Catherine Murphy
Ceist:971. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update in respect of a site (details supplied). [13511/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational Protection
Ceisteanna (971)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has not been offered the site in question as a potential location for the accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) or Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and, therefore, it has not been considered.
A detailed assessment must take place before any property can be deemed suitable as accommodation for IPAs or BOTPs.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (972)
Joe Carey
Ceist:972. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the direct provision centre in Shannon, County Clare; the plans there are to augment the existing services in the town to deal with the additional numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13534/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deputy,
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. The pressure to accommodate almost 80,000 people in such a short period of time has led to significant shortages, particularly for the international protection cohort.
While all offers of accommodation received from nationwide locations will continue to be appraised, my Department is working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop a proposal to use a state owned property in Shannon (Unit 153 Shannon Free Zone) for IPAS accommodation. This engagement is ongoing. My officials have advised OPW that it is satisfied with the proposed layout for the centre.
The OPW has now moved into a detailed design phase and has submitted a request for a Contractor to price the works.
Earlier this year my Department launched the Communities Integration Fund (CIF) for 2023 where €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants. Within the CIF, grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.
The press release launched by the Department on 15 February 2023 provided detailed information on where applicants can source guidance on accessing this fund through the Gov.ie website under the Community Integration section.
For each of the past six years a total of €500,000 has been made available to local community based organisations to carry out integration projects in their local area. An additional €66,492.60 was made available for CIF 2022, of which €64,015 was awarded to projects assisting Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland.
In addition, on 24 January 2023, Minister Joe O'Brien launched the €50 million Community Recognition Fund which is a major initiative to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. The fund will provide assistance to sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups and is the first of its kind designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries. Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:
- the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities;
- the upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens;
- the purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations;
- the enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends; transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters.
I trust this clarifies the current situation.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (973)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:973. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the study commissioned by his Department to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies, the National Strategy for Women and Girls as well as the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy to be completed early this year has not yet been published. [13542/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has commissioned a study to evaluate the processes for implementation of three equality strategies, the National Strategy for Women and Girls as well as the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.
Work on this study is at an advanced stage and it is expected to be published in the coming months. I will publish this study once it has been completed.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (974)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:974. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Tusla emergency care orders, interim care orders, permanent and temporary care orders, supervision orders, interim special care orders and special care orders in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [13559/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this relates to Tusla operational matters, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (975)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:975. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of speech and language therapist posts that are currently vacant across the 91 children disability network teams throughout the country; the number that have left the teams; the number that have been recruited since the National Staff Census and Workload Review was undertaken by the HSE in October 2022; if he is aware of the major retention problem in the profession; the number of children that are awaiting initial assessment; the number that are awaiting initial therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13569/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (976)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:976. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline he is working towards to establish a community neuro-rehabilitation team in each CHO; if he intends to provide dedicated funding for the seven CHOs without a team in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13589/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (977)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:977. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the redress that is open to the children who received assessments from an unqualified psychologist (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13594/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (978)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:978. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of personnel that have left their employment with Tusla in County Donegal since January 2021; the efforts that Tusla has made to fill those vacancies; how successful it has been; the number of current vacancies within Tusla in County Donegal; and the specialities and fields they cover.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13606/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
Care Services
Ceisteanna (979)
Colm Burke
Ceist:979. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will give consideration to the establishment of a cross-departmental working group for the purposes of examining, assessing and coordinating the needs of young carers, to be carried out under the auspices of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13738/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A number of Government Departments are engaged in supporting young carers, including the Departments of Health, Social Protection and my own Department.
I am happy to agree to the Deputy's suggestion of giving consideration to the establishment of a cross-departmental group to consider how best the Government can support young carers.
Officials of my Department intend to meet with officials of the relevant Departments to consider this issue. The question of which Department is best placed to lead the process will be considered by the officials.
Departmental Bodies
Ceisteanna (980)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:980. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the steps involved in making a complaint to Pobal in respect of an alleged breach of Core Funding; and if it is possible for complainants to remain anonymous. [13748/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pobal operate as Scheme Administrator for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) funded early learning and childcare schemes. Pobal operate a complaints function which can be accessed by any individual by email or in writing, via post, through complaints@pobal.ie or Complaints Coordinator, Pobal, Zone C, Clonmore, Co. Westmeath, N91 E1WD. Pobal’s complaints policy is available here: here.
