Written Answers Nos. 486-505
486. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to have an appointment system put in place for a public service card procedures in view of the inconvenience of the present limited number of places each day resulting in many disappointed clients and long waiting periods. [53565/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe SAFE registration process, which involves the authentication of a person's identity in a face-to-face interview, results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC), which can be used as proof of identity when accessing public services.Since the beginning of this year, over 229,000 SAFE registration and PSC renewal appointments have been carried out by my Department. Requests for SAFE registration appointments are dealt with at a local level across the Department's network of offices. In most parts of the country, offices are offering a walk-in service, with no appointment required, while in other areas appointments are available within a number of days. Urgent requests for an appointment are dealt with on a local basis, and any person who requires a PSC should contact their local INTREO Centre where an appointment will be made for them at the earliest opportunity.Work has commenced on the development of an online appointments service which will allow customers to book an appointment for a number of services provided by the Department, including a SAFE registration appointment.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
487. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to increase the rates for foster parents given that rates have not increased in ten years. [53427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, stipulate that the allowance payable to foster carers and relatives shall not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.
Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
In addition to the foster care allowance, foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan.
The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs.
Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issue of supports to foster carers. I recognise that foster carers, like many others, are experiencing cost of living pressures and both myself and Tusla want to respond to this in a positive and meaningful way.
Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid as soon as practicable. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12. It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers.
I will continue to work with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers. I will also pursue an increase in the current rate of the foster care allowance in future budgets.
488. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding increases, if any, have been made to the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra513. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding increases, if any, that have been made to the early childhood care and education scheme since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 513 together.
The ECCE programme is delivered over 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week and 38 weeks of the year. There is no charge to parents for the ECCE programme. ECCE capitation is paid to providers in respect of each eligible childr enrolled.
In 2010, when the ECCE Programme was first introduced, the standard capitation was €64.50, the higher capitation rate (for services with graduate room leaders) was €75 and the adult child ratio was 1:10. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €645 (with standard capitation) and €750 (with higher capitation) for every 10 children to one adult.
In 2012, as part of austerity measures, the standard capitation was reduced to €62.50 and the higher capitation rate was reduced to €73. To offset this, the adult child ratio increased from 1:10 to 1:11. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €687.50 (with standard capitation) and €803 (with higher capitation) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2016, ECCE capitation was restored to €64.50 (standard capitation) and €75 (higher capitation) though the increased ratio remained in place. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €709.50 (with standard capitation) and €825 (with higher capitation) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2017, a non-contact time payment – later known as Programme Support Payment (PSP) – was introduced. This provided additional funding to ECCE providers equivalent to 7 additional days at standard capitation rates (equivalent to an additional €26.14 per week per 11 children or €2.38 per week per child). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €735.64 (where standard capitation applied) and €851.14 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2018, ECCE capitation was increase by 7% to €69.00 (standard capitation) and €80.25 (higher capitation). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP (equivalent to 7 additional days at standard capitation rates equivalent to an additional €27.96 per week per 11 children or €2.54 per week per child) combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €786.96 (where standard capitation applied) and €910.71 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2021, the PSP was increased an equivalent of 8 additional days at standard capitation rates (equivalent to an additional €31.96 per week per 11 children or €2.91 per child per week). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP combined equated combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €790.96 (where standard capitation applied) and €914.71 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
Since September 2022, Core Funding is operating alongside the ECCE programme (at standard capitation rates) and incorporates funding traditionally provided under PSP and higher capitation. Funding for the ECCE Programme and Core Funding combined equates to a maximum weekly income to providers of €866.25 (where standard capitation applies) and €932.85 (where higher capitation would have traditionally applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
Overall, for every 11 children to one adult, this equates to an increase in the maximum income since the introduction of the ECCE programme of 34% (where standard capitation applies) and 24% (where higher capitation traditional applied)
|
Year |
Maximum hourly/weekly income per room with one member of staff and maximum number of children as per Regulations |
||
|
Room with staff member with Level 6 qualification |
Room with staff member with Level 7 or above qualification |
||
|
2010/11 |
€43.00 p.h. / €645.00 p.w. |
€50.00 p.h. / €750.00 p.w |
|
|
2011/12 |
€43.00 p.h. / €645.00 p.w. |
€50.00 p.h. / €750.00 p.w |
|
|
2012/13 |
€45.83 p.h. / €687.50 p.w |
€53.53 p.h. / €803.00 p.w |
|
|
2013/14 |
€45.83 p.h. / €687.50 p.w |
€53.53 p.h. / €803.00 p.w |
|
|
2014/15 |
€45.83 p.h. / €687.50 p.w |
€53.53 p.h. / €803.00 p.w |
|
|
2015/16 |
€45.83 p.h. / €687.50 p.w |
€53.53 p.h. / €803.00 p.w |
|
|
2016/17 |
€47.30 p.h. / €709.50 p.w |
€55.00 p.h. / €825.00 p.w |
|
|
2017/18 |
€47.30 p.h. / €735.64 p.w |
€55.00 p.h. / €851.14 p.w |
|
|
2018/19 |
€50.60 p.h. / €786.96 p.w |
€58.85 p.h. / €910.71 p.w |
|
|
2019/20* |
€50.60 p.h. / €786.96 p.w |
€58.85 p.h. / €910.71 p.w |
|
|
2020/21* |
€50.60 p.h. / €786.96 p.w |
€58.85 p.h. / €910.71 p.w |
|
|
2021/22* |
€52.73 p.h. / €790.96 p.w |
€60.98 p.h. / €914.71 p.w |
|
|
% change 2010/11 – 2021/22 |
22.6% |
22.0% |
|
|
2022/23 (since introduction of core funding) |
€57.75 p.h. / €866.25 p.w |
€62.19 p.h. / €932.85 p.w |
|
|
% change 2010/11 – 2022/23 |
34.3% |
24.4% |
This excludes funding under the Access and Inclusion Model attached to the ECCE programme.
