Written Answers Nos. 276-296
276. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has considered reimbursing parents who avail and pay for private assessments in respect of ASD services for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51670/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra91 Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) are aligned to 96 Community Healthcare Networks (CHNs) across the country and are providing services and supports for children with complex disabilities aged from birth to 18 years of age, including AON (assessment of need) and therapy supports.
Some families source private assessments to facilitate access to educational supports such as special schools or classes. In many cases, these are unidisciplinary assessments which are usually accepted in the education sector. In general, HSE or HSE funded services, in line with best practice guidelines, use a multidisciplinary approach to assessment, specifically to ASD assessment. In these circumstances the HSE will undertake a multidisciplinary assessment where appropriate, to confirm a diagnosis and to determine the necessary interventions.
The HSE does not fund or reimburse any fees paid to private practitioners in any of the health service areas where assessments have been commissioned by the service user or their family.
Private providers are currently being contracted by the HSE and its funded agencies to provide assessments and / or interventions. In such instances, the HSE and HSE funded agencies ensure that the contracted providers are appropriately qualified and that any assessments or interventions are provided in line with the appropriate standards, appropriate procurement procedures, Garda vetting and due diligence practice.
In this regard, the HSE is currently finalising a tender process and Service Specification for the delivery of Assessment of Need from private providers.
277. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of young people who have had e-assessments for autism spectrum disorder in children's disability network teams, by year, since 2020; the reasons for a re-assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51685/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in the Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
278. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the options open to the families of individuals who have had an autism spectrum disorder re-assessment, which has overturned the original diagnosis; what supports are available to the families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51686/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in the Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
279. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on (details supplied); when this application will be processed; the outstanding documentation required; when this applicant will be inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51687/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to support over 100,300 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 80% of whom have sought State supported accommodation.
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 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 980 mainly commercial settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
With regard to the offer to which the Deputy refers, I am advised by my officials that they are liaising directly with your constituent and correspondence was sent on 9th of November requesting further documentation. Until the same is received, the offer cannot be progressed by the Offer Management Team.
My Department continues to assess and review all suitable accommodation offers received on an ongoing basis as to their suitability to meet the needs of BOTPs.
280. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to increase the early childhood care and education, ECCE, payment and core funding for child care providers (details supplied). [51700/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCore Funding incorporates funding for providers for administrative requirements, and in September 2024, an additional €3.21m is being made available to support services with their administrative requirements in light of the increasing uptake of the NCS. In addition, the staffing allocation in Core Funding takes account of both contact time and non-contact time (based on previous survey data).
The Department acknowledges the increase in administration for providers with the introduction of new schemes such as the NCS and Core Funding. In addition to providing €32.13 million for administration under Core Funding in year two, and €35.34m for the third year of the scheme, a number of steps are being taken to reduce the administrative workload.
This year a Universal Fee Table has been introduced, which will enable services to upload one single fee table that covers all schemes. The Parent Statement has also been refined so that one agreement now covers all schemes and this only has to be signed once between the provider and parent irrespective of fee changes.
In addition, a number of targeted supports are being considered by the Department to enable Core Funding Partner Services to comply with the financial reporting requirement.
An Action Plan for Administrative and Regulatory Simplification is under development, informed by an independent review of end to end processes linked to publicly funded schemes and programmes. This review is being prioritised over the coming months. As part of the process the Department will undertake a series of regional consultation events.
Informed by this review, An Action Plan which will outline short-term, medium-term, and long term administrative and regulatory simplification measures will be produced, while continuing to ensure best governance and quality is delivered.
To assist with this important process, an Advisory Group, comprising provider and parent representatives, which will offer an overarching point of consultation and advice has been formed. The first meeting of the Advisory Group is scheduled to take place on December 1st. A working group comprising DCEDIY, Pobal and CCC staff will also be convened to run in parallel.
Regarding ECCE capitation, I would note that I have appointed Stranmillis University College, Belfast to undertake an independent review of the ECCE programme. The review will assess whether the ECCE Programme is meeting its core objectives and will identify any changes or improvements that can be made to the Programme, based on international evidence and experience to date. The final report is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. I will then consider the review fully and consider any policy changes that may need to be made to the programme.
281. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it was known at the time of entering a contract with an accommodation provider (details supplied) that there was and still is no fire certificate for this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51708/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. Following the clarification of planning and certification matters, it is intended that the property will now come into use.
A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals. The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.
A briefing note which included detailed information in relation to this accommodation issued from the CET to local public representatives on 1 November 2023. This briefing note also issued to the Local Authority and the Local Development Company. The CET also attended a meeting hosted by Minister O’Gorman and Minister Foley.
The CET remains available for further engagement if required.
282. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a maximum number of single IPAS applicants permitted per hotel room; if three to four men per room is considered acceptable by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51709/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 19th November, there are over 25,742 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole, compared with over 17,000 people at this time last year. The Department continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in as far as it can.
In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of all offers of accommodation made in order to address the urgent accommodation need. This includes the use of office buildings, sports facilities and tented structures.?These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals and to prevent homelessness.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, the Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.
