Written Answers Nos. 77-99
77. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects paid domestic violence leave to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its formation, this Government has made it clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a key priority.
Government approved the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 to provide for a form of domestic violence leave and these were introduced to the Bill at Committee Stage in the Dáil on 8 November 2022.
The Bill will also introduce a new right to domestic violence leave. If passed, Ireland will become one of the first countries in Europe to introduce a right to paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
The leave is intended to prevent a victim of domestic violence from losing employment – putting them at risk of falling into poverty - and will allow a victim to find alternative accommodation; seek help from An Garda Síochána or the Courts Service; or, to obtain help from support organisations. The leave can be taken immediately and flexibly, with no requirement for proof to be produced by the person availing of the leave.
Once they meet their statutory obligations, employers are free to provide a more extensive entitlement to their employees.
In line with the other key recommendation of the Domestic Violence Leave Report, the Department will also be commissioning templates and other supports for individual employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies intended to foster a culture of openness and support for employees who may be experiencing domestic violence. The tender process for this important work is ongoing with applications due by 30 November.
Within the legislation, we will include a requirement to review its effectiveness after two years, in order to ensure that it is providing the best support possible to anyone experiencing domestic violence.
78. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if support can be provided to a family resource centre (details supplied) in Killeshandra. [56881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy for your question, this is an area of interest for me, I have met with many representatives of Family Resource Centres across the country. The work they do is vital to so many families, vulnerable people and in many instances new arrivals to the country. Budget 2023 was a challenging budget with many competing priorities.
You may be aware Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme which provides funding support to 121 Family Resource Centres across the country. Tusla's financial support is provided by way of a contribution towards the running costs of the centres. Tusla does not provide capital funding to the Family Resource Centre programme.
The commissioning of Family Resource Centres is an operational matter for Tusla. Their area managers engage in the commissioning process and participate in meetings and discussions with community and voluntary agencies. Family Resource Centre funding is agreed annually through Service Level Agreements with Tusla’s commissioning team. Tusla continue to work hard in developing an effective, supportive, and efficient relationship with all Family Resource Centres.
Tusla annual funding to Family Resource Centres rose to €18m in 2019 to support the 121 Family Resource Centres. In 2020 and 2021, Tusla provided additional supports to FRCs and other funded community and voluntary partners to assist with pressures arising from Covid-19. In Budget 2022, additional funding of €6.0 million was allocated to enable Tusla increase supports to the wider community and voluntary sector and increase its supports to Family Resource Centres.
An additional €0.65 million was allocated to Family Resource Centres in 2021 from the Dormant Accounts programme. A further €1.0 million in Dormant Accounts funding is being provided to Family Resource Centres during 2022 similar additional funding at a similar scale will be provided in 2023 from my own Department.
Other Government bodies and State agencies also provide substantial funding to Family Resource Centres to deliver services on their behalf. Reports indicate in many instances that approximately half of total Family Resource Centre funding is provided from non-Tusla sources such as Local Authorities, Educational Training Boards, (ETBs), the HSE, Pobal and the Department of Social Protection.
Tusla continues to work with community-based family support organisations to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities.
79. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage amount that investment in early years has increased by in each of the past eight years; the total percentage increase in that period; his plans for future investment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been an unprecedented increase in State investment in early learning and childcare since 2015, albeit from a low base.
Over the period 2015-2018, investment increased by 84 per cent – rising from €265 million per annum to €485 million per annum. This increased investment provided for a doubling of State-funded pre-school under the ECCE Programme – from one year to two – as well the introduction and roll out of the Access and Inclusion Model among other initiatives.
First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies Young Children and their Families was published in 2018 with an ambitious investment target of at least doubling expenditure in the sector by 2028 to approximately €1 billion.
A new funding model was identified as the key vehicle to ensure that such significant additional investment delivers for children, families and the State.
Further to Budget 2023, that investment target will be reached next year, five years ahead of schedule.
This significant investment in 2023 will be largely delivered through Together for Better, the new funding model launched in September this year - with €266 million allocated to the new Core Funding Scheme, €358 million allocated to the National Childcare Scheme, and €308 million allocated for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).
