Written Answers Nos. 492-511
492. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking to ensure equal representation on all national fisheries committees in order that they are inclusive of the inshore fishing community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22870/24]
View answerThe National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and its supporting network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums are consultative bodies, established in 2014, to facilitate the development of a coherent inshore sector by encouraging inshore fishers to discuss their fishing issues and generate commonly supported initiatives. These structures have guided the development of industry-led proposals for the management of non-quota stocks within six nautical miles of the Irish shore. Since their inception, the Forums have developed initiatives to protect the future of the inshore sector. During the lifetime of this Government, two Producer Organisations have been guided to provide additional representation for inshore fishers to give them a stronger voice. My Department completed the formal recognition process of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) as an EU Producer Organisation that focuses on our offshore islands and that of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) as an EU Producer Organisation for inshore fishers. Their recognition significantly improves the standing and advocacy of inshore fishers in sea-fisheries consultative processes, including the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC).
The QMAC is a formal consultative committee, involving fishing industry representatives from the catching, inshore and processing sectors. NIFA, IIMRO and NIFF are members of the QMAC. The QMAC meets on a monthly basis to make recommendations to me as Minister on monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly regimes for particular stocks and industry representatives bring the benefit of their knowledge and experience of fishing to these discussions.
In addition to the QMAC, the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee and the North West Herring Advisory Committee (NWHAC) were established to provide advice to me as Minister in relation to the management of these particular stocks and fisheries within the existing policy frameworks. The NWHAC membership framework encompasses IIMRO, NIFA and NIFF. The NIFF is represented on the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC) and I am also considering a request from NIFA to join this committee.
493. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking to ensure fair and viable quota shares of all existing and new pelagic stocks such as hook and line mackerel for the inshore fishing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22871/24]
View answerIn Ireland, fishing quota is a public resource and is managed to provide for proper management, conservation and rational use of the State’s fishing quotas. It is managed as a public good that ensures that property rights are not granted to individual operators. The result of this long-standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet involves a balanced spread of sizes and types of fishing vessels who have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities and have delivered economic activity including vital employment in these communities, where there are very limited alternative economic activities. Our fish quota management system is designed to ensure the best possible spread, both between fishing vessel operators and in terms of take up of quota throughout the year, having regard to fishing patterns and market conditions.
The arrangements have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Any amendments or changes to the over arching policy on management arrangements are determined by the Minister following detailed analysis and full consultation with stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry.
There are a number of opportunities for vessels to target pelagic stocks which are open only to smaller inshore fishing vessels.
In the case of Mackerel, Mackerel policy provides that 2.50% of the 13% quota available for polyvalent vessels be made available to vessels under 18m length overall without an authorisation and fishing for Mackerel by means other than hook and line. Catch limits are set by monthly Fisheries Management Notice. The catch limit for May is 5 tonnes.
An allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metre vessels) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and line was set down in Policy in 2010. The catch limit for May for the Hook and Line fishery is 10 tonnes.
The Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) is a formal consultative committee, involving fishing industry representatives - including representatives from the inshore sector. The QMAC meets on a monthly basis to make recommendations to me as Minister, including recommendations on the catch limits for the under 18m Mackerel and Hook and Line Mackerel fisheries.
494. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a late 2023 Eco application will be accepted from a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/24]
View answerI refer to your query in relation to the Eco-Scheme application for the herd referenced.
The Eco-Scheme application was submitted as part of the BISS 2023 online application. At the time of submitting their application, the applicant selected to 'Opt Out' of the Eco-Scheme.
I note a request for an internal review of this matter has been received from your office. This review will be carried out and a letter of decision will issue on the matter shortly to the applicant.
495. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current use of a facility (details supplied); if he has plans to use this facility for applicants in the International Protection Accommodation Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/24]
View answerSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as park of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. To date, approximately 107,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
The property to which the Deputy refers is in contract with my Department to provide emergency temporary accommodation for BOTPs. At present, there are 55 BOTPs residing in the property and there are no planned relocations to alternative accommodation for them. At this time, no International Protection applicants (IPs) reside at this location.
Over the coming months, my Department will be reviewing its entire accommodation portfolio and has commenced renewing contracts as they end for existing accommodation that meet my Department's accommodation portfolio requirements.
