Written Answers Nos. 975-994
976. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for the progression of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill 2022 through the Houses of the Oireachtas; the approximate timeframe for when the scheme itself will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1159/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra985. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the redress scheme will be open to applicants to apply for; the timeframe that the process is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1380/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 976 and 985 together.
I recognise the importance of delivering the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme for survivors. The legislation for the Scheme was published in October 2022 and passed Committee Stage in Dáil on 15th November 2022. I hope to bring the Bill to Report Stage in the Dáil in the coming weeks.
The operational elements, which includes the establishment of an Executive Office to administer the Scheme, are being progressed alongside the legislation and intensive work is underway in my Department in this regard also. Subject to the legislation being passed and enacted, and the administrative structures being established, the Scheme will open for applications as soon as possible in 2023.
In advance of being opened for applications, the Scheme will be advertised extensively both nationally and abroad. An information summary providing details on the Scheme is currently available to view on my department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/0c637-mother-and-baby-institutions-payment-scheme/
977. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated average cost of keeping an applicant for asylum in direct provision per year; and the total cost for same in each of the past five years. [1188/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for the costs associated with the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for international protection applicants in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
The expenditure of my Department primarily relates to the running of the National Reception Centre at Balseskin; the contracting of commercial and emergency IPAS accommodation centres; the management, maintenance and utility costs of the seven State-owned accommodation centres; the provision of Covid-19 response centres for isolation and quarantine (during pandemic); the costs associated with the provision of PPE to residents (during pandemic); and grants to NGOs providing support services to residents in IPAS accommodation.
The total spend on IPAS accommodation in 2022 was €356,554,000. There were 19,202 people in IPAS accommodation on 31 December 2022. At a year end average of overall cost divided by the number of people residing in IPAS accommodation, the average annual figure for keeping an international protection applicant in IPAS accommodation for one year was €18,568.59.
The Deputy should bear in mind that the number of people who are resident in IPAS accommodation will vary day to day throughout the year as the number of daily arrivals increase on a cumulative basis. 2022 has seen a major increase in this respect.
Further information on previous years is included in tabular format below:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
Residents in IPAS accommodation at year end |
Average yearly cost per resident |
|
2017 |
€67,359,000 |
5096 |
€ 13,218.01 |
|
2018 |
€77,993,000 |
6106 |
€ 12,773.17 |
|
2019 |
€129,408,000 |
7683 |
€ 16,843.42 |
|
2020 |
€183,215,000 |
6997 |
€ 26,184.79 |
|
2021 |
€190,856,000 |
7244 |
€ 26,346.77 |
|
2022 |
€356,554,000 |
19202 |
€ 18,568.59 |
978. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 14 December 2022, if he will provide this Deputy with copies of the five papers and the technical annexe submitted to his Department by the Department of Finance relating to the disabled drivers and disabled passengers' scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1192/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its work in 2022, the Transport Working Group engaged in discussions on the adequacy of Government-funded transport and mobility supports with a view towards developing proposals for the enhancement of these supports going forward. The scope of these discussions included the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme.
The materials provided to the Transport Working Group by the Department of Finance in this regard include an evaluation of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme which concludes that it is no longer fit for purpose; a proposal for a new vehicular adaptation scheme; and international evidence in support of its proposal. I can certainly provide the Deputy with copies of the relevant materials, as I am sure, would my colleague the Minister for Finance.
The Group's work has now concluded and the final report which synthesises submissions made by members of the Transport Working Group for this purpose is presently being finalised.
It will be incumbent on colleagues across Government with responsibility for transport and mobility supports to carefully consider how the recommendations of the Transport Working Group ought to be advanced.
979. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when childminders will be added to the national childcare scheme; if an interim measure will be introduced in order that parents who utilise a childminder and cannot get a place in a creche could avail of the reduction in childcare fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1246/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to opening the National Childcare Scheme to childminders at the earliest possible opportunity, though it will be necessary first to develop and introduce childminder-specific regulations, and to give childminders adequate time and support to meet regulatory requirements.
The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the National Childcare Scheme. The restriction of public funding to Tusla-registered providers helps ensure that funding is only provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision.
