Written Answers Nos. 496-523
496. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of times that a cost-benefit analysis was carried out on behalf of his Department on the re-opening of the railway line from Athenry to Ennis in view of the fact that this facilitates services from Galway to Limerick and beyond; the results of the cost-benefit analysis each time; if these are available publicly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11525/18]
View answer497. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of re-opening the Ennis to Athenry section of railway line excluding work carried out on the Athenry to Galway section of the line including Oranmore station that also services the Dublin to Galway services and on the Ennis to Limerick section including the station at Sixmilebridge; the original estimates for the cost of this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11526/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together.
As the Deputy is aware, in 2006 the then Government approved capital funding for Phase 1 of the Western Rail corridor between Ennis and Athenry that opened in 2010 at a capital cost of €106.5m. This investment followed the Government approved Business Case prepared by Iarnród Éireann who conducted an economic cost-benefit analysis of the project. This analysis took into account the economic benefits of the project arising from the time savings, safety and environmental cost savings and that also considered the challenge to capture travel demand from the private car onto the railway in the context of improvements planned to the road network and competition from the bus sector which would benefit from these improvements (that have now been delivered).
The cost benefit analysis prepared by Irish Rail and submitted to Government indicated a negative Net Present Value (NPV) of minus €137 million over 30 years and with a CBA ratio of 1:0.056, the value of the benefits was estimated to just 6% (or, roughly, one-twentieth) of the value of the costs. Subvention was estimated at €24 per passenger per journey in year 1 (based on approximately 100,000 new rail passengers in year 1) and falling to half of this (on the basis that patronage was projected to double over the first five years of operation).
In light of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in the issues raised by the Deputy, I am referring his question to IÉ for further information. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days.
I would like to advise the Deputy that officials in my department are considering how best to progress the published NDP commitment in relation to an independent costing of Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor.
498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide sufficient funds to Galway County Council to proceed with the next stage of the route selection on a road (details supplied) in 2018; the estimated cost of this work; his views on whether the funding of €20,000 provided to date is sufficient for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/18]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant County or City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for each Council.
Before the financial crisis, local authorities could apply on a regular basis for grants for Specific and Strategic Improvement Grants to improve roads. However, the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the recession meant these grant schemes had to be curtailed after 2013 because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The Capital Plan does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but it will take some years yet to reach the level required for the adequate maintenance and renewal of the network. For this reason there is limited scope at present for funding projects under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programme.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Specific or Strategic Grant Programmes are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis and must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework. In this context the allocation to Galway County Council this year in relation to the R336 from Galway to Baile na hAbhann is for the Council to undertake an updated appraisal of the proposed project, including the Business Case for the scheme, taking cost and environmental factors into account. It is considered prudent to do this before incurring further significant costs.
499. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to Cavan County Council in respect of the road works programme 2018 in view of the widespread damage caused to roads by the recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11555/18]
View answer500. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to Monaghan County Council in respect of the road works programme 2018 in view of the widespread damage caused to roads by the recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11556/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 500 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local are the statutory responsibilities of Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
I announced the 2018 regional and local road allocations on 29th January and all grant funding available to my Department has now been allocated. Cavan County Council was allocated €10.7million, an increase of €1.6million compared to the 2017 allocation, and Monaghan County Council was allocated €9.1million, an increase of €1.5million, compared to the 2017 allocation. As it is close to the start of the year each Council will determine its priorities and adjust its work programme on that basis, taking available grant funding and its own resources into account.
As regards additional resources, I will be liaising with my Government colleagues to see what measures might be considered.
502. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of fines issued by the revenue protection unit of the Luas operator in the past three years; the number of these fines that were appealed; the number of successful appeals; the way in which the funds collected from fines are used by the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11588/18]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with Transdev and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
503. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce a new sports capital funding programme in 2018; when applications will be invited for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11693/18]
View answerThe 2017 round of the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) closed for applications on the 24th February. By the closing date, a record number of 2,320 applications seeking €155 million in grants were received. In November and December last, Minister Ross and I announced €60m in allocations to a record 1,800 projects under the 2017 round of the SCP. Full details of all these allocations are available on my Department's website and the priority in the medium term will be on advancing these projects.
