Written Answers Nos. 435-449
435. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for the working group to publish proposals in respect of Government-funded transport and mobility schemes, including the disabled drivers and disabled passenger schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of mobility supports for people with disabilities is a key priority for me as Minister of State with responsibility for disability. While a significant number of mobility and transport supports and services are provided by the State, it is clear that further progress is needed in this regard.
Important cross-Government action to review and consider proposals for the enhancement of transport and mobility supports has been advanced through the framework of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS), and in particular in the context of Action 104 of the NDIS. The Action 104 Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to make progress in this regard.
I have chaired meetings of the Transport Working Group since January 2022. As part of its work, we have engaged in discussions on the improvement of transport and mobility supports with a view towards developing proposals for the enhancement of these supports going forward. The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme was one of several schemes that the Transport Working Group considered.
The discussions at the Transport Working Group have been particularly enriched by the contributions of Disability Stakeholder Group representatives, and other disability organisations, who have ensured that the lived experience of people with disabilities remains at the centre of considerations.
The Group's work is now completed, and a final report containing proposals for the development of enhanced mobility and transport supports for people with disabilities is being finalised. The report is expected to be completed and published in Q1 2023.
It will be incumbent on colleagues across Government with responsibility for transport and mobility supports, both currently and going forward, to carefully consider how the recommendations of the Transport Working Group ought to be advanced following the completion of Action 104 and the conclusion of the NDIS itself in 2022.
436. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the obligation on Ireland to take in an uncapped number of applicants seeking international protection; the efforts that have been made to express capacity concerns to Ireland’s European partners; if the Government’s promise of own-door accommodation within four months to all those seeking asylum still stands; and if this Government commitment will not be realised, if this has been expressed particularly to the nations from which those seeking international protection have come. [61515/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 6 July 2018, Ireland adopted the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 231 of 2018) through which it transposed the recast Reception Conditions Directive into domestic law. The Regulations put reception conditions for International Protection on a statutory footing and place an obligation on the State to provide accommodation for any person who seeks International Protection.
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 publishing, the White Paper 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 being 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 17,838 applicants being accommodated by my Department as of 4 December and 67,000 people overall, when Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine are included.
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 Paper 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 would be to progress with key reforms that are achievable in the current altered context and build much needed accommodation capacity in the system. This could enable progress on a meaningful reform programme that adheres to 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 arising from a demand-led process as well as addressing future needs.
As International Protection applicants come from a wide variety of countries and often flee instances of conflict and persecution in their countries of birth, it is not possible to communicate with them in advance as to the nature of the accommodation offered in Ireland.
437. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the remit of the Department has been broadened with the inclusion of a number of very important new policy areas including equality, integration and disability.
Significant work has been completed across all policy areas since 2020 and, with the publication of my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-23 in March 2021, we have set out ambitious goals that we want to achieve across a range of policy areas over this period. The Department's activities in meeting these goals are outlined in its Annual Reports.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate, temporary accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict. Responding to the needs of the over 60,000 people fleeing Ukraine, of whom in excess of 49,000 have sought accommodation from the State, has been a huge challenge and has had a significant impact on resources in the Department. This will be addressed in our 2023 Business Plan.
I set out below the main policy achievements of my Department since 27 June 2020 as they relate to the six strategic goals outlined in my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-23.
1. We will develop, implement and influence evidence informed policies and legislation that improve the outcomes for those we serve.
In 2020:
- My Department launched a consultation inviting written submissions on its initial proposals to amend the Child Care Act, 1991. The Department initiated a review of the operating and oversight model used to support the delivery of accessible, affordable and high quality early learning care and school age childcare services.
- A new programme of consultation was launched on the future early learning and care and school-age childcare workforce and a future funding model for the sector.
- An Independent Review of the Cost of Providing Quality Early Learning and Childcare in Ireland was published.
- The Government’s First 5 Annual Implementation Report 2019 was published.
- In December 2020, the Government approved drafting of the Bill to extend paid Parents’ Leave from two weeks to five as well as approving provisions to amend the Adoptive Leave Act 1995 to allow male same-sex couples avail of adoptive leave.
