Holly Cairns
Ceist:270. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will facilitate persons living on offshore islands to remotely sign on for jobseeker's payments. [2686/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (270)
Freagraí scríofa
Jobseekers Allowance and/or Benefit applications can be taken online via MyWelfare. When a decision has been made for the customer, he/she can manage their claim online; some of the services include:
- Declare their availability for work
- Apply for Holiday
- Change an Address
- Close Claim
MyWelfare is the online home of welfare services. MyWelfare is safe, secure, and accessible anytime, anywhere, and on all devices.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (271)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:271. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures that are in place to clear the backlog of IPAS payments to accommodation providers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2516/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with my Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, my Department temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department to the payments team in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. We regret any delays in making payments and are according this issue very high priority.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (272)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:272. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that are being taken by the International Protection Accommodation Service to protect the safety and security of residents and staff at a location (details supplied); if such measures are also being rolled out at all other international protection accommodation service locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2465/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In regard to your query, a serious isolated incident occurred in Killarney on New Year’s Day, following which a number of arrests were made. A number of people are currently before the courts in relation to the events. IPAS is in close contact with the centre’s management. I have also engaged with the Minister for Justice to ensure that, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the residents and staff. This remains a priority in the short to medium term.
It must be highlighted that this was an isolated incident in the context of providing accommodation to almost 75,000 people.
I trust this information clarifies the matter.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (273)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:273. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to provide additional accommodation for international protection applicants; if it is proposed to provide new accommodation at a location (details supplied) for such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2490/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While the Department is considering offers of buildings to be repurposed for accommodation, my officials can confirm that it does not possess a record of this property, that no offer has been made in respect of same and that it is not under consideration for use as international protection accommodation.
To provide some context as to the pressure the Department is under to procure accommodation for arriving international protection applicants (IPAs) you should note that the accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) is a demand-led process with applicants arriving in the country and seeking accommodation spontaneously.
During the twelve months of 2022, over 15,000 people have arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation while their applications for international protection are processed by the international protection office. In the first 15 days of 2023, 633 people have arrived seeking international protection in Ireland.
As of 9 January 2023, there are over 19,300 people accommodated in the IPAS accommodation system as a whole. This includes the National Reception Centre and IPAS accommodation centres, City West transit hub and emergency accommodation. Of this total, 4,010 are children.
At this point in 2022, there were approximately 7,500 persons in IPAS accommodation.
These figures are in addition to the arrival of almost 65,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection since 24 February 2022, as a result of the war in Ukraine. To date, over 55,000 BOTPs have sought and received accommodation assistance from the State.
The pressure on the State to accommodate almost 75,000 people currently has led to significant shortages particularly for the international protection cohort.
All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. 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 circa 60 accommodation locations utilised since January across 17 counties.
The Department is availing of all 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 trust this information clarifies the matter, Deputy.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (274)
Joe Carey
Ceist:274. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide the necessary resources to a community childcare facility (details supplied) in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, in order to provide additional space to cater for a dramatic increase in demand for childcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2524/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department was allocated €70m in the National Development Plan allocation. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare across three pillars: Building Blocks - Improvement Grant, Building Blocks - Capacity Grant and a Building Blocks - Innovation Grant.
My Department has allocated €9m in 2023 for The Building Blocks - Improvement Grant for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) facilities.
Grants range from €35,000 to €75,000 across two separate strands: Green Energy and Retrofit. Services that sign up for the Core Funding Scheme were eligible for funding under for the Building Blocks – Improvement Grant. The closing date for this capital grant scheme was 16th December last.
I will be announcing details of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant in the coming months. This grant scheme will address the capacity gap and will provide an investment of up to €45m in the expansion of capacity within the sector. I am satisfied that the Building Blocks capital schemes will provide a much needed investment for the early learning and childcare sector.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (275)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:275. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when payment will be made in relation to a property (details supplied) where Ukrainian refugees are housed as payment has not yet issued for the months of October, November and December 2022 although payment was meant to issue monthly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2541/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by my officials that payment for the provider as detailed by the Deputy is in hand, with payments expected to issue shortly, once they have passed final checks.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (276)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:276. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of properties housing Ukrainian refugees; the number where payment has not yet been made for October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2542/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with my Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, my Department temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department to the payments team in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments. My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. We regret any delays in making payments and are according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that a relatively small number of invoices are on hand where payment has not issued which relate to October 2022 and that these have been prioritised for payment.