In relation to future rounds of the SCP, my Department is undertaking a review of the 2017 round with a view to making recommendations on how to improve the process for future calls. This work is also examining what is feasible in terms of the scale and timing of the next round. Once this review is complete, an announcement regarding the next round will be made.
504. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11710/18]
View answerThe table below sets out the number of staff assigned to my Department’s Press Office each year since 2015.
In May 2017, an Executive Officer was assigned to the Press Office while one Clerical Officer and one temporary Clerical Officer were reassigned to other duties. The Acting Assistant Principal Officer reports to a Principal Officer, who is Head of the Corporate Support and Communications Division.
|
Grade |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Acting Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
In addition, an Assistant Principal Officer has communications responsibilities as part of their role. One of my Special Advisers also operates in a Press Adviser capacity.
505. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11726/18]
View answerNo panel for Communications Officers has been established in my Department and no Civil Service position of Head of Communications or similar role or description been appointed.
506. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1089 of 7 November 2017 and in the context of a review of the overage exemption process (details supplied), the status of this review; the outcome of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10873/18]
View answer522. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when her Department's consultation on the overage exemption will be completed; the steps her Department is taking to include the views of parents in this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11551/18]
View answer523. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department's consultation on the Early Childhood Care and Education, ECCE, over age exemption will allow for input from political parties; and if not, the reason therefor. [11554/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 506, 522 and 523 together.
Last December, I announced my decision to pause the proposed rule changes on overage exemptions to allow for a consultation process where the voice of parents of children with disabilities could be heard in relation to the proposed change.
This consultation process, which will be led jointly by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills, with the assistance of the National Disability Authority, will involve a number of steps, including:
I. Review of the relevant literature and policy;
II. Review of existing data on overage exemptions, including trends in applications and approvals;
III. Profile of children currently in receipt of overage exemptions;
IV. Review of existing data and trends in school starting age;
V. Identification of options for managing exemptions going forward (including the criteria and application, appraisal and appeals processes) and consider the impact of each option identified for: children and families; pre-schools and schools (including practitioners and teachers); the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (and its respective Agencies, policies and programmes); and the Department of Education and Skills (and its respective Agencies, policies and programmes) (this step will be led by DCYA and DES)
VI. Development, testing and issuing of a series of questions for parents of children with disabilities and preparation of a report on the results;
VII. Identification of key stakeholders (including parents) for consultation;
VIII. Facilitation of an Open Policy Debate with these stakeholders in conjunction with DCYA and DES.
Separately, political parties are welcome to make a submission to my Department on this issue.
I am very grateful to the National Disability Authority (NDA) for its assistance in managing this process on behalf of both Departments. The NDA will compile a report of the evidence, the findings of the survey, and findings of the Open Policy Debate for consideration by both Departments by end June 2018.
507. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding accessible playgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10984/18]
View answerMy Department administers a Capital Grant Funding Scheme for new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people. Applications are invited from Local Authorities under two categories:
- New and innovative play and recreation spaces and facilities. New and innovative projects can include new facilities, equipment, designs and / or the utilisation of non-traditional play spaces.
- Refurbishment or upgrading of existing play and recreation spaces and facilities.
In order for the application to be considered there are 5 criteria which must be met; one of the criteria being accessibility. The application must indicate how facilities and equipment for which funding is sought will be made accessible to children and young people with additional needs - this includes both provision of access to the facility and provision of accessible equipment.
The remaining criteria which must be met are:
- Availability – when the facilities / equipment for which funding is sought will be available for use by the target audience
- Child and youth friendly and safe – the steps taken to ensure that the facility / equipment for which funding is requested is child and youth friendly and safe
- Consultation with local children and young people – how children and young people who are living locally and will have access to the facility have been or will be consulted about the project for which funding is sought and how the outcome of the consultation has / will inform the provision of the project
- Confirmation that no smoking signage will be displayed in a prominent position in the facility for which funding is requested.