In particular, in relation to Core Funding Fee Management, individuals may seek to have issues examined and a conclusion reached through the Core Funding Fee Review process operated through City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), Pobal and the DCEDIY. An individual may initiate this process by contacting their local CCC. The CCC will notify and obtain permission from the initiator before escalation of the case to Pobal.
The Fee Management Review process aims to protect the anonymity of the initiator from the Partner Service to whom their complaint relates. CCCs, Pobal and DCEDIY will at each stage protect the anonymity of initiators where possible, however anonymity cannot always be guaranteed given the variability in size of services and specific nature of individual cases. Where anonymity is to be protected, any documents issued between CCCs, Pobal and/or the DCEDIY will flag confidentiality in the subject line. All anonymous complaints about specific services received by CCCs will be recorded and brought to the attention of Pobal complaints team.
To support services, parents/guardians and the CCC’s, the Department will imminently publish 'Guidelines to support Fee Management' and an 'Overview of the Core Funding Fee Review Process'. These documents provide examples to assist with understanding of the new fee management conditions and review process. These documents will be circulated to the CCC’s and services and available to all online once published.
I would encourage any parent or person with concerns or questions about fees to contact their local CCC for support and guidance, contact details available here: www.myccc.ie/where-is-my-nearest-ccc
International Protection
Ceisteanna (981)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:981. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason his Department did not contract a property (details supplied) for the provision of humanitarian accommodation for individuals fleeing conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13791/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine with over 77,000 people arriving in Ireland, of which, 57,000 have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that direct contact has been made with the party referred to by the Deputy confirming that the offer submitted did not meet the essential criteria to be considered for contract with this Department, details of which can be found here.
It should also be noted that my Department does not procure or contract private houses or apartments for a variety of reasons including impact on the private residential market.
I also wish to draw attention to the Government announcement in November 2022 regarding the call for offers of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes. The campaign to assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine may be of interest in the context of the above offer. Further information can be accessed at offerahome.ie
Contact details are at Offer a Home for the relevant local authority, which will be happy to answer any questions about the programme or what an owner can expect if they offer a property.
Departmental Reports
Ceisteanna (982)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:982. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that a parent of a person with a disability (details supplied) will receive a copy of a report commissioned and carried out into the care and alleged abuse of person in disability services funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13793/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service related matter , I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (983)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:983. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13800/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) was signed into law on December 17 last year. The Act makes amendments to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act), particularly with regard to the streamlining of processes in the interests of those using the provisions of the Acts, and the strengthening of safeguards under the 2015 Act.
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 more rights based and flexible approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
The 2015 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.
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 to operate the 2015 Act.
The 2015 Act required amendments in advance of commencement, and these were brought in the form of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022. Work is currently underway to draft the necessary Statutory Instruments that are required as part of the commencement and operationalisation 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. The passage of the 2022 Amendment Act was required in order to provide the legal basis to progress these final preparations.
On foot of this engagement, I have already commenced certain sections of the 2022 Act needed to allow for the recruitment of three additional judges of the circuit court, in order to help meet the demands of the new system. This was done by way of a Commencement Order dated February 17.
I have set April 26 of this year as the date on which I will commence further remaining sections of both the 2022 and 2015 Acts. This will have the effect of abolishing wardship and ushering in the new system of decision supports.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (984)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:984. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the Equal Status and Employment Acts will be updated to include socio-economic discrimination as a protected ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13813/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2021, my Department commenced a review of the Equal Status Acts 2000 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 (the Equality Acts). The review, which is ongoing, is examining the operation of the Equality Acts from the perspective of the person taking a claim under its redress mechanisms. It is further examining 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 Review is also examining the 2020 Programme for Government commitment to examine the introduction of a new ground based on disadvantaged socio-economic status.
In July 2021, my Department undertook a public consultation process as part of the review of the Equality Acts to examine the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality. A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation will be published in the coming weeks.
It is intended that some legislative proposals arising from the review will be brought forward this year.
Direct Provision System
Ceisteanna (985)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:985. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the place finders service offered to individuals and families with leave to remain but trapped in direct provision; the number of such services; the location of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
International Protection applicants (IPAs) who have been granted an international protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection status) or a permission to remain have the same access to housing supports and services as Irish and EEA nationals.
At the end of February 2023, there were 5,060 people with status living in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
There are a number of supports available to persons with status to assist in accessing housing in the community when leaving accommodation centres. The Department has a specific team in IPAS who work in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the County and City Management Association to collectively support residents with status, or a permission to remain, to access housing options.