Under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) a fully qualified Inclusion Coordinator (InCo) in an ECCE service, receives an increase in the rate of capitation payable to the service of €2 (pro-rata), per ECCE registered child, per week over 38 weeks. This allowance is paid according to the number of ECCE registered children attending the service in an ECCE room, with no upper limit on the number of children. For the programme call 2022/2023 to date (October 2022), there are 2,063 InCos spread across 3,907 ECCE registered services - that represents 53% of services who receive capitation for InCo.
Additional capitation is also paid to ECCE providers under AIM Level 7 to support inclusion of children by reducing the adult-child ratio within the ECCE room. In January 2021, the payments increased by 7% from €195 per week to €210 per week. A further increase of 7% in September 2022 increased AIM Level 7 capitation from €210 to €240. For the programme call year 2022/2023 to date (October 2022), there are 2,079 services who were paid additional assistance, with a number of these services receiving more than one additional capitation. This represents 53% of services registered in the ECCE programme.
This also excludes substantial Covid-19 supports of more than €1bn provided to the sector over the course of the pandemic (2020-2022), including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), which:
- at enhanced rates from October 2020- January 2022 covered 80% of staff costs /50% of staff costs at a monthly cost of €34m.
- at standard rates, from August-September 2020 and February 2022 covered 50% of staff costs/38% of operating costs cost €22m per month and EWSS at flat rates cost €11m per month over March and April 2022 covering 25% at a monthly cost of €22m
- at flat rates, from March and April 2022, covered 25% of staff costs/ 11% of operating costs at a monthly cost of €11 per month
In addition, the temporary Transition Fund - put in place to bridge the gap between the end of the EWSS and the introduction of core funding - operated from May-August 2022. Funding under the Transition Fund equated to a further increase of 7% in ECCE capitation for that time period.
489. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of profitability for sessional services funded via the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53923/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra515. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of profitability for sessional services funded via the early childhood care and education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 515 together.
On 15th September, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare as recommended by an Expert Group in their report ‘Partnership for the Public Good: A New Funding Model For Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare’. This new funding model supports the delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families as well as stability and sustainability for providers.
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.
For the programme year 2022/2023, services that deliver the ECCE programme will receive standard capitation in respect of registered children and will have the option to also avail of Core Funding.
ECCE provides funding on the basis of registered children at the rate of €69 per child per week. Services can have up to 11 children per one staff member in line with the statutory regulations for this type of provision.
Core Funding provides funding based on a service's capacity (opening hours, number of places and age group of children), and graduate premiums for lead educators and managers. Base rate allocations for capacity at the sessional pre-school rate offers €0.65 per child place per hour and the graduate lead educator premium allocation is €4.44 per hour. Core Funding is paid based on child places, whether or not those places are filled.
Core Funding operates in addition to and alongside ECCE, AIM, CCSP and NCS. It replaces the approach to paying for graduate lead educators through ECCE that operated under the previous funding model (higher capitation) and incorporates funding previously allocated to the discretionary Programme Support Payments (PSP) from September 2022. These developments allocate funding more fairly in respect of graduates and administration.
Services whose sessions did not have a graduate lead educator in 2021/22 will see capitation increase by at least 9.5% through the Core Funding base rate. This is before any potential Graduate Manager Premium is awarded to the service, which is worth an additional €2,530.80 per ECCE session. In addition, any provision offered outside of the 15 ECCE hours per week will further increase Core Funding income to the service.
