Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can clarify the position with regard to the programme for Government commitment to end the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6072/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 93 of 17 November 2022, the status of the review of projected timelines for the implementation of the White Paper to end direct provision and to establish a new international protection support service; his plans to publish the outcomes of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 85 together.
As the deputies 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. Over €1.6m in funding has being awarded to 67 organisations through this new International Protection Integration Fund in 2022.
While much progress has been made, the war in Ukraine has had an unavoidable impact on timelines for delivery of the new model of accommodation as staff in the Department were temporarily diverted to fulfil Ireland’s obligations. Over 57,200 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have been accommodated by the State.
Alongside this, since the lifting of international travel restrictions post-COVID-19, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people seeking International Protection with over 15,000 new people seeking accommodation in 2022. Overall, my Department is now accommodating over 74,000 people, compared with 7,500 at this time last year.
It is not clear if the increase in International Protection arrivals is a once-off impact due to the pent up demand after Covid and the impact of the war in Ukraine or is a trend that will continue into 2023 and beyond. This increase in numbers has huge implications for the implementation of the White Paper as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3,500 new arrivals each year, themselves based on 20 years of data.
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 is taking 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. It expected that the review will be completed by the end of quarter one 2022.
Notwithstanding the impact of the Ukraine crisis, the implementation of the new model is and will continue to be a key priority for me.
82. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of international protection applicants who have not been provided with accommodation and have been directed to homeless services; if he will end this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6138/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the nationwide shortage of available accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs), particularly single males, the Citywest transit hub has been providing emergency shelter while IPAs wait to be assigned to accommodation.
On 24 January, the Citywest transit hub reached capacity and entry for new IPAs was paused on that date.
As of 7 February the total number of people who have not been accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) since 24 January stands at 109.
Over 80 IPAs who were previously not provided accommodation on arrival have since been contacted and subsequently accommodated in IPAS accommodation. This leaves a balance of 29 people who have not been accommodated at this time.
Any IPAs who are not provided with accommodation when applying for international protection at the International Protection Office (IPO) have their contact details taken, are provided with food vouchers and are directed to homeless services. As suitable accommodation options become available these people will be contacted by IPAS.
During this time IPAS has continued to provide accommodation for all IP families with children.
Owing to the lack of any suitable IPAS accommodation in the short to medium term, this closure may be of a longer duration than previous closures. The situation will remain under constant review.
The response to the ongoing migration crisis has now entered an extremely difficult phase, with insufficient accommodation available nationwide for IPAs and the outlook for accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine is also extremely challenging.
Since the beginning of 2022, Ireland has accommodated more than 74,000 people who have fled here, between IPAs and those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Last year, over 15,000 people arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation while their applications for international protection are processed by the International Protection Office (IPO). Over the period 2017-2019 an average of 3,500 people applied for protection each year. In the first month of 2023, 1,240 people have arrived seeking international protection in Ireland.
Intensive efforts are being undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY to source emergency accommodation. However, procuring enough bed space to keep pace with incoming arrivals remains extremely pressurised and continues to lead to very significant shortages.
83. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a full update on the status of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6179/23]
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.
Advancements have been made through delivery of two whole-of-government national strategies - the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) which concluded at the end of 2022 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES).
Ireland submitted its Initial State Report on the implementation of the UNCRPD to the UN Committee in November 2021, following extensive consultation with persons with disabilities, disabled persons organisations, representative organisations, and families. Ireland is currently awaiting a review date from the UN Committee to evaluate progress made to date.
A new national disability strategy is presently under development, to succeed the NDIS. The new national disability strategy will also satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a plan to coordinate continued implementation of the UNCRPD in Ireland.
My Department is conscious of the need to ensure that, in line with our UNCRPD obligations, the voices of people with disabilities and their representative organisations inform the scope and focus of the strategy. Inclusive strategy development is the key to ensuring that we build on progress achieved to date under the NDIS and CES, so that we can make properly informed decisions to address as a matter of priority the challenges and barriers most significant in the lives of people with disabilities across Ireland today.
All Government departments and agencies are responsible for implementing the UNCRPD, and action will continue in this regard while the new strategy is in development throughout 2023.
84. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way he is supporting young adults with disabilities to access training and employment post-second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6172/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister of State with responsibility for Disability is committed to removing the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing training and employment. My Department plays a significant coordination role in this regard through the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES).
The CES is the primary disability employment policy initiative in Ireland. It is a cross-government approach, bringing together actions by Government Departments and Agencies to address the barriers and challenges to employment of persons with disabilities. The CES’s strategic priorities are to build skills, capacity and independence, to provide bridges and supports into work, to make work pay, to promote job retention and re-entry to work, to provide coordinated and seamless supports and to engage employers. Under the CES framework, my Department plays a coordination role in ensuring that disability measures are coherent and integrated, with specific actions continuing to be the responsibility of the relevant Departments and agencies.
In terms of specific employment supports provided by Government for people with disabilities, the Department of Social Protection, through its nationwide network of Intreo centres provides a case managed employment service for jobseekers with disabilities. This includes contracting for the provision of specialist employment services (EmployAbility services) to help address difficulties faced by some people with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment.
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants also support jobseekers, existing employees with disabilities, and private sector employers seeking to hire or retain a person with a disability. These grants are being reviewed, as per commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. The review aims to see how to improve the effectiveness of the grants, identify gaps in provision and how to improve the application and payment processes. In Budget 2023, an additional €1 million in funding was announced by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys T.D., to expand the provisions made under the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and to support the recommendations from the forthcoming review.
With regard to access to post-second level education and training, last year, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D., launched the new National Access Plan (NAP) to drive equity of access to higher education. The NAP names three specific priority groups, one of which is students with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities. This Plan will succeed the third National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher education 2015-2021, which expired in December 2021.
Other supports provided by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science include the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD), which is the principal funding source for students with disabilities in further and higher education. In 2022, Minister Harris provided €3million of PATH 4 funding to higher education institutions to implement universal design and inclusive practices on their campuses, and enhance opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities in higher education.
Significant work is also ongoing in the areas of Further Education and Training (FET) and Apprenticeships to ensure they are accessible, inclusive and meet the needs of people with disabilities.
For further details on the supports referenced above, I would encourage the deputy to reach out to the Ministers for Social Protection and Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
86. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline future plans for the delivery of a sustainable model for early and pre-school education to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6167/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTogether for Better is the new funding model that supports the delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good. This was recommended by an Expert Group, adopted by Government, and has been widely welcomed by representative groups advocating for parents, children, the workforce and providers.
Together for Better brings together three major programmes, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model, the National Childcare Scheme and the new Core Funding scheme, with a fourth programme - Tackling Disadvantage - under development.
Core Funding allows for substantial increases in the total cost base for the sector without additional costs being passed on to parents. Core Funding contributes to sustainability by significantly increasing income for the overwhelming majority of services and providing greater funding stability. Already 94% of services have signed up to Core Funding, and the scheme remains open for applications.
Core Funding, by contrast to the other funding schemes, provides payment in respect of the number of child places rather than based on child registrations or attendance. This is a deliberate differentiation of approach, and offers a new, more stable income source that will not fluctuate in line with registrations or attendance. This mixture of supply-side and demand-led public funding provides a welcome balance to the funding model. Core Funding payments are also spread out over the entire programme year, providing more stability of income for services that close for the summer.
I have secured an increase in the Core Funding envelope of €28 million for year two, an 11% increase. The precise allocation of this funding will be informed by emerging data from Year 1 of operation and research currently underway.
My Department, Pobal and the CCCs continue to closely monitor trends concerning services entering case management and will continue to maintain the availability of Sustainability Funding for individual services at risk.
87. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the little book bag initiative; the number of books that have been distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Little Library is an initiative under the First 5 Strategy.
It is led by my Department, with the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and is funded under Dormant Accounts Funding.
Under the Little Library Initiative 2021, 4,500 early learning and childcare services, including childminders, were offered an opportunity to connect with their local library and receive a series of book bags.
Book bags were made available in May and again in October 2021, to ensure early learning and childcare services build a library of quality books for young children, and to encourage them to make greater use of their local library. Books were made available in the Irish and English language. In addition, accessible versions of some titles were developed by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI).