In relation to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) – the tools of Homeless HAP including the place finder service where applicable are available to those with status in IPAS accommodation once the Local Authority (LA) has assessed them as eligible for such. DePaul Ireland and Peter McVerry Trust give assistance as required to households with property searches, interviews, viewings. They also liaise with the appropriate Local Authority contact (including, where applicable, the Place Finder) to discuss local arrangements for processing of deposits, advance rent and scheme administration.
In addition to assisting with housing applications, both DePaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust support the person’s integration into the community as fully as possible. This includes providing information about vocational and training courses, such as suitability, locations and eligibility, CV preparation and aid with medical issues, should they arise.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (986)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:986. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which a preliminary enquiry might be carried out in respect of issues relating to numerous cases whereby children are being systemically and forcibly removed from their mother’s custody and handed over to the protagonist (details supplied); if a preliminary enquiry will be empowered to examine the circumstances of these cases prior to any further decision in this regard, judicial or otherwise, given that Tusla appears to be not empowered to act in such circumstances to protect the welfare, health and safety of children in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13842/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Child Care Act 1991, the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, is the statutory body with responsibility to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. The Act is the key piece of legislation whereby the State, as a last resort and for the common good, may intervene to supply the place of parents as provided for under Article 42A.2.1 of the Constitution.
Tusla is aided in its child protection role by the Children First Act 2015, which provides for a number of key child protection measures. These include awareness raising, providing for mandatory reporting of child protection concerns by certain categories of persons and improving safeguarding arrangements in organisations providing services to children. The Act operates alongside the non-statutory obligations provided for in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, which sets out how all reasonable concerns about a child should be reported to Tusla. The Act recognises that a child’s welfare includes their emotional welfare while the Guidance sets out definitions of abuse, including emotional abuse, and signs for its recognition.
Referrals to Tusla regarding the possible harm to a child from a parent are assessed in line with Tusla’s policies, procedures and best practice. Tusla has advised that its child protection and welfare assessment considers any past harm and any future danger to a child as a result of complicating factors in a child's environment. These factors include any parental behaviour that is deemed to have a negative impact on a child resulting in them being seriously harmed, including the behaviours that would indicate emotional abuse. Tusla also considers any strengths and existing safety present for the child in the context of the harm and then works collaboratively with parents, professionals and others to create effective safety for the child into the future.
Tusla has advised that relationship breakdown and separation have long given rise to issues surrounding the subsequent welfare of children that can result in referrals to Tusla Child Protection and Welfare Services. Parental behaviours that cause harm to a child are relevant matters for Tusla in the context of considering the impact of such harm on the child and supporting and protecting a child from future danger associated with such harm.
Tusla social work staff are supported in their professional and evidence informed assessments by access to an online evidence informed toolkit that provides detailed up-to-date research and recommended interventions on key areas such as attachment, critical analysis and thinking, child development, the impact of abuse, separation and loss and parenting capacity. Tusla also provides all staff with access to an entire research centre www.tusla.ie/research/ with relevant current research and publications relevant to child protection and welfare practice. In addition to regular professional supervision, this ensures staff are supported in maintaining their expertise in an ongoing and supportive learning environment.
Tusla works collaboratively with child and adult mental health services, the Courts and other therapeutic services in respect of any relevant matters referred to it, including in relation to necessary interventions to support the safety and wellbeing of a child. If there are any concerns about Tusla’s dealings in a particular case, Tusla should be contacted directly in the first instance.
Tusla can also apply to the court under the 1991 Act for a number of different orders when it believes that children are at risk or in need of care. These orders give the courts a range of powers including decision-making about the type of care necessary and about access to the child or children for parents and other relatives. In such cases, the court has the power to direct Tusla regarding the care of the child. In any child care proceedings under the 1991 Act, the court must regard the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enact a Family Court Bill. The Family Court Bill will be a key element in the development of a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts families at the centre of its activities, provides access to specialist supports and encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution in family law proceedings. My colleague the Minister for Justice received Government approval in November to publish the Family Court Bill and the first National Family Justice Strategy, marking a significant step towards reform of the family justice system.
