Written Answers Nos. 153-172
153. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions that he is undertaking to reduce the death rate among asylum seekers within the Internal Protection Accommodation Service. [52209/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all who avail of accommodation provided by my Department remains the highest priority to both myself and my officials.
I wish to inform the Deputy that the death rates for people living in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation are not in any way abnormal and are rather in line with those of the general population. I would note that, very thankfully, no IPAS resident died of Covid during the Covid-19 pandemic to date, which is down to the vigilance and care taken by residents and the extraordinary measures taken by IPAS to protect residents during the pandemic. Statistics in relation to deaths, including cause of death where this is known, are published on a biannual basis in line with the IPAS policy on reporting of deaths, and are available to view at www.gov.ie/en/publication/8224f-statistics-on-deaths-of-international-protection-accommodation-service-residents.
The health needs of an International Protection applicant are a matter for the HSE in the first instance. Healthcare is mainstreamed for those in IPAS accommodation, with International Protection applicants entitled to a medical card and Primary Care, GP care and emergency services in the same manner of an Irish national.
I trust this information clarifies the matter Deputy.
154. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions that his Department is taking to reduce child poverty and child homelessness. [52210/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider issuing a State apology to members of the Travelling community regarding the systematic abuse, racism and discrimination that they have endured for decades under successive governments, particularly in the form of legislation which sought to prevent Travellers from travelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future has a number of commitments that are relevant to the Traveller Community. One that comes under my Department’s responsibility is to carry out a review of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (NTRIS) and to ensure that the successor strategy has a stronger outcomes focused approach. Other commitments are made in the areas of education, accommodation, health, and employment and enterprise; while each of these is primarily relevant to the Minister with line responsibility in the policy area concerned, all will, of course, be addressed in the successor strategy to NTRIS.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that my main focus at present must be the review of NTRIS. To that end, the NTRIS Steering Group, which I chair and which comprises representatives of national Traveller organisations as well as other Government Departments and State Agencies, is closely involved in the review of the present Strategy and the consultation process leading to the development of the new Strategy. I am confident that with the continuing positive engagement of all those on the Steering Group, including those representing the Traveller community, further measures can be taken to achieve a real improvement in the lives of the Traveller and Roma Communities in Ireland.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the major step forward that was taken on 1 March 2017 when the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced in the Dáil Ireland’s recognition of Travellers as a distinct ethnic group in Irish society. This symbolic gesture followed a process of dialogue with the national level Traveller organisations during 2015 that culminated in the presentation of an agreed position paper on their behalf. The official recognition of the distinct heritage, culture and identity of Travellers and their special place in Irish society has marked an important contribution to Traveller pride, to Traveller self-esteem, and to overcoming the legacy of marginalisation and discrimination that the community has experienced.
I will shortly bring to Government the National Action Plan Against Racism prepared by the independent Anti-Racism Committee. That Plan will provide a strategic framework to address racism, including against members of the Traveller community.
157. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of international protection applicants who have undergone an assessment for eligibility under the Child Care Act 1991 and the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 with Tusla, the child and family agency to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
158. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown of decisions by Tusla following eligibility assessments of international protection applicants under the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52216/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
159. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide further details on the statement in Budget 2023 that accommodation for vulnerable applicants will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the current system including providing specific supports and tailored accommodation for vulnerable applicants.
As per the White paper model it is intended to commission Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) to provide targeted social care supports to meet the diverse needs of people in the International Protection system. This will include a programme to deliver a range of accommodation for vulnerable applicants. The vulnerability assessment process will determine the level of supports and the types of accommodation provided.
It is planned that the first accommodation for vulnerable applicants will be rolled out in 2023.
160. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of international protection applicants who are accommodated in tented accommodation; and the location of those sites in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, the pressure on the State to accommodate over 58,000 people currently has led to significant shortages, particularly for those seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used, with any remaining applicants being moved to the Citywest Transit hub on a temporary basis.
Officials continue to seek accommodation solutions to the increasing numbers of International Protection arrivals. Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department has no option but to consider all offers of accommodation.
Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been a total of 30 accommodation locations utilised since January across 13 counties. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals and to prevent homelessness.
The Department is availing of all offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of office buildings, sports facilities and tented structures, to address the accommodation shortfall.
There is currently tented accommodation at three locations with 319 people accommodated. The details are set out in the table below:
|
Location |
Number accommodated |
|
Athlone, Co Westmeath, |
175 |
|
Knockalisheen, Co Clare |
104 |
|
Johnston Marina, Co Kerry |
40 |
161. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons currently accommodated in a hotel (details supplied); the capacity of that hotel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52219/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 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.
Regarding the matter raised, I am advised by my officials that the hotel in question has all of its 764 bedrooms contracted to the Department and there are currently 1,704 beneficiaries of temporary protection orders accommodated there. The hotel is considered at capacity with this number.
I trust this information is of assistance.
162. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons in accommodation provided by the International Protection and Accommodation Service who have refugee status, subsidiary protection or permission to remain; if he will provide a breakdown of their location by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe below table sets out, by local authority area, the number of people with status in International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation. These figures are correct as at 14 October 2022 and take into account people who have been granted status up to and including 14 October 2022.
|
Local Authority Area |
Total No. of People with status |
|
Cavan |
34 |
|
Clare |
213 |
|
Cork City |
245 |
|
Cork County |
323 |
|
Dublin City Council |
82 |
|
Donegal |
158 |
|
Fingal |
82 |
|
Galway City |
326 |
|
Galway County |
2 |
|
Kerry |
179 |
|
Kildare |
135 |
|
Laois |
168 |
|
Leitrim |
78 |
|
Limerick |
119 |
|
Longford |
20 |
|
Louth |
171 |
|
Mayo |
138 |
|
Meath |
528 |
|
Monaghan |
226 |
|
Offaly |
61 |
|
South Dublin |
200 |
|
Sligo |
88 |
|
Tipperary |
202 |
|
Waterford |
195 |
|
Westmeath |
204 |
|
Wexford |
58 |
|
Wicklow |
246 |
|
TOTALS |
4,481 |
163. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of minor international protection applicants who are sharing a room with an adult who is not their parent or guardian; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) can confirm that no minor international protection applicant is accommodated in the same room as an adult that is not their parent or guardian.
This is in line with IPAS accommodation and the relevant child safeguarding protocols.
I trust this information clarifies the matter.
164. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the asylum, migration and integration fund; when an open call for funding will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the significant increase in demand for Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) supports arising from the war in Ukraine, the EU adopted emergency measures. This involved an extension of the overall 2014-2020 AMIF programme, and the option for Member States to re-purpose unused funds under any heading, to be used to provide additional supports to organisations involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees. My Department opted in to these amendments in July 2022 and then held a closed Call for Proposals, limited to the 19 projects which had been approved funding under the 2019 AMIF Call for Proposals. Applications are currently being reviewed in line with the available budget for 2022 and 2023.
The draft 2021-2027 AMIF programme for Ireland is currently being reviewed by the European Commission. When it is adopted, it is my intention to hold a full open AMIF call for proposals in early 2023.
165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of AIM supported childcare positions available in County Tipperary together; the location of all AIM supported childcare services in County Tipperary; the supports that are available to a child with special needs who cannot access childcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52320/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe goal of the Access and Inclusion Model is to empower pre-school providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE Programme and reap the benefits of high quality early learning and care.
AIM supports are grouped into universal or targeted. Universal supports are designed to create a more inclusive culture in early learning and care settings, through training courses and qualifications for staff. Where universal supports are not enough to meet the needs of an individual child, targeted supports are available to ensure the child can meaningfully participate in pre-school.
AIM Level 7 provides additional funding to pre-schools who have a child requiring extra support and it is to this I presume the Deputy is referring. Providers can use this funding either to reduce the adult-to-child ratio in the pre-school room or to fund an extra staff member as a shared resource with other children in the ECCE setting. This is all centered on supporting the pre-school leader to ensure the child’s optimal participation.