Childcare Qualifications
Ceisteanna (277)
Seán Canney
Ceist:277. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his proposals for childcare professionals in their 50s who have a level 5 qualification with up to six years practical experience who now are required to obtain a level 6 qualification to remain in the service; if he will give recognition for years of service and allow progression to level 6 without having to undergo a third level degree course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2622/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
First 5, the whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families, recognises that the workforce is at the heart of high-quality early learning and care. The evidence suggests children achieve better outcomes when staff are well qualified. This is undisputed internationally. First 5 seeks to continue to build an appropriately skilled and sustainable professional workforce and includes a commitment to achieve a graduate-led workforce by 2028.
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all staff working directly with children in a pre-school service must hold at least a Level 5 major award in early childhood care and education on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or a qualification that has been deemed to be equivalent.
In December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in early learning and care and school-age childcare. It contains a range of commitments to raise the qualification requirements for those working in the sector.
Nurturing Skills, which covers the period up to 2028, states that the minimum qualification requirement will remain a level 5 major award in ELC.
Nurturing Skills also commits to providing supports to enable an increasing proportion of early years educators to have a qualification at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, recognising the complexity of the role they undertake.
While a level 6 award will not be required during the timeframe of this Workforce Plan (to 2028), Nurturing Skills sets a target of increasing the proportion of early years educators with a level 6 (or higher) qualification from 72% in 2021 to 85% by 2028, and it is envisaged that movement towards a level 6 minimum requirement may be the focus of a future Workforce Plan.
Third Level Costs
Ceisteanna (278)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:278. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to make SUSI grant supports available to those who have obtained stamp 4 residence permits via the regularisation of the long-term undocumented persons' scheme. [2473/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
With regard to the residency criterion, in order to be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least three years out of the five year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study. The act sets out that a person shall not be entitled to derive any benefit from a period of unlawful presence in the State.
The nationality requirements for the Student Grant Scheme are set out in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2022.
Applications for the Regularisation of the Long Term Undocumented Migrant Scheme closed on 31 July 22. My Department has and continues to liaise with the Department of Justice on this issue.
Third Level Costs
Ceisteanna (279)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:279. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to make SUSI grant supports available to those who have obtained stamp 4 residence permits via the regularisation of the long-term undocumented persons scheme. [2474/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
With regard to the residency criterion, in order to be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least three years out of the five year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study. The act sets out that a person shall not be entitled to derive any benefit from a period of unlawful presence in the State.
The nationality requirements for the Student Grant Scheme are set out in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2022.
Applications for the Regularisation of the Long Term Undocumented Migrant Scheme closed on 31 July 22. My Department has and continues to liaise with the Department of Justice on this issue.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (280)
Mark Ward
Ceist:280. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of dieticians who are due to graduate from third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2495/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is not yet available. The following tables show the enrolments on CORU approved programmes for 2021/2022 academic year and the number of graduates from 2018 to 2021. This data was sourced from the Student Records System (SRS) from the Higher Education Authority and is the most up to date information available.
Table 1 - Enrolments (rounded to nearest 5) by course and year of study in the academic year 2021-22
|
HEI |
Course Name |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
|
Technological University Dublin |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (Joint Degree) |
25 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
University College Cork |
MSc (Human Nutrition and Dietetics) |
10 |
10 |
||
|
University College Dublin |
MSc Clinic NutrandDiet (Jan) FT |
25 |
20 |
||
|
University of Limerick |
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (masters) |
15 |
15 |
||
|
Total |
95 |
85 |
40 |
40 |
Table 2 - Graduates by year
|
HEI |
Course Name |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Technological University Dublin |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
25 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (Joint Degree) |
25 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
|
University College Dublin |
MSc Clinic NutrandDiet (Jan) FT |
15 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
|
University of Limerick |
Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
10 |
15 |
||
|
Total |
65 |
60 |
80 |
95 |
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (281)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:281. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will give consideration to a proposal (details supplied) to establish a panel of experts to oversee work on setting up a new veterinary school. [2497/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expressions of interest (EOI) were recently sought by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) from institutions with capability to expand existing courses or create new courses in academic year 2024-25 or 2025-26, in a number of areas including veterinary.
The process is currently in a second stage with further information sought from institutions. The closing date for receipt of this information was Monday 16th January 2023. As the process is ongoing, the HEA is not releasing further details at this point in time.
The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the Statutory Body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in Ireland. The Higher Education Authority is engaging with the Veterinary Council as part of their assessment process.
The HEA will make recommendations to the Minister in due course in respect of the five disciplines covered by the EOI (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing and veterinary science)
Third Level Fees
Ceisteanna (282)
Colm Burke
Ceist:282. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if serious consideration will be given to a proposal (details supplied) in relation to the €1,000 fee reduction for undergraduate students in view of the huge additional cost incurred in repeating or changing courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2504/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of Budget 2023, I secured a significant cost of living package for third level students, including a once-off €1,000 in support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes in the academic year 2022-2023.
