Written Answers Nos. 464-483
464. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an additional needs’ payment application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57969/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in the Department.
The purpose of the ENP is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
ENPs are demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for financial assistance with the purchase of heating oil. Having considered the circumstances of the application, the Designated Person determined that the need was not exceptional and refused the application on the basis the person’s weekly household income was deemed sufficient to meet this ongoing need.
A letter dated 17/11/2022 issued to the person concerned advising her of the outcome of her application. If the person is dissatisfied with the determination of the Designated Person, she can request a review by setting out the grounds for her request to the SWA Review Officer, Freepost, PO Box 700, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
465. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that the Ballymun citizens' information office is operating on reduced hours and has been often closed for long periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57980/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory agency tasked with providing information, advocacy, and advice to citizens. These important services are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres, including Dublin North Citizens Information Services, which encompasses Ballymun.
It is important to note that, by law, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is an independent limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These eight CIS companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.
Any operational changes or decisions are therefore a matter for CIB and the independent boards. As Minister, I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions.
I have been informed by CIB that services continue to be available to the people of Ballymun. The Ballymun CIC provides reception services and a drop-in clinic every Monday to Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. A phone service is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm by contacting 0818 077330. Appointments can be arranged for those who may require them.
Additionally, the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is a nationwide service that can be reached on 0818 074000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
466. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the contingency plans that are in place for citizens' information offices when staff are unavailable to work (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory agency tasked with providing information, advocacy, and advice to citizens. These important services are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres.
It is important to note that, by law, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is an independent limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These eight CIS companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services including office opening hours in their respective regions.
CIB have informed me that the Citizens Information Centres make every effort to provide services to the public when they have a reduced staff due to illness or other reasons. This includes the provision of limited appointments, digital services and phone services. For safety reasons, it is not always feasible to provide face to face appointments in smaller Citizens Information Centres that encounter reduced staffing. However, in these cases appointments can be facilitated in an alternative Citizens Information Centre that is in close proximity.
468. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that the social welfare officer has been removed from Carrick-on-Suir; her views on whether it is appropriate that locals are now expected to travel to Clonmel for services; her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Community Welfare Officer (CWO) is available to meet with customers by appointment 5 days a week at the Carrick-on-Suir Social Welfare Branch Office or where needed, can arrange to visit a person’s house by appointment.
In addition, any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service (CWS) can call the national CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to speak to a CWO or to make an appointment to meet at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home. In cases where urgent local action is required, such as an immediate cheque payment, this can be facilitated on the same day.
The application form, SWA1, is widely available. It can be downloaded at www.gov.ie. It is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also now be requested by emailing cwsforms@welfare.ie, by calling 0818 60 70 80 by or using the Request Application Form page available on www.gov.ie. The completed application form should be returned to the Department where it will be processed promptly.
The delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for the Government and for the Department of Social Protection.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
469. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider the social welfare cost-of-living bonus for persons on illness benefit long-term, given that many recipients are on this payment for over six months and who are also struggling with the cost-of-living; and if these persons will be considered for the bonus payment also. [58067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion in social welfare measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
One of these measures is the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment which was paid to those schemes which are eligible to receive the Christmas Bonus.
Illness Benefit is not, and has never been, a qualifying payment for the Christmas Bonus. It is a scheme which, by its nature, is a short-term social welfare scheme. It has a high degree of churn with people coming onto the scheme and moving off every week, often with very short duration claims. For example, between July and September 2022, almost 115,000 Illness Benefit claims were awarded and, of these, only 21,000 remain in payment. This indicates a churn of 82% over just a three-month period. The average duration of a claim for Illness Benefit is only 6 days.In addition, many Illness Benefit payments are paid directly to the employer. Therefore, a double payment such as the cost of living support would, in many cases, be an employer subsidy as opposed to an additional support to the customer. This is not the intent behind the October cost of living support, and nor would it be a targeted use of resources.
I do appreciate however that individual circumstances can vary from case to case. I have asked my officials to examine this issue in respect of people who are in receipt of Illness Benefit for longer periods of time.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
470. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received by her Department for the humanitarian assistance scheme in relation to Christmas day 2021 flooding in Bridgetown, County Wexford; the number of applications that have been approved and processed in full to date; the number of outstanding applications; the average payment made to applicants; the number of applications deemed ineligible for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received by her Department for the humanitarian assistance scheme in relation to flash flooding on 15 August 2022 in New Ross, County Wexford; the number of applications which have been approved and processed in full to date; the number of outstanding applications; the average payment made to applicants; the number of applications deemed ineligible for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 471 together.