Under the Little Library Initiative 2022 - My Little Library - a free book bag with storybooks and resources was offered to every 4 and 5 year old who started school in September 2022.
The children received an invitation to participate in the initiative through their early learning and care setting.
The objective of this initiative was that all children starting school in September 2022 would have storybooks in their home and be members of their local library.
My Little Library was available in English and Irish.
The initiative ran from Easter to the October bank holiday. Of the 60,000 book bags that were provided to the libraries, 51,000 book bag pickups were reported. All remaining book bags are being held by the libraries for future use.
Over 24,000 children in the target age group have joined the library since the initiative started and a further 10,000 children have renewed their library membership.
An evaluation of the First 5 Little Library initiative is currently underway.
88. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of unaccompanied minors currently seeking asylum in Ireland; and the number who are resident in direct provision centres, residential care or foster care. [5637/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that as of Friday 3rd January, 2023, there were 208 children being cared for by Tusla, both beneficiaries of temporary protection and international protection applicants.
In relation to the number of separated children in residential care, I can confirm that the total number of children is 81.
There are 46 in special emergency accommodation arrangements, which are temporary unregulated placements.
The remainder, 71 are in family placements (comprised of statutory and non-statutory fostering and supported lodgings placements).
An additional Unit for beneficiaries of temporary protection is opening on Friday 10 February and will have capacity to accommodate 12 children.
89. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the recently published 2021-22 annual report by the special rapporteur on child protection; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6140/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Special Rapporteur on Child Protection is a Government-appointed position, with a term of office of three years. The functions of the Rapporteur are to keep under review and to audit legal developments for the protection of children; to assess the impact, if any, litigation in national and international courts will have on child protection; to prepare a report annually and to examine, upon request, the scope and application of existing or proposed legislative provisions and to make comments/ recommendations as appropriate.
Government approved the publication of the 2021/2022 annual report, which is the 15th Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, in mid-December.
The annual reports of the Special Rapporteur have tended to cover a wide range of policy areas and contain commentary and recommendations relating to several Departments and Agencies. Every year, an advance copy of the annual report is provided to all relevant Departments, on a confidential basis, so that they may consider the report and take any action they deem necessary. It is a matter for each Department to take appropriate steps to address the report’s recommendations relevant to their specific remit.
Overall, the work of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection is welcomed and valued. The annual reports provide important input on the development and review of child protection policy and legislation as well as an objective and independent expert view of the child protection system in Ireland. The reports have been influential in informing our policy responses to improve the lives of children and young people, across Government.
Professor Conor O’Mahony is the author of the 2021/ 2022 annual report and his three-year term of office as Special Rapporteur concluded in July 2022. Government recently appointed Ms Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection for the next three-year term.
90. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement that he has had with the Department of Education, with a view to progressing integration of students from new communities in primary and post primary schools. [6177/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Migrant Integration Strategy, which was launched in 2017 and concluded at the end of 2021, forms the central policy framework adopted by the Government to promote the integration of all migrants and their Irish-born children across ten areas of public policy.
The Strategy aims to enhance diversity, inclusion and equity for migrants across all aspects of Irish society including the education of migrant students. The strategy addresses integration at all levels within the education and training systems in Ireland. The integration of new communities in primary and post primary school falls under the responsibility of the Department of Education. My Department have worked with the Department of Education through the Migrant Integration Strategy Monitoring and Coordination Committee to progress actions set out in the strategy.
The Programme for Government committed to a successor strategy which is now in the planning phase. Education is a critical pillar in integration and my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Education to support integration and inclusion in primary and post primary schools.
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he remains satisfied that the interests of children remain to the fore to the greatest extent possible in all situations where their interest might be challenged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6131/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister with responsibility for Children, I am committed to upholding their best interests in all situations.
Ireland held the presidency of the Council of Europe last year. One of the priorities chosen for the Irish Presidency was “Hear our Voices”, which had a particular focus on youth engagement. As part of this, I was delighted to host a conference in October focussing on The Rights and Determination of the Best Interests of the Child in Parental Separation and in Care Proceedings.
Ireland is currently undertaking a number of major reforms that aim to improve the experience of children and families involved in family court proceedings. I have been working closely with my colleagues, Ministers McEntee and Harris to ensure that children’s best interests are at the centre of their Department’s proposed Family Court reforms.