Childminders who are currently minding four or more preschool children, or seven or more children of any age, are already required to register with Tusla and can already access the increased subsidies for parents announced in Budget 2023. While only a small number of childminders are currently registered with Tusla, it is intended that the National Action Plan for Childminding will result in the opening up of the National Childcare Scheme to a much wider cohort of childminders.
The overall objective of the National Action Plan is to improve access to high quality and affordable early learning and care and school-age childcare through childminding. To do this, the Action Plan sets out an incremental and supportive pathway to reform. Phase 1 of the National Action Plan, which began in 2021, is expected to take 2 – 3 years to complete.
Phase 1 includes: development of new, childminder-specific regulations that are proportionate and appropriate to the home environment in which childminders work; development and roll-out of new, bespoke training for childminders; amendment of primary legislation to enable childminders to register with Tusla; and re-examining the funding and financial supports available for childminders.
Since coming into office I have been committed to seeing this process through. A great deal of work still lies ahead, and it is important that we take the time to get this right, as it will involve a major process of change.
980. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of all schools that have been used for temporary accommodation for Ukraine or IP refugees since January 2022 to date. [1247/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 10 January 2023, the number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) who have been accommodated by my Department is 53,702. The information requested in regard to educational centres has been extracted from our systems and outlined in tabular form below.
BOTP Accommodation
|
Schools |
|
|
FLAGMOUNT SCHOOL HALL (WOMEN AND CHILDREN U12) |
|
|
ST.MARY’s GAA COMPLEX |
|
Congregated Settings Former Convents/Schools |
|
ARD SCOIL MHUIRE - BRUFF |
|
BALLYHAISE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE |
|
BOWER HALL |
|
CAHERMOYLE HOUSE |
|
CLONAKILTY AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE |
|
CONVENT OF MERCY |
|
CONVENT OF MERCY CAPPAMORE |
|
CONVENT OF MERCY GORT |
|
DRUMCAR HOUSE |
|
ESKER MONASTERY - YOUTH VILLAGE |
|
ESKER MONASTERY- RETREAT BUILDING - ATHENRY |
|
FETHARD CONVENT BUILDING |
|
GORMANSTON PARK |
|
GREEN GLENS ARENA - MILLSTREET |
|
HOROLOGY INSTITUTE |
|
RUSHBROOK CONVENT |
|
SISTERS OF MERCY CONVENT - TEMPLEMORE |
|
ST JOHN OF GOD CONVENT |
|
ST JOSEPH'S CONVENT |
|
ST JOSEPH'S CONVENT - BALLYBAY |
|
ST MARY'S DRUMCAR |
|
THE CONVENT - BUTTEVANT |
|
THE FRIARY KNOCKTOPER (KILKENNY) |
|
THE MARIST (ST. MARY'S COLLEGE) |
|
URSULINE CONVENT |
IP Accommodation
|
Schools |
|
St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 |
|
Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, Mourne Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 |
981. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has any plans to include education as a future ground for discrimination in the Employment Equality and Discrimination Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1255/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues relating to discrimination with regard to education are currently encompassed in the equality legislation.
As part of the current ongoing review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015), a public consultation process was launched in July 2021, to examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality. The review includes Programme for Government commitments to consider the introduction of a socio-economic ground for discrimination.
The review is examining the operation of the Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms. It will examine the degree to which those experiencing discrimination are aware of the legislation and whether there are practical or other obstacles which preclude or deter them from taking an action.
The Department invited written submissions to the public consultation in July 2021 and I was pleased to note the extensive response to the consultation. The public were asked for their views on the functioning and accessibility of the Acts; the scope of the current grounds; whether existing exemptions should be modified or removed; and whether the legislation adequately addresses intersectionality. Submissions are currently being analysed by officials in the Department and a report will be published in due course.
It is intended that legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought forward in 2023. However, as the review has not yet completed, it is not yet possible to indicate the nature or scope of those proposals.
982. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Little Baby Bundle which will be distributed to 500 new parents in February 2023 will contain literature which will help or encourage parents to speak Irish with their children; if he will ensure that there will be books/information sheets regarding the benefits of bilingualism for the child; if the bundles will contain information about the local naíonraí/gaelscoileanna in their local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Little Baby Bundle pilot will include resources in Irish, and children's books to encourage parents to speak Irish with their children, or, to encourage parents without Irish to perhaps explore the language for the first time together with their baby.