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. My Department has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events, such as flooding, under the humanitarian assistance scheme.
The scheme provides income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The scheme does not cover losses that are covered by an insurance policy, loss of items deemed to be inessential or luxury items, commercial and business losses or loss/damage to private rented accommodation or local authority accommodation.
The scheme provided support to householders following the flooding event in Co. Wexford in December 2021. The Community Welfare Service has been engaging with 60 households of which 49 have made applications for assistance. 9 applications were deemed ineligible for the scheme. Latest figures show that some €138,000 has been paid to 40 households, 37 households have received assistance in full, 1 household has received partial assistance and this household along with the remaining 2 applications are currently under consideration.
The scheme is available to support householders following the flooding event in New Ross, Co. Wexford in August of this year. The Community Welfare Service has been working with 22 households there and have received applications for assistance from 18 households. 2 of these applications were deemed ineligible for the scheme. Latest figures indicate that over €28,000 has been paid to 14 households, 12 households have received assistance in full, 2 households have received partial assistance and these 2 households along with the remaining applications remain under consideration.
The scheme is also available to support householders following the recent weather events which occurred in Clongeen, Foulksmills and Gorey.
If any homeowner affected by the recent weather events in Co. Wexford wishes to access these supports, they should make contact with their local Community Welfare Service at:
Department of Social Protection, 1st Floor, Thomas Street, Gorey, tel. 053 9430045 or Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, Cross Street, New Ross. tel. 051 448955.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
472. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the IPAS procurement team engagement with an accommodation provider (details supplied) to secure additional accommodation at this site, including modular homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his Department’s engagement with an accommodation provider (details supplied) and the IPAS and BOTP procurement teams to secure additional accommodation at this site, including modular homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57612/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra488. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his Department’s engagement with Mayo County Council and the IPAS and BOTP procurement teams to secure additional accommodation, including modular homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 487 and 488 together.
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 to the war in Ukraine. The scale of the response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed a commendable level of generosity in their support, in their welcome for beneficiaries into their communities, and in pledges of accommodation.
I can advise the Deputies that Breaffy Woods Hotel has been operating as an emergency accommodation centre since mid-March providing accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine.
The provider approached the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) with an additional offer of accommodation in the Breaffy Woods Arena, adjoining the hotel to accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs) and BOTPs.
This facility is now accommodating a mix of IPAs (80%) and BOTPs (20%).
Mayo County Council are fully aware of this project. However, ongoing agreements and contracts between my Department and providers are of a commercially sensitive nature. Therefore, confidentiality must be ensured as such matters form part of my Department’s negotiation process with potential providers.
My Department is working urgently across Government and with agencies, NGOs and local authorities to bring new accommodation on board to meet State’s humanitarian responsibilities. This includes availing of offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of office buildings and sports facilities, to address the accommodation shortfall. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
I can also confirm to the Deputies that no modular housing has been designated for this site.
473. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a service (details supplied) refuse counselling to victims who present with addiction issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57936/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe commissioning of services under Section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 is an operational matter for Tusla. I have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy.
474. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that there have been delays in IPAS accommodation payments to a business (details supplied); the action that is being taken to prevent delays such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58045/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that this provider’s payment is in hand and will issue shortly. My Department is contacting the provider to offer reassurance.
I very much regret any delays experienced by providers in securing payment, which is due to the extraordinary volume of invoices being processed in the context of the number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection being accommodated. I have assigned additional resources to clear the backlog.
475. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of IPAS contracts and the expiration date of each contract by county in tabular form. [58150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 21 November 2022 there are 112 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres in use for the exclusive accommodation of international protection applicants exclusively.
There are 48 permanent IPAS Accommodation centres. This includes seven (7) state owned centres and the National Reception Centre with the balance of 64 made up of emergency/pre-reception accommodation centres and three (3) Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) centres that host primarily Syrian refugees that arrive under the UNHCR Resettlement Programme.