- The Government approved the drafting of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2021, which provides for reform of the Guardian ad litem (GAL) system.
In 2021:
- The Gender Pay Gap Information Act, 2021 was signed into Law on 13 July 2021.
- The family leave provisions under the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021 were commenced on 1 April 2021, which enabled parents to avail of three weeks additional Parent’s Leave and Parent’s Benefit.
In 2022:
- My Department published the Institutional Burials Bill in February 2022. This legislation provides a legal basis to allow recovery and identification of the children inappropriately interred at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.
- The Birth Information and Tracing Bill was signed into law in June 2022, providing a clear right for each person to full access of their information.
- The Child Care (Amendment) Act was signed into law in July 2022. This Act strengthens the voice of children in child-care proceedings.
- The Government approved the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill in October 2022. The Payment Scheme provides financial payments and an enhanced medical card in acknowledgement of suffering experienced while resident in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.
2. We will ensure the provision of a range of quality and sustainable services, underpinned by strategic investment, that meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.
In 2020:
- In July 2020, a Focused Policy Assessment of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Higher Capitation payment was published. The report showed that the introduction of the Higher Capitation payment, which provides increased funding for services with a graduate workforce, has contributed to a rise in the number of practitioners with a degree level qualification.
- In August 2020, over €2.32 million in capital grant funding was announced for 147 targeted, staff-led, youth projects/services and 25 national youth organisations across the country. The grants enabled youth services to purchase and replace essential equipment to support the running of their services for young people and for national youth organisations to provide innovative models of safe online communication for staff and with young people.
- A new programme of consultation was launched on the future early learning and care and school-age childcare workforce and a future funding model for the sector.
- National Quality Guidelines for School-Age Childcare Services were launched, as well as the award of the 2020 round of Childminder Development Grants, totalling just over €190,000.
- The Report of the Advisory Group on Direct Provision was published jointly with the Department of Justice, and formed a key input to the White Paper to End Direct Provision that was subsequently published in February 2021.
In 2021:
- Budget 2022 saw the introduction of additional funding of €183 million comprising:
- an increase of €78m for Early Learning and Childcare
- an increase of €41m for International Protection Support and White Paper Transition
- an increase of €41m for Tusla, the Child & Family Agency
- additional funding of €23m secured for a range of areas in the department including for Youth Services, Equality and Inclusion, Disability, Mother and Baby Homes actions, Refugee and Migrant Integration; Traveller and Roma Initiatives and for the Adoption Authority, amongst others
- The Department published a White Paper to end Direct Provision and to establish a new International Protection Support Service.
- The Department published the National Action Plan for Childminding, which aims to improve access to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare through childminding.
In 2022:
- My Department launched the new funding model for ELC and SAC, Together for Better. This new model brings together 3 major elements, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding, and is launched as Core Funding comes into operation, with 90% of eligible services signing up.
- The project to reform the Youth Services Grant Scheme moved into its implementation phase and my Department activated a Project Implementation Plan with a detailed outline of how the projects deliverable will be achieved.
- My Department increased the funding allocation for Tusla the Child and Family Agency to €935 million. This will help to address increasing demand for Tusla services, address the provision of statutory residential care as recommended by the IGEES Spending Review of Residential Care and support the community and voluntary sector funded by Tusla to deliver important services on its behalf. This will also allow Tusla to continue its existing capital programmes.
- The My Little Library initiative was rolled out for all children starting school in September 2022. This initiative provides a My Little Library book bag to each child for collection in libraries across the country.
- Following the publication of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill in June, my Department launched a new Information and Tracing Service in October 2022. This allows applications to be made for access to birth, early life, care and medical information.
- My Department has worked closely with our colleagues in Tusla to support the Department of Justice in launching its Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
- My Department finalised Ireland’s National Action Plan for Implementation of the EU Child Guarantee.
- Supporting Parents, the national model for parenting support services, was approved by Government and implementation of key actions are underway.