Last year I oversaw the enactment of The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. In September I commenced Section 4 of this Act, which reflects the intent of Article 42A of the Constitution by confirming that in any child care proceedings under the Principal Act, the court must regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.
The main purpose of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 is to extend and regulate the guardian ad litem system for children involved in child care proceedings. The provisions of this Act are intended to enhance the rights of children and the capacity of the courts to make the right decisions in helping children and their families.
My Department is also reaching the end of a lengthy and in-depth review of the Child Care Act, 1991. The Child Care Act is a wide-ranging piece of legislation, which, at its core, seeks to promote the welfare of children who may not receive adequate care and protection. We have listened carefully to the concerns and suggestions of stakeholders, including children, and researched international best practice. I plan to bring Heads of Bill to government shortly to revise and update this Act, to ensure that Ireland can uphold the best interests of this very vulnerable cohort of children into the future.
92. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements he has had in respect of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme. [5849/23]
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.
Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, which concluded at the end of 2022, contained an important cross-Government action to review transport and mobility supports for people with disabilities and to advance proposals for the enhancement of these supports going forward. The Action 104 Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to make progress in this regard.I chaired meetings of the Transport Working Group from January 2022, from which point the participation of the Department of Finance in the work of the Group was facilitated for the purposes of including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme in the Group's holistic considerations. This was arranged following engagement between the former Minister for Finance, Pascal Donohoe T.D., and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O'Gorman T.D., on the matter.
In that regard, I would note that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth has a policy coordination role in relation to disability matters but does not hold responsibility for the specific parameters or administration of any transport or mobility supports for people with disabilities. The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme remains the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance and is administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
The discussions at the Transport Working Group were particularly enriched by the contributions of Disability Stakeholder Group representatives, and other disability organisations, who ensured that the lived experience of people with disabilities remained at the centre of considerations.
The Group's work has now concluded, and the final report which sets out the contributions made by members of the Transport Working Group for the enhancement of transport and mobility supports for people with disabilities is presently being finalised, and subsequently will be published on the website of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth.
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.
93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the many Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war and currently housed in hotels will be accommodated during the peak tourist summer season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6162/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is now accommodating in excess of 70,000 people, including both those fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking International Protection. We have contracted in excess of 42,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 700 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The Government decision of 28 October 2022 agreed that a move from an emergency response to a more mainstreamed approach is appropriate in light of the high numbers of arrivals, both those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and those seeking asylum. The high level of demand requires us to maximise all existing capacity, to bring greater consistency and to ensure equity for all who rely on State supports. This includes taking account of the level of income supports being provided by the State in addition to accommodation and access to a range of State services. The decision involved moving to a more standard offer of accommodation, with more Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection utilising existing state income supports or income from employment to pay for their own food and day-to-day expenses.
To give effect to the Government decision, my Department is in ongoing negotiations, as contracts expire, with a significant number of hotels who have previously been accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPS) on a full board basis. At this time no provider has definitively indicated that they will not provide accommodation for BOTPs under the new contract, but negotiations are still ongoing.
We are also working urgently across Government and with agencies, NGOs and Local Authorities to bring new accommodation on board so that the State’s humanitarian responsibilities can continue to be met. In this regard, my Department is availing of all suitable offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of hotels, office buildings, and sports centres, to address the accommodation shortfall.
In respect of the above Government decision, it should be noted that regular meetings have taken place between my officials and the relevant Department and Fáilte Ireland officials to share learnings and discuss issues as we continue to respond to the challenge of procuring enough accommodation to meet demand. My Department is grateful to the support of those in this sector in responding to date to this unprecedented challenge. Communities across the country have welcomed those from Ukraine during their time of need and this is very much appreciated.
My Department is also very aware of the concerns shared by some communities around the absence of tourists in some areas with the consequent impact on local spending. To respond to these and other issues, we continue to work alongside both Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism as we work together as part of a whole of government response, ensuring that key stakeholders have had the opportunity to feed into solutions under development.
