildare |
€20,000.00 |
€17,395.32 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€19,793.40 |
€14,530.27 |
€24,543.87 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Laois |
€20,000.00 |
€13,849.48 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€20,000.00 |
€14,545.18 |
€24,502.08 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Limerick |
€19,886.78 |
€13,203.78 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Longford |
€19,996.44 |
€18,444.32 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Louth |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Mayo |
€20,000.00 |
€18,025.25 |
€24,342.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Meath |
€20,000.00 |
€18,099.27 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€20,000.00 |
€17,474.42 |
€20,244.34 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Offaly |
€20,000.00 |
€7,994.83 |
€22,884.87 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€19,435.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€24,391.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
South Dublin |
€19,848.24 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Sligo |
€19,001.84 |
€14,338.53 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€24,784.42 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Waterford |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Wexford |
€20,000.00 |
€19,903.95 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€19,894.90 |
€16,989.30 |
€25,000.00 |
€12,500.00 |
|
€617,836.54 |
€534,576.52 |
€734,946.28 |
€387,500.00 |
|
County / Scheme |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Grand Total 2019 - 2022 |
|
Carlow |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€9,563 |
€0 |
€15,646 |
€15,552 |
€31,198 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,422 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,422 |
|
Cavan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€22,500 |
€12,744 |
€16,132 |
€15,852 |
€31,984 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,658 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,658 |
|
Clare |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€0 |
€11,782 |
€15,852 |
€27,634 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€2,875 |
€5,875 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,024 |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,024 |
|
Cork City |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€15,000 |
€16,170 |
€16,541 |
€32,711 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€1,927 |
€4,927 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,714 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,714 |
|
Cork County |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€24,000 |
€0 |
€16,132 |
€16,541 |
€32,673 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€5,869 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Donegal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€25,000 |
€19,500 |
€16,832 |
€16,541 |
€33,373 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,625 |
€0 |
€0 |
€5,869 |
|
Dublin City |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€22,500 |
€16,832 |
€16,541 |
€33,373 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€500 |
€0 |
€0 |
€500 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€0 |
€16,832 |
€0 |
€16,832 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€2,890 |
€5,890 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
|
Fingal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€19,500 |
€16,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,191 |
€31,294 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€4,234 |
€0 |
€0 |
€4,234 |
|
Galway City |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€19,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,162 |
€31,294 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,594 |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,594 |
|
Galway County |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€21,500 |
€9,250 |
€15,896 |
€15,852 |
€31,748 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€1,350 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,350 |
|
Kerry |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€15,000 |
€14,750 |
€11,764 |
€15,852 |
€27,616 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€2,590 |
€5,590 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€1,500 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,500 |
|
Kildare |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€19,500 |
€16,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,852 |
€31,984 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€4,294 |
€0 |
€0 |
€4,294 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€22,500 |
€5,957 |
€15,620 |
€15,852 |
€31,472 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€2,991 |
€5,991 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,966 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,966 |
|
Laois |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€24,000 |
€22,500 |
€15,496 |
€16,541 |
€32,037 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€5,869 |
€0 |
€0 |
€5,869 |
|
Leitrim |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€18,556 |
€22,500 |
€16,120 |
€15,162 |
€31,282 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€1,500 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€5,374 |
€0 |
€0 |
€5,374 |
|
Limerick |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€15,000 |
€16,040 |
€16,541 |
€32,581 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€1,229 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,229 |
|
Longford |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€24,000 |
€16,250 |
€10,674 |
€13,784 |
€24,458 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,555 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,555 |
|
Louth |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€19,500 |
€16,500 |
€15,992 |
€15,852 |
€31,844 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€4,704 |
€0 |
€0 |
€4,704 |
|
Mayo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€24,000 |
€16,500 |
€15,226 |
€15,852 |
€31,078 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€1,500 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€5,869 |
€0 |
€0 |
€5,869 |
|
Meath |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€22,500 |
€19,500 |
€14,958 |
€15,162 |
€30,120 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€2,977 |
€5,977 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,718 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,718 |
|
Monaghan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€23,974 |
€19,500 |
€15,850 |
€16,541 |
€32,391 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€1,500 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€2,648 |