A full comparison of income under the previous funding model (ECCE standard capitation plus PSP) and the new funding model (ECCE standard capitation plus Core Funding) is published online and outlined below in tabular form. The data provided below is stylised for typical service models and makes assumptions about service capacity in order to estimate income. It also includes income from ECCE and Core Funding for ECCE hours only and does not include income available to services through the Access and Inclusion Model or other income such as from parental fees for extra services.
|
- |
Standard Capitation services |
||
|
Number of children |
Previous hourly service income (ECCE plus PSP) |
Core Funding hourly service income |
Difference |
|
8 |
€38.35 |
€43.95 |
14.6% |
|
9 |
€43.14 |
€48.55 |
12.5% |
|
10 |
€47.94 |
€53.15 |
10.9% |
|
11 |
€52.73 |
€57.75 |
9.5% |
|
12 |
€57.52 |
€69.50 |
20.8% |
|
13 |
€62.32 |
€74.10 |
18.9% |
|
14 |
€67.11 |
€78.70 |
17.3% |
|
15 |
€71.91 |
€83.30 |
15.8% |
|
16 |
€76.70 |
€87.90 |
14.6% |
|
17 |
€81.49 |
€92.50 |
13.5% |
|
18 |
€86.29 |
€97.10 |
12.5% |
|
19 |
€91.08 |
€101.70 |
11.7% |
|
20 |
€95.87 |
€106.30 |
10.9% |
|
21 |
€100.67 |
€110.90 |
10.2% |
|
22 |
€105.46 |
€115.50 |
9.5% |
ECCE services with a graduate lead educator will almost all see increases in income, although it may be smaller proportionally given the significant level of funding available under the old funding model. A very small percentage of services will see no increase. These are larger ECCE-only services – with 20+ children in a session. In 2021/2022, ECCE sessional services with 22 children received income of €1,829.30 per week under ECCE higher capitation and PSP. This will be matched in Core Funding. I have issued a Funding Guarantee in order to ensure that no service will see a decrease in funding. Very few services will require this Funding Guarantee.
A comparison of income for services with a graduate lead educator under the previous funding model (ECCE higher capitation plus PSP) and the new funding model (ECCE standard capitation plus Core Funding) is published online and outlined below. The same assumptions about typical service models, capacity and income apply as in the data provided above. Also as above, the Graduate Manager Premium and any non-ECCE provision are not included and would be additional income to the service.
|
- |
Higher Capitation services |
||
|
Number of children |
Previous hourly service income (ECCE plus PSP) |
Core Funding hourly service income |
Difference |
|
8 |
€44.35 |
€48.39 |
9.1% |
|
9 |
€49.89 |
€52.99 |
6.2% |
|
10 |
€55.44 |
€57.59 |
3.9% |
|
11 |
€60.98 |
€62.19 |
2.0% |
|
12 |
€66.52 |
€73.94 |
11.1% |
|
13 |
€72.07 |
€78.54 |
9.0% |
|
14 |
€77.61 |
€83.14 |
7.1% |
|
15 |
€83.16 |
€87.74 |
5.5% |
|
16 |
€88.70 |
€92.34 |
4.1% |
|
17 |
€94.24 |
€96.94 |
2.9% |
|
18 |
€99.79 |
€101.54 |
1.8% |
|
19 |
€105.33 |
€106.14 |
0.8% |
|
20 |
€110.87 |
€110.74 |
-0.1% * |
|
21 |
€116.42 |
€115.34 |
-0.9% * |
|
22 |
€121.96 |
€119.94 |
-1.7% * |
* All services will have their current income matched if they are operating on the same basis as last year.
With regards to profitability, the 'Independent Review of the Cost of Providing Quality Childcare Services in Ireland', published in October 2020 and the 'Analysis of the Rate of Surplus for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Services in Ireland' , published in October 2021, provide relevant information and insight into sector level data.
The sectoral information on rate of surplus in ELC and SAC in Ireland suggests that, on the whole, there are not excessive profits in the sector.
There is no evidence that the new funding model will render pre-school services unsustainable. My Department has extensive data on providers’ existing and projected income and delivery costs through data from Revenue, surveys and demographic and macro-economic information and has extensively analysed the question of sustainability.
Data available prior to the additional investment of Core Funding in the sector showed that the median surplus (income in excess of cost) for sector as a whole of 4%. However, services with the characteristics correlated with ECCE-only provision had higher levels of surplus than other types of provision – ranging from 14% to 23% depending on the characteristic.
- Do not offer full day: 17% income in excess of cost
- Do not offer wrap-around care: 16% income in excess of cost
- Open exactly 38 weeks each year: 19% income in excess of cost
- Low total numbers of childcare hours: 23% income in excess of cost
- Single-site services: 14% income in excess of cost
- Those whose only income source is ECCE funding: 19% income in excess of cost
Separately Sole Traders, which constitute a large proportion of ECCE-only provision had an average income in excess of costs of 23%.