The names of the centres have not been included as contract information is commercially sensitive.
|
Current Contract End Date |
County |
|
|
1 |
In the process of renewal |
Cavan |
|
2 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Cavan |
|
3 |
State Owned |
Clare |
|
4 |
14/12/2022 |
Clare |
|
5 |
In the process of renewal |
Clare |
|
6 |
State Owned |
Cork |
|
7 |
11/02/2023 |
Cork |
|
8 |
11/02/2023 |
Cork |
|
9 |
16/11/2022 |
Cork |
|
10 |
11/02/2023 |
Cork |
|
11 |
In the process of renewal |
Cork |
|
12 |
In the process of renewal |
Cork |
|
13 |
In the process of renewal |
Cork |
|
14 |
23/02/2023 |
Donegal |
|
15 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Donegal |
|
16 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Donegal |
|
17 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Donegal |
|
18 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Donegal |
|
19 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Donegal |
|
20 |
11/08/2025 |
Dublin |
|
21 |
31/12/2022 |
Dublin |
|
22 |
31/12/2022 |
Dublin |
|
23 |
31/12/2022 |
Dublin |
|
24 |
31/03/2023 |
Dublin |
|
25 |
31/03/2023 |
Dublin |
|
26 |
01/09/2023 |
Dublin |
|
27 |
17/11/2023 |
Dublin |
|
28 |
02/04/2023 |
Dublin |
|
29 |
01/10/2023 |
Dublin |
|
30 |
31/12/2023 |
Dublin |
|
31 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
32 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
33 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
34 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
35 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
36 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
37 |
In the process of renewal |
Dublin |
|
38 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
39 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
40 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
41 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
42 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
43 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
44 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
45 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
46 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Dublin |
|
47 |
05/08/2023 |
Galway |
|
48 |
28/04/2024 |
Galway |
|
49 |
In the process of renewal |
Galway |
|
50 |
In the process of renewal |
Galway |
|
51 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Galway |
|
52 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Galway |
|
53 |
State Owned |
Kerry |
|
54 |
State Owned |
Kerry |
|
55 |
State Owned |
Kerry |
|
56 |
State Owned |
Kerry |
|
57 |
11/02/2023 |
Kerry |
|
58 |
11/02/2023 |
Kerry |
|
59 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Kerry |
|
60 |
01/04/2023 |
Kildare |
|
61 |
24/07/2023 |
Kildare |
|
62 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Kildare |
|
63 |
04/02/2023 |
Laois |
|
64 |
08/05/2023 |
Laois |
|
65 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Laois |
|
66 |
In the process of renewal |
Laois |
|
67 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Laois |
|
68 |
16/02/2023 |
Leitrim |
|
69 |
31/03/2023 |
Limerick |
|
70 |
In the process of renewal |
Limerick |
|
71 |
19/08/2023 |
Limerick |
|
72 |
19/12/2022 |
Longford |
|
73 |
In the process of renewal |
Louth |
|
74 |
In the process of renewal |
Louth |
|
75 |
In the process of renewal |
Louth |
|
76 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Louth |
|
77 |
12/08/2023 |
Mayo |
|
78 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Mayo |
|
79 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Mayo |
|
80 |
In the process of renewal |
Meath |
|
81 |
In the process of renewal |
Meath |
|
82 |
In the process of renewal |
Meath |
|
83 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Meath |
|
84 |
04/03/2023 |
Meath |
|
85 |
27/10/2022 |
Meath - EROC |
|
86 |
24/02/2023 |
Monaghan |
|
87 |
In the process of renewal |
Monaghan |
|
88 |
In the process of renewal |
Monaghan |
|
89 |
16/02/2023 |
Offaly |
|
90 |
20/09/2023 |
Roscommon - EROC |
|
91 |
01/04/2023 |
Sligo |
|
92 |
04/12/2023 |
Tipperary |
|
93 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Tipperary |
|
94 |
In the process of renewal |
Tipperary |
|
95 |
In the process of renewal |
Tipperary |
|
96 |
05/08/2023 |
Waterford |
|
97 |
30/06/2023 |
Waterford |
|
98 |
07/11/2022 |
Waterford |
|
99 |
16/11/2022 |
Waterford |
|
100 |
08/07/2023 |
Waterford - EROC |
|
101 |
23/10/2023 |
Westmeath |
|
102 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Westmeath |
|
103 |
Contract in drafting stage |
Westmeath |
|
104 |
State owned |
Westmeath |
|
105 |
In the process of renewal |
Wexford |
|
106 |
In the process of renewal |
Wexford |
|
107 |
02/04/2023 |
Wicklow |
|
108 |
16/11/2023 |
Wicklow |
|
109 |
15/05/2023 |
Wicklow |
|
110 |
In the process of renewal |
Wicklow |
|
111 |
In the process of renewal |
Wicklow |
|
112 |
In the process of renewal |
Wicklow |
476. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a decision will issue in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) who has made an offer of a commercial property with 81 bed spaces in County Donegal to house Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that contracts for commercial accommodation providers are currently being reviewed and that no decision has yet been made on the application referred to by the Deputy.
477. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in respect of accommodation that is being provided given the substantial amount that is owed to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57272/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that this provider’s payment is in hand and will issue shortly.
I very much regret any delays experienced by providers in securing payment, which is due to the extraordinary volume of invoices being processed in the context of the number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection being accommodated. I have assigned additional resources to clear the backlog.
478. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding any training courses or any other professional development required for hotel managers and staff that are operating emergency accommodation centres for refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health and well-being of all people who avail of accommodation provided by my Department is of the highest priority.
The following training was delivered to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre managers and staff, including emergency centres, in the past two years and will be scheduled again in the coming months:
- ‘Understanding Child Development through a Trauma Informed Lens’ by Barnardos.
This was delivered to 292 centre staff and was completed April 2021.
- ‘Refugee Mental Well-being Awareness Training’ by the IOM (International Organisation of Migration) was delivered to 82 centre managers from November 2021 to February 2022.
Both of the above training pieces will be delivered again in quarter 1 of 2023 and any centre managers who did not attend will be encouraged to do so.
Added to the above, the following training courses are currently ongoing.
1. The Suicide Prevention by Living in conjunction with the HSE, who deliver the training. Training was offered to staff in 65 accommodation centres of which 88 staff have completed the training, 11 centres have yet to participate. Each centre is required to have at least one person trained in this subject.
2. Child Protection and Safeguarding training is ongoing. All IPAS accommodation centres are up to date in this training. All emergency centres were informed in writing on 7 November 2022 that all staff should complete Children First Tusla e-learning Programme. Centre managers are responsible to ensure all staff complete this module.
In addition to the above courses, further training is being developed. This training will be focused on an overview of IPAS procedures. It will include the complaints procedures, Child Protection safeguarding, vulnerability referrals and an overview of the regulations governing the International Protection process.
I trust that this information can give you the necessary reassurance in regards to training provided to centre managers and staff.
479. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Elliot Review, given the civil action that has been taken against an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question refers to an independent learning review commissioned by the organisation, the purpose of which was to examine the historical reported instances of sexual abuse to identify learnings for the organisation going forward.
Separately, the Department as a provider of substantial grant funding to the organisation took a number of steps to satisfy itself in relation to current safeguarding and governance within the organisation. The Department required ongoing reports from the organisation relation to the process of governance reform.
In 2018, the Government commissioned an independent review of governance within the organisation, as well as a follow up review, published in May 2020. The latter found that the recommendations of the 2018 review had been satisfactorily implemented, while identifying a small number of outstanding matters to be addressed in a subsequent report by the organisation to the Department, which was delivered in September 2020.
These independent reviews and follow up reports in addition to ongoing engagement between DCEDIY officials and the organisation indicate that safeguarding is now a strong focus and priority for the organisation and that robust safeguarding and governance structures have been put in place, in line with the recommendations of the reviews.
480. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he or any officials from his Department or from bodies under the aegis of his Department travelled to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference; the number who travelled; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise that neither I or any officials from my Department attended the Climate Change Conference (CCC) in Sharm el-Sheik.
I understand that the Ombudsman for Children's Office and the Irish Human Right and Equality Commission will be reply directly on their own behalf in line with the normal practice and reflecting their statutory independence.
I am advised that no officials from the other bodies under the aegis of this Department attended the CCC.
481. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a schedule of funding for the refurbishment and retrofitting of playgrounds by local authority in the years 2021 and to date in 2022; the estimated funding for same in 2023; and the funding that has been made available to make playgrounds more inclusive for children with additional needs. [57326/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN) was established in 2012 as a mechanism for central and Local Government to work collectively to bring about the best policy initiatives for children and young people in terms of the provision and promotion of play and recreational facilities.