Upon the conclusion of the current contract with the location to which the Deputy refers, my officials will engage with the accommodation provider to consider the renewal of the contract for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection at this location.
496. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a list of all new childcare services including the name of the service, location and number of childcare places for 2023 in tabular form. [22372/24]
View answerAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
497. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE staff grade psychologists, dieticians and child and family support workers employed in the north Kildare Children's Disability Network Team in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024 in tabular form. [22373/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
498. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding letters sent to people with status/leave to remain in direct provision centres giving them dates by which they would have to leave the direct provision centre or be moved to another centre, the number of such letters issued to date; the criteria for issuing such letters; the rationale for this policy; the number of people who have been moved on foot of these letters; and a breakdown of these moves, including information on from where; and the location to which they have been moved. [22391/24]
View answerUnder the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.
All those with International Protection/Permission to Remain are written to once status has been granted and are advised they must now seek alternative accommodation. They are also advised that the supports of the Peter McVerry Trust/Depaul Ireland are available to them.
Those with status for the greatest length of time are currently being offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation, currently singles/couples with status over 9 months and families with status over 18 months. In the past 18 months, over 3,800 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community. This process began in September 2022 with single people with status.
IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with Depaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.
As the Deputy will be aware, despite tireless efforts of my Department, there is currently an accommodation shortfall for arriving International Protection (IP) applicants. This shortfall is currently in respect to single adult males but my Department is now experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children.
Given this and Ireland's legal obligation to provide accommodation to IP applicants, those who have had held permission to remain in Ireland for a considerable length of time may be transferred to alternative emergency. This policy is in place to help ensure accommodation in non-emergency settings is available to newly arrived persons seeking International Protection.
To date, 2,513 households have been written to and advised of this transfer to alternative emergency accommodation. These households have been accommodated in various counties all over Ireland.
499. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding or grants that can be obtained and provided to a playschool (details supplied); if the Department will contact this school and provide assistance to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/24]
View answerFunding is available under Level 5 of the Access and Inclusion (AIM) programme for minor building alterations necessary to support access and facilitate a child’s participation in pre-school, including accessing a play area.
Unfortunately, this does not encompass soft play areas as described in the enquiry
Where an application for minor building alterations is approved, a capital grant towards the cost of these alterations may be awarded to the pre-school provider, limited to a value of €7,000 inclusive of VAT.
The provider is advised to contact Better Start at 01 5117000. Better Start provide support and advice with regard to supporting the inclusion of children with additional needs.
500. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current number of international protection and Ukrainian refugees currently being accommodated at a location (details supplied); whether any residents have been moved or are proposed to be moved to alternative accommodation, the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22430/24]
View answerSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as park of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. To date, approximately 107,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
The property to which the Deputy refers is in contract with my Department to provide emergency temporary accommodation for BOTPs. At present, there are 55 BOTPs residing in the property and there are no planned relocations to alternative accommodation for them. At this time, no International Protection applicants (IPs) reside at this location.
Over the coming months, my Department will be reviewing its entire accommodation portfolio and has commenced renewing contracts as they end for existing accommodation that meet my Department's accommodation portfolio requirements.
Upon the conclusion of the current contract with the location to which the Deputy refers, my officials will engage with the accommodation provider to consider the renewal of the contract for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection at this location.
501. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the position in relation to a property (details supplied); has the property been purchased; what the intended use for it is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
502. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number, county location and cost of land purchases made by the Government in order to provide accommodation for asylum seekers and people from Ukraine in each of the past ten years. [22466/24]
View answerIn February 2021 A White Paper to End Direct Provision and establish a new International Protection Service was published. The paper set out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and contains three core themes – accommodation, integration and supports. There is a legal obligation on the state to meet the requirements under the EU Recast Reception Conditions Directive to provide accommodation to all who request it.
In 2022 and 2023 Ireland experienced unprecedented numbers of new IP arrivals with over 26,900. To put this in context the total number of applications received in 2022 and 2023 (26,900) is greater than the total received over the preceding eight year period, 2013-2021 (23,369). These very significant arrival numbers have continued in the first months of 2024, with the highest number of applicants, over 7188, received from January to April according to IPO published statistics. This represents a 98% increase when compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units2. Conversion of commercial buildings3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres
As detailed in the strategy, accommodation will be delivered through a blended approach of purchasing, turnkey deliverable and delivery on State owned sites. The breakdown of dedicated state owned Reception and Integration and Accommodation Centres will be dependent on the opportunities that arise from the multi-strand approach.