With investment in the sector to be €1.025m in 2023 –the total percentage increase over the period 2015-2023 will be 388%.
Exceeding the investment target of €1 billion five years ahead of schedule is a clear demonstration of the value Government places on early learning and childcare, given the benefits it confers to children and their families, society and the economy.
I recognise that however that, despite this progress, investment in Ireland remains low be international standards and I am committed to securing further increases in future Budgets. A revised investment target will be considered in the context of the second implementation plan for First 5, to be finalised in 2023.
The table below sets out the early learning and childcare yearly allocation for the past eight years:
|
ELC allocation (€m) |
Yearly increase |
Increase since 2014 |
|
|
2014 |
264 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2015 |
265 |
0.4% |
0.4% |
|
2016 |
344 |
30% |
30% |
|
2017 |
466 |
35% |
77% |
|
2018 |
485 |
4% |
84% |
|
2019 |
574 |
18% |
117% |
|
2020 |
638 |
11% |
142% |
|
2021 |
638 |
0% |
142% |
|
2022 |
716 |
12% |
171% |
|
2023 |
1,025 |
43% |
388% |
80. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that the proposed national centre for research and remembrance in respect of survivors of institutional abuses during the twentieth century will function; the form that it will take; if it will have a board; when he expects the centre to be formed; the site that will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56880/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29 March last, the Government approved high-level proposals for a National Centre for Research and Remembrance to be located on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin 1.
The Centre will stand as a site of conscience, and will be a national memorial to honour equally all those who were resident in Mother and Baby Homes, Industrial Schools, Reformatories, Magdalen Laundries and related institutions. It will comprise the following:
- a museum and exhibition space, the development of which will be led by the National Museum of Ireland;
- a research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives; and
- a place for reflection and remembrance.
As part of the development of the site, social housing units, local community facilities and educational facilities will also be constructed. The inclusion of these facilities will make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of Dublin’s north-east inner city.
While physically situated in Dublin, the Centre will be accessible for all survivors, whether in other parts of Ireland or abroad. It will provide digital access to records and exhibits, as well as developing physical presences elsewhere, including in conjunction with some local museums, to enable survivors to visit more easily. In this way, the Centre will be a national institution, which achieves a global and national reach, as well as having strong connections to, and benefits for, the local community.
The creation of the Centre is a major, multi-annual project. In April 2022, a Steering Group, comprising the key State stakeholders involved in the development of the Centre, was established. The Group is chaired by Martin Fraser, former Secretary General to the Government and current Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom.
The Group is responsible for developing the overall vision of the Centre and providing strategic oversight for the design, development, coordination and implementation of the composite elements. Timelines for the development of the Centre and the future operational and governance structures are currently being developed under the leadership of the Steering Group. Detailed proposals on these matters will then be brought to Government for approval.
In July of this year, Dublin City Council voted to transfer ownership of the site to the Office of Public Works. It is anticipated that necessary maintenance and remedial works will take place on the site before the end of the year in order to address urgent structural issues and to facilitate building surveys.
81. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his response to the report by an organisation (details supplied) concerning urgent action to address accommodation crisis for persons seeking protection in Ireland. [56955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Refugee Council Report titled "Accommodation Crisis 2022: Response and Recommendations" published in October 2022, that states that the Irish protection system is in crisis, that there has been a serious and unprecedented breakdown in Ireland's reception system and that a whole-of-Government response is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 85 together.
I am aware of the report mentioned by the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware, the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is of the highest priority to my officials and myself. To that end, I have directly engaged with the Irish Refugee Council and other involved NGOs.
At present, the Department is providing accommodation to over 63,000 people, made up of circa 46,000 displaced Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and almost 17,000 International Protection applicants. At this point in 2021, the figure was 7,250. This unprecedented increase has resulted in a significant shortage of accommodation options that would ordinarily be available. My Department is presently utilising a wide range of accommodation options to provide shelter to record numbers of international protection applicants arriving in Ireland. The makeup of this accommodation will remain under review.
All residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. IPAS remains available to deal with any complaints. There are several routes available to residents to raise matters of concern - through a centre manager, the IPAS Customer Service Team and a dedicated confidential service helpline, run by an NGO. In addition, all International Protection applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children.
I am grateful for all offers of accommodation which are made. However, the availability of accommodation to house International Protection applicants remains a very significant challenge. My Department remains actively engaged in the sourcing of emergency accommodation to ensure we can continue to meet our international obligations to those seeking refuge in Ireland.
82. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to reports that new mothers who are in employment lack suitable times and spaces to breastfeed or express breast milk in their workplaces; the measures that he proposes to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20 September, the Government gave its approval for the publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022. The primary purpose of the Bill is to provide for transposition of elements of the EU Work Life Balance Directive and to extend the current entitlement to breastfeeding/lactation breaks under the Maternity Protection Acts from six months to two years. The Bill passed Committee Stage in the Dáil on Tuesday 8 November.
The extension of the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks to two years is an important support for mothers returning to the workforce after the birth of their child, and will facilitate the combination of breastfeeding and working in line with the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding, in combination with suitably nutritious and safe complementary foods, until children are two years old.
Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provides women in employment who are breastfeeding are entitled to take time off work each day in order to breastfeed. The provision applies to all women in employment who have given birth within the previous 6 months (26 weeks). Employers are not obliged to provide facilities in the workplace to facilitate breastfeeding if the provision of such facilities would give rise to considerable costs.
At the choice of the employer, women may:
- Breastfeed in the workplace or express breast milk, where facilities are provided in the workplace by the employer.
- Have their working hours reduced (without loss of pay) to facilitate breastfeeding where facilities are not made available.
Women who are in employment and are breastfeeding are entitled to take 1 hour (with pay) off work each day as a breastfeeding break for up to 26 weeks after birth. This time may be taken as:
- One 60 minute break
- Two 30 minute breaks
- Three 20 minute breaks
The proposal to extend this entitlement to women who have given birth within the previous two years is in line with commitments in FIRST 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families and the National Strategy for Women and Girls. Officials in my Department undertook targeted consultations with employer representative groups and social partners in relation to this proposed extension.
The Minister for Health holds the policy on the broader promotion of breastfeeding from a public health perspective.
84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to recent media reports that Government plans to end direct provision by 2024 are to be watered down and that persons in direct provision may be charged rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 13 October 2022, if he will provide an update on the review of projected timelines for the implementation of a White Paper to end direct provision and to establish a new international protection support service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 93 together.
Since publishing A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service in February 2021 my Department has placed a significant focus on delivering these reforms. Progress made includes:
- The recruitment of a team dedicated to driving the implementation of the new programme;
- The establishment of governance structures to oversee transition to the new model in the form of a Programme Board and an External Advisory Committee;
- The development of the community accommodation model including the acquisition of some properties;
- The development of an integration programme to support the principle of ‘integration from day one’ as set out in the White Paper;
- The advancement of our Communication Strategy to include a dedicated webpage where all members of the public can find updates on the progress being made;
- The initiation of a planning process for Phase One Reception and Integration Centres.
- The roll out of an integration fund, offering grants to civil society organisations for projects supporting the integration of International Protection Applicants. I am very pleased to say that over €1.6m in funding has been awarded to 67 organisations through this new International Protection Integration Fund.
As will be appreciated, the war in Ukraine has had an unavoidable impact on timelines for the implementation of the White Paper. Alongside this, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people seeking International Protection with over 12,000 arrivals up to the end of October and a prediction of over 14,000 by the end of the year. As of 9 November, my Department is accommodating over 62,500 people overall, compared with 7,500 at this time last year.
In this vastly changed context, an overall review of the projected timelines and deliverables in the White Paper is currently underway. This is a complex exercise that will take account of both the delays that have arisen as a consequence of the war in Ukraine and the impact of the substantial increase in numbers seeking International Protection.