The total amount of funding made available in 2017 was €250,000. The maximum grant available was €20,000 to each Local Authority. Twenty-five awards were made in 2017 with the largest amount awarded was for €15,000 and the lowest amount was €5,000.
€250,000 has been allocated for this scheme again in 2018. My Department is currently working with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network to finalise the scheme for 2018. It is excepted that applications will open in late March/early April for the 2018 funding process.
508. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to a submission regarding the ECCE scheme (details supplied); if a change in the date-of-birth start date is being considered in the context of a review of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11054/18]
View answer513. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the operation of the free ECCE scheme disadvantages children born in the month of January each year from 2015 onwards in view of the fact they will only receive one year free early child care (details supplied); her views on whether this is fair on these children and their parents; her plans to resolve this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11175/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 513 together.
From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months will be eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). However, parents will have the discretion to decide how much of ECCE to avail of for their child. A decision may be made to utilise one year only of the programme for various reasons, for example, depending on the child's date of birth, parents may wish to send their child to school at 4 rather than 5 years of age. The upper age ECCE requirement is that the child must not reach 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year.
A consultation process is about to commence with the parents of children with disabilities, and other stakeholders, regarding the age limits for ECCE. This consultation may result in changes to the scheme for all children. The process is due to conclude in June and the Minister will announce decisions re the scheme as soon as possible thereafter.
This extension to ECCE from September 2018 refines the development introduced last year, whereby three intake dates were adopted, and will increase the duration of each registered child on ECCE from a current average of 61 weeks, to an entitlement to 76 weeks (two programme years). This enhancement delivers fully on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers.
This new measure will address the situation where there was a wide range in the number of preschool weeks a child could avail of – between 61 and 88 weeks – and will ensure a programme that is equitable for all children.
The number of entry points will revert to one at the beginning of the new programme year (September, 2018). One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. This will also make it simpler for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
509. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether the mother and baby homes commission of investigations failed in its first three years to issue a call for information regarding the burials of children at Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11075/18]
View answerThe statutory Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) is independent in the conduct of its investigations. The approach to publicising its work and gathering information are matters for the Commission to decide and progress. I do not have any role or influence in this regard.
I am aware that the latest advertising campaign specifically seeks information on the burial arrangements for children who died while resident in the Bessborough home. However, the Deputy may wish to note that Commission has already conducted a series of general advertising campaigns. These included local and national radio and newspaper campaigns seeking persons with potentially relevant information on any aspect of its terms of reference to come forward.
The Commission is required to submit its final reports by February 2019 at which time it will set out its findings and conclusions on the comprehensive range of matters referred to it for investigation.
510. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the provision of a new Tusla building in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, which was due to be operational by quarter three 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11114/18]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised that it is committed to the leasing of new modern office space at Shannonside Retail Park in Carrick-on-Shannon. These new premises will provide easy access to the public and will accommodate the expansion of Tusla staff and services for local communities.
Tusla is currently finalising the design process for the building prior to the conclusion of legal engagements. When this work is completed, the fit-out of the building is due to commence. I have previously advised the Deputy that the new premises are scheduled to be opened by the third quarter of 2018. Tusla has advised that this work is on target to be completed by Quarter 3, 2018.
Disciplines covered by Tusla staff in the Carrick-on-Shannon area include child care, social work and service management. The new building, when completed, will ensure a unified service from Tusla in Carrick-on-Shannon.
511. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the basis for changing the eligibility criteria for the ECCE programme, in particular the reduction of age eligibility from three years to two years and eight months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11119/18]
View answerFrom September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months will be eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE). This measure refines the development introduced last year, whereby three intake dates were adopted, and will increase the duration of each registered child on ECCE from a current average of 61 weeks, to a potential duration of 76 weeks (two programme years). This further enhancement delivers fully on a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government that is good for children, families and Early Years providers. The second year of ECCE required either an increase in the upper age limit for ECCE, or a reduction in the lower age limit. The latter was chosen and is consistent with the law in this country with regard to school start age and the associated policy of the Department of Education and Skills.
This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit will remain the same (i.e. child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).
