Written Answers Nos. 512-533
512. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children who have aged out of care in each of the past three years, broken down by local area office. [22540/24]
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.
513. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of young people receiving an aftercare allowance, broken down by Tusla local area. [22541/24]
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.
514. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in care on their third placement or more, broken down by local area. [22542/24]
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.
515. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline, with regard to his Department’s removal of tents in Dublin and the recent moving of asylum applicants, what measures are being taken to ensure that these tents are being recycled or environmentally disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22545/24]
View answerThis is a matter for my cabinet colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
516. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the legislation will be enacted to reimburse parents who have to pay private practitioners to assess their children for special needs, in order to bypass long HSE primary care psychology or CAMHS waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22551/24]
View answerGiven that the question relates to Primary Care and CAMHS, two care groups not under my remit, I will have to defer this question to my colleague, the Minister for Health.
517. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of funding his Department has provided for the child and youth participation network, by county, in tabular form. [22614/24]
View answerI understand the Deputy is referring to Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC).
CYPSC are funded by my Department either directly or via contributions from Tusla’s funding along with contributions from the Department of Health (Healthy Ireland) to ensure effective inter-agency co-ordination and collaboration in achieving the best outcomes for children and young people in their local area.
In Budget 2024, I secured a funding allocation of €2.929 million for CYPSC under subhead C05, an increase of €524,000 on the 2023 allocation of €2.405million. This provides:
• €1.080 million for CYPSC programme funding. This is an increase of €324,000 on funding provided in 2023 and increases 2024 funding for each of the 27 CYPSC from €28,000 to €40,000.
• €850,000 for CYPSC Healthy Ireland funding. This is an increase of €200,000 when compared to 2023 and matches the Department of Health’s funding for this initiative in 2024 bringing total funding to €1.7m This increases funding for each of the 27 CYPSC from €48,000 to approximately €60,000 in 2024
• €930,000 for the CYPSC National Coordinator Programme and CYPSC Co-Ordinator salaries
• €69,000 towards the CYPSC review to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of CYPSC and other identified need.
Furthermore, in 2024, I allocated
• €135,000 to CYPSC for a Parent Support Awareness Fund and this equates to €5,000 per each CYPSC
€1.4 million is allocated via the International Protection Support Service (IPSS) fund to provide focused support to children, young people and their families in the International Protection system. Each CYPSC and the National Coordinator’s office can apply for up to €50,000.
I also secured funding for in excess of €1.1bn for Tusla for 2024 and from this Tusla allocates some funds for CYPSC, while this is largely an operational matter for that agency, I have instructed Tusla to allocate €750,000 of this funding to support the recruitment of 27 CYPSC Grade V project support workers. This will support the valuable work of each existing CYPSC Coordinator.
In 2024, my Department is providing €400,000 to facilitate a pilot programme that will establish at least four Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans. These pilots will be part of Ireland’s National Action Plan under the EU Child Guarantee. The fund is open to joint applications from CYPSC and their corresponding Local Community Development Committee. An application process for funding commenced in April 2024 and will close 7 June 2024.
It is also important to note that each CYPSC may leverage other funding in its own local area.
Accordingly, I have also referred the Deputy’s question to Tusla for direct response with regard to detailed funding of each CYPSC in 2024.
518. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can confirm that a number of buildings in Castlerea, County Roscommon are to be used to house international protection applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22626/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
519. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to review correspondence received (details supplied); if he can confirm or deny that this property is being looked at in relation to this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22629/24]
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.
520. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a detailed breakdown of the daily costs associated with goods and services, to include per-night accommodation cost, meals costs, any diem costs and daily allowances, provided to persons who have claimed asylum or international protection in Ireland, but have not yet had their applications reviewed by immigration authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22635/24]
View answerPlease see below a table detailing expenditure relating to the provision of accommodation to International Protection (IP) applicants from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). Daily costs, such as food, are included in the daily rate per person.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
Residents in IPAS accommodation at year end |
Average yearly cost per resident |
Average Cost Per Day Per Resident |
|
Year |
Expenditure |
Residents in IPAS accommodation at year end |
Average yearly cost per resident |
Average Cost Per Day Per Resident |
|
2017 |
€67,359,000 |
5096 |
€ 13,218.01 |
€ 36.21 |
|
2018 |
€77,993,000 |
6106 |
€ 12,773.17 |
€ 34.99 |
|
2019 |
€129,408,000 |
7683 |
€ 16,843.42 |
€ 46.14 |
|
2020 |
€183,215,000 |
6997 |
€ 26,184.79 |
€ 71.73 |
|
2021 |
€190,856,000 |
7244 |
€ 26,346.77 |
€ 72.18 |
|
2022 |
€356,554,000 |
19202 |
€ 18,568.59 |
€ 50.87 |
|
2023 |
€651,713,647 |
26279 |
€ 24,799.78 |
€ 67.94 |
|
2024* |
€317,870,589 |
30256 |
€ 10,506.03 |
€ 80.19 |
*2024 is a YTD Figure to 10 May 2024.
Allowances are administered through the Department of Social Protection (DSP), and this data is not available to my officials.
521. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details of the current number of international protection applicants who are currently in IPAS accommodation awaiting either a decision on their international protection application or their application for leave to remain; the number who had been granted status either international protection or leave to remain; the number who had received a deportation order; the number who do not fall within any of the foregoing categories up to the end of March 2024; if he will outline the basis upon which the latter group is provided accommodation by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22636/24]
View answerAs of 12th May 2024 there are 30,256 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.
There were 5,644 people with status in IPAS accommodation at the end of April 2024, this leaves approximately 24,600 people awaiting a decision.
Under The European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018, those who have had their application determined are no longer entitled to Material Reception conditions. However, IPAS continues to accommodate those with status, until such time that they progress into the community.
The Department of Justice advises the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) after an application for International Protection has been determined. When an applicant is not successful in gaining leave to remain or status and a Deportation Order has been signed, the Department of Justice so advises IPAS. This is to allow the transition of the unsuccessful applicant from IPAS accommodation, if they have not already exited of their own volition. Information on the number of applicants in IPAS accommodation with a pending Deportation Order is a matter for the Department of Justice.
522. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can provide an update on the leave the leave campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22668/24]
View answerThe Maternity Protection Act 1994 and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provide a pregnant employee with six months of paid maternity leave and an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave. All forms of family leave are kept under review to ensure that they are effective in supporting families and children.
In October I announced plans to introduce legislation to allow women undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses postpone their maternity leave.
It is planned to bring this forward together with a number of amendments arising out of my Department’s review of Ireland’s equality legislation. My officials are finalising these proposals and I intend to bring them to Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks.
523. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the delays in reopening respite services in the Ard Aoibhinn Unit in Carndonagh, County Donegal; when he expects a HIQA inspection to be carried out at the unit; and if he can provide an ongoing update on same, until such a time that it reopens. [22714/24]
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.
524. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy are not available to a vulnerable child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22717/24]
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.
525. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will engage with an accommodation provider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22725/24]
View answerSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part 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 this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
While the offer of accommodation at the location to which the Deputy refers is much appreciated, it should be noted that my Department is not presently contracting additional accommodation for BOTPs from new or existing providers. This situation will be kept under review.
As part of Government policy, a move to a more sustainable accommodation strategy is underway. My Department is now focused on the maintenance of capacity at larger-scale Designated Accommodation Centres (DAC) for new arrivals and on the consolidation of the BOTP accommodation portfolio, while endeavouring to use more sustainable, self-sufficient accommodation that supports independent living and integration.
My Department is making use of vacancies arising within the existing system, and through the leveraging of other streams of accommodation, including Offer a Home and pledged properties to accommodate those who need to be moved due to contracts ending. Due to room configurations and geographical location, some vacancies may take longer to fill then others given they are utilised to meet the specific requirements of individuals and family groups of BOTPs. My Department is also transferring a number of vacancies in the BOTP accommodation portfolio to use by international protection applicants.
526. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of an application an (details supplied) for the mother and baby institution payment scheme. [22768/24]
View answerWhile I try to be helpful at all times in the parliamentary process, the