€5,648 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,924 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,924 |
|
Offaly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€8,438 |
€13,125 |
€13,512 |
€0 |
€13,512 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,812 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,812 |
|
Roscommon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€15,000 |
€13,997 |
€15,850 |
€6,702 |
€22,552 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
|
Sligo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€13,688 |
€4,988 |
€15,406 |
€15,852 |
€31,258 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€1,500 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,999 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,999 |
|
South Dublin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€24,000 |
€24,000 |
€16,132 |
€16,541 |
€32,673 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€0 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€1,794 |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,794 |
|
Tipperary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€21,263 |
€16,500 |
€11,110 |
€15,576 |
€26,686 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€2,700 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,015 |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,015 |
|
Waterford |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€13,594 |
€16,500 |
€15,992 |
€15,162 |
€31,154 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€1,500 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€2,361 |
€0 |
€0 |
€2,361 |
|
Westmeath |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€20,000 |
€17,500 |
€16,342 |
€15,852 |
€32,194 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€3,444 |
€0 |
€0 |
€3,444 |
|
Wexford |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Play and Recreation Capital Grant Scheme |
€0 |
€0 |
€15,332 |
€16,541 |
€31,873 |
|
National Play and Recreation Day |
€3,000 |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€3,000 |
€6,000 |
|
Comhairle ICT Capital Grant |
€0 |
€583 |
1233. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he plans to amend the Employment Equality Act in view of the recent United Nations Human Rights Committee recommendations (details supplied) to bar discrimination in employment in the fields of education and health. [42918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2021, I launched a public consultation process to inform a review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015) to examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
The Review will examine the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles that preclude or deter them from taking an action. The response to the public consultation was extensive and submissions are currently being analysed by officials in the Department. The outcome of the consultation will be made public when this is complete and it is intended that some legislative proposals arising from the Review will be brought forward in 2023.
1234. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration is being given to allow for more than one entry point each year for the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42985/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal free two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range.
The minimum eligibility age of 2 years and 8 months for the ECCE programme was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years education and care in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios.
Prior to September 2018 there were three entry points to ECCE. This led to a situation where there was variation in the number of ECCE weeks a child could qualify for, ranging from between 61 and 88 weeks depending on the date of birth of the child. The introduction of a single entry point aligned to the start of the primary school year ensured that all children could receive 2 full years of ECCE, or 76 weeks. This also ensures that all children can experience the full pre-school curriculum.
A single entry point has also streamlined the administration process for providers, making it easier for them to operate and budget for the programme year. In addition it has made it easier parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
I would note that my Department last month has commenced a review of ECCE which is expected to be completed by Q3 2023. The review will assess whether the ECCE Programme is meeting its core objectives and will identify any changes or improvements that can be made to the Programme, based on international evidence, experience to date as well as consultation from a wide number of stakeholders.
1235. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the anomalies in the system that are preventing a childcare centre (details supplied) in County Kerry from completing a core funding application will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43076/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department apologises for any technical difficulties you experienced when applying for Core Funding. Pobal have provided assurance that a number of system bugs have been resolved and that the system performance and page load times have shown improvement in recent days. Work is ongoing to ensure that the application process will be much smoother for providers going forward.
Providers who accepted the Core Funding and Interim Funding Partner Service Funding Agreements by Monday 22 August received advance payments. Providers who accepted the funding agreements by 29 August received payment in respect of two weeks of funding by 2 September. Providers are now advised that they can accept the funding agreements any time up to close of business on Friday 9 September and still receive backdated funding in respect of 1 September onwards.
The introduction of Core Funding is contingent on Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) being in effect. Notification has this week been provided that the EROs will be in effect on 15th September so Core Funding will start from that date.
However, provision has been made for Interim Funding to be paid to providers between 1 September and the start of Core Funding. Providers must complete the Core Funding application process and accept both the Core Funding and Interim Funding agreements in order to avail of Interim Funding. The process of developing EROs is independent of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and is underpinned by legislation.
Any provider who would like support with their Core Funding application is advised to contact their City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). Any further technical issues, can be notified to the Pobal Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) or your CCC, as this is the best way to make Pobal aware of any potential problems with the process.