As of 14 October 2022, there are 148 approved level 7 capitations in Co. Tipperary. There could be one child or several children assigned to a capitation and a child can be in two capitations. Capitations will change throughout the programme call based on a number of factors such as, children withdrawing from a session, increases / decreases in a child’s days or hours, delays in implementation of support or if a child has a prolonged absence (over 4-6 weeks).
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 https://myccc.ie/) who will try to assist them in finding a suitable place.
The table below shows the location of AIM supported childcare services in Co. Tipperary. It should be noted that these are services with children requiring such supports currently. All registered services providing ECCE can avail of AIM supports.
|
Location |
Number of Services |
|
Newport |
3 |
|
Ballina |
1 |
|
Roscrea |
5 |
|
Thurles |
14 |
|
Nenagh |
13 |
|
Toomevara |
1 |
|
Cloughjordan |
1 |
|
Cahir |
2 |
|
Carrik On Suir |
5 |
|
Clonmel |
13 |
|
Knockanrawley |
1 |
|
Fethard |
1 |
|
Aherlow |
1 |
|
Tipperary Town |
1 |
|
Drangan |
1 |
|
Cashel |
6 |
|
Cappawhite |
1 |
|
Monard |
2 |
|
Oola |
1 |
|
Borrisokane |
2 |
|
Bansha |
1 |
|
Emly |
1 |
|
Dundrum |
1 |
|
Kilfeacle |
1 |
|
Donaskeagh |
1 |
|
Templemore |
1 |
166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on plans to relocate 60 Ukrainian families to Thurles; if the essential educational and health wrap-around supports will be provided in unison with this move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 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.
To date, 4,465 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) have been housed in 1748 pledged accommodation settings and this figure increases each week.
As part of this considerable national effort, the Government has also approved the construction of 500 modular accommodation units. The OPW is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
Commencing in October 2022, the programme aims to provide accommodation to 2,000 BOTPs, predominantly women and children, at several sites across Ireland. As part of this process, a site was identified in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, which OPW has assessed and deemed suitable for 60 modular homes. Each modular home is designed to accommodate up to four persons. It is planned that these modular homes will be delivered by year-end.
Construction disruption will be limited as the homes are manufactured offsite. My Department will provide for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites once completed.
My Department is working with other Departments and Agencies to ensure the additional resources needed are in place. My Department works closely with the Department of Health in relation to the healthcare needs of displaced people from Ukraine. The HSE has been notified of the proposed number of residents for each site and associated potential healthcare needs. The Department of Education is planning for the extra school places that may be needed. If the local school does not have enough places, alternative arrangements will be made to bring occupant children to schools close by.
Given the emergency nature of this significantly accelerated programme, the development of modular homes to assist the Ukrainian humanitarian response will greatly support families fleeing from the war in their country.
I trust this information is of assistance.
167. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the membership of the disability advisors' working network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52082/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Advisors Working Network (DAWN) is a professional group for Disability Officers who are primarily responsible for supporting learners with disabilities in Higher Education in Ireland. They meet three times annually to share and work on common areas of interest, to improve supports for students with disabilities in third level education. They have a number of specialist sub-groups working on areas for improvements. In addition, the group sits on a number of government groups and national bodies such as (Disability Access Route to Education) DARE/Irish Universities Association (IUA) working groups.
All universities and a number of smaller colleges including private colleges are members. Due to the changing landscape of technical universities, some of these colleges have multiple campuses and regional differences.
The most up to date membership list is attached.