- My Department hosted Dail na nÓg and Seanad na nÓg and an international conference on child participation with the Council of Europe
- The National Youth Assembly was established and delivered three Assemblies on Climate, Rural life and Artificial Intelligence
- Multiple consultations were held with children and young people in support of policy objectives of the Department and other departments and agencies
3. We will help those who are vulnerable, including children, young people and at risk individuals, to overcome adverse circumstances and to achieve their full potential.
In 2020:
- In September 2020, officials agreed a joint approach to be adopted by Tusla and HSE for the management and funding of placements for children with disabilities in care, or those transitioning out of State care, and to provide a person-centred pathway to meet the needs of children with a complex disability and their families.
- The Disability Participation and Consultation Network was launched. Its purpose was to make sure people with a disability would be involved in the development of policy and legislation.
- Discussions on how to address pay and conditions in the early years care and school age care sector were held in partnership with SIPTU and CSI/IBEC, which culminated in a subsequent decision to establish a Joint Labour Committee.
- The Minister marked International Migrants Day with the announcement of €2.2m in funding to support migrant integration projects across Ireland.
- The 13th Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection was presented to Government and published. It was the first annual report to be submitted by Professor Conor O’Mahony, who was appointed as the new Special Rapporteur in July 2019 for a term of three years.
In 2021:
- National Children First Awareness Week ran from 1 to 7 November 2021. The aim of the week was to raise awareness of Children First and remind wider society, including organisations working with children and young people, of our collective responsibility to keep them safe in our communities.
- The Department announced new funding schemes worth €800,000 as part of What Works Initiative.
In 2022:
- A Disability Division was established within my Department and a new Assistant Secretary was appointed. My Department is actively engaging with colleagues in the Department of Health and the HSE to support the Transfer of Functions programme of work.
- Eight new services were delivered under UBU Your Place Your Space in 2022.
- My Department implemented its objectives under the European Year of Youth through establishing a National Steering Group and additional funding to support grants for youth activities.
- Development and roll out of ELC and SAC Action Plan for Ukrainian Children and their Families, including legislative amendment to allow people with residency rights to access the NCS under the Temporary International Protection Directive.
4. We will promote the development of a progressive, respectful and equal society, informed by the experiences of past generations and seek to respond to the needs of survivors.
In 2020:
- The Department published the General Scheme of the Preservation and Transfer of Specified Records of the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Bill, which was enacted later in the year.
- Budget 2021 saw extra funding of some €121 million for Tusla, International Protection Seekers Accommodation, Traveller and Roma Initiatives and Youth services, bringing the total investment in the Department to over €1.9 billion for 2021. The significant additional funding was targeted at improving outcomes for children, young people and their families as well as the promotion of equality and human rights. The funding also provided for the inclusion and integration of persons seeking international protection.
- On 30 October 2020, the Minister received the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters.
- Additional funding of €4.7 million was announced to support domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) services across the country in 2021.
- I confirmed the 29 projects around the country that would receive funding of €700,000 under the 2020 LGBTI+ Communities Services Fund.
- The Irish Sign Language Act, 2017 was formally commenced on 23 December, 2020.
- My Department, together with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), IHREC and Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, launched a report on the rights and living conditions of Travellers in Ireland.
In 2021:
- The Department published An Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions and details of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.
- The Department launched a consultation on the review of the Equality Acts.
In 2022:
- Following the publication of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill in June, my Department launched a new Information and Tracing Service in October 2022. This allows applications to be made for access to birth, early life, care and medical information.
- My Department has worked closely with our colleagues in Tusla to support the Department of Justice in launching its Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
5. We will work in partnership with individuals, families and communities, and across Government Departments, public bodies and civil society to achieve better outcomes.
In 2020:
- A €90,000 scheme was announced for Comhairle na nÓg ICT Capital Funding, open to applications from all Local Authorities to support the work of Comhairle na nÓg.
- How’s Your Head – Young Voices during COVID-19’, a national consultation with young people on mental health and wellbeing, was published.
- 113 community projects around the country were allocated funding of almost €500,000 under the 2020 Communities Integration Fund. This was the fourth year of the Communities Integration Fund, bringing the total amount made available to over €2 million.
In 2021:
- Ireland’s draft State Report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was published for consultation in October 2021.