This evidence suggests that ECCE-only services had the highest levels of income in excess of costs compared to other types of provision.
The collection of information on income and costs is essential for the full understanding of this complex and diverse sector in order to inform the development of policy. As recommended by the Expert Group, there needs to be full visibility and understanding of financial information in the sector in order to better understand the impact and interaction of income, costs, surplus and profit in the sector.
I am pleased therefore that the recent data collection for the 2021/2022 Annual Sector Profile, including questions on income and costs, has been completed by 93% of services. This new and emerging data will allow the Department to rerun income and cost analysis and ascertain the latest available financial position to inform the next policy developments.
Budget 2023 allocates €1,025m to early learning and childcare – a clear demonstration from Government of the value of the sector. Further interrogation of the new Core Funding application and income and cost data is required in order to most effectively design developments in Year 2 of Core Funding.
For any services that are experiencing difficulty and who would like support can contact their City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) to access case management supports. Services can be assisted on an individual basis through this route and it also allows for trends and themes across the country to be identified that can inform a more systematic response if necessary. My officials are not receiving any indications from CCCs that there have been providers reporting financial difficulties and in need of support. This case management process through the CCCs is the route to access additional sustainability funding if required.
Together for Better aims to transform the sector and my Department and I are committed to working constructively, collaboratively and positively with Partner Services towards a goal of delivering early learning and childcare for the public good.
490. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the circumstance of the closure of a school (details supplied) in Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53924/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the circumstances of the closure of a montessori (details supplied) in Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53415/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 516 together.
The Government is investing significantly in the early learning and childcare sector and there is an ambitious new funding model being introduced to improve stability and sustainability for providers. There are supports, financial and otherwise, available to services who need them. Services are independent operators and may close for a number of reasons. Services that wish to deliver early learning and childcare for the public good will be supported to remain open to do so.
On 15th September, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. This new funding model supports the delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families as well as stability and sustainability for providers. 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.
While I note that the service in question has been cited in media reports, I will refrain from disclosing the financial and operational detail of any individual service in this reply. It is however in the public interest that the new funding model is understood and that there is not misleading or inaccurate information circulating and so the information provided in the course of this reply broadly covers issues of relevance.
ECCE-only services across the country form an integral part of the early learning and childcare system. Their exact operations can vary but typically, they open to children for 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year. The funding model for sessional services is now primarily a combination of the ECCE capitation they receive per child registered with them, (potentially including a top up AIM capitation if there is a staff member with the necessary qualification undertaking an inclusion role, plus additional AIM funding to employ additional staff or reduce adult child ratios if required to support the inclusion of all children), and the Core Funding grant services receive based on the capacity of their service and the qualifications levels of staff, as well as any optional extras they may charge parents.
A significant feature to be aware of is that ECCE subsidies are paid based on the number of children registered in the service. This means that a service’s income could reduce considerably if they do not maintain the number of children attending their service. Core Funding operates alongside ECCE (and NCS) and by contrast to the other funding streams, provides payment in respect of the number of child places rather than based on child registrations or attendance. This intentional and deliberate differentiation of approach in the new funding model means the the Core Funding element of a service's income is a more stable income source that will not fluctuate year on year. This idea of funding capacity is a key new approach in Core Funding, which many providers advocated for through stakeholder consultation during the design of Core Funding. This mixture of supply-side and demand-led public funding provides a welcome balance to the funding model, and assists services who may be experiencing lower than anticipated child registrations for a number of reasons.
Under Core Funding, the overwhelming majority of services will see an increase in their funding, most will see very substantial increases, and no services will see a decrease in funding if their circumstances remain the same. ECCE services without a graduate lead educator will see capitation increase by at least 9.5% through Core Funding. ECCE services with a graduate lead educator will almost all see increases in income, although it may be smaller proportionally given the significant level of funding available under the old funding model. A very small number of services, less than 100 of the over 4,000 signed-up, will see no increase with their income matched to 2021/2022. For this small number of services who do not experience an increase, a Funding Guarantee will apply. This will top-up Core Funding payments to match the difference in ECCE higher capitation and PSP from last year, provided they offer the same amount of graduate led provision as last year. These are larger ECCE-only services – with 20+ children in a session.
Core Funding is distributed in a fair, reasonable and transparent manner that is related to services’ costs of delivery, contributing to both staff costs and non-staff overheads. Consequently, services opening longer hours or offering more places will receive a higher value of Core Funding than other services as they have higher delivery costs. This is connected to the staffing requirements of ELC and SAC as set out in Regulations.
The staffing requirements for ECCE sessions are an adult child ratio of 1:11. The value of Core Funding is weighted in favour of sessional services for 2.5-6 year-olds. ECCE services receive proportionately more than other types of services relative to the staffing requirements of sessional pre-school provision.