|
HEI |
DAWN Representative |
Post |
|
Athlone IT (TUS) |
Lisa Hanlon |
Disability Officer |
|
Carlow College |
Lisa Fortune |
Head of Student Services & Learner Supports |
|
DBS |
Shane Mooney |
Head of Student Services |
|
DCU |
Anne O'Connor |
Head of Disability and Learning Support Service |
|
DKIT |
Geraldine Kneel |
Disability Officer |
|
GMIT Atlantic |
Deirdre O'Connor |
|
|
Griffith College |
Orla Butler |
Co-ordinator, Teaching and Learning Lecturer |
|
IADT |
Alex McDonald |
Disability Officer |
|
IT Carlow (TUSE) |
Aisling McHugh |
Access Officer |
|
IT Sligo Atlantic |
Shelley Brady |
Disability Officer |
|
Law Society |
(No Name Available) |
|
|
Law Society |
Emma Cooper |
Student Advisor |
|
Letterkenny IT Atlantic |
Roisin McCormack |
Disability Officer |
|
LIT (TUS Midwest ) |
Caroline Lane |
Disability Officer |
|
LIT (TUS Midwest ) |
Currently on maternity leave |
Disability Officer |
|
MIC |
Shirley Kearney |
Access Officer (Acting) |
|
MIC |
Marian Leonard |
Admin Support, Access Officer |
|
MIE |
Louise Condron |
|
|
MTU Cork Campus |
Laura Coleman |
Disability Support Officer |
|
MTU Cork Campus |
Ruth Murphy |
Disability Projects Co-ordinator |
|
MTU Kerry Campus |
Siobhan MacGarry |
Officer for Students with Learning Difference |
|
MTU Kerry Campus |
Valerie Moore |
Access Officer |
|
MU |
Leslie Alcock |
Student Advisory Manager |
|
NCAD |
Finola McTernan |
Access Officer |
|
NCIRL |
Karen Mooney |
Disability Officer |
|
NUI Galway |
Bernie McGee |
Disability Officer |
|
NUIG St Angela's |
Vivienne Ryan |
Disability and Learning Support Services |
|
RCSI |
Jacinta Burke |
Academic Development |
|
RCSI |
Learning Support |
|
|
TCD |
Declan Treanor |
Director, Disability Service |
|
TCD |
Gerard Gallagher |
Head of Student Disability Supports, Deputy Director |
|
TUD |
Deirdre Staunton |
Head of Disability Support Services |
|
TUD |
Garry Toner |
Disability Officer |
|
UCC |
Linda Doran |
Head of Disability Support |
|
UCD |
Julie Tonge |
Disability Officer |
|
UL |
Caoilinn Kennedy & Thomas O'Shaughnessy |
Student Support Office & Assistive Technology Officer, Disability Services |
|
Waterford Institute of Technology (TUSE) |
Laura Hartrey |
Disability Officer |
|
Hibernia College |
Elaine Weldon-Berry |
|
|
College of Computing Technology (CCT) |
Marie O'Neill |
CCT |
168. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there was an underspend in the fund for students with disabilities in each of the years 2017 to 2021; the extent of any such underspend; if and to where any underspend in funding was reassigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to provide funding to higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The FSD is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
My officials are liaising with the HEA regarding the information sought by the Deputy. When the information is available, I will arrange for it to be sent directly to the Deputy.
169. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students with disabilities from here studying in Northern Ireland have access to the fund for students with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Fund for Disabilities (FSD) is to assist further and higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.
Eligible students from this State studying in Northern Ireland may qualify for funding under the FSD for where they are enrolled on a full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate courses of not less than one-year duration pursued in a university or higher education institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in an EU Member State or the United Kingdom, with the exception of the following:
1. Courses in colleges of further and higher education (other than courses which are at Higher National Diploma level or higher);
2. Courses provided in a college which are offered in private commercial third-level colleges in the state in question, and which are validated by that college; and
3. Courses in colleges akin to private commercial colleges in Ireland.
Further information on the Fund is available at www.studentfinance.ie or from the Access Office of any higher education institution.
170. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending the fund for students with disabilities to part-time students studying in further education institutions as recommended in the 2017 review of the Fund for Students with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars around which the FET Strategy 2020-2024 is built. The FET sector is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals, including persons with a disability, with the aim of enabling every citizen to participate fully in society.
Disability supports are available to participants on FET programmes depending on the specific circumstances. Funding for these programmes are dispersed under general individual programme and learner support headings. Within the FET sector, a broad range of supports are provided through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to support the participation of all learners, including those with disabilities. FET offers a full suite of programmes and these are on offer to all who wish to participate regardless of disability.
SOLAS now manage the FET element of the FSD. Supports in the FET sector available through the FSD include academic/learning support, assistive technology equipment & software, hearing impaired supports, examination supports, non-medical helpers and transport supports for learners with a disability. Allocation of the FSD is reviewed every year.
