Chris Andrews
Ceist:566. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a case with an accommodation provider (details supplied) will be fully addressed. [51539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (566)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 53,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 42,000 of those have been referred to this Department 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, my Department has contracted in excess of 33,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 500 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. 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 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.
My Department officials are working to clear a backlog of payments which has affected a number of providers of accommodation to Beneficiaries in recent weeks. This has arisen due to the extraordinary volume of contractors, (over 500), currently working with the Department to provide accommodation to meet the ever-increasing demand. I am advised by my officials that this backlog has been substantially reduced. I have instructed that outstanding queries, including the one highlighted by the Deputy, be dealt with as swiftly as possible.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (567)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:567. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding refugees being moved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 53,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 42,000 of those have been referred to this Department 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, my Department has contracted in excess of 33,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 500 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed a commendable level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
Ireland’s response to the Ukraine crisis is governed by the EU Temporary Protection Directive (Council Directive 2001/55/EC).The European Commission activated the Directive on 2 March 2022 and on 4 March, the Council unanimously adopted the Decision giving those fleeing war in Ukraine the right to temporary protection. Under the Directive, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have rights, which include but are not limited to access to suitable accommodation, necessary assistance in terms of social welfare and means of subsistence, if they do not have sufficient resources, as well as for medical care etc. We will continue to deliver a humanitarian response to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and those seeking International Protection.
Accommodation for new arrivals will continually need to be found by the State throughout the Autumn/Winter period as my Department expects daily arrivals from Ukraine and those seeking international protection to continue. Average weekly arrivals seeking accommodation from Ukraine are presently over 1,300 persons while over 300 persons seek accommodation weekly in the international protection system.
I can assure the Deputy that all the factors he has mentioned, and many other relevant considerations, are carefully factored into delivering the best possible outcome for the greatest number under the most demanding of conditions. The wider situation in regards to accommodation will remain extremely challenging. Ireland is now accommodating over 55,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants, compared to 7,500 last year. This is the equivalent to the population of Waterford City and is due to increase.
For large-scale moves, such as the proposed move the Deputy has raised, my Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible and is very mindful of the impact that all such moves have on those affected. That particular planned move of BOTPs from Killarney did not proceed. My Department worked intensively to source alternative accommodation in the area for those affected. I can also confirm that officials within my Department have been in touch with the families to let them know about accommodation arrangements.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (568)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:568. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the names of each special advisor employed by his Department since 2015, the relevant Minister they worked under and the date that their employment with the Department/Minister ceased where applicable. [51774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There have been seven Ministerial Special Advisors working in my Department since 2015, working with three Ministers including myself. The table below sets out the details.
|
Special Advisor |
Termination Date |
Minster |
|
Mark Costigan |
07/05/2016 |
James Reilly |
|
Camille Loftus |
07/05/2016 |
James Reilly |
|
Jerry O’Connor |
11/06/2019 |
Katherine Zappone |
|
Patricia Ryan |
28/06/2020 |
Katherine Zappone |
|
Sinéad Fennel |
28/06/2020 |
Katherine Zappone |
|
Tom Sheppard |
Present |
Roderic O’Gorman |
|
Eoin Wilson |
Present |
Roderic O’Gorman |
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (569)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:569. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a list of vacant properties (details supplied) offered for accommodation of refugees has been with IPAS since August 2022 without progress or correspondence with representatives despite repeated efforts; if this is a widespread occurrence; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 53,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 42,000 of those have been referred to this Department 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, my Department has contracted in excess of 33,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 500 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. 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 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.
I can advise the Deputy that my officials confirm that the company which compiled the list shared by the Deputy has been contacted a number of times by my officials on an ongoing basis in recent weeks and months in relation to provision of accommodation for both Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection applicants.