The review is reassessing the projections underpinning the White Pa]per with respect to numbers of arrivals and how this impacts on key deliverables. The review will also consider whether it is preferable to prioritise the implementation of certain aspects of the White Paper reforms over others. The objective of such an approach is to advance key reforms that are achievable in the current altered context while implementing the key principles of the White Paper.
The review will also focus on identifying new approaches that will help the system to manage with the uncertainty of a demand led system while addressing future needs.
An initial paper with some options and recommendations has been brought to the White Paper Programme Board for their input and feedback. Once the overall review is completed, a new set of proposals will be drafted and submitted to Government for approval. It is not the case that the proposals of the White Paper will be watered down but rather that they will be modified to respond to the need to accommodate much larger numbers of International Protection applicants than were envisaged in the assumptions underpinning the White Paper which were based on arrival patterns for the previous 20 years.
In relation to the question on whether persons in Direct Provision will be charged rent, no decision has been taken by the Government on this issue.
86. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current status with respect to the national strategy for women and girls, the migrant integration strategy and the national Traveller and Roma inclusion strategy; if he has extended the lifetime of any of these strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56525/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes specific commitments that the Government will develop and implement a new Migrant Integration Strategy and a new National Strategy for Women and Girls, in addition to reviewing the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy and ensuring that the successor strategy has a stronger outcomes focused approach.
While initially due to conclude in 2020, and 2021 in the case of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, these strategies were extended in recognition of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their implementation.
My Department has commissioned a study to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies, the National Strategy for Women and Girls as well as the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The study is expected to be published in early 2023, with work to build the new Strategies taking place thereafter. I will make this study available once it has been completed.
Consultations in regard to the successor strategies to the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Strategy for Women and Girls will then commence. Consultations with the Strategy Committee have commenced in 2022 in respect of the successor to the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. In the interim, the principles and priorities of the Migrant Integration Strategy, the National Strategy for Women and Girls and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) will continue to guide my Department's work to advance equality in these areas.
Meetings continue of the relevant Strategy Committees. The NTRIS Strategy Committee met most recently on 14 November to review progress on the Strategy and to discuss actions in relation to Traveller employment.
87. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on his Department's plans for an agency which will drive forward the development of the childcare sector. [56603/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29th March this year, Government accepted the findings of the independent Review of the Early Learning and Childcare Operating Model that a dedicated State agency is the optimal operating model for the sector for the years ahead. This aligns with the commitment in the Programme for Government to establish an agency to assist in the expansion of high-quality early learning and childcare, spearheading leadership, best practice and innovation, and professional development in community and private settings.
A dedicated State agency will assist in the development of a more streamlined structure to better support the delivery of ELC and SAC, and will facilitate my Department in implementing and progressing the significant reform agenda envisaged under First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.
Significant progress has been made in advancing this ambitious and transformative reform programme. My Department has commenced a comprehensive phase of analysis, planning, consultation, and engagement with sectoral stakeholders, to determine how the recommendation arising from the Review can best be implemented.
This phase will include a detailed design of a new operating model, an examination of all legal requirements, transition and continuity planning, risk management, and a comprehensive evidence-based cost projection for the establishment and annual running costs of a new State agency. This work will culminate in a full agency design and implementation plan which will be presented to Government for approval.
This work will be carried out under the guidance of a Programme Board comprising inter-departmental representatives and external experts in the fields of early learning and childcare, public sector governance, and major organisational reform projects. I will be announcing details of the membership of the Programme Board shortly.
I look forward to bringing a further report to Government following the completion of this phase of what is a significant and transformative reform programme.
88. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the progress of improving the pay and conditions of those who work in the childcare sector. [56897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI firmly believe that the level of pay in the sector should reflect the value of the work that early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners do for children, for families, for society and the economy.
As the State does not employ early years educators or school-age childcare practitioners, I cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.
However, through the Joint Labour Committee for Early Years Services, a formal mechanism has now been established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate pay rates for this sector. This is an independent process and neither I, nor my Department, are represented on the JLC. It is a matter for the JLC members to negotiate and agree minimum rates of pay and working conditions.