Pobal has provided the following details in relation to escalating an issue with the EYPC:
- If a service has received a response to their request and the response is not what the service required or did not resolve the issue they can reopen their case and provide further clarification and EYPC will be happy to provide further assistance.
- If a service has received a response and is unhappy with the outcome or the service provided by the EYPC team they can log a complaint by mailing complaints@pobal.ie.
With regard AIM, applications for the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) level 4, 5 and 7 supports opened on the Hive on 3rd May 2022. AIM applications open in May each year to allow time for submission and approval of applications, which enables support to be in place prior to a child commencing in the ECCE programme.
Applications for AIM targeted supports are administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. There are two steps required prior to submitting an AIM Level 7 application for 2022; confirming the AIM Service Profile and creating 2022 sessions.
When Pobal reviewed the case presented by this provider, it appeared the provider had not yet confirmed their AIM Service Profile for the 2022 programme call. A Pobal Advisor from the Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) made contact with the provider on 30 August, and provided support to confirm their AIM Service Profile. The provider was also advised that Pobal approval is not required in order to proceed with applications.
1236. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a hotel (details supplied) is hosting Ukrainian refugees. [43095/22]
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. The Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, Ireland has welcomed over 45,000 people who have fled conflict in Ukraine into the country since the end of February and has provided accommodation to more than 35,000.
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.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a portion of the accommodation identified by the Deputy is currently hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine on behalf of my Department.
I trust this information is of assistance.
1237. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding core funding. [43134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordable, accessible, high-quality and sustainable early learning and childcare is a key priority for Government. In December 2021, Government adopted the 25 recommendations contained in an Expert Group report, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC). This new funding model will support delivery of ELC and SAC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children and their families. To achieve this, there is a need for greater State investment and greater public management of provision.
Core Funding, which begins in September, is the new funding stream worth €221 million in full year costs to start this partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Its primary purpose is to improve pay and conditions in the sector as a whole and improve affordability and accessibility for parents as well as ensuring a stable income to providers. Core Funding allows for an estimated 19% increase in the total cost base for the sector.
Core Funding will address some of the existing disparities in funding levels across ECCE and non-ECCE provision, providing funding proportionate to the age ratio of children being cared for and supporting the employment of graduate Lead Educators across ELC provision. Core Funding will operate in addition to and alongside ECCE (standard capitation), AIM, CCSP and NCS, but replaces ECCE higher capitation and incorporates funding previously allocated to the discretionary Programme Support Payments (PSP) from September 2022.
Services currently in receipt of ECCE standard capitation will see capitation increase at least 9.5%. A majority of services currently in receipt of ECCE higher capitation will also see a moderate capitation increase. Just a small percentage of services will see no increase. These are larger ECCE-only services – with 20+ children in a session. ECCE sessional services with 22 children currently receives income of €1,829.30 per week. This will be matched in Core Funding.
Analysis of ECCE services’ income against staff costs as determined by the ERO rates shows that these rates are affordable for services that choose not to avail of Core Funding, and even more so for those that do.
No service will see a decrease in funding from Core Funding compared to their income from higher capitation and programme support payments last year. In examining all of the data available to the Department there is no evidence about a significant lack of sustainability for ECCE-only services or to suggest that services will face closure as a result of Core Funding. For any service that does experience financial difficulties, a Sustainability Fund will be put in place. This new strand of the Sustainability Fund, linked to Core Funding, will be designed to provide an extra safety net for providers. This will be open to both private and community providers.
Every year a number of services close and others open. The current data on service closures and openings are not markedly different to the trend in previous years. Services close for a wide range of reasons including retirement of owners or other personal circumstances. Only a small minority relate to financial sustainability issues.
I am committed to ensuring more stability of income for services, and that is one of the key objectives of Core Funding. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. Becoming a Core Funding Partner Service is, of course, optional but it is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate and I am very encouraged to see the very high number of providers who have already come into contract.
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.
Further information on Core Funding, including case studies on ECCE services, are available on first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/.