Properties offered to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are evaluated in terms of value for money, location and size. Not all properties are suitable. Larger properties are currently being prioritised because of the need to accommodate large groups of BOTPs and because it is difficult to maintain adequate oversight of large numbers of contracts for smaller properties.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (570)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:570. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the basis that Section 56 childcare organisations which were previously Section 38 organisations, identified as public sector workers by their inclusion in the HSE superannuation scheme, were excluded from public sector pay agreements and pay restoration when re-designated as Section 56 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (571)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:571. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on a person’s (details supplied) childcare subsidy claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has received correspondence in relation to this matter from the Deputy's constituency office and directly from the constituent. A full, detailed response issued to the constituent on 13th October 2022.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to thousands of families to help with the cost of early learning and childcare. There are two types of subsidies available under the Scheme:
- Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. This subsidy is not means tested and currently provides €0.50 per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for a maximum of 45 hours per week.
- Income Assessed Subsidies are available to families with children aged 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy is means tested, and will be calculated based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The rate will vary depending on the level of family income, the child’s age and educational status, and the number of children in a family.
Officials in my Department have contacted Pobal in relation to the correspondence raised by your constituent. Pobal have reviewed the case and advised that the decrease in subsidy is due to a rise in the household’s reckonable income from the year 2020 to 2021. The maximum income threshold for an income-related subsidy is €60,000. As the new reckonable income figure is over this threshold the children have all been awarded a subsidy rate of €0.50 per hour for 45 hours.
It is worth noting that from January 2023, all families accessing registered early learning and childcare will receive a minimum hourly subsidy of €1.40 through the NCS.
Any family who is not already at the maximum hourly subsidy under the Scheme, will see an increase in their subsidy. This includes those who receive a subsidy based on an Income Assessed application. The amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly subsidy rate. The amount of increase individual families will see in their subsidy per hour, will differ depending on their current rate.
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (572)
Pa Daly
Ceist:572. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements that he has had with HIQA over inspections for IPAS contracted properties. [51896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently working with the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) to implement the commitment for HIQA to monitor International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres against National Standards adopted in 2019 and in effect since the beginning of 2021.
As part of the development of the inspection process, HIQA established an advisory group. This group comprised members from my Department and other stakeholder organisations. The group has met on three occasions to date.
My Department hold monthly meetings with HIQA to advance this project. We continue to have a strong working relationship, and are in regular contact in relation to this topic.
Homeless Accommodation
Ceisteanna (573)
Pa Daly
Ceist:573. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which his Department is competing with other Government agencies for private sector accommodation, including homeless emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deputy, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) regularly engages with the Local Authorities with respect to accommodation matters.
As you may be aware, the accommodation situation in Ireland at present is proving very challenging. From the beginning of 2022 to date, over 11,300 people have arrived in Ireland seeking protection. As of 12th of October, there are 15,983 people accommodated in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation and of that total 3,396 are children.
These figures are in addition to the arrival of over 53,000 Ukrainian Nationals of whom over 42,000 are seeking accommodation assistance from DCEDIY as a result of the war in Ukraine. It's important to note that at this point in 2021, there were roughly 7,500 people in IPAS accommodation.
The pressure on the State to accommodate over 57,000 people currently has led to significant shortages particularly for the international protection cohort.
The manner in which accommodation is sought by this Department is as follows:
In the medium term, the request for tender (RFT), published on 18 January 2022, seeks to procure additional accommodation for singles, couples and families seeking international protection. The RFT encourages tenders from not-for-profit organisations in the delivery of related services. The 2022 tender process for International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation that provides for more own-door accommodation for protection applicants has begun to deliver some capacity recently. 10 new identified contracts/properties that, subject to contract, are expected to result in additional bed spaces. The tender was re-advertised on 6 October with a response deadline of 8 November and hopes to bring more capacity into the fold.
Emergency accommodation offers are pursued as they arise. Expressions of interest through newspaper advertisements are also utilised to generate addition offers of capacity and at times the Department has 'cold called' accommodation providers to source accommodation.
The Department tries to ensure a co-operative approach to accommodation sourcing with Local Authorities rather than a competitive one.
The Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Authorities to ensure that there is no encroachment on Local Authority sourced homeless accommodation. It does not procure individual houses, except where they can accommodate 15 people or more, or apartments for that reason.
With respect to the Ukraine crisis response, the Department shares information weekly with the Local Authorities on accommodation due to commence for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and advises also on IPAS accommodation as it becomes available through briefing of local elected representatives and briefing documents.
Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 564.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (575)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:575. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the admissions policies of early years providers; if he has plans to put in place a legal basis for the parameters that an early years' provider may have placed upon them in drafting admissions policies; and the recourse that parents have if they are dissatisfied at the manner of implementation of such policies. [51921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Early learning and childcare providers are private entities and, as such, are free to set their own policies, including admissions policies. However, in line with recommendations in Partnership for the Public Good, A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Childcare however, the State is seeking to move to an increasingly publicly funded and increasingly publicly managed sector, where providers work in partnership with the State to deliver early learning and childcare for the public good.In this regard, I recently launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. Together for Better brings together three major programmes, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the new Core Funding scheme and it is the new Core Funding Scheme - worth €259m in its first year - that allows to State to move to an increasingly publicly managed sector.To date, 91% - well over 4,000 providers - have signed up to Core Funding. This is a tremendous level of uptake and will make a positive impact for parents and children using these services through investment in quality and in affordability with more funding for staff, and a commitment not to increase fees.Under the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement, the conditions of Core Funding are set out, many of which relate to admissions policies. For example, Partner Services must contract to the ECCE programme and/or the NCS in the 2022/23 programme year and offer ECCE/NCS to all eligible children, where appropriate (for example, a service registered with Tusla as a Pre-school Sessional Service only is not required to offer NCS). In relation to the NCS, this requirement includes offering income assessed, universal and in particular “sponsor” NCS arrangements to all eligible children up to the age of 15. If a parent/guardian chooses not to avail of ECCE and/or NCS, the Partner Service must be able to show they offered the parent/guardian the option to avail of ECCE and/or NCS and a record of the their wish not to do so. Other relevant and new clauses contained in the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement include: - Partner Services must publish and distribute to users of the service a “Parent Statement” which provides information on the operation of ECCE and/or NCS in the service.- Partner Services will neither request nor accept any donations, voluntary or otherwise from parents/guardians, in respect of the ELC/SAC services being provided. - Partner Services will not charge any non-refundable deposits to parents/guardians in the respect of their ELC/SAC service where the parent/guardian takes up the service for which the deposit was paid.Further developments to Core Funding are expected in Year 2 of the Scheme. These developments will be informed by operation of the Scheme in Year 1.A list of Partner Services is available here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/together-for-better/.I would also note that a review of the ECCE programme is currently underway in preparation for putting the ECCE programme on a statutory footing. The review will consider issues of accessibility and inclusivity, and will inform future decisions on a universal legal entitlement to preschool. I would encourage any parent who has questions relation to early learning and childcare to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee who can provide support and guidance, contact details available here: myccc.ie/where-is-my-nearest-ccc.
Gender Equality
Ceisteanna (576)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:576. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions he has taken to progress the recommendation of the Different Paths, Shared Experiences: Ethnic Minority Women and Local Politics in Ireland research funded by the gender equality unit of his Department. [51927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I was honoured to fund jointly (with the Irish Research Council) this important piece of research as part of the facilitating role played by my Department under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS), and to launch the resulting report earlier this year. Information on the report was made available to all Departments, State Agencies and national Traveller and Roma organisations represented on the NTRIS Steering Committee.
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future recognises that there is a need for greater diversity and gender equality in local government, and commits to empowering local authorities to encourage improved gender and ethnic mix in local elections.
The recommendations of the ‘Different Paths, Shared Experiences’ report aim to improve the participation of ethnic minority women in local politics and so are consistent with those commitments. The recommendations are wide-ranging and are relevant to a number of Government Departments, to political parties, local authorities, training organisations and wider civil society.