Through a combination of Core Funding and ECCE capitation, sessional services can now avail of weekly funding of at least €78.75 per child in ECCE (€69 ECCE capitation plus €9.75 per week in Core Funding base rate). Where a service has less than full occupancy, the funding on a per child basis is even higher.
Core Funding is particularly beneficial to services who have seen significant reductions in child registrations by bolstering their income but it is important to note that Core Funding is intended to be a contribution to a service's income, alongside income from other funding schemes or parental income.
The logic underpinning the funding approach through ECCE and Core Funding is based on the staffing levels required by regulation. Services may choose to operate with staffing levels above the adult child ratio requirements, but it would not be appropriate for additional public funding is provided in these circumstances, save for circumstances of evidenced need as in AIM as this would risk overstaffing and the investment of substantial public money for unfilled places.
Together for Better is about getting the most out of the three early learning and childcare programmes, and ensuring stability and sustainability in the sector. I have been unequivocal that I do not want any services to be faced with financial sustainability issues and I am fully committed to working with any such service to support them in delivering early learning and childcare for the public good.
We are not seeing evidence of a significant lack of sustainability for ECCE-only services or to suggest that services will face closure as a result of Core Funding. Services that are experiencing difficulty and who would like support are encouraged to contact their City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) to access case management supports. Services can be assisted on an individual basis through this route and it also allows for trends and themes across the country to be identified that can inform a more systematic response if necessary.
We are not receiving any indications from CCC that there have been providers reporting financial difficulties and in need of support. This case management process through the CCC is the route to access additional sustainability funding if required.
Data from Tusla on numbers of closures in recent months show that the number of closures this year is broadly in line with other years, and reasons for closure (given to Tusla by providers that have closed) suggests considerable diversity in the reasons for closure. While some services have closed for financial or regulatory reasons, many have closed for other reasons (e.g. retirement of the owner/manager).
As indicated above, I will refrain from commenting publicly on the particulars of this case but I can confirm that Galway CCC has reached out to the service in question to offer support and guidance. For any service that does experience financial difficulties, financial and other supports are available, including a Sustainability Fund. This new strand of the Sustainability Fund, linked to Core Funding, is designed to provide an extra safety net for providers. This will be open to both private and community providers.
To date, with the Core Funding scheme in operation for less than 6 weeks, 93% or well over 4,000 providers have signed up for Core Funding. Already there is very significant evidence of success:
- Core Funding has delivered improved pay and conditions for staff, through enabling Employment Regulation Orders to be agreed by employer and employee representatives in a landmark pay deal for the sector.
- Core Funding has increased affordability for parents with a fee freeze in place and guaranteeing access to NCS subsidies, particularly the extension to the age eligibility for the universal subsidy which became available in August, the value of which will increase substantially from January 2023
- Core Funding offers greater stability and sustainability for providers by substantially increasing the overall investment in the sector, particularly through a supply-side funding approach and in providing funding for spaces rather than participating children.
Due to the level of support provided for the past through years through Covid-19 funding - estimated to be in excess of €1 billion - as well as the recent Transition Fund, many early learning and childcare services are in a strong financial position. Available funding included the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme, Covid-19 capital grants, Reopening Support Payments, Ventilation grants, and Playing Outside Grants, in addition to the very substantial funding through the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme which covered the large majority of the wage bill for most services.
The overwhelming majority of services will benefit substantially from higher funding under Core Funding, supporting their sustainability. The Department, Pobal and the CCC continue to closely monitor trends concerning services entering case management and will continue to maintain the availability of Sustainability Funding for individual services at risk.
Budget 2023 allocates €1.025 billion to early learning and childcare – a clear demonstration from Government of the value of the sector. Together for Better aims to transform the sector and I am committed to working with Partner Services delivering early learning and childcare for the public good.
491. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are available to services, either private or community, to support them with financial sustainability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53925/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra514. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way in which many early learning and care services have engaged with county childcare committees in relation to financial sustainability in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53413/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra517. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are available to services, either private or community, to support them with financial sustainability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53416/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 491, 514 and 517 together.
Services which have financial or other sustainability concerns can avail of supports through the case management process. My Department oversees this process, through which local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to ELC and SAC services experiencing difficulties.
CCCs administer on-the-ground case management assistance, co-ordinated by Pobal. This can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
Services can contact their local CCC in the first instance to obtain support in whatever form is appropriate for them. CCCs may also proactively reach out to services in response to becoming aware of an issue.
The medium of engagement will vary on a case by case basis depending on the needs of a service but can entail phone calls, email support or on site visits. I would therefore urge any ELC or SAC service in difficulty to contact their local CCC to access support.