1238. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding core funding. [43135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordable, accessible, high-quality and sustainable early learning and childcare is a key priority for Government. In December 2021, Government adopted the 25 recommendations contained in an Expert Group report, Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC). This new funding model will support delivery of ELC and SAC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families. To achieve this, there is a need for greater State investment and greater public management of provision.
Core Funding, which begins in September, is the new funding stream worth €221 million in full year costs to start this partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Its primary purpose is to improve pay and conditions in the sector as a whole and improve affordability for parents as well as ensuring a stable income to providers. Core Funding allows for an estimated 19% increase in the total cost base for the sector without additional costs being passed on to parents.
The majority of Core Funding will be distributed based on a service's capacity - the opening hours, opening weeks and the age group of children for whom services are provided as well as number of places available. This funding for capacity includes allocations for improvements in staff pay and conditions, for administrative staff/time, and a contribution to non-staff overhead costs.
In addition, a further €38 million is allocated to contribute to support graduates to be Lead Educators across ELC and to support graduates as Managers in ELC or combined ELC and SAC services. Heretofore funding has only been available in respect of graduate Room Leaders in the ECCE programme. The Graduate Lead Educator Premium in Core Funding is paid as a top up on the number of hours of provision that is led by a graduate. The Graduate Manager Premium is paid as a top up on the number of hours of operation of a service whose manager is a graduate.
Core Funding is a new and complex system that has been developed in a relatively short period of time. There have been some technical difficulties experienced in the process of applying for Core Funding which my Department has acknowledged. Pobal have provided assurance that these system issues have been resolved and that the system performance has now significantly improvement. Work is ongoing to ensure that the application process will be much smoother for providers going forward.
Partly in recognition of these issues, my Department has advised providers of an extension of the date by which they can complete the application process and still be eligible for backdated funding. Providers can accept the funding agreements up until 9th September and be assured of backdated payments from 1st September.
Core Funding will address some of the existing disparities in funding levels across ECCE and non-ECCE provision, providing funding proportionate to the age ratio of children being cared for and supporting the employment of graduate Lead Educators across ELC provision. While Core Funding will operate in addition to and alongside ECCE (standard capitation), AIM, CCSP and NCS, it replaces ECCE higher capitation and incorporates funding previously allocated to the discretionary Programme Support Payments (PSP) from September 2022.
Services currently in receipt of ECCE standard capitation will see capitation increase at least 9.5%. A majority of services currently in receipt of ECCE higher capitation will also see a moderate capitation increase. Just a small proportion of services will see no increase. These are larger ECCE-only services – with 20+ children in a session. ECCE sessional services with 22 children currently receive income of €1,829.30 per week. This will be matched in Core Funding.
I am committed to ensuring more stability of income for services, and that is one of the key objectives of Core Funding. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. Becoming a Core Funding Partner Service is, of course, optional but it is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate and I am very happy to see the very high number of providers who have already signed up.
The new funding model being implemented aims to transform the sector to one that is increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed, delivering a service for the public good, through a partnership between the State and providers, to the benefit of children, parents, practitioners, and society overall. This transformation starts with Core Funding and the new approach will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides.
Further information on Core Funding, including case studies on ECCE services, are available on first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/.
1239. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43148/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe below table details the amounts paid out by my Department to Ministerial Advisers. To note, the claims paid in 2020 were for a number of claims from 2017 to 2019.
|
Adviser |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Min Zappone - Adviser 1 |
€828.05 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Min Zappone - Adviser 2 |
€276.08 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Min O'Gorman - Adviser 1 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Min O'Gorman - Adviser 2 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
1240. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a moratorium will be put on all deadlines for national childcare scheme applications for all service providers given the difficulties that they are encountering in applying for core funding and the knock-on effect that this is having; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the introduction of a new scheme can carry an additional burden on early learning and childcare providers.
In this context and in light of some technical issues with the application process for Core Funding and Interim Funding - now resolved - the application deadline for Core Funding and Interim Funding for providers was extended.
Providers have been advised they can accept the Core Funding and Interim Funding Agreements any time up Friday, 9th September and still receive backdated funding in respect of the 1st September onwards.