- The Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disability, Ms Anne Rabbitte T.D., published Ireland’s first report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- The Department launched the ‘National Framework for Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making’.
- The Department announced major reforms to the funding model for early learning and childcare services.
In 2022:
- My Department finalised Ireland’s National Action Plan for Implementation of the EU Child Guarantee.
- Supporting Parents, the national model for parenting support services, was approved by Government and implementation of key actions are underway.
- My Department hosted Dail na nÓg and Seanad na nÓg and an international conference on child participation with the Council of Europe
- The National Youth Assembly was established and delivered three Assemblies on Climate, Rural life and Artificial Intelligence
- Multiple consultations were held with children and young people in support of policy objectives of the Department and other departments and agencies
6. We will maintain high standards of performance and corporate governance with engaged, motivated and supported staff.
In 2020:
- The Department recruited 32 new staff in 2020, accounting for around 8.5% of employees in the Department. Additionally, a number of specialist external recruitment competitions were carried out to increase the Department’s skillset.
- The Department launched a review of the operating and oversight model used to support the delivery of accessible, affordable and high quality early learning care and school age childcare services.
- The Department established a new Information Management Unit to respond quickly to its GDPR obligations, with particular reference to records previously held by the Commission on Mother and Baby Homes.
- A review of the Tusla Oversight Agreement setting out the formal oversight and governance engagements between DCEDIY and Tusla also commenced.
In 2021:
- The Department recruited 171 new staff in 2021, accounting for around 35% of employees in the Department. 32 employees or 6% of all staff were promoted through internal or external competitions. Again, a number of specialist external recruitment competitions were carried out to increase the Department’s skillset.
- The review of the operating model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) concluded in 2021 and, subject to Government approval, work was due to commence in early 2022 on identifying how best to implement its findings.
- A review of the existing DCEDIY-Tusla Oversight Agreement was completed. This set out the key aspects of the relationship and governance arrangements between the Department and Tusla. The revised Oversight Agreement was finalised and signed by both parties in 2021
- The Department reviewed and amended its Risk Management Framework in September 2021.
In 2022:
- From 1 January until 12 December 2022, the Department recruited 212 new employees with 3% of all staff promoted through internal or external competitions. A number of specialist external recruitment competitions were also carried out to increase the Department’s skillset. The Department also recruited for an Assistant Secretary position for the Disability Division.
- In March 2022, my Department published the Independent Review of the Operating Model in respect of ELC and SAC, a commitment made in the First 5 strategy. Following this report, my Department commenced a period of further detailed analysis in respect of this important reform project.
438. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will publish the recent independent review into historical abuse within an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulatory Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development, is Ireland's statutory regulator for charitable organisations, including St John Ambulance. My Department does not have a role in the governance of St John Ambulance.
St John Ambulance commissioned a review of historical allegations of abuse within the organisation. Dr Geoffrey Shannon was commissioned to conduct the review.
While the findings will be presented to the Board of St John Ambulance in the first instance, it is the Government’s expectation that St John Ambulance will ensure publication of the Review Report.
Tusla is responsible for assessing any current risk to children, arising from historical allegations of abuse. Tusla has liaised with St John’s Ambulance regarding the progress of the review and in order to improve safeguarding processes within the organisation.
St John’s Ambulance Safeguarding Statement, revised under advice from Tusla, has been deemed compliant by the Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit.
439. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is no longer undertaking commercial letting agreements for housing of Ukrainian refugees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61741/22]
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 is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 66,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 48,000 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, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted, including emergency accommodation.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
When considering offers of individual homes as commercial accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs), my Department has regard to the potential impact on the local private rental market. Only houses which can comfortably accommodate a minimum of 15 people are considered, these are generally houses with a minimum of 6 bedrooms. Offers of a number of houses, which together total at least 15 bed spaces, are not accepted, as this removes housing from the local property market. My Department will make an exception to this rule in the case of owners of holiday home villages, where the entire development will be considered for contract for accommodation for BOTPs.
In addition, the accommodation must meet the Department of Housing standards for accommodation for homeless people. For example, a 3 bedroom house where the owner proposed to install bunk beds and not to provide any shared recreational space is unlikely to meet the standards. My officials in considering an offer also consider the local amenities available, including ease of transport to schools and shops. There is therefore no guarantee that my Department will contract for every property offered.