A key principle of the design of the free fees initiative and the SUSI scheme is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students are not typically supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.
The once off student contribution support of €1,000 therefore does not apply to students undertaking a repeat period of study if that period of study is not eligible for the free fees scheme in this academic year.
Where students do not qualify for the Department’s free fees schemes, an appropriate fee may be determined by each higher education institution as autonomous bodies.
In terms of other supports, undergraduate students may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (283)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:283. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he expects the worry-free period product campaign to be expanded to cover all ETBs and voluntary institutions. [2513/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to “provide a range of free, adequate, safe, and suitable period products in all educational publicly-funded settings (including schools, colleges and HEIs), to ensure that no students are disadvantaged in their education by period poverty.”
Free period products are currently available in a number of higher education institutions. Last year, a pilot was rolled out to nine further education and training colleges across six Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The pilot delivered free, sustainable period products and dispensers for students in participating ETBs. My officials are currently reviewing the outcomes from this pilot which in turn will inform future funding decisions.
The Department of Health has established a Period Poverty Implementation Group, with representation from most government departments, including my Department. The key objective of the Implementation Group is to achieve cross sectoral input and to co-ordinate oversight of both the Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021 and implementation measures recommended in the Discussion Paper jointly published in January 2021 by Ministers O’Gorman and Donnelly.
My Department continues to work with the Department of Health on this matter, including working collaboratively on the development of a drawdown contract for the provision of period products in education establishments and other public institutions. It is anticipated that this new drawdown contract will be in place before the summer.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (284)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:284. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason corrective lenses are not permitted for candidates on plumbing apprenticeships when they fail the colour vision test; if his Department will consider allowing corrective lenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2639/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's officials have engaged with SOLAS on this issue and have been informed that currently, a SOLAS statutory apprenticeship requires that in certain designated crafts, apprenticeship applicants must pass the Ishihara colour vision test without the use of corrective lenses.
SOLAS are continually reviewing the existing statutory apprenticeships and the matter of colour vision testing will be included in this process.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (285)
Ged Nash
Ceist:285. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide details in tabular form of the number of recruits who have joined An Garda Síochána since recruitment opened in 2013 to date; the number of recruits who did not complete training during that period as well as the number of serving gardaí who have retired during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2458/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (286)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:286. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if the case of a person (details supplied) who has been denied temporary protection will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2510/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is open to any person who was denied temporary protection to make a subsequent application if they feel that they are eligible under one of the qualifying criteria. Temporary Protection in Ireland applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
a. Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b. Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c. Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit before 24 February 2022.
The person referred to by the Deputy can contact the dedicated Ukraine support team to discuss their case at:
UkraineSupportMailbox@justice.ie
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (287)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:287. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who were prosecuted under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 in each of the years 2019 to 2022; if a breakdown of the actual offence can be listed in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2514/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Prosecutions, who is fully independent in her functions under Section 2(5) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).
As Minister I have no role in the operations, functions, governance or oversight of the Office of the DPP and am unable to provide any information or statistics relating to the Director's work as a result.
Additionally, management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance I have referred the Deputy's question to the Courts Service for reply.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
Ceisteanna (288)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:288. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the establishment of a rapporteur for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to monitor Ireland’s compliance with its domestic and international legal obligations under the Istanbul Convention and implementation of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. [2557/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland signed the Istanbul Convention in November 2015. At that time a number of legislative and administrative actions were identified as necessary to enable Ireland’s ratification of the Convention. These actions were incorporated into the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021, which was launched the following year. Work on implementing the actions necessary to ratify the Convention was carried out by Government Departments and Agencies and on 8 March 2019, International Women’s Day, Ireland ratified the Convention. I can advise the Deputy that under the Second National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender- Based Violence, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), in their role as Ireland’s national human rights and equality body, were nominated as the independent body to actively participate in monitoring the implementation of the Convention in Ireland and to independently report to the Council of Europe’s expert body (called GREVIO) on Ireland's progress to combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence.
Family Support Services
Ceisteanna (289)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:289. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice when he will establish a network of family contact centres to enable supervised meetings or handovers of children between parents who are no longer together or where domestic abuse has occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2558/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth undertook a scoping exercise to examine the recommendations contained in a report of a pilot Child Contact Centre. I further understand that the Barnardos/One Family Pilot Report recommended an integrated response by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth in that regard.
That Department is best placed to indicate the current position in relation to this piece of work. I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to engage with all Departments, including the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth on all issues in relation to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, including those that affect children in particular.