Some recommendations are already in train. For example, in the area of combating racism, prejudice and bigotry, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister of Justice is developing new legislation to deal with hate crime while a National Plan Against Racism has recently been finalised which I will be submitting shortly for consideration by the Government.
I can assure the Deputy that the report recommendations will be examined in the preparation of new strategies being developed by my Department to replace the three equality strategies currently under review: the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, the National Strategy for Women and Girls and the Migrant Integration Strategy.
Finally, I should note that my Department provides core funding to one of the report sponsors, the National Traveller Women’s Forum (NTWF), which seeks to empower Traveller women in working towards full (gender) equality and to support them in taking leadership roles within their own and the wider community. Additional funding is being made available under the Dormant Account Fund plan, which is subject to approval by the Department of Rural and Community Development, to allow the NTWF to progress a number of specific report recommendations and to support the provision of training, both for Traveller women and for elected officials.
Maternity Leave
Ceisteanna (577)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:577. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that he has made to date in advancing a statutory entitlement to maternity leave for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. [51930/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Provision for maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas has been under active consideration by my Department and has advanced significantly in 2022.
Officials in my Department have been examining the legal and operational issues relating to the introduction of a scheme of maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas. Some aspects were identified that would benefit from the consideration and views of Members who have direct experience of the Oireachtas. These include: how constituent representation should be provided for; how membership of Oireachtas committees should be dealt with; and, more broadly, should maternity leave for Members mirror the full entitlement of employees.
At my request, I met in January with the Chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, and the Chair of the Joint Committee on Gender Equality, Deputy Ivana Bacik, to discuss Maternity and Paternity Leave for Councillors and Maternity Leave for Members of the Oireachtas.
I wrote again, in May 2022 to Senator O’Loughlin, enclosing an information note for Members of the Irish Women’s Parliamentary Caucus outlining the specific legal and operational issues in relation to the introduction of a scheme of maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas, set out above, which would benefit from their input. I suggested that this could be circulated to all Members of the Caucus, and that my Department would develop a confidential survey through which their views could be provided. I offered that my Department’s officials could brief a meeting of the Caucus working group examining this matter.
In June my Department circulated the information note and a survey to the 59 current Members of the Caucus, which was available for response until the end of July. A total of 24 responses (40.67%) to the survey were received.
On 20 September, Government approved the publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 which included approval of the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to, among other things, provide for maternity leave for Members of the Oireachtas. Due to the short time frame, my Department are currently working to introduce these provisions at Report Stage.
Asylum Seekers
Ceisteanna (578)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:578. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of adults and children with leave to remain living in direct provision, with a breakdown by local authority area and by household size, one and two-adult household with no children, households with one child, two children and three children and with more than three children. [51978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deputy, please see the figures requested in tabular form below. The figures are correct as at 17 October 2022.
Figures are confirmed at the end of each month due to the fluidity of people being granted status on a weekly basis by the International Protection Office and those people with status moving on into the community.
It is important to note that not all family members within a family unit may have been granted a status or a leave to remain.
At the end of September 2022, there were 4,390 people with status in IPAS accommodation and of that 1,233 are children.
The figures in the table below amount to 4,491 people with status in IPAS accommodation which are correct as at 17 October 2022 and take into account any grants of status up to and including the 17 October 2022.