Our advisory group, drawn from experts across many disciplines, have advised my Department to limit the number of booklets and information leaflets to key health messages identified by the HSE. Information will not be included on early learning and care services or school as the information included in the bundle will concentrate on supporting the first few months of the child's life. This will be reviewed as part of the pilot evaluation, and learnings will be used to inform any future national roll out.
983. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when service providers of refugee accommodation (details supplied) will be paid. [1331/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that payment issued to the Co Laois provider mentioned on 6 January 2023. In relation to the Co Kilkenny provider, my officials assure me that every effort is being made to ensure that payment issues in the coming week.
984. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid the significant moneys owed to them in respect of accommodation which they provided to Ukrainian refugees, in view of the direct negative impact that it is having on this person’s cashflow and the undue stress being caused to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that a series of payments are being processed for this provider and that every effort is being made to ensure that these issue from next week.
986. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the optional protocol will be enacted to give credibility to the adoption of the UNCRPD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 20 March 2018. This marked an important milestone in a process to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities in Ireland that has gathered momentum since Ireland became a signatory to the Convention in 2007.
Ireland's approach to meeting the obligations of the UNCRPD is one of continuous advancement - each year moving forward on key reforms to consistently strengthen and uphold obligations and rights arising from the Convention.
I recognise the importance of the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD. As the Deputy will be aware, the Optional Protocol is an international treaty that establishes procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Convention, and both I and my colleagues across Government support this fully.
Ratification of the Optional Protocol is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The timeline for ratification was originally anticipated to follow the conclusion of Ireland’s first review period before the UN Committee.
Due to delays at UN level Ireland’s appearance before the Committee will now be delayed. Due to this delay, Minister O'Gorman and I have indicated that we are open to the earlier ratification of the Optional Protocol.
My Department is currently working to scope out the requirements for earlier ratification. This scoping work is required due to the long-standing position of the state in relation to honouring international agreements. As a matter of foreign policy, Ireland does not enter into binding international treaties until we are confident that the obligations set out within can be complied with. As such, the ongoing scoping exercise is procedurally necessary.
While I am not yet in a position to give an exact date for ratification, it is a priority for me to ensure that the Optional Protocol is ratified at the earliest possible date.
987. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will list all locations at which more than ten Ukrainian refugees are being accommodated in counties Offaly, Laois, and Limerick city and county; the total number being accommodated at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1415/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra989. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of Ukrainian refugees who are currently being accommodated in hotels or other accommodation under the relevant schemes administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1418/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 987 and 989 together.
As of 10 January 2023, the number of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who have been accommodated by my Department is 53,702. The information requested in regard to specific counties referred to has been extracted from our systems and outlined in tabular form below.
|
LAOIS |
296 |
|
DURROW |
43 |
|
MOUNTMELLICK |
9 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
61 |
|
CO LAOIS (not stated) |
183 |
|
LIMERICK |
1746 |
|
ARDAGH |
167 |
|
BRUFF |
356 |
|
CAPPAMORE |
19 |
|
CASTLECONNELL |
45 |
|
CLONMACKEN |
11 |
|
KILFINANE |
32 |
|
KILLMALLOCK |
18 |
|
LIMERICK |
735 |
|
MUNGRET |
44 |
|
TARBERT |
7 |
|
CO LIMERICK (not stated) |
312 |
|
OFFALY |
732 |
|
CO OFFALY (not stated) |
46 |
|
CO OFFALY (not stated) |
17 |
|
MONEYGALL |
43 |
|
PORTARLINGTON |
247 |
|
SHANNONBRIDGE |
22 |
|
TULLAMORE |
189 |
|
CO OFFALY (not stated) |
168 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
2774 |
988. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will list all locations at which new accommodation centres were established for asylum seekers from 1 January 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below the requested list of all locations at which new accommodation centres were established for international protection applicants from 1 January 2021 to date:
|
County |
Number of Accommodation centres opened since Jan 2021 |
|
Donegal |
9 |
|
Dublin |
27 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
Galway |
5 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
|
Laois |
2 |
|
Limerick |
2 |
|
Louth |
3 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
|
Meath |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
|
Total |
71 |
I trust this information satisfies your query, Deputy.