I also wish to advise that, as part of the whole of Government response to the increased arrivals, the State is also committed to delivering accommodation solutions beyond tourist accommodation. For example my Department is working with the Department of Housing to deliver accommodation in certain refurbished buildings. The Department of Housing has also recently announced a new call for unoccupied homes to be made available for BOTPs, and we are working with OPW on the rapid build homes programme. This work will continue.
94. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he intends to expand the provisions of flexible working and remote working contained in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 to all employees, beyond those who are in care relationships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 was included in the Government Legislative Programme for Autumn 2022 as priority legislation for drafting and publication in that session. The Bill has since passed all stages in Dáil Éireann and is currently before the Seanad at Committee Stage.
The Bill includes provisions to transpose Article 9 of the EU Work Life Balance Directive which provides for a right to request flexible working for parents and carers. Separately, the Government brought amendments to the Bill at Report Stage to incorporate the provisions of the Right to Request Remote Work Bill 2021 into this Bill.
Under the provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022, as approved by the Dáil, all employees can make a request for remote work but the right to request flexible working only extends to parents and carers, as defined under the Directive. The Government has committed, however, to reviewing these provisions after two years to consider extending the right to request flexible working to all employees.
95. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to support workers in the childcare and preschool sector. [6116/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst 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 (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC). The evidence suggests children achieve better outcomes when staff are well qualified.
In line with commitments in First 5, in December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for ELC and SAC, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in ELC and SAC. The Plan includes specific actions for moving to a graduate-led ELC workforce by 2028, establishing a career framework for staff working in the ELC and SAC sector, including role profiles and qualification requirements, and the strengthening of career pathways. Nurturing Skills also includes actions to support the recruitment and retention of staff with the necessary qualifications, and ongoing staff training and development, to create a workforce which feels valued and is motivated to deliver the best possible service to children.
A Monitoring Committee has been established to monitor the implementation of the actions contained in Nurturing Skills. I am expecting to receive the first annual report from the Monitoring Committee shortly.
One of the key enablers set out in Nurturing Skills was the need to improve the pay and conditions for the workforce. On 15 September 2022, following a process I commenced the year before, the first ever Employment Regulation Orders for Early Years Services came into effect, setting new minimum hourly rates of pay for different roles in the sector, including higher minimum rates for lead educators and managers with relevant degree-level qualifications. It is estimated that 73% of those working in the sector saw their wages rise as a result. The Orders are being supported by Core Funding, which has an allocation of €259 million in its first year, to support improvements in staff wages, a freeze in parental fees, and sustainability of services.
96. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide data on the new national childcare scheme to demonstrate participation and average subsidy rates for January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6042/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Budget 2023 has introduced a major reform to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) from January 2023, which will substantially improve the affordability of early learning and childcare for families.
From 2 January, all families accessing registered early learning and childcare receive a minimum hourly NCS subsidy of €1.40. With the previous minimum hourly NCS subsidy set at €0.50 per hour, this represents an additional €0.90 per hour off the cost of early learning and childcare.
From this date, any family on the universal or income assessed subsidy who was not already at the maximum hourly rate under the Scheme will have seen an increase in their subsidy. For those who receive an income assessed subsidy, the amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly rate. The exact reduction in costs will be unique to each family depending on their individual circumstances, and their early learning and childcare needs.
In terms of participation, a total of 108,369 children have benefited from the NCS in January 2023. This compares to a total of 54,907 children who benefitted from the Scheme for the same period in 2022. This represents a 97% increase in the number of children benefitting from a successful claim as of this January.
A further breakdown of these figures also demonstrate the impact of the recent extension to the universal subsidy. From September 2022, all children under 15 may avail of the universal subsidy. In January 2023, a total of 48,508 children benefitted from the subsidy – an increase of 35,908 children when compared to the previous year.
Lastly, in terms of subsidy rates, the average weekly income assessed subsidies was €70.04 in January 2023 – an increase of 8% from the previous year. The average universal subsidy for the same period was €34.88 – an increase of 91% compared to the previous year.
Parents not currently availing of the Scheme may apply online for the subsidy using their MyGovID at ncs.gov.ie. Alternatively, parents may contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530.
97. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to provide information to individuals and families impacted by the commencement of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. [6120/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act) is an important piece of legislation that represents significant legal reform. It changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
The Act will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.
