Written Answers Nos. 147-164
147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18180/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports the provision of both volunteer-led and youth worker led youth clubs and services throughout the country. In respect of volunteer-led youth clubs specifically, €14.072 million is being provided through the Youth Service Grant Scheme, which includes provision for 30 national organisations to support their network of volunteer-led clubs at local level. Provision has also been made of a further €500,000 to allow new entrants to the Youth Service Grant Scheme in 2024. In addition, my Department this year has provided €2.5 million in funding to the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme to support volunteer-led groups and clubs throughout the country.
There is a need for improved data in respect of the distribution of youth work services across the State and this is an area of priority for my officials. A mapping process is currently underway which aims to capture all youth services, both youth worker led and volunteer led. The aim is to ensure that youth services are distributed across the country for young people who wish to access them.
In 2023 my Department initiated the first stage of the mapping project to map the 251 projects funded through the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme which provides targeted youth services to young people who are disadvantaged, marginalised or vulnerable. The mapping project has been expanded this year to include the mapping of youth work services funded through other schemes, including the Youth Services Grant Scheme and the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
148. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department engages with the Department of Justice with respect to the accommodation of unaccompanied minors; if so, the number of unaccompanied minors who have been assisted with accommodation needs by his Department for each year during the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18249/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
149. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, retains and collates data on the number of accompanied minors who were accommodated by the State but who are now unable to be contacted or communicated by the Department due to their locations being unknown; if so, the number of such instances for the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18250/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatutory and operational responsibility for the delivery of child protection and welfare services is a matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Deputy is seeking information in relation to an operational matter for Tusla. Consequently, I have referred the matter to Tusla, and requested that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the return of essential therapists including a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, play/behaviour therapists, and social worker to a special school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the reason a special school (details supplied) is still without essential therapists including a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, play/behaviour therapists, and a social worker; the date they will start; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18263/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra152. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if consideration will be given to increasing the allocation of therapists to an area (details supplied) to meet the needs of the caseload, in view that the current level of allocation does not deliver essential intervention and support necessary to every pupil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18264/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 151 and 152 together.
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.
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider the request of a group (details supplied) in relation to the need to improve services throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18282/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People recognises the important role of youth work services in supporting young people to thrive and fully develop their potential. In keeping with this, I have continued to invest significantly in youth services throughout the country so that every young person is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential. From 2020 to Budget 2024, current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes increased from €61.789 million to €77.95 million, a 26% increase overall. Later this year, Government will publish a new national strategy focussed on this important area in order to further enhance young people’s developmental opportunities and ensure all delivery partners are working together to deliver for young people. Work is at an advanced stage in respect of this strategy.
The material referred to by the Deputy raises a number of issues in respect of youth services. It is important to note that support for volunteer-led clubs throughout the country is already provided by means of both the Youth Services Grant Scheme and the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme. A number of organisations funded under the former scheme receive substantial annual funding to support the provision of developmental and other supports to their networks of volunteer-led clubs. I am very cognisant, however, of the challenges being experienced by some clubs in recruiting volunteers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and my Department is actively exploring options on how to support organisations in this regard so that young people are able to have access to important local opportunities.
In respect of supports for young people who are applicants for international protection, such young people are included as a target group under the UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme, under which €47 million is being provided this year. UBU Your Place Your Space Resilience and Effectiveness funding provides additional support to funded organisations who identify needs that match the relevant qualifying criteria. The funded organisations applications are assessed and recommended to the Department by the Education and Training Boards. Youth services have also received funding under the International Protection Integration Fund and they can apply for funding, as the fund aims to fund a number of areas including activities for children and young people.
In regards to the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations, my Department does not directly employ youth workers. Rather, funding is allocated on a 'provision of service' basis to meet the needs of the youth population in an area. The recruitment and employment of staff including youth workers is a matter for the youth organisations and services in receipt of funding.
154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of accommodation recognition payments being provided in 2023 and to date in 2024; the type of accommodation provided that is single room in a house/ full house and so on; the amount of rental properties being provided to Ukrainians under this scheme; and the amount of Ukrainians who have transferred from State provided accommodation to the ARP payment to date in 2024. [18361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) was introduced in July 2022 to recognise the generosity of people who have opened their homes to provide accommodation to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) arriving in Ireland from Ukraine. The ARP is paid at the rate of €800 per month per property with a unique Eircode (vacant or shared). The scheme is provided for under Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 and is administered by the Department of Social Protection on behalf of my Department.
I am informed by the Department of Social Protection that:
• as of 17 December 2023, 12,201 hosts were awarded an ARP claim with 9,794 in payment on that date.
• as of 14 April 2024, 14,547 hosts were awarded an ARP claim with 12,063 in payment on that date.
Hosting arrangements under this scheme differ from rental arrangements. Availing of the scheme does not create a landlord and tenant relationship between a host and the BOTP who is living in the accommodation and it does not create an automatic right to tenancy. Where a rental agreement is in place, the ARP is not payable.
The statistical information that the Deputy has requested is not available. Details of the accommodation type (vacant or shared) and previous residence of the beneficiary are not collected as part of the scheme’s application process.
155. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any plans to provide funding for the construction or assistance of new community creches for the Newcastle area of County Dublin, in view of the changing demographics and the current pressure on childcare services in the area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18368/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital funding has been allocated over the period 2023-2025 to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant investment in early learning and childcare across three pillars:
• Building Blocks - Improvement Grant;
• Building Blocks - Capacity Grant; and
• Building Blocks - Innovation Grant.