In addition to add on disability supports, the FET Strategy 2020 – 2024 is moving towards a Universal Design approach, whereby disability supports are integrated into mainstream provision insofar as is possible, with specialised supports reserved for people with needs that cannot be met through mainstream provision. This approach is also consistent with Irish Government policy, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the agenda of National Disability Authority, which established The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design in 2007 under the Disability Act 2005.
This approach recognises that every individual learns differently, has different interests, aptitudes and levels of ability, whether or not they have what might be defined as a special educational need. It aims to optimise learning for all by accommodating the diverse educational needs of all learners within mainstream provision. Individualised supports, for addressing more specific needs among a smaller subset of learners will, of course, be maintained and promoted.
The annual funding arrangements between SOLAS and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) requests ETBs to provide the necessary individualised and mainstreamed supports to all learners, to reduce barriers to full participation and meet the requirements of the various inclusion strategies such as the National Disability Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy, thereby ensuring success for all learners.
171. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his actions to increase the number of disabled people in the apprenticeship system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present all 66 national apprenticeships are structured on a full-time basis. Information is sought at the point of registration on any additional supports that may be needed due to a disability. Education and training providers offer learning and other supports to apprentices during their training and many employers also provide accommodations in the workplace to apprentices with disabilities. Currently a total of 640 apprentices, or just under 3%, have declared one or more disabilities, and are receiving additional supports. A majority of these, 400 apprentices, or 62.5% of the total who identified as having a disability, identified themselves as having dyslexia. A further 25.5% identified other disabilities related to learning, while 12% did not specify what disability they had.
One of the five overarching objectives of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is "Apprenticeship for All" by ensuring that the profile of the apprenticeship population will more closely reflect the profile of the general population. The Plan promotes general access, diversity, and inclusion in apprenticeship by suggested targeted supports to encourage participation from under-represented groups including those with disabilities, women and those from ethnic minorities.
The expanding range of opportunities available within apprenticeship, as well as changing work practices in traditional areas, provide a step towards increasing opportunity for persons with a disability and other traditionally under-represented groups, however relying on a broader range of apprenticeships is not sufficient to provide equity of opportunity to marginalised groups.
Targets and interventions for specific groups will be detailed through an Equity of Access subcommittee of the National Apprenticeship Alliance to ensure that the voice of under-represented groups is integral to the development of the apprenticeship system. It is envisaged that the subcommittee will include representation that ensures links with second level, community education, youth justice programmes, broader FET provision and higher education are represented.
The National Apprenticeship Office will increase the visibility of underrepresented groups in apprenticeship literature and promotional material to reflect the participation and positive experience of people from all backgrounds and communities, as well as the availability of assistive supports.
The actions set out in the Plan build on the outcomes of the 2018 Review of Pathways to Participation in Apprenticeship which has already resulted in a significant widening of measures to support increased visibility of apprenticeships.
Specific actions in the Action Plan include:
- An employer survey will determine baseline employer attitude and extent of knowledge of supports available to employers for supporting employees with a disability.
- Targets and interventions for specific groups will be detailed to ensure that the voice of under-represented groups is integral to the development of the apprenticeship system.
- Targets for participation by under-represented groups, and additional specific actions to support those target groups will be set in conjunction with the Equity of Access Subcommittee and will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that interventions are effective in supporting increased diversity of the apprentice population.
- An apprentice bursary/support scheme will be established to fund up to 100 apprentices per year who are experiencing severe socioeconomic disadvantage and who are from target groups, including lone parents, people with disabilities, Travellers and Roma.
- Access to apprenticeship programmes and pre-apprenticeship courses will be clearly labelled as such, with progression routes into apprenticeship clearly identified and information on these courses will be published on www. apprenticeship.ie.