|
Local Authority Area |
Total No. of People with status |
Singles |
1 Parent families-(No. of people with status) |
2 Parent Families – (No. of people with status) |
Couples- (No. of people with status) |
|
Cavan |
34 |
17 |
0 (0) |
4 (15) |
1 (2) |
|
Clare |
213 |
115 |
24 (57) |
10 (33) |
4 (8) |
|
Cork City |
245 |
168 |
14 (33) |
9 (40) |
2 (4) |
|
Cork County |
323 |
33 |
42 (110) |
42 (164) |
8 (16) |
|
Dublin City Council |
82 |
59 |
5 (6) |
4 (10) |
5 (7) |
|
Donegal |
158 |
1 |
15 (59) |
24 (98) |
0 (0) |
|
Fingal |
82 |
60 |
4 (11) |
2 (7) |
2 (4) |
|
Galway City |
326 |
136 |
25 (64) |
31 (121) |
3 (5) |
|
Galway County |
2 |
2 |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
|
Kerry |
179 |
120 |
9 (18) |
12 (39) |
1 (2) |
|
Kildare |
135 |
76 |
9 (18) |
11 (41) |
0 (0) |
|
Laois |
168 |
91 |
10 (26) |
13 (43) |
4 (8) |
|
Leitrim |
78 |
3 |
10 (27) |
11 (48) |
0 (0) |
|
Limerick |
119 |
57 |
4 (17) |
11 (45) |
0 (0) |
|
Longford |
20 |
20 |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
|
Louth |
171 |
102 |
7 (24) |
11 (45) |
0 (0) |
|
Mayo |
138 |
12 |
22 (62) |
15 (61) |
2 (3) |
|
Meath |
528 |
53 |
87 (224) |
57 (239) |
6 (12) |
|
Monaghan |
226 |
109 |
20 (54) |
18 (55) |
4 (8) |
|
Offaly |
61 |
48 |
3 (6) |
1 (2) |
3 (5) |
|
South Dublin |
200 |
118 |
17 (47) |
9 (31) |
2 (4) |
|
Sligo |
88 |
64 |
7 (13) |
4 (11) |
0 (0) |
|
Tipperary |
202 |
34 |
17 (59) |
24 (107) |
1 (2) |
|
Waterford |
195 |
91 |
28 (66) |
9 (36) |
1 (2) |
|
Westmeath |
204 |
83 |
17 (43) |
23 (78) |
0 (0) |
|
Wexford |
58 |
36 |
10 (18) |
1 (4) |
0 (0) |
|
Wicklow |
246 |
83 |
25(51) |
27 (102) |
5 (10) |
|
TOTALS |
4481 |
1791 |
431 (1113) |
383 (1475) |
54 (102) |
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (579)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:579. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently seek a review concerning the level of funding for youth services such as Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service in Budget 2023 (details supplied); the measures that are being taken to alleviate the financial difficulties and obstacles that youth service organisations are experiencing; if additional funding will be made available to such organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Funding for the provision of targeted youth services, such as that provided to Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The full package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is over €75.6 million. This includes €72.95 million for current funding, an increase of €1.159 million, and €2.7 million in capital funds, an increase of €1.2 million, for minor works, equipment, and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities.
I intend for the increases to the Budget 2023 allocation to focus on further investment in local and national youth organisations. In particular the funding schemes of UBU Your Place Your Space, the Youth Services Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres.
This additional funding supports the delivery of youth clubs and targeted youth services, with a particular view to the role played by youth services in supporting mental wellbeing, fostering resilience and developing the social and personal competencies of young people, including those that are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable.
My officials are examining Budget 2023's allocation for youth services and programmes in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (580)
David Cullinane
Ceist:580. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding funding increase for all strands of youth funding from his Department; if additional funding will be provided for community youth services including youth programmes, activities and projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52049/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The package of funding for youth services and programmes in my Department is over €75.6 million. This includes €72.95 million for current funding, an increase of €1.159 million, and €2.7 million in capital funds, for minor works, equipment and contributions towards playgrounds with local authorities, an increase for capital of €1.2 million on Budget 2022.
I intend for the increases to the Budget 2023 allocation to focus on further investment in local and national youth organisations. In particular the funding schemes of UBU Your Place Your Space, the Youth Services Grant Scheme and Youth Information Centres.
My officials are examining the options for this year’s allocation in advance of the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.