On 15 September this year, as a result of an agreement in the JLC, the first ever Employment Regulation Orders for Early Years Services came into effect, setting new minimum hourly rates of pay. The Employment Regulation Orders include minimum rates for different roles and qualification levels, thus creating a new pay structure within Early Years Services. The new minimum hourly rates of pay range from €13.00 per hour for Early Years Educators and School-Age Childcare practitioners to €17.25 per hour for Graduate Managers.
This historic achievement is supported by the new Core Funding scheme, which will see increases in funding to early learning and care and school-age childcare services to support improvements in staff wages, alongside a commitment to freeze parental fees. Core Funding also commenced on 15 September.
In addition, as announced in Budget 2023, the Core Funding allocation will increase by €28 million in year 2 of this scheme and I have signalled that €4 million of that allocation will support the removal of the "3-year experience" rule for graduate premiums (subject to the amendment of the Employment Regulation Order), with the allocation of the remaining €24 million to be informed by the emerging data from the first year of funding.
89. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the ECCE funding model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56976/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 of €69 is paid to providers in respect of each eligible child enrolled. There is no plan to increase the ECCE capitation rate as the introduction of Core Funding offers enhancements to ECCE funding.
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.
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.
In 2016, ECCE capitation was restored to €64.50 (standard capitation) and €75 (higher capitation) though the increased ratio remained in place.
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
In 2018, ECCE capitation was increased by 7% to €69.00 (standard capitation) and €80.25 (higher capitation) and in 2021, the PSP was increased an equivalent of 8 additional days at standard capitation rates
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. 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)
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.
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.
91. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider increasing the current ECCE capitation per child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm that consideration will be given to immediately increasing the ECCE capitation paid to service providers from €69 per child to €76 per child to assist in meeting costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56368/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 116 together.
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.Regarding an increase in the weekly ECCE capitation from €69 to €76 per child, this level of funding is already available. Under Together for Better, ECCE sessional services who operate for 15 hours per week over 38 weeks per year can 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). Core Funding is payable whether or not the place is filled. The statutory regulations that apply for ECCE sessional services allow for a ratio of up to 11 children per adult. The ECCE scheme rules allow for up to 22 children (and two adults) in a session.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. Additionally, if a lead educator of an ECCE session is a graduate with a relevant qualification and the necessary experience, an additional amount of €66.60 will be paid to the service per week. If there is a separate manager who is a graduate with a relevant qualification and the necessary experience a further €66.60 if available to the service per week.A very small number of services, approximately 60 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.The Department is 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. 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. I would also note that I recently announced the appointment of Stranmillis University College, Belfast to undertake an independent review of the ECCE programme. The review will assess whether the ECCE Programme is meeting its core objectives and will identify any changes or improvements that can be made to the Programme, based on international evidence and experience to date. As part of the ECCE Review, there will be a wide stakeholder engagement which will include parents and pre-school providers. The review is due to conclude in Q3 of 2023.
92. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of requests that have been made for information under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022, since the website was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56991/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation and tracing services under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 opened to applications on 3rd October 2022. As of 14th November 2022, a total of 5,351 applications for information have been received by Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Tusla have received 3,131 and the Adoption Authority of Ireland have received 2,220.
In addition, a total of 2,324 applications for tracing have been made, 40 to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and 2,284 to Tusla.
The initial surge of demand for services under the new Act presents some challenges for the two bodies in terms of processing the huge number of applications received. Both Tusla and the AAI are working hard to process applications for information and, as of 14th November 2022, information has been released in 181 cases.
Both agencies are doing their utmost to respond to all the applications received within the shortest possible timeframe and will continue to keep every person who is waiting for information informed about their application.
94. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made to date under the community sponsorship programme; his plans to further develop the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56524/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Community Sponsorship Ireland (CSI) was established in 2018 as a complementary integration and resettlement stream to the traditional state-centred model. The unique feature of the programme is that it enables a local community directly to support a refugee family.
To date, 116 persons have been settled with Community Sponsorship Groups (CSGs) across Ireland, with this figure being made up of 31 family groups.