There are over 19,300 people accommodated in International Protection Application Services (IPAS) accommodation centres. This compares with 7,500 people accommodated at the same time last year. The pressure to accommodate almost 75,000 people in such a short period of time has led to significant shortages, particularly for the international protection cohort. Access to suitable accommodation is severely constrained. The number of IPAs and Ukrainian BOTPs arriving in Ireland is expected to remain at elevated levels for the foreseeable future.
990. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Ukrainian refugees who were accommodated in Ireland from February 2022 onwards but who have returned to Ukraine or who are known to have otherwise left the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1419/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlthough not a complete picture, information published by the CSO based on administrative data gives an indication as to whether arrivals from Ukraine have stayed or left Ireland, by examining activity in administrative data. Of the arrivals from Ukraine, 87% showed activity in administrative data after 30 September 2022. The CSO also note that the rate of administrative activity after 31 August 2022 could be underestimated as it is based on the administrative data currently available to the CSO.
For further information please see:
www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/fp/p-aui/arrivalsfromukraineinirelandseries8/
991. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific delegated functions that have been transferred to Ministers of State appointed in December 2022, in tabular form; and the date of transfer. [1464/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements for the delegation of specific functions to Minister of State O’Brien are being put in place and will be completed over the coming weeks.
992. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the name of the company, organisation or persons contracted to provide media training to him from 1 January 2021 to date; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1501/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth has not contracted any company or organization or persons to provide the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth with media training from the date requested of 1 January 2021 to date.
993. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the review of the county childcare committees will be completed; and when the regional hubs will be designated. [1525/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29th March 2022 Government accepted the findings of the independent Review of the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) Operating Model in Ireland that a dedicated state agency is the optimal operating model for the early learning and childcare sector for the years ahead. This Review undertook a comprehensive analysis of the existing operating model, which included, amongst other organisations, the 30 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). It is envisaged that this state agency will undertake the functions currently carried out by Pobal Early Years (including Better Start), the CCCs, as well as operational functions currently undertaken by my Department.
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 agency, which will include determining the appropriate national, local and regional structures and locations for the agency. It will also involve 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. My Department is committed to ongoing consultation with all stakeholders, including CCCs, throughout the design process to ensure that the strengths of the existing model are maintained and that appropriate balance between national, regional and local structures is established in the reformed operating model.
This work will culminate in a full agency design and implementation plan which will be presented to Government for approval.
The implementation of this reform programme will likely require considerable lead-in time and the full establishment of the new Agency will take several years to complete. A detailed timeline for the design and implementation of this complex project, which will involve multiple strands of interdependent work streams, is currently being developed as part of the design and implementation planning phase currently under way.
994. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of recruitment for the role of special rapporteur on child protection; when the role will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1562/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra995. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the role of special rapporteur on child protection has been filled on an interim basis since the expiry of the term of the previous special rapporteur in July 2022 and until the new special rapporteur is in situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra996. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to increase the stipend associated with the position of special rapporteur on child protection, as recommended in the 2022 Annual Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1564/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 994 to 996, inclusive, together.
The term of office of the outgoing Special Rapporteur on Child Protection concluded in July 2022.
I informed my Cabinet colleagues in February 2022 that it was my intention to select the nominee for the Special Rapporteur position for the next three-year term by way of a Public Appointments Service (PAS) open competition. As this is a Government appointed position, the post was not filled on an interim basis in order to allow the PAS competition to proceed.
A stipend of €25,000 per annum is payable in respect of the position of Special Rapporteur and this has remained unchanged. My officials carried out a review of the level of the stipend, including engagement with Department of Public Expenditure with respect to consideration of similar fees, and it was concluded that the PAS competition should proceed with the stipend maintained at the current rate.
The PAS open competition to select the nominee was advertised in September 2022. Final interviews took place in late November 2022. Maintaining the stipend at the current rate does not appear to have discouraged applicants. PAS wrote to the Secretary General of my Department earlier in January 2023 to advise him on the progress with respect to the process and confirming a candidate who is provisionally recommended for the role.
This recommendation is subject to PAS being satisfied as to the suitability of the preferred candidate following completion of necessary checks. It is anticipated that this process may take a couple of weeks. When this has been completed, PAS will write to the Secretary General to confirm the candidate’s suitability for appointment. Once this final confirmation is received, I will bring the name of the nominee for the role of Special Rapporteur on Child Protection to Government for approval at the earliest opportunity.