Providers can of course accept the Funding Agreements after 9th of September and receive payment from that point onwards.
For providers encountering difficulties in applying for Core Funding and Interim Funding, the Early Year’s Provider Centre (EYPC) is available to. In addition, if a provider requires further support in completing their application, their local County Childcare Committee (CCC) is available to provide assistance to services online or in person.
1241. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43167/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany children with disabilities, including autism, take part in mainstream early learning and care services. Participation of children with disabilities in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) universal pre-school programme in mainstream preschool settings is supported by the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). The key objective of AIM is to support early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive preschool experience, ensuring that children with a disability can fully participate in the ECCE Programme, thereby reaping the benefits of quality preschool education.
AIM has seven levels of support, moving from universal to targeted, based on the needs of the child and the early learning and care setting they are attending.
Eligibility for AIM supports is linked to participation in the universal ECCE pre-school programme. ECCE is a universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the September start date, and a child cannot turn 5 years and 6 months of age during the course of the ECCE programme year.
If parents are experiencing a difficulty in finding a place in an early learning and care or school-age childcare setting they can contact their local City /County Childcare Committee (contact details at myccc.ie/) who will try to assist them in finding a suitable place.
The parent may also wish to note that the Department of Education provide a Home Tuition Scheme which provides funding towards 10 hours' tuition per week for children under 3 years of age and 20 hours per week for children over 3 years of age who cannot secure a placement in an early intervention class. Subject to conditions, parents are free to use the grant to engage tutors to deliver tuition in their home or pre-school providers to deliver tuition in a group/pre-school setting. Such arrangements are between the parents and the relevant provider.
More information is available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/#what-home-tuition-is.
1242. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a proposal (details supplied); if this project is being advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
1243. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if transition funding will be backdated to 1 September 2022 for all childcare services given the difficulties that they are having completing their core funding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInterim Funding is currently in place to bridge the gap between the end of the Transition Fund (August 31) and the introduction of Core Funding. Core Funding will come into effect in line with Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) for the sector.
Service providers sign-up for Interim Funding and Core Funding at the same time, following completion of the Core Funding application process. Service providers are required to complete the Core Funding application process and sign-up to be Core Funding Partner Services in order to then contract for Interim Funding. This will ensure that service providers who sign-up for both schemes will receive a payment for the period from September 1 2022 and enable a smooth transition from one scheme to the other once the EROs are in effect.
I am aware that some providers have encountered some technical issues with the application process and there have been some system glitches, most of which have now been resolved. Both CCCs and the Pobal Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) have been providing a huge level of support to services to navigate these issues. My officials have also engaged with provider representatives to identify other supports needed.
In the context of other pressures at this time of the year, given that there are a small number of providers who have still not managed to have their issue dealt with and having regard to the views of provider representatives, the deadline for providers to accept the Core Funding and Interim Funding agreements, and receive payment for the full duration, has been extended.
Providers have been advised that they can accept the funding agreements any time up to close of business on Friday 9th September and still receive backdated funding in respect of the 1st September onwards.
For the minority of providers who have not yet completed the application process and/or accepted the funding agreements, it is important to do so well in advance of 9th September in order to ensure funding for the full period can be paid promptly and that any support can be accessed in time to meet the deadline.
Providers can of course accept the funding agreements after 9th of September and receive payment from that point onwards, however payments for funding agreements accepted after 9th September will not be backdated.
CCCs and the EYPC remain available to assist with the process. A number of Core Funding training videos are now available on the Early Years Hive.
It is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding and I look forward to working with Partner Services under this new funding model.
1244. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of full-time staff, by job title, working in the Ombudsman for Children's Office as of 25 August 2022. [43196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OCO is an independent body and as such the PQ will be forwarded to them for direct reply to the requesting deputy Ms Catherine Murphy.
1245. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the budget allocation for the Ombudsman for Children's Office in each of the years 2020 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [43197/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget allocations for the Ombudsman for Children's Office in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 are contained in the following table.