Grant agreements are in place for Regional Support Organisations (RSOs) which have been set up by my Department to assist with the implementation of Community Sponsorship Initiatives, supporting community groups in the provision of integration supports to programme refugees resettled directly into these communities.
On an operational level, engagement with the National Implementation Partners for the Programme continues on an ongoing basis, with the most recent meeting with these Partners being held on 2 November 2022.
In terms of the future direction of the Programme, I can inform the Deputy that I intend to agree further agreements with RSOs before the end of this year to continue funding through to December 2023. This funding will be supported through the EU's Asylum Migration and Integration Fund.
The Deputy may also wish to note that families from the upcoming IRPP selection mission to Beirut will be specifically interviewed and considered for support under the Programme.
95. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on progress towards implementation of the new Employee Regulation Order for the early years' sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56878/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from the 15th of September this year, two new Employment Regulation Orders for Early Years Services came into effect which provide for minimum hourly rates of pay and other conditions of employment for various roles both in early learning and care services and in school-age childcare services.
The ability of service providers to meet the additional costs resulting from the Employment Regulation Orders is supported by the new Core Funding scheme I have introduced, which provides increases in funding to early learning and care services and in school-age childcare services to support improvements in staff wages, alongside a commitment to freeze parental fees. Core Funding also commenced on 15 September.
As the State does not employ early years educators or school-age childcare practitioners, I cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector. For that reason I am not in position to comment on how the Employment Regulation Orders are being implemented in individual services. However, any breaches of an Employment Regulation Order may be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission for appropriate action.
96. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking in response to difficulties by persons in accessing their personal information under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022. [56958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on processing delays experienced by applicants under the Birth (Information and Tracing) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56887/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 112 together.
Information and tracing services under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 opened to applications on 3rd October 2022. As of 14th November 2022, a total of 5,351 applications for information have been received by Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland. In addition, a total of 2,324 applications for tracing have been made.
The initial surge of demand for services under the new Act presents some challenges for the two bodies in terms of processing the huge number of applications received. Both Tusla and the AAI are working hard to process applications for information and, as of 14th November 2022, information has been released in 181 cases.
Conscious of the need for certainty for applicants, the Act contains maximum statutory timeframes for the release of information. These are reflective of recommendations made during the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s pre-legislative scrutiny process, as well as comparable timeframes under the GDPR, and were welcomed by Oireachtas members during the passage of the legislation.
The statutory timelines are one month for the release of a person’s information, or in complex cases, three months. A complex case may include an instance where a person’s information is held on multiple files or across many different locations, or in materials that have not yet been digitized. Locating, collating and checking this information is a highly challenging task requiring time and expertise. As such, it may require up to three months to process these applications. In all such cases, Tusla or the AAI will engage with the person to advise them of this timeframe.
Given the initial significant volume of requests for information, it is possible that it will take longer than the statutory timeframe for a person to receive their information. Both agencies are doing their utmost to respond to all the applications received within the shortest possible timeframe and will continue to keep every person who is waiting for information informed about their application.
97. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the discussions that his Department is having to address the concerns of ECCE providers over the core funding scheme; the steps that he will be taking to prevent rolling closures of these providers in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm that he will meet with ECCE services in order to find a pathway forward and to avoid further service closures. [56888/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 111 together.
Together for Better is the new funding model that supports the delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good. This was recommended by an Expert Group, adopted by Government, and has been widely welcomed by representative groups advocating for parents, children, the workforce and providers.
I am delighted that to date, 93% - well over 4,100 - providers have signed up.
While the large majority of representative groups and individual providers have embraced Core Funding, I am disappointed that one representative group has co-ordinated a campaign which has included calling on services to close Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) provision on certain days. While only a small proportion of providers took part in closures on 11 November, it caused significant disruption to children and families using these services. This action is completely unwarranted when State investment in the sector is at an all-time high.
I offered to meet this group, on the condition that closures are called off. Unfortunately they chose to continue with the plan for closures. The offer of a meeting remains, conditional on calling off further closures. I and/or my officials have met the provider representative group in question either individually, or along with other groups, almost 20 times this year.