In some instances, financial supports may be appropriate, in tandem with the case management process. Prior to 2020, these financial supports were only available for community (not-for-profit) services presenting with sustainability issues following a financial assessment by Pobal. However, an additional strand of sustainability funding was established to provide support to services requiring it due to the impact of Covid-19 which was open to both private (for-profit) and community (not-for-profit) services.
As a new development to the suite of supports available, a further stand of sustainability funding is being made available to Core Funding partner services, both community and private, who are experiencing financial difficulty. This is part of the partnership relationship with the sector that has been established under the new funding model, Together for Better . As with previous strands of the Sustainability Fund, it will focus on operational as well as financial supports to assist services to manage their immediate difficulties and transition to sustainability. Sustainability funding will provide for a further safety net for partner services who do experience financial difficulty and to assist them for a period of time to allow them to become more sustainable. Given the very substantial additional resourcing that Core Funding is providing to the sector, we do not expect to see much demand for this funding, except for a small number of outlier cases.
Core Funding has now been in operation for six week and the CCCs are not picking up evidence of any sustainability difficulties for any service type or any indications to suggest that services will face closure as a result of Core Funding.
This continues the trend of the last two years or more with very limited call on the strands of sustainability funding, largely due to the very significant investment in the sector through Covid-19 funding arrangements.
Services that are experiencing difficulty and who would like support are encouraged to contact their CCC to access case management supports. Services can be assisted on an individual basis through this route and it also allows for trends and themes across the country to be identified that can inform a more systematic response if necessary. This case management process through the CCCs is the route to access additional sustainability funding if required.
492. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider providing a temporary structure for communal purposes for the 300 Ukrainian residents who are currently housed in Hookless village, Fethard-on-Sea (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52756/22]
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 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 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 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 priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
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.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department is currently considering a proposal in respect of the matter raised, and hopes to revert shortly with a view to providing support for the residents within the scope of my Department’s remit taking into account the challenges which proposals may entail.
I trust this information is of assistance.
493. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons working in his Department’s press office, communications team and social media team in tabular form. [52775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's Communications Unit/Press Office has 11 members in total, with staff responsible for communications and press office duties including social media management.
|
Unit |
Staff |
|
Communications unit/Press Office |
11 |
494. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding that is available for a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 Family Resource Centres across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme and since 2018 has provided an additional €4.5m bringing Tusla's core budget to €18.0m for Family Resource Centres. Tusla had also provided supports to Family Resource Centres and other funded Community and Voluntary partners to assist with pressures arising from COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Tusla received €0.650m funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund; which was distributed through the Family Resource Centre programme. In addition, during in 2021, this Department provided €6.2m (a once off 5% increase in funding to organisations engaged as 'service providers' under section 56 of the Children and Family Act, 2013). In 2022, additional funding of €6.0m is allocated to enable Tusla increase supports to the wider Community and Voluntary sector.The commissioning of FRCs is an operational matter for Tusla. Tusla’s Area Managers engage in the commissioning process and participate in meetings and discussions with community and voluntary agencies. Tusla aims to utilise the total resources available in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. Local Tusla Area Managers and the Tusla Commissioning Team can be contacted in relation to FRCs' planned service delivery and potential to develop services.Organisations that wish to join the Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance, with regard to the potential next steps. I understand that currently, there are no plans to expand the FRC Programme or to establish new funding schemes for the Programme in the immediate future, however it would be prudent to make contact with the relevant Tusla Area Manager to further discuss any proposed or sought developments.
495. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on efforts to develop an Irish language policy for the pre-school education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52832/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is much value in supporting the provision of services in the Irish language to children at an early age. Early learning and childcare services play an important role here, in particular in promoting Irish as a living language.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Education to implement a comprehensive set of actions that were agreed as part of the 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022. These actions are designed to affirm the importance that early learning and childcare settings have in encouraging the development and revitalisation of the Irish language. The aim of these actions is to build on the existing measures, supports and partnerships in place in the area of Irish-medium early learning and childcare, and to further improve these supports and services.
In line with the commitments in the 5-Year Action Plan, my Department earlier this year appointed an Irish Medium Support Coordinator who has responsibility for coordinating the work to support the development and use of the Irish language in Irish-medium early learning and childcare settings. This coordinator will guide the appointment of another Irish-medium specialist post in the coming months.
My Department is also leading work, in collaboration with other Departments and agencies, on a mapping of existing Irish-medium provision of early learning and childcare services. This mapping will inform the development of a comprehensive plan for the sector, in line with the commitment in the 5-Year Action Plan.
496. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the long-term plans for a premises (details supplied) that is owned by the Housing Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the 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.
The new approach will end congregated and institutional living and will focus on supporting integration from day one. Applicants will have either own-door or own-room accommodation depending on their family status.
Since the publication of the White Paper, my Department has placed a significant focus on delivering the new model of accommodation and supports. A particular focus was placed on establishing the accommodation model, including the acquisition of properties. Since January of this year, the Housing Agency on behalf of DCEDIY has sourced and purchased a range of properties across the country. This includes Augusta Lodge in Westport. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, this property is currently being used to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP). The property and residents are being fully supported by an NGO.
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 Augusta Lodge in Westport, will form part of this programme to deliver a range of accommodation for vulnerable International Protection applicants. This programme will be rolled out in 2023.
497. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacant properties that are owned by his Department; the estimated economic value of the vacant properties; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from a number of building locations including:
1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3).
2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).
3. Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A, which is a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre.
The above properties are not owned by my Department and are not vacant.
As the Deputy will be aware the 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.
Since the publication of the White Paper, a focus has been placed on developing the new accommodation model. This work has involved working very closely with the Housing Agency in the development of detailed policy advice papers including an acquisition policy and an ownership model, and since January the purchase of a range of properties across the country.
Twenty nine properties have been purchased to date at a cost of €5.9m. All the properties purchased require an element of upgrading to make them habitable and work is currently ongoing with the Housing Agency to develop an Approved Housing Body (AHB) funding scheme, which will put a framework in place for the upgrading, management and ongoing maintenance of the properties.
It is not possible at this stage of the process to release any further information on the properties and their location while the AHB funding scheme is being developed.
498. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of properties that are being leased by his Department that are currently vacant; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52862/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from a number of building locations including:
1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3).
2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).
3. Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A, which is a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre.
My Department does not lease any properties that are currently vacant.
499. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a situation in a centre for Ukrainian refugees in Cork (details supplied), in which parents and their children have reported being very cold and requests to turn on the heating have been met with threats of eviction and foul language; the policy regarding heating in publicly-funded centres as winter approaches; if he will take steps to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra504. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will investigate allegations of unacceptable behaviour by management of a hostel for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will outline the person or body that is responsible for and the way oversight of these centres is being carried out and maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53011/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 504 together.
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 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 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, the 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.
I can advise the Deputy in respect of the accommodation mentioned that my officials have been informed by the relevant Local Authority that it is aware of complaints that have been raised in relation to this property and that they have been liaising with the residents, property owners and the management company on an ongoing basis to ensure issues raised are being addressed.
I am further informed that a heating fault arose on one evening at which time on-site management called a plumbing company to rectify the issue.
My Department and the Local Authorities with whom we liaise are acutely aware of the difficulties facing all Ukrainians and continue to provide them with supports available to assist them through this emergency. Local Community Response forums work closely with Local Authorities to ensure all issues which arise are addressed in a prompt and effective manner.
The Deputy raised the question of policy around heating. My Department regards the provision of adequate heating in any accommodation centre as essential.
I trust this information is of assistance.
500. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the specific allocation to his Department in Budget 2023 for the implementation of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015; the total amount estimated for the full roll-out of the Act and the functions of its agencies, including the decision support service, HSE and so on in 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 (the Amendment Bill) is an important piece of legislation that will provide for the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
The commencement of the Act will change the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
The Act will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.
The Act is chiefly the responsibility of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, following the transfer of Equality functions from the Department of Justice. Part 8 of the Act, relating to Advance Healthcare Directives, remains the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
The Decision Support Service (DSS), which is the organisation that will operate the progressive provisions of the 2015 Act, will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. A budget of €7.3 million has been allocated to the DSS in 2022. This represents an increase of €1.5 million compared to 2021 and a doubling of financial resources since the transfer of functions to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in 2020. The 2023 allocation for the Decision Support Service is €8.3 million.
In terms of DSS funding beyond 2023, including for 2024, 2025 and 2026 it is difficult to estimate funding as the DSS has yet to become operational. Ongoing funding requirements will become clearer following a period of operation and will determined in the usual annual estimates process.
While my Department has budgetary responsibility for the DSS, the funding of other agencies involved in the full roll-out of the Act falls under the remit of my Ministerial colleagues. For example, the budget of the Courts Service falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice, while funding of the HSE is the responsibility of the Minister for Health. As such, the funding allocations in respect of those and other agencies will be determined by the appropriate Department, having due regard for the provisions of Assisted Decision-Making legislation.
501. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the specific allocation to his Department in Budget 2023 for the implementation of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015; the total amount estimated for the full roll-out of the Act and the functions of its agencies in 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 (the Amendment Bill) is an important piece of legislation that will provide for the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
The commencement of the Act will change the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
The Act will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.
Amendments are required before the Act can be commenced, and these are being progressed via the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022, which completed Report Stage in the Seanad on October 6 and has previously cleared all Dáil stages.