My Department is reviewing all commercial accommodation offers on hand. Consideration of offers is prioritised based on the capacity available, but all suitable offers will be considered.
Offers of rooms in shared pledged accommodation can be made to the Irish Red Cross and offers of unoccupied homes can be made to the new Government and Local Authority "offer a home" call. Those offering such assistance can benefit from the Governments accommodation recognition payment.
440. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will engage with a service provider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe offer of accommodation is greatly appreciated.
In order to proceed, I would be grateful if you could assist my officials by advising the relevant persons of the commercial offer process that my Department has in place.
The following form needs to be completed by the person offering the accommodation:
Form for Commercial Offers of Accommodation for Ukrainians (please see the link) filled in and submitted with as much detail as possible: forms.office.com/r/nvCNq06CRz
From there, the offer will be prioritised based on the number of rooms being offered and the date of availability.
441. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role of the family resource centre national forum; the membership of same; the number of times that the forum has convened to date in 2022; the decisions and or actions taken by the forum in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61819/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Tusla's funding for Family Resource Centres and related activities is an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred this question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy on the nature and extent of its support for the National Forum.
I understand that the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) is the national coordinating body for the Family Resource Centres in Ireland. As a representative body, the FRCNF provide information, support, networking and training opportunities for FRCs. The FRCNF works in partnership with funders, like Tusla and with a variety of Government Departments and agencies to develop the work of Family Resource Centres around the country using the Life Cycle approach.
The Deputy may wish to contact the Forum directly at www.familyresource.ie for the operational details requested.
442. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a person (details supplied) with their personal records. [61865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission of Investigation received records relating to the period 1922 to 1998 from a number of Institutions and sources as part of its investigation. On 28 February 2021, following the dissolution of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, my Department became the data controller for all the personal data contained in the records that transferred from the Commission.
While I am not in a position to comment on the particular circumstances of the individual referred to, my officials will be in contact with the person directly to assist them.
Individuals may make a subject access request to my Department in respect of records in the Mother and Baby Homes archive relating to them.
A data controller is required to respond to a subject access request without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receiving and validating the request. Given the sensitive nature of the personal data, my Department must validate the identity of every requester seeking their personal data. My Department engages with data subjects to request proof of identity, in the form of a scanned copy of a passport, driving license, or other photo ID. This is a reasonable measure for a data controller to take, to satisfy itself that the requestor is who they say they are, and that the personal data is being provided to the person it relates to. Once a SAR is received by my Department, the identity of the requestor is verified and the SAR is then processed. The deadline for responding to SARs commences from the time the identity of the requestor is verified.
I continue to be committed to vindicating the rights of each data subject in respect of their personal data.
443. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the channels of consultation and communication with community groups regarding development of the Equestrian Centre, Kill, County Kildare; if his Department is communicating with the community on these plans within a timeframe and or on a basis agreed at meetings with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61867/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra444. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his Department will have comprehensive and clear information regarding the proposed development at the Kill Equestrian Centre, County Kildare; when it intends to publish such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61868/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 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.
In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of offers of accommodation from multiple sources in order to address the accommodation shortfall. Demand for emergency accommodation remains high, with new arrivals to the State daily from Ukraine.
Discussions are ongoing about the potential use of the site to which the Deputy refers to and the matter is still under consideration. A briefing for Public Representatives has been provided on this subject.
445. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeframe within which Ukrainian refugees who have received rehoming letters from his Department are expected to be rehomed; the specific measures being taken to assist Ukrainian children with additional needs with the transition to and from temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61915/22]
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 is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 66,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 48,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
Regarding intra-accommodation moves, accommodation for new arrivals will continually need to be found throughout the Winter period as we expect a further 5,000 people to arrive from Ukraine by year-end. The wider situation in regard to accommodation remains extremely challenging. Ireland is now accommodating in excess of 70,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants, compared to 7,500 last year.