My Department chairs an inter-agency steering group which has, for some time, been making preparations for the commencement of the Act. These preparations have included communications and awareness activities related to the Act.
The Decision Support Service (DSS), which is the organisation that will operate the provisions of the 2015 Act, will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. To date, the Decision Support Service has made considerable progress in preparing for the operation of the 2015 Act.
This includes the provision of information to those who will be affected by the Act, some of whom may be apprehensive by the significant change that is about to take place. Firstly, the DSS provides a range of online resources on its website, including guidance documents, FAQs, recorded presentations and explainer videos, so that individuals and their families can become familiar with the Act. The DSS has recently uploaded an explainer video directed towards families, and the DSS is available to answer calls and emails from the public.
In 2021 the DSS posted a standing invitation on its website and social media channels to stakeholders who wished to request a presentation from the DSS, and a huge response was received. From that point the DSS has presented to diverse stakeholders at hundreds of events to provide an overview of the 2015 Act, including the new support framework and the functions of the DSS.
The DSS has also worked with the HSE to develop a webinar specifically for carers, many of whom are family members of persons who lack capacity, and may avail of decision supports under the new Act. The DSS has also collaborated with the Courts Service, to provide a webinar for current wards and their families, to ensure that they are prepared for the transition from wardship to Assisted Decision-Making.
The DSS, as part of its ongoing statutory function, has also developed a public information campaign across a number of platforms to coincide with the commencement of the Act and the launch of the DSS. If any individual or family member wishes to contact the DSS for information about the Act, the DSS are ready and willing to engage.
The Office of the Wards of Court commenced their communications campaign as far back as 2021, which focused on the provision of information to wards, their committees and legal practitioners in anticipation of the Act's commencement. This campaign includes the provision of letters, electronic communications, webinars, live question and answer sessions, along with the provision of accessible documents.
The Wards of Court website has also been updated providing for a new section on the Act, encompassing in-depth information on the discharge process following feedback received from committees. Staff of the Courts Service have also taken part in webinars, training and awareness raising events over the past two years.
The HSE provides Assisted Decision-Making advice and guidance to its staff and funded services, but also assist staff and services to support the individuals and families who may be affected by the commencement of the Act. A number of resources have been developed for staff, which are also available to individuals, families and the general public on the HSE website. This includes explainer videos on the Act, FAQs, webinars on specific areas of the Act, including one on the rights of the person and the role of families. A book, jointly developed with UCC School of Law and the Decision Support Service, covering personal and professional reflections on the Act, has also been launched.
All events organised by the HSE include the perspective of the person and/or advocacy services, and the HSE also respond directly respond to queries received from staff, individual, families and the general public in relation to the Act. The HSE has also met with organisations such as Family Carers Ireland, the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers (NFVSP) and Sage, and has supported events on Assisted Decision-Making. A number of organisations that the HSE works with has also been active in providing information and supports to families and individuals.
Amendments were required to the 2015 Act prior to commencement, in order to streamline processes in the interests of those using its provisions, and to strengthen the safeguards contained in the Act. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 is the vehicle for these amendments and was signed into law on 17 December last.
The Government remains committed to commencing the 2015 Act, as amended, as soon as possible. Work is currently underway to draft the necessary Statutory Instruments that are required as part of the commencement process, including the drafting of commencement orders and of regulations that the new system of tiered decision supports will need to function. There are a number of such instruments that will need to be finalised before the 2015 Act, as amended, can be operationalised, and my officials are working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to progress this work in early course.
I expect to be in a position to commence the 2015 Act, as amended, in early 2023.
98. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied that in cases in which proposals are presented by individuals, organisations or commercial entities to provide accommodation to IPAS, that applications are expediated in a timely way. [5971/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, the response to the ongoing migration crisis has entered an extremely difficult phase, with no apparent accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) at scale available into the short term to medium term.
I can assure you that every effort is being made to address the current shortfall in accommodation. Since 1 December 2022 to 30 January 2023 over 1,700 additional spaces have been brought into use by IPAS for international protection applicants.
The arrival numbers are at an all time high with 15,000 people arriving in 2022. In the first month of 2023, more than 1,200 new IPA arrivals have sought accommodation from the State. The average annual number of applications from 2017 to 2019 was 3,500.