The DCEDIY Capital Grant Funding Scheme for Play and Recreation was introduced in 2013 to support new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN), established for the purpose of bringing a focus on play and recreation within each Local Authority. Grants are for the development of new play facilities, the refurbishment of existing playgrounds and / or incorporation of natural play areas.
A selection committee reviews all applications received and one of the key criteria of the Scheme is facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
In 2021, applications received from all 31 Local Authorities were deemed to be successful. The full allocation of €469,716 was drawn down in 2021.
The same procedure applied in 2022. All 29 applications received were deemed successful. The full allocation of €450,000 was awarded.
The 2023 allocation will remain at €450,000.
Please see below table of Play and Recreation Capital allocations for 2021 and 2022.
|
Local Authority |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Carlow |
€15,645 |
€15,552 |
|
Cavan |
€16,131 |
€15,852 |
|
Clare |
€11,783 |
€15,852 |
|
Cork City |
€16,170 |
€16,541 |
|
Cork County |
€16,131 |
€16,541 |
|
Donegal |
€16,833 |
€16,541 |
|
Dublin City |
€16,833 |
€16,541 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€16,833 |
No application received |
|
Fingal |
€16,131 |
€15,191 |
|
Galway City |
€16,131 |
€15,162 |
|
Galway County |
€15,896 |
€15,852 |
|
Kerry |
€11,764 |
€15,852 |
|
Kildare |
€16,131 |
€15,852 |
|
Kilkenny |
€15,620 |
€15,852 |
|
Laois |
€15,496 |
€16,541 |
|
Leitrim |
€16,119 |
€15,162 |
|
Limerick |
€16,040 |
€16,541 |
|
Longford |
€10,754 |
€13,784 |
|
Louth |
€15,991 |
€15,852 |
|
Mayo |
€15,228 |
€15,852 |
|
Meath |
€14,957 |
€15,162 |
|
Monaghan |
€15,851 |
€16,541 |
|
Offaly |
€13,512 |
No application received |
|
Roscommon |
€15,852 |
€6,702 |
|
Sligo |
€15,406 |
€15,852 |
|
South Dublin |
€16,131 |
€16,541 |
|
Tipperary |
€11,110 |
€15,576 |
|
Waterford |
€15,991 |
€15,162 |
|
Westmeath |
€16,342 |
€15,852 |
|
Wexford |
€15,331 |
€15,162 |
|
Wicklow |
€11,573 |
€16,541 |
|
TOTAL: |
€469,716 |
€450,004 |
482. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of naíonraí registered with his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number that have opened in the same period; and the number that have ceased business in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57330/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
483. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if clarification will be provided in relation to a statement (details supplied) regarding the delay in publishing the first report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017; the legal matter that is holding up the publication of the report; if his attention has been drawn to reports that members of the deaf community believe that the report on the operation of the Act would help to identify and tackle issues in relation to same (details supplied); when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Sign Language Act 2017 was signed into law on 24th December 2017 and I commenced the Act jointly with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman, T.D in December 2020.
The Act recognises the right of ISL users to use ISL as their native language, and to develop and preserve it. The Act places a statutory duty on all public bodies to provide ISL users with free interpretation when availing of or seeking to access statutory entitlements and services provided by or under statute. Implementing the Act requires a whole of government approach and as such all public bodies have obligations to fulfil. In addition, the Act also provides for specific duties and obligations in the areas of legal proceedings, educational provision and broadcasting.
Section 10 of the Act requires that a report on the operation of the Act be produced initially three years after enactment and every five years thereafter. These reports must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
In line with these requirements, I commissioned the National Disability Authority (NDA) to produce the first report on the operation of the Act. A draft Report was submitted to me in 2021, and subsequently circulated to departments and agencies for observations and to ensure accuracy in the preparation of a final version. The Report was finalised in late 2021.
In response to the matters raised in the details supplied, I can confirm to the Deputy that I am aware of the delay in publishing the first report on the operation of the ISL Act. A decision was made to delay publication arising from an ongoing legal matter. I share the view that implementation of the ISL Act will be strengthened following publication of the first report on the operation of the ISL Act.
While the Deputy will be aware that I cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings, it is a priority of mine that the report be laid before the Houses and published in the earliest possible course.