Ombudsman for Children’s Office Budget Allocations by Year
|
Year |
Budget Allocation |
|
2020 |
€2.865m |
|
2021 |
€2.955m |
|
2022 |
€3.312m |
1246. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that his Department has refused to discuss in any meaningful way the visa applications of persons (details supplied). [43232/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraVisa applications are under the remit of the Department of Justice. I understand that the applicants mentioned have been through a visa application procedure with the Department of Justice which has included an appeals process. Queries on these applications should be directed to that Department.
1247. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount his Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform, in tabular form. [43369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
Social Media Advertising Spend for Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth 2021/2022
|
Year |
Platform |
Spend |
Campaign |
Total |
|
2022 |
|
€3,401 |
Back to School |
|
|
Total 2022 |
|
€11,129 |
Gender Pay Gap Information Act |
€14,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
|
€1,097 |
Live Out Loud |
|
|
|
|
€5,805 |
National Childcare Scheme |
|
|
|
|
€9,468 |
Positive Parenting |
|
|
|
|
€19,682 |
Summer of Play |
|
|
|
|
€11,911 |
Early Years |
|
|
|
|
€5,900 |
Parents Centre |
|
|
|
|
€8,915 |
Supporting Children |
|
|
|
|
€50 |
Thank You |
€62,828 |
|
|
|
€1,178 |
Live Out Loud |
|
|
|
|
€3,282 |
National Childcare Scheme |
|
|
|
|
€4,415 |
Positive Parenting |
|
|
|
|
€5,880 |
Early Years |
|
|
|
|
€3,359 |
Mother and Baby Homes |
€18,114 |
|
|
SnapChat |
€3,607 |
Supporting Children |
€3,607 |
|
Total 2021 |
|
|
|
€84,549 |
1248. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to ensure equality for families that have children through surrogacy; if leave entitlements for such families will be equal to maternity leave arrangements and so on; if he will support amendments to the Health (Assisted Human reproduction Bill) 2022 at committee stage to permit same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy on surrogacy rests with the Minister for Health, and policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. It is important to develop legislation on family leave in the context of the legal situation concerning parentage, including in relation to surrogacy. Any changes in the legal situation with regard to parentage and surrogacy are matters for the Minister for Justice and Minister for Health. Amendments to the Health (Assisted Human reproduction Bill) 2022 are a matter for the Minister for Health.
I would like to bring to the attention of the Deputy that, under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended), working parents are entitled to seven weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child.
The intention of this leave is to enable parents to spend time with their child in the earliest years. It is deliberately non-transferable between parents to ensure that both parents are encouraged and supported in taking time out from work to spend time with their child. This is further supported through the provision of Parents’ Benefit.
The entitlement under the 2019 Act is for each parent in their own right and is not an allocation per family. This is a requirement of the Work Life Balance Directive. The Act was drafted in such a way as to take account of the broad complexion of family life and allows for an entitlement for the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the parent.
This means that each parent of the child, and their respective spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, is entitled to take Parents’ Leave in respect of that child. In effect this means the parents of a child do not have to be a couple in order for each to qualify and that, if in separate relationships, their new partners can also qualify.
Commissioning surrogate parents may be entitled to Parents’ Leave, depending on their circumstances. The father of a child born through surrogacy can qualify for Parents’ Leave if he is the biological father of the child and declared to be the parent of the child. In these circumstances, the father's partner may qualify for Parents’ Leave if they are married to, or in a civil partnership with, the child’s biological father, or have cohabited with the child’s biological father for over 3 years.
1249. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers currently provided with accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Service, by type of accommodation, duration in IPAS accommodation and the number of children at the end of July 2022, in tabular form. [43424/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below information as requested by the Deputy. The overall total number of asylum seekers provided with accommodation by International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) as of 31 July 2022 was 13,823 persons. It should be noted that duration length cannot be collated due to the resources needed.
|
IPAS Accommodation Types 31/07/22 |
Adults |
Children |
|
Direct Provision Centre |
4465 |
2054 |
|
Emergency Accommodation Centre |
2,379 |
364 |
|
National Reception Centre |
382 |
90 |
|
Pre-Reception Centre |
3,156 |
543 |
|
Non-Contracted Temporary Emergency Accommodation |
364 |
26 |
|
Total |
10,746 |
3,077 |