The increased level of funding will consolidate the achievements since 2020 and provide a strong platform into the future.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (581)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:581. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the person or body that is responsible for housing victims of domestic violence when the six-week refuge period comes to an end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency as such I have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (582)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:582. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their Solas safepass card given that this one-day course was completed on 29 September 2021;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card). Safe Pass training and assessment is delivered by SOLAS Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and tutors.
SOLAS has informed my Department Mr. Maguire attended a Safe Pass programme in September 2021 with an approved SOLAS training provider. However, when the provider was seeking to process Mr. Maguire's application, it was discovered that he was using three variants of his name. The provider initiated contact with Mr. Maguire on three occasions seeking to address the matter and release his Safe Pass card. Regrettably, Mr. Maguire failed to engage with the provider for some time, only contacting them in January 2022. The training provider offered several solutions to Mr. Maguire to obtain his Safe Pass, which included a full refund of his course fees. SOLAS initiated further contact with Mr. Maguire and the provider to address matters, but Mr. Maguire did not accept the solutions offered.
Subsequently, Mr. Maguire took his complaint directly to the Ombudsman, who ruled against Mr. Maguire in this matter. At this point, the training provider and SOLAS believe they have made every effort to provide Mr. Maguire with his card.
Education Costs
Ceisteanna (583)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:583. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans in view of the reduction in the student contribution charge for undergraduate students for a corresponding reduction in the prices of fees for postgraduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51156/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students.
As part of the cost of living measures in Budget 2023, postgraduate Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant will receive a once-off increase of €1,000 in the grant, which is increasing from €3,500 to €4,500 and is due to be paid by the end of 2022. This measure excludes postgraduate students who receive the Special Rate of grant as they have their tuition fee contribution paid up to €6,270. For these postgraduate students, they will receive the once-off extra maintenance payment for all student maintenance grant recipients, also to be paid by the end of 2022. Full time PhD student funded through an award by IRC or SFI will receive a once off increase in their stipend of €500.
Students can determine their eligibility for the Grant at susi.ie/eligibility/income/. This provides grant assistance to students pursuing an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
For postgraduate students experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Overall, the cost of living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, will include:
- A once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500;
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year;
The state financial support of €1,000 in the student contribution relates to my Department’s Free Fees schemes where the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible Irish and EU undergraduate higher education students who are pursuing an approved course of study at an approved higher education institution. All students eligible for the free fees schemes receive state support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution (currently €3,000 per annum).
Students attending postgraduate courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and pay tuition fees as determined by the institution attended. Therefore the once off student contribution reduction of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking a course of postgraduate study. Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions and therefore it is a matter for individual institutions to determine the rate of tuition fees for postgraduate academic programmes.
Education Costs
Ceisteanna (584)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:584. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has plans in view of the recent changes announced to the SUSI eligibility criteria to expand eligibility for those who already hold a degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51157/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, progression, previous academic attainment and means.
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Generally speaking, a grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study. However, once a student progresses to a course at a higher level or completes the equivalent period of study on a new course, the student may be eligible for student grant assistance for the remainder of the course. Article 15(7) of the Student Grant Scheme 2022 refers.
Notwithstanding this, under Article 15(8) of the Student Grant Scheme 2022, the awarding authority SUSI has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances, such as serious certified illness, which impacted on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams in line with guidelines drawn up by the Minister.
SUSI treats each application for repeat funding on a case-by-case basis and it is it is a matter for the individual student to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that there were exceptional circumstances.
Any student who believes his/her student grant application has been assessed incorrectly may also avail of the opportunities to appeal to SUSI and subsequently to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (585)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:585. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51163/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The student referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the SUSI appeals officer on the 28th September 2022. The appeal was upheld. However, in the appeal the student stated that he changed from a Post Leaving Certificate Course to an Undergraduate course. As the total household reckonable income was calculated to be over the income threshold for PLC but under the maximum threshold for funding at undergraduate level his application was finalised, and he was awarded 100% rate of Student Contribution/50% Tuition Fees (whichever applies). An Award letter advising him of this was sent on 7 October 2022.