One of the primary demands of the services that are protesting is for an increase in capitation from €69 to €76 per child, per week for the ECCE programme – this is already available under Core Funding, which makes at least €78.75 available per week for ECCE children. Additional funding is available for graduates in leadership positions or additional hours of provision offered.
There also appear to be objections to the public management elements of the new funding model and particularly opposition to the fee freeze and requirements of financial and operational transparency.
The new funding model was designed with extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement, reports of which are published. Since Core Funding was announced last year as part of Budget 2022, the Department has hosted eight meetings of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum (ELCSF), and several Core Funding specific meetings with the ELCSF and provider representatives. The ELCSF includes multiple sectoral organisations and representative groups, including provider representatives, such as the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP), Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) and the Association of Early Childhood Professionals (ACPI).
In particular, during August, September and October, there have been frequent meetings with provider representative groups in preparation for the commencement of Core Funding and to support the initial implementation of the scheme. There has also been extensive correspondence to and from provider representative groups, as well as individual contacts. I have had further meetings with individual provider representative groups and have also visited numerous services.
I am fully committed to working with sectoral representative groups and partner services to support them in delivering early learning and childcare for the public good. The City and County Childcare Committees have been working intensively to support individual providers and parents with the new scheme and continue to do so. I have put in place various safety nets to ensure that no service is left with less funding than they received last year through the new funding model and to support service sustainability where necessary.
The Government is investing significantly in the early learning and childcare sector with €1.025 billion in funding available next year. There is an ambitious new funding model being introduced to improve quality for children, affordability for parents and stability and sustainability for providers. There are supports, financial and otherwise, available to services who need them. I will continue to work closely with the sector to achieve the objectives of the new funding model.
98. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to engage with survivors concerning the forthcoming intervention at the Tuam site under the Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022. [56954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince taking Office I have visited the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam and met with survivors and relatives of those who died while resident in the institution. I carefully considered the issues raised by them in the development of the Institutional Burials Act 2022, which was passed by the Oireachtas and signed into law last July.
On 4 October, the Government made an Order under the Act to establish an independent Office to lead an intervention at the Tuam site. The making of the Order follows on from Resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad in September approving the draft Order that was agreed by Government in July. Progress at the various stages has been communicated to survivors and any other stakeholders who have expressed an interest in receiving updates on these issues from my Department through our dedicated mailing list.
Arrangements for the recruitment of a Director to head up the Office are currently being finalised in liaison with the Public Appointments Service. It is expected that once the post is advertised, the appointment of a Director will take a number of weeks. Preparations are also underway for the appointment of an Advisory Board to provide advice and guidance to the Director. The legislation provides that the Board will consist of six members and will include a former resident and a family member of the deceased. The Director will be required to consult with the Board at regular intervals, including at key decision points in an intervention.
In addition, in line with the provisions of the Act, the Director will be required to provide regular updates on the intervention to family members, stakeholders and the public.
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied that adequate capital funding is available over the next few years to assist in the provision of new and upgraded childcare accommodation to cater for an increasing population and also the loss of some childcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56985/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2021, my Department has been allocated €70m in the National Development Plan allocation. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare across three pillars: Building Blocks - Improvement Grant, Building Blocks - Capacity Grant and a Building Blocks - Innovation Grant.
My Department has allocated €9m for The Building Blocks - Improvement Grant for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) facilities.
Grants will range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. The Green Energy Strand will support the Climate Action Agenda and the Programme for Government, which aim to transition to a carbon neutral economy by the end of 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.
Services that sign up for the Core Funding Scheme are eligible for funding under for the Building Blocks - Capital Programme. The capital grant scheme opened to applications on Friday 28th October 2022 and the closing date is Friday 25th November 2022. Successful applicants will be notified in early 2023.
I will be announcing details of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant in the coming months. This grant scheme will address the capacity gap and will provide an investment of up to €45m in the expansion of existing facilities and development of new provisions.
I am satisfied that the Building Blocks capital schemes will provide a much needed investment for the early learning and childcare sector.