I am advised by my officials that generally large-scale moves occur due to contracts ending and my Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible. Generally, 48 hours confirmation is issued in advance of moves of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). Where possible and in certain circumstances e.g. where a hotel contract may be coming to an end, greater notice periods may be provided. Generally, transfer is by way of coach, or if the group size is small enough by minibus. This has enabled all those in need of transport to avail of the accommodation where they wish to do so. Medical cases are, where at all possible, accommodated close to the medical centres where the BOTPs are receiving treatment. That said, special needs in relation to education, health (including specialised medical transport) etc, are services that fall outside the remit of this Department.
My Department is mindful of the impact that all such moves have on those affected, and will continue to deliver a humanitarian response to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and those seeking International Protection. Where BOTPs can be moved to suitable pledged accommodation in the area this is also facilitated.
446. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the unit 81 development on the Cookstown Road in Tallaght; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), my Department is legally required to provide accommodation to International Protection applicants who seek it while their claim for International Protection is being determined.
The accommodation of International Protection applicants is a demand-led process. Since 1 January 2022, over 13,600 International Protection (IP) applicants have arrived in Ireland. In the past 12 months this figure rises to just over 14,700. The average arrival figure for IP applicants for the three-year period from (2017 to 2019) is 3,500.
Since 24 February 2022, the Department has worked to facilitate the accommodation solution for both IP applicants and over 49,000 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs), an unprecedented volume of people seeking refuge in Ireland.
IPAS accommodation centres are currently hosting almost 18,000 people. At this time last year, IPAS was accommodating 7,250 people.
The pressure to accommodate over 67,000 people since the start of the year has led to significant accommodation shortages, particularly for International Protection applicants. The Department has been forced to avail of all offers of accommodation, including the use of office buildings, in order to address the accommodation shortfall.
In this context, an exempted development regulation for the change of use of a wide repository of buildings was drafted with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and was signed by Minister of State Peter Burke T.D. on 29 November 2022. The Statutory Instrument will allow for the change of use of a range of buildings to be utilised for IPAS emergency accommodation.
DCEDIY is open to accepting offers of accommodation in these buildings once building control regulations are complied with and applied for in the appropriate manner.
In regard to your query, the capacity in Unit 81, Cookstown Road is for 200 people consisting of single male International Protection (IP) applicants. The layout of the facility is best suited to single males.
A contract has been put in place for one year initially.
My officials and I met with local representatives on 29 November, and they have been briefed. South Dublin County Council has been consulted on this matter and the accommodation provider made the requisite application for use of the building through the Building Control Management System.Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages the Department has no option but to consider all offers of accommodation. Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been in excess of 40 accommodation locations utilised since January across 13 counties.
447. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a facility (details supplied) will receive payment for hosting refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver 650 providers are currently in arrangements with my Department to provide accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Over €50m has issued from my Department in November in respect of Ukraine accommodation and related costs. We are working rapidly to process all invoices received, with additional resources assigned. A further 17% increase in number of invoices processed was recorded in the past week, on top of the previous increase.
My Department is prioritising older invoices with a view to clearing that backlog before Christmas.
I am advised by my officials that one payment issued to the party referred to by the Deputy on 30 November and a second issued on 8 December.
448. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a facility (details supplied) will receive payment for hosting refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver 650 providers are currently in arrangements with my Department to provide accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Over €50m has issued from my Department in November in respect of Ukraine accommodation and related costs. We are working rapidly to process all invoices received, with additional resources assigned. A further 17% increase in number of invoices processed was recorded in the past week, on top of the previous increase.
My Department is prioritising older invoices with a view to clearing that backlog before Christmas.
I am advised by my officials that two payments issued on 8 December to the party referred to by the Deputy.
449. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a facility (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive payment for hosting refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver 650 providers are currently in arrangements with my Department to provide accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Over €50m has issued from my Department in November in respect of Ukraine accommodation and related costs. We are working rapidly to process all invoices received, with additional resources assigned. A further 17% increase in number of invoices processed was recorded in the past week, on top of the previous increase.
My Department is prioritising older invoices with a view to clearing that backlog before Christmas.
I am advised by my officials that payment to the party referred to has been authorised and is on course to issue this week.