Of particular relevance here, the Family Justice Strategy includes an action led by the Department of Justice, with the participation of both my Department and Tusla, to ‘consider the outcomes of the research and consultation on parental alienation and develop appropriate proposals’. My Department is represented on the Family Justice Oversight Group, led by the Department of Justice, and is closely involved in the planned reforms, particularly as they relate to child care proceedings, and in ensuring that children’s best interests are kept to the fore.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (987)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:987. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what action has been taken by his Department on a disclosure made to him by email from this Deputy's office on 18 October 2022 regarding the Garda vetting system; and if he will meet with this Deputy to discuss the content of the disclosure. [13929/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that relevant officials in my Department examined the correspondence received. Having noted, inter alia, that the correspondence referred to a matter outside the remit of my Department and that it was not from a member of staff, it was determined that the correspondence did not fall within the definition of a Protected Disclosure as set out in the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.
It was also noted that the correspondence was sent to the Minister for Justice.
I respectfully suggest that the Deputy discusses this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Justice.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (988)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:988. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of households or families who expressed an interest in hosting Ukrainian Refugees in each of the past 13 months; and the number of families currently hosting Ukrainian refugees, in tabular form. [13930/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge following the invasion of Ukraine, with over 77,000 people arriving in Ireland, including 57,000 who have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I can inform the Deputy that over 32,000 expressions of interests in hosting Ukrainian Refugees were received by the Irish Red Cross on its register of pledges since it opened just over a year ago. After eliminating duplicates, this figure reduces to approximately 22,500 expressions of interest. After further eliminating those that were either uncontactable and those that had withdrawn their interest, the number recorded by the Red Cross is 14,754. These pledges are set out on a monthly basis in the tabular format requested below. Not all pledges result in placements for various reasons.
My Department does not know the number of families currently hosting Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection as private placements also take place.
We know that over 6,900 beneficiaries were moved to over 2,950 Red Cross Pledges. A further 1800 beneficiaries have been accommodated in over 560 vacant properties by local authorities under the “Offer a Home” scheme. Almost 7000 claims have been made under the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme in respect of hosting over 14,000 beneficiaries to date. Many beneficiaries have made their own arrangement and are likely to be hosted by families and friends. Approximately 20,000 beneficiaries have not required State funded accommodation to date.
|
Date |
Expression of Interest |
|
Mar-22 |
8,688 |
|
Apr-22 |
2,114 |
|
May-22 |
1,443 |
|
Jun-22 |
520 |
|
Jul-22 |
365 |
|
Aug-22 |
149 |
|
Sep-22 |
155 |
|
Oct-22 |
294 |
|
Nov-22 |
330 |
|
Dec-22 |
89 |
|
Jan-23 |
337 |
|
Feb-23 |
157 |
|
Mar-23 |
112 |
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (989)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:989. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of families or households or property owners who have expressed an interest in hosting Ukrainian refugees but have yet to hear back from the relevant body or be contacted regarding their offer of accommodation; and if a monthly breakdown will be provided on this figure based on the dates upon which the individuals made an offer or expressed an interest in hosting refugees. [13931/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge following the invasion of Ukraine, with over 77,000 people arriving in Ireland, including 57,000 who have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that in 2022, given the scale of expressions of interest, it took some time for the Irish Red Cross to complete the tasks associated with the Pledge Programme. My Department does not have a monthly breakdown in the format sought by the Deputy. However, the Irish Red Cross has confirmed that all persons who have expressed an interest in hosting refugees have been contacted. A significant number of pledgers were uncontactable. For 2023, the Irish Red Cross has set a target of making contact with any new pledgers within three days of their expression of interest in hosting a beneficiary with them in their home. Offers of vacant homes are now managed through Local Authorities under the new scheme announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in January last.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (990)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:990. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if IPAS has decided that current applicants for international protection staying in accommodation in rooms on their own will now be roomed with at least one other, regardless of Covid or other health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13942/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is guided by public health advice in relation to measures for the prevention of Covid-19.
In relation to the sharing of rooms, IPAS must ensure that accommodation is utilised as appropriately as possible to ensure it meets the needs of newly arrived international protection applicants (IPAs). This is governed by a range of factors including room size and configuration.
As the Deputy will be aware, IPAS is going through an unprecedented increase of IPAs arriving in the country seeking accommodation from the State as their applications for international protection are assessed.
As at 12th March 2023, there are just over 20,100 people being accommodated by IPAS compared with 8,500 at this time last year. There are also 295 people who remain un-accommodated by IPAS since the paused entry to CityWest took effect on 24th January 2023.