This new measure will address the situation whereby there was a wide range in the number of free preschool weeks a child could avail of – between 61 and 88 weeks – and will ensure a programme that is equitable for all children.
The number of entry points will revert to one at the beginning of the programme year (September). One enrolment period at the start of the pre-school year will help streamline the administration process and will make it easier for childcare providers to operate and budget for the programme year. This will also make it easier for parents to secure places on the ECCE programme for their children.
512. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of youth workers funded in south-west County Cork; the way in which this number compares proportionally with the number of youth workers employed throughout the rest of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11121/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department is managing the most significant reform of youth services ever undertaken. This will provide an opportunity to identify need and to focus the bulk of the €58.9m funding available in 2018 on young people most in need of intervention. Last year, I approved funding for the establishment of new youth projects and for the augmentation of a small number of existing youth services to meet new challenges arising from population increases.
Each of the sixteen Education and Training Boards, including Cork ETB, was invited to nominate locations within their catchment areas for the establishment of new services and to nominate a project or service to be considered for augmentation. In total twenty-eight applications for new services were received. Subsequently I approved the establishment of nine new targeted youth services across the country and the expansion of a further seven to respond to new demand from increased population and needs of young people which included a new service in Mitchelstown and an augmented service in Middleton.
Future development and investment in youth services will be informed by the mapping exercise completed last year which mapped youth service provision across the State. This mapping will assist the Department and the relevant ETB in developing a detailed social demographic profile in terms of both population numbers and deprivation levels. My Department is committed to working with Cork ETB to identify need and explore ways to address this need where it emerges.
514. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding provided for capital projects for scouting organisations by her Department in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11185/18]
View answerScouting Ireland received €49,630 under the capital funding scheme for youth projects and services in 2016 to fund the improvement of disability access and security at its centre in Killaloe. Scouting organisations were eligible to apply for capital funding under the local youth club equipment scheme in 2017. Capital funding of over €1.4m was provided to scouting organisations nationwide under this scheme for the purchase of adventure, sports, technical and other equipment.
In addition to the capital funding provided to Scouting Ireland, grant aid is also provided on an annual basis under the Youth Service Grant Scheme. Details of the funding allocated to Scouting Ireland under this scheme for the years 2013 to 2017 are outlined hereunder.
|
2013 |
€845,974 |
|
2014 |
€814,250 |
|
2015 |
€814,250 |
|
2016 |
€834,607 |
|
2017 |
€876,337 |
A more detailed table is contained in the following link:
515. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding that has been set aside in each of the past five years to address the issue of loneliness and social isolation among children and young persons; if her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department have funded research on the topic of loneliness and social isolation; if her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department have projects planned which would address the issues of loneliness or social isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11256/18]
View answerMy Department does not set aside funding specifically to address loneliness and social isolation. However, my Department supports a range of targeted youth funding schemes that work with marginalised and disadvantaged young people as defined in the National Youth Strategy 2015. This term includes, but is not limited to, young people from ethnic or religious minorities; migrants; refugees and asylum seekers; young people with disabilities or with mental health issues; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people; young carers; young people in conflict with the law; young people who are not in employment; those in care; those in direct provision; and lone parents under the age of 25 years.
The Child and Family Agency, Tusla, which is funded by my Department, provides funding under the Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Programme and also for mental health supports for children and young people. Hence, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tusla for direct response.
In the area of research, as part of the Growing Up in Ireland study, and through its funded research programme and PhD scholarship, my Department has supported the compilation of data, and the publication of a variety of reports and key findings, on related themes such as social and emotional outcomes, friendship networks, experiences of bullying or discrimination, social disadvantage, inequality and children and young people's participation in decision making.
My Department publishes compilations of data relating to the lives of children and young people in the form of the State of the Nation's Children reports and in 2017 published the Better Outcomes Brighter Futures (BOBF) indicator set. Both publications include indicators on areas related to the themes of loneliness and social isolation such as life satisfaction, a sense of feeling like an outsider at school, bullying, experiences of discrimination and homelessness.
516. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of non-EEA children currently in the care of the State; and the number of non-EEA children who were in the care of the State in each of the years 2008 to 2017. [11304/18]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family, operate under the principle of equity of care, and do not make a distinction between EEA and non-EEA citizens when providing care. All children and families resident in Ireland are entitled to the same level of care from Tusla.
The figures to which the Deputy refers are not collated in the monthly performance data or quarterly reports which Tusla provide to me.
I have requested the information from Tusla, and will revert to the Deputy in due course.
517. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount that has been spent on the implementation of Tusla's Signs of Safety programme in 2017; and the amount that has been budgeted for 2018. [11306/18]
View answerSigns of Safety forms part of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency's Child Welfare and Protection Strategy.
A total of €984,000 was spent on Signs of Safety in 2017, which included training for 1,005 members of Tusla staff at €979 per head.
Tusla have budgeted €1,180,800 for Signs of Safety for 2018.
518. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to address the issues raised in the recent HIQA report relative to its findings generally and in particular relative to County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11432/18]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the recently published HIQA Inspection Report of Tusla’s Child Welfare and Protection Service in Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary. As all three counties were integral to the inspection it is not possible to discuss the finding relating to County Kilkenny separately. I can assure the Deputy that Tusla’s action plan to respond to the findings of the inspection report was published at the same time, and that this plan has been accepted by HIQA. Tusla is tracking, monitoring and reviewing the action plan and I understand that the first report of the quality assurance group shows good evidence of progress to date.
The inspection report from HIQA on Tusla’s child welfare and protection services in the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary area looked at the handling of referrals made to these services.
As the Deputy is aware, the report highlights serious deficits in how our child welfare and protection system operates in the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary area. Nevertheless I welcome HIQA’s inspection report as it identifies where we need to improve and, in Tusla's response, how we are to do so.
The report noted that the key problems were associated with areas which had staff vacancies, agency graduate social workers and large caseloads. Recruitment of social workers is being actively pursued but it is a highly competitive labour market. This has resulted in the recruitment of a significant number of social workers but turnover of staff has meant that there was a very small net increase in the total number of social workers.
Since its establishment Tusla has worked with the HSE on recruitment campaigns where it is mutually beneficial to both parties, and this will continue. At the same time, Tusla has also established its own recruitment function, Tusla Recruit, to work on bespoke campaigns and to shorten recruitment timelines where possible. Tusla Recruit has taken a very proactive approach with its graduate recruitment campaign in recent years and plans for its 2018 campaign, such as early engagement with students and visits to campuses in Ireland and abroad are already well advanced.
Tusla has also made a public commitment to putting in place measures to improve compliance with national standards in the area of child protection and welfare, and steps have already been taken to improve the systems used in the service. In particular, the new national practice methodology called “Signs of Safety” is being introduced to improve the depth and quality of the screening and assessments of referrals.
The National Child Care Information System will be replacing the legacy ICT system and will be rolled out in the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary area before the end of March 2018.
Relationships with the Gardaí are being strengthened as a notification tracking system is in place and the Joint Working Protocol between An Garda Síochána and Tusla is being implemented.
519. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding that was provided to each family resource centre in each year since 2008 in tabular form. [11466/18]
View answerThe matter raised relates to operations funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have asked Tusla to supply the relevant information to the Deputy directly.
520. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the apparent discrepancy between the fact that the age limit on the ECCE programme requires that children be no more than five years and six months of age when finishing the programme, but that children are only required to start school when they are six years of age will be addressed. [11549/18]
View answer521. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the rationale for her Department's decision to set the age limit at five year and six months of age as the age by which children must complete participation in the ECCE programme. [11550/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 521 together.
The upper age limit for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme was set in consultation with senior officials from the Early Years Education Policy Unit in the Department of Education and Skills. It ensures that children transition into primary school with their peers and limits the age range of children beginning primary school. Limiting the diversity in age ranges in children beginning primary school education is considered generally to be in the best interest of children, in relation to peer interaction in junior infants, as well as other educational considerations.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for childcare funding under the ECCE Programme. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied in a fair manner. An essential component of the ECCE scheme’s rules is an eligibility date to ensure that the scheme can be administered and budgeted for in an appropriate manner.