- All apprentice jobs are advertised on www.apprenticejobs.ie, with information on apprenticeship now accessible from the CAO website. A dedicated apprentice guidance line has been established to support this initial period of increased visibility of apprenticeship to school leavers
- Extending the bursary of €2,666 which is paid by SOLAS to employers of female apprentices in the 25 craft apprenticeships to encourage them to employ female apprentices to all apprenticeship programmes with greater than 80% representation of a single gender. This is being implemented with effect from 01 January 2022, and covers all new apprentice registrations from that date on eligible national apprenticeship programmes.
As set out in the Programme for Government and elaborated in the Action Plan there must be clear, demonstrated engagement with apprenticeship by the public service to embed the apprenticeship model within the national employer base. A target of 750 new apprentice registrations per annum will be delivered across the public service by 2025. Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to target and widen the recruitment pool for both generalist and specialist roles within the public service and as a means to meeting commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy such as increasing the statutory target of 3% of employees with disabilities in the public service to 6% by 2024.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) does not fall within the remit of the DFHERIS. However, I do recognise the intersection that is apparent between our policy objective of developing an inclusive and accessible apprenticeship system for all and the unintended consequences of the current lack of alignment between the WSS and Apprenticeship.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) is a financial employment support to private sector employers, the objective of which is to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities and thereby increase the numbers of people with disabilities participating in the open labour market.
Currently, the Scheme does not recognise those employees who are engaged in apprenticeship programmes. As such, DEASPs current criteria for accessing the WSS is incompatible with apprenticeships
DFHERIS officials have engaged with DEASP counterparts to ensure that between the APA and the WSS, barriers will not arise to prevent or dissuade interested employers and candidates from pursuing their career goals through Apprenticeship.
I am advised that DEASP will be carrying out a review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme this year as part of its commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. As part of this review DEASP will be conducting a consultation on the scheme from the perspective of employers and people with disabilities.
I am satisfied that these measures and the implementation process for the Apprenticeship Action Plan overall will have a significant impact in ensuring greater diversity in the apprenticeship population as a whole.
172. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his actions to increase the number of disability support staff in further and higher education institutions to reflect the increase in the number of disabled students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ratio of disability support staff to disabled students in further and higher education institutions from 2016/2017 academic year to the 2020/2021 academic year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The provision of disability supports and services for students, and the organisation, staffing and management of the disability support services, is a matter for each HEI.
The Higher Education Authority have informed my officials that information on staffing levels of disability support services in HEIs is not collected. There are also difficulties in carrying out a HEI-by-HEI or year-by-year comparison e.g. varying student needs depending on the nature of the disability or support, configuration of disability support and other services in HEIs, HEIs being at different stages in relation to the development of Universal Design principles and practices.
As part of their core grant funding which is allocated on a block grant basis from the HEA to publicly funded HEIs, HEIs are expected to put in place an access infrastructure to support equity of access for underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.
Further Education and Training (FET) does not have disability or access offices. However, Fostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars around which the FET Strategy 2020-2024 is built. The FET sector is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals, including persons with a disability, with the aim of enabling every citizen to participate fully in society. Disability supports are available to participants on FET programmes depending on the specific circumstances.
Funding for these programmes are dispersed under general individual programme and learner support headings. Within the FET sector, a broad range of supports are provided through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to support the participation of all learners, including those with disabilities. FET offers a full suite of programmes and these are on offer to all who wish to participate regardless of disability.
In addition to add on disability supports, the FET Strategy 2020 – 2024 is moving towards a Universal Design approach, whereby disability supports are integrated into mainstream provision insofar as is possible, with specialised supports reserved for people with needs that cannot be met through mainstream provision.
This approach is also consistent with Irish Government policy, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the agenda of National Disability Authority, which established The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design in 2007 under the Disability Act 2005. This approach recognises that every individual learns differently, has different interests, aptitudes and levels of ability, whether or not they have what might be defined as a special educational need. It aims to optimise learning for all by accommodating the diverse educational needs of all learners within mainstream provision.
Individualised supports, for addressing more specific needs among a smaller subset of learners will, of course, be maintained and promoted. The annual funding arrangements between SOLAS and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) requests ETBs to provide the necessary individualised and mainstreamed supports to all learners, to reduce barriers to full participation and meet the requirements of the various inclusion strategies such as the National Disability Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy, thereby ensuring success for all learners.