Since the beginning of 2022, Ireland and many other European countries are experiencing a significant increase of new arrivals seeking international protection (IP). All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used.
Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been circa 60 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 17 counties.
The Department has a dedicated procurement team who engage in detailed assessments of all buildings offered for IPA accommodation. Intensive efforts are being undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY to source emergency accommodation. However, procuring enough bed space to keep pace with incoming arrivals remains extremely challenging, leading to very significant shortages.
The Department continues to evaluate all offers or accommodation made to it as quickly as possible and welcomes offers from providers who will accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs). At present all offers of accommodation for IPAs are being advanced. As you may be aware, the volume of applications from providers to accommodate IPAs is far less numerous than the offers proffered for beneficiaries of temporary protection. As a consequence, there is no backlog of offers for international protection accommodation that have not been examined.
99. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the new report on rapid-build housing published by his Department. [57890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has approved the construction of 700 rapid build homes with the potential to house up to 2,800 individuals in family units. The rapid build homes will be constructed on state owned land. The OPW is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department. The objective is to install 500 units by March/April 2023.
All the sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities, including a playground and green spaces fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60-year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area.
After a programme of engagement with Public Representatives and Local Authorities, work has begun on the first phase of sites in Cork, Cavan, Claremorris, Mallow and Thurles. Following further engagement and the completion of further suitability assessment work further sites will come on stream in the coming weeks. Local Representatives in each constituency where the first phase rapid build homes are planned received a full briefing from my Departmental officials and the OPW. This briefing of Local Representatives is continuing as more sites are identified. My Department and the OPW are also engaging directly with Local Authority officials in respect of each site and community information sessions have been held in some areas where requested.
My Department is working with other Departments and Agencies to ensure that the additional resources needed are in place. My Department works closely with the Department of Health in relation to the healthcare needs of displaced people from Ukraine. The HSE is being notified of the proposed number of residents for each site and associated potential healthcare needs. The Department of Education is planning for the extra school places that may be needed. If the local school does not have enough places, alternative arrangements will be made to bring occupant children to schools close by.
The county’s Community Response Forum will be responsible for coordinating the integration of refugees into local areas. My Department is funding additional workers in each local authority to support the integration of new arrivals into the local areas. The Government is also providing funding for community initiatives to support persons displaced by the war in Ukraine.
100. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can clarify his Department's recent communication on accommodation and support for refugees; the reason that it discriminates between different refugees and specifically offers less support to international protection refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6068/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by my Department is of the highest priority to me and my officials.
There is no discrimination between the supports offered to international protection applicants (IPAs) and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine.
There are material differences between the rights and entitlements of IPAs and BOTPs because their rights are defined under two different EU Directives. Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 sets out the standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection. When a person asks for asylum at the border of a country, that country’s authorities must examine their application. Those seeking asylum in Ireland must make an application for international protection. While that claim is being examined by the International Protection Office, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation and related services to IPAs who wish to accept the offer of accommodation from the Irish State.This offering includes food and utilities while the person is an IPA. Access to public medical services is provided and a weekly personal allowance is also paid to each person. In 2021 this was increased to €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children.
After six months in Ireland, IPAs are eligible to work if they have not received a first instance decision on their application. IPAs are entitled to free legal aid to help them with their application and appeals, if necessary. IPA children also have a right to access mainstream education.The Temporary Protection Directive is an EU Directive that was introduced in 2001. The Directive created a special procedure to deal with a ‘mass influx’ of people in need of protection. The Directive was activated by the European Council for the first time in March 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine. Once the Directive is triggered, EU Member States must give anyone who benefits from temporary protection a residence permit while the temporary protection is in place. Formalities regarding visas and entry to the country must be kept to a minimum. People who have temporary protection must receive a document that clearly explains the provisions of temporary protection.During the temporary protection period, EU member states must provide:
Access to suitable accommodation; Access to social welfare and medical care; Access to education for children under 18; The legal right to access employment immediately on entry to the country; Adults are also allowed to take part in vocational training.
Notwithstanding the differences in entitlements set out in these Directives, my Department makes no distinction in terms of the standard of accommodation that it seeks for both beneficiaries of temporary protection and International Protection Applicants.