Significant funding has been set aside for early learning and childcare capital projects over 2024 and 2025. On 7th December last, I announced details of the Building Blocks - Capacity Grant scheme, to be operated over 2024 and 2025, which is aimed at addressing capacity gaps by expanding existing provision through internal renovations and extensions where most needed. Funding will be split into two strands.
Under the Building Blocks Expansion Grant Scheme, applications for which have recently closed, my Department will provide grants for the renovation or reconfiguration of existing Early Learning and Care facilities to deliver additional capacity.
I hope to announce details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in the coming months. This strand will provide grants for larger scale extension projects to increase capacity.
As part of the application process, providers will have the opportunity to outline the specific circumstances for their service in their community that demonstrate evidence of need which will be considered as part of the appraisal process.
A Relative Demand Model has also been developed using the latest census data and information on existing provision and enrolments, as well as CSO data on commuting patterns, to generate insights into the extent to which existing levels of supply meet local demand across the country. This analysis will also contribute to the scoring process and enable the funding to be targeted to where it is most needed.
156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an exception can be made in respect of a child (details supplied) who has missed the cut off point by one day in terms of eligibility for ECCE year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18370/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ECCE programme is available to all children within the eligible age range. A child must have reached 2 years and 8 months of age on or prior to 31 August of the relevant programme year to be eligible for the 1st September start date.
The minimum eligibility age for the ECCE programme was revised in September 2018 when it was reduced from 3 years to 2 years and 8 months. The revised minimum of 2 years and 8 months was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice.
I accept that the use of age limits in a scheme such as ECCE creates a situation whereby a child can fall just outside the age range, however, my Department has to place an age cut-off at a point, and in the interests of fairness and consistency there can be no discretion in this regard.
In 2023, I appointed Stranmillis University College, Belfast to undertake an independent review of the ECCE programme. The review was designed to assess whether the ECCE programme is meeting its core objectives and to identify any opportunities for enhancements that can be made to the programme, based on international evidence and experience to date.
The final report of the Review is complete and I will now consider the findings from the Review and consider any policy changes that may need to be made to the ECCE programme.
A report of the findings from the Review will be published in the coming months.
With regard to further supports available, my Department also funds the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) which provides financial support to help families with their early learning and childcare costs.
There are two types of subsidies available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age, a Universal subsidy which is not means tested and provides €1.40 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week and an Income Assessed subsidy. An Income Assessed subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on a family’s individual circumstances. Income Assessed subsidies range from €1.40 to €5.10 depending on a family’s reckonable income and child’s educational status. A subsidy calculator is available on the NCS website, which will help parents estimate how much they may be eligible for before they apply.
Further information on the NCS, including instructions on how to apply, can be found on www.ncs.gov.ie
157. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to issues facing students in a school (details supplied); whether the requirement for students to live in the CDNT area of the school in order to avail of supports can be lifted; if additional working hours for school therapists can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18378/24]
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.
158. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for figures on the total spend for all forms of advertising in the years 2022 and 2023 in his Department; if figures can be provided on each Department’s spend on local media advertising (print and broadcast respectively, and broken down on that basis) for those years; if the Department used/uses an agency to place advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18386/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s expenditure across advertising in 2022 and 2023 can be found in the table below. To achieve efficiencies and value in advertising placement and public information campaign management, the Department utilises the services of a media buying agency with relevant expertise in the area.
|
|
Total Ex. VAT |
|
Regional Radio Ex. VAT |
|
Regional Print Ex. VAT |
|
|
2022 |
|
€396,097.00 |
|
€23,852.00 |
|
€3,950.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
€904,365.00 |
|
€4,002.00 |
|
€81,362.00 |
160. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has at any time engaged the services of a company (details supplied) or allocated the company funding or support in any capacity; if he or his officials have engaged with personnel from the company; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18438/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has no record of payments to the company in question. There has been no engagement between Department officials and personnel from the company.
161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the resources available to people suffering from long-Covid. [18159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of speech and language therapy for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18172/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
163. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that retired medical scientists are excluded from the benefit of the pay parity award that was implemented on 1 January 2024 (details supplied); if there is a plan to ensure that these retired workers receive pay parity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all Medical Scientists throughout the country.
Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023. It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.
This long-standing matter has now been resolved through the Labour Court, which examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim relating to pay parity was effective from 1 January 2024.
I can confirm that provision for the implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the new Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 has issued which instructs HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 and will impact all Medical Scientists in employment on or after 1 January 2024.
164. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the new dental contract for medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18186/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, additional fillings and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.
To support practitioners to provide care under the Scheme, I approved and funded a range of measures that were put in place on 1 May 2022 to introduce and reintroduce elements of preventative care and increase the fees paid to dental contractors for most treatment items by 40-60%. In 2023, 154,864 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, with over 26,700 extra patients treated when compared with 2022.
In the longer term, the Government is committed to reforming dental services, including the DTSS, through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy (NOHP), Smile agus Sláinte. The HSE's Strategic Reform Lead is driving policy implementation across the organisation and developing new services. The HSE's National Service Plan (NSP) for 2024 captures a range of priorities that are essential prerequisites to a new contract for care for adult medical card holders:
- Development of a comprehensive phased policy implementation plan for the range of actions identified in the policy, including stakeholder engagement and resource identification; and
- The design of clinical elements for reformed preventative care for adult medical cardholders as referenced in the policy.
(Progression of oral healthcare packages for children aged from birth to seven years of age is also an NSP priority for 2024.)
The National Oral Health Policy also contains a range of strategic workforce planning actions to increase workforce capacity, in support of improving patient's access to care. To support this work, my Department is currently finalising a workforce census for oral healthcare.