IPAS works at all times to ensure accommodation capacity is utilised in the most effective manner possible. There are a variety of reasons why capacity and the actual occupancy may not be equal, including:
Where a person cannot share with another person for medical or other reasons, and there is no single occupancy room;
Where a family configuration does not match exactly the available family accommodation, and this can result in vacancies “on paper” in a particular room or apartment type accommodation; and
Where rooms are being refurbished/not available for maintenance.
Previously, there was a policy of no more than 3 people per room – no matter what the listed capacity was. This policy is no longer possible, given the acute emergency in relation to availability of accommodation.
The current requirements for properties procured under emergency legislation is: a minimum space of 4.65m² as per the Housing Act of 1966 for each Resident.
283. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide information on a series of matters regarding international protection applicants, in tabular form, in view of a television report and allegations made by residents of Inch, Ennis, County Clare (details supplied). [51718/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 19th November 2023, there are currently 28 residents accommodated in Magowna House. The contracted capacity of this centre is 62.
With regards to the matters raised, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is in close contact with the centre’s management.
In terms of transportation, there is an assigned car at Magowna House, that facilitates transportation for the residents. There are three drivers providing a transportation service and these drivers work on rotation, which allows access to transportation throughout the day. The schedule provides transport every hour from 10:00 to 18:30, picking residents up at Magowna House, and dropping them to Ennis. Additionally, between the hours of 21:00 and 9:00, there is transportation available by appointment.
Regarding security, there are four on-site security guards who are licensed to provide security services. These security personnel work on a rotational schedule to ensure continuous coverage, both day and night. Additionally, there are two night porters who contribute to the overall security measures in place.
IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
If they wish to raise a complaint, they may contact the IPAS helpdesk to seek advice. The IPAS helpdesk can be contacted by email ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.
In the event of a resident not feeling comfortable with contacting the Department directly or the centre management, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by IPAS. The Freephone helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. All residents have access to this independent support helpline. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) helpline contact number is 1800 929 00 or email: info@jrs.ie.
All International Protection Applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children, should they consider that their complaint has not been managed appropriately.
284. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what measures he is taking on Ireland being referred by the European Commission to the EU’s Court of Justice for failing to fully comply with the process for implementing new rules about protecting the work-life balance for parents and carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51547/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason there has been no response to the European Commission’s letter of formal notice in September 2022 requesting confirmation of completed transposition of the Work-life Balance Directive adopted in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51548/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
The date for transposition of Directive 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council on work-life balance for parents and carers was 2 August 2022.
While many of the provisions of the Directive were already in place or had been implemented, by the transposition date, there remained a small number yet to be translated into Irish law and procedures. The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 4 April 2023, and introduces important entitlements for workers, including leave for medical care purposes for parents of children under 12, and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers. The Act also includes provisions to transpose Article 9 of the EU Work Life Balance Directive and provide for a right to request flexible working for parents and carers.
Many of the provisions of the Act have now been commenced, including the introduction as of 3 July 2023 of leave for medical care purposes for parents and carers. The right to request flexible working for parents and carers will be commenced following the preparation of a Code of Practice by the Workplace Relations Commission under Part 4. Commencement of Part 3 and Part 4 are for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Ireland has formally notified the European Commission of progress towards transposition of the Directive, including Article 9. I understand that the term 'non-communication' is used technically to describe situations where not all provisions of a Directive have been brought into force rather than relating to non-communication by Ireland of the measures taken to enforce the Directive.
The Government fully supports implementation of the obligations set out in the Directive, and transposition in the earliest possible course remains an urgent Government priority.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to commencing the relevant provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 at the earliest possible opportunity, and notifying the European Commission of full transposition of the Directive.
286. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51738/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this PQ refers to funding allocations to section 39 organisations, I have referred to the HSE for direct response as they are responsible for managing these allocations.
287. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Cavan General Hospital; the number of head count posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number that were new posts; the number that were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number that were related to absence or leave cover, in tabular form. [51590/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
288. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for community healthcare organisation 1 or CHO1, in tabular form; the number of head count posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence or leave cover. [51591/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
289. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers which have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Cavan General Hospital, in tabular form; the number of head count posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51592/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
290. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers that have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO1; the number of head count posts; and the WTE to which these relate, in tabular form. [51593/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
291. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the funding for the national clinical programme for ADHD in adults in each of the years from 2019 to date; his views on the roll out of the national clinical programme; how this operates in the new regional health areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51606/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
292. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline the CHO areas that are funded for adult ADHD services; when the remaining services are expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51607/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
293. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on waiting lists for adult ADHD services, per CHO; what efforts are being taken to reduce these waiting times; if those in catchment areas without adult ADHD services in place can access services in surrounding CHO areas, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51608/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
294. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if reviews of adult ADHD clinical teams have been carried out; if teams will be allowed to expand in personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51609/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
295. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if additional funding is available to pay external recruitment agencies to fill vacant positions within adult ADHD services; if this funding is separate to funding allocated to the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51610/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
296. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the current vacancies within adult ADHD services, per CHO; if the HSE recruitment embargo will affect the filling of the positions; how this will affect the level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51611/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