My Department's officials are working intensively to source emergency accommodation to provide shelter and prevent homelessness.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (991)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:991. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that a hotel accommodating Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) immediately receives the outstanding amounts owed. [14002/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 750 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department 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. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that a payment was made to this Supplier on 09/03/23 and a further payment was made on 15/03/23. Two further invoices have been processed, with payment expected to issue in the coming two weeks, pending final checks.
The delay in payment is due to the large volume of invoices being received by my Department. Additional resources have been assigned within my Department, in addition to outsourcing of some tasks to accelerate processing. The volume of payments issuing is steadily growing. My Department will continue to press on to eliminate the backlog while ensuring appropriate governance is in place to safeguard the proper spending of Exchequer funding.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (992)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:992. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department intends to develop a policy relating to children in informal kinship care, following the recommendation made by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14043/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcome the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Children. I am currently examining them in detail with a view to addressing them in the forthcoming new National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2023-2028.
In response to the recommendation made by the Committee in relation to children in informal kinship care, my Department is currently undertaking a scoping exercise. This exercise will identify the key issues and information required to inform the development of a policy specifically to address the needs of children and families in private care arrangements/informal kinship care in Ireland.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (993)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:993. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of times funding was moved across budget lines within his Department in a process known as virement; the name and purpose of the fund the money was taken from; the name and purpose of the fund the money was transferred to; the dates upon which he approved of such transfers, since he took office; if the Department of Public Expenditure was consulted prior to the transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Virement is the process whereby savings on one or more subheads are used to meet excess expenditure on another subhead or subheads within the same Vote with the prior approval of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPR). Where virement amounts are not confirmed at time of sanction request, provisional sanction is provided by DPENDPR and definitive sanction is sought when the Appropriation Accounts have been prepared and the actual amounts involved are known. Sanction requests are also provided to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of the audit of the Appropriation Accounts.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was established in August 2020 and for each year, 2020, 2021 and 2022, sanction for the virement of unspent allocations arising on subheads across the Vote to meet projected excesses identified was sought and received from DPENPDR.
Details of virement between actual final outturn and allocated expenditure by subhead across my Vote’ are available in the published annual Appropriation Accounts of this Department. You will find Accounts for 2020 and 2021 at this link. Please note, the 2022 Appropriation Accounts are still in the process of being finalised and will be available later this year.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (994)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:994. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of the third level access programme; the number of persons who have taken part in the programme in each year since it was rolled out, by third level institution, in tabular form; the number of persons from the Traveller community who took part in the course; the number of care leavers who took part; the number of homeless students who took part; the number of migrant students who took part, and so on; if quotas for certain vulnerable groups exist in the programme; if his Department has ever given consideration to a quota system where spaces in the access course are reserved for certain groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12324/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to the continued roll-out of supports and targeted initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage and support equity of access, participation and success in both further and higher education.
The National Access Plan (2022-2028) commits to collection of data on key priority groups including travellers, people in care and those who have experienced homelessness. The data requested is not available to us at this time but will be collected as part of the National Access Plan.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (995)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:995. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when retired lecturers who worked in institutes of technology will receive the increases due to them, in terms of their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12414/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) operates the pension payroll for the Technological Universities. I am advised that the NSSO is working closely with the different institutions to ensure any outstanding pension increases are paid to individuals as soon as possible.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (996)
Joe Carey
Ceist:996. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any proposals to allow Ukrainian students, who meet the educational requirements, full and automatic access to SUSI supports while they remain in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12432/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the invasion of Ukraine and in line with the European Council Decision on 4 March 2022, the Government is applying rights under the International Protection Act 2015 to those granted temporary protection.
The Act entitles recipients to immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation and other State supports including healthcare and education. However, while access to higher education for displaced Ukrainians during the early stages of the response phase was managed on an emergency basis, it is now necessary to move to a more sustainable approach, in line with overall Government policy. As autonomous bodies, admissions policy is a matter for each individual higher education institution (HEIs). Following consultation with the sector, it has been agreed by the Admissions Officers of the HEIs that all Ukrainian students in receipt of Temporary Protection, regardless of whether they plan to sit the Leaving Certificate or wish to apply using their Ukrainian examinations or qualifications, should apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ie for a place in higher education in Ireland for the 2023/24 academic year. My officials are finalising the position on the remaining issues, and this will be communicated to stakeholders very shortly.