The Act is chiefly the responsibility of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, following the transfer of Equality functions from the Department of Justice. Part 8 of the Act, relating to Advance Healthcare Directives, remains the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
The Decision Support Service (DSS), which is the organisation that will operate the progressive provisions of the 2015 Act, will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. The DSS will become fully operational once the Amendment Bill has been enacted and the original 2015 Act, as amended, is commenced. I am committed to commencement of the 2015 Act as soon as possible.
A budget of €7.3 million has been allocated to the DSS in 2022. This represents an increase of €1.5 million compared to 2021 and a doubling of financial resources since the transfer of functions to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in 2020.
The Budget 2023 allocation for the Decision Support Service is €8.3 million, further increased to account for additional costs related to what will be the first year of full operationalsiation for the Service. Budgets for subsequent years will be determined via the normal yearly estimates process.
While the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has budgetary responsibility for the DSS, the funding of other agencies involved in the full roll-out of the Act falls under the remit of my Ministerial colleagues and their Departments.
502. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the provision of communal space for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52970/22]
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 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 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 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 priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
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.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department is currently considering a proposal in respect of the matter raised, and hopes to revert shortly with a view to providing support for the residents within the scope of my Department’s remit taking into account the challenges which proposals may entail.
I trust this information is of assistance.
503. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase the age of a child for whom a parent wants to take parental leave to above 12 years. [52998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been significant advances in the provision of family leaves in recent years. Parental leave is one of a range of measures supporting parents to reconcile family and working life.
Under the Parental Leave Act 1998 (as amended), an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to 26 weeks unpaid parental leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’.
In addition to unpaid leave, the suite of paid leaves has also been expanded in recent years. The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended), provides working parents with an entitlement to seven weeks of paid parent’s 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. In line with the EU Work Life Balance Directive 2019/1158, the leave is non-transferable between parents to ensure that both parents are encouraged and supported in taking time out from work to bond with their child. This is further supported through the provision of Parent’s Benefit.
On 21 April, the Government gave its approval for the drafting of a Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, which passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 13 October and will now continue its passage through the Houses. The main purpose of the proposed legislation is to transpose elements of the EU Work Life Balance Directive and provide new rights to parents and carers in order to support a better work life balance.
Under the proposed legislation, parents and carers will see a right to request flexible working in line with Article 9 of the Directive and the introduction of five days leave per year for medical care purposes in line with Article 6. The Bill will also extend the current entitlement to breastfeeding/lactation breaks under the Maternity Protection Acts from six months to two years. The proposals will complement family leave and other entitlements already in place and provide additional flexibility to ensure that parents and carers can be supported to balance their working and family lives.
Provisions relating to family leave entitlements are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families. Mindful of the recent significant increase in family leave entitlements, the Government has no plans to make any further amendments to parental leave entitlements.
505. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is anything in the terms of the core funding agreement that precludes creche and Montessori schools from applying locally-agreed discounts, including sibling discounts. [53027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordable, accessible, high-quality and sustainable early learning and childcare is a key priority for Government. On 15th September, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. This new funding model will support delivery of ELC and SAC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families.
Together for Better brings together three major elements, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model, the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding.
Core Funding is the new funding stream worth €266 million in 2023 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.
In June 2022, the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement was published and details the terms and conditions of the Core Funding scheme. Accompanying information and FAQs have been published and widely circulated also. The Funding Agreement is publicly available here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/
A central condition of Core Funding is that providers agree not to increase fees above those which were charged last year. This gives parents greater certainty about what they will be charged and ensures that increases to NCS subsidies are not absorbed by fee increases. The approach to fee management will be developed further over time.
As a condition of receiving Core Funding, a Partner Service agrees not to increase the fee for any Service Type which was extant on September 30th 2021 or introduce an extra charge for any component of that Service Type. The fees policy for each service is outlined in the Parent Statement, a copy of which must be shared with parents within a 4 weeks of Core Funding beginning or the parent joining the service, whichever is the later.
An increased charge of any kind for an existing and unchanged Service Type will be in breach of Core Funding rules. This also includes circumstances by which a change of fee policy would result in an increase charge to parents, for example, a service that offered a multiple child deduction cannot remove it.
The Funding Agreement states clearly that failure to comply with the terms of the Agreement may result in a service’s exclusion from the Grant, suspension of the Grant, and/or a termination of the Agreement, including remedy of breaches or refund of any excess charges to families.
I would encourage parents to check if their service is one of the 91% operating the scheme and, if so, to request that the service’s Parent Statement be shared. Parents can also contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for support and guidance in relation to the specifics of individual cases.
- The Partner Service list is available here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/together-for-better/
- Contact information for City/County Childcare Committee is available here: myccc.ie/