Regarding the number, county location and cost of land purchases made by the Government in order to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, no land has been purchased to date for this purpose. However, 37 properties have been purchased to date. These properties are a mix of 2/3/4 bed apartments and houses and some larger properties (10 bed plus). The properties are located across 12 counties (Clare, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford).
Additionally, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process has been launched by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease as International Protection accommodation. With regards to the Ukraine query, to date, approximately 107,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State. Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe was immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types were contracted, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, hostels, self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. All accommodation contracted by this Department is temporary in nature, and BOTPs are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation. My Department has not purchased any land to accommodate BOTPs since the start of the war. Since 14 March 2024, under a revised policy, anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine, who registers for temporary protection and is looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland, will be accommodated for a maximum of 90 days. They will be provided with food, laundry, other services and integration supports in Designated Accommodation Centres (DACs). When they leave the DAC, or if they make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival, they will be entitled to apply for standard social welfare assistance equivalent to Irish citizens subject to meeting the eligibility conditions.
503. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the stage at which the assessment of a facility (details supplied) as a potential site for IPAS applicants is currently at; the engagement his Department has had with Tipperary County Council, the HSE, local representatives and service providers to ascertain adequacy of services in the area to cope with additional demand; if a process of public engagement is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22503/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Community Engagement Team has been established within my Department which stands ready to respond to queries of this nature, and they may be contacted directly at community@equality.gov.ie.
504. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is planned for international protection applicants to be accommodated at a site (details supplied); if so, the expected date of arrival for the applicants; the duration of their stay; if transportation will be available for the applicants considering the rural location; if children will be staying at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22528/24]
View answerA HSE review of the property was undertaken which determined that the site is surplus to the HSE’s requirements. In line with the HSE Property Protocol and DPER Circular 11/2015, the HSE offered this property to all State Stakeholders through the Intra-State Property Register.
The Department expressed an interest in the site in order to facilitate the provision of suitable accommodation to Persons Seeking International Protection.
The Department holds a caretaker agreement until the transfer of assets process is completed. The only activity on the site at the moment is a presence of security personnel. This is a necessary precaution to protect the site, following attacks at another site in Crooksling, which saw part of the buildings destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
505. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of people currently being accommodated at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22529/24]
View answerSince the outset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Ireland has provided accommodation to over 107,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This includes approximately 84,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine who required State supported accommodation since February 2022 and approximately 30,000 International Protection applicants currently in IPAS accommodation. Prior to the war in Ukraine, there were 8,300 applicants for international protection in State supported accommodation.
In relation to the property to which the Deputy refers, I have been advised that it has a contracted capacity for 180 persons and that this property is used to accommodate both BOTPs and IP applicants.
My Department does not comment on occupancy figures for individual properties given the requirement to maintain the security and right to privacy of residents, and the variability of this data due to the emergency nature of its requirement to provide shelter.
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.
The CET remains available for further engagement if required.
506. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if more appropriate lines of communication be opened between IPAS and the local community of Kinnegad. [22530/24]
View answerAs at 12th May, there over 30,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 7,356 are children) compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.
These figures are combined with the arrival of over 100,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. Over 75,000 BOTPs are in state-provided accommodation.
This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that families and children have been accommodated.
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. The team does not have a role in the procurement of premises or the allocation of new arrivals.
507. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of clients engaged with CDNTs, broken down by area; and the number of such clients who have an individual family support plan. [22535/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
508. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the policy basis for individual family support plans; the purpose of them within the services provided to families; the role they play in ensuring supports for individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22536/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
509. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the total number of under 18-year-olds in each in Tusla local area; and the number of children in care in each local area. [22537/24]
View answerStatutory 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.
510. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children with an allocated social worker in each Tusla local area. [22538/24]
View answerStatutory 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.
511. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children under 12 in each Tusla local area. [22539/24]
View answerStatutory 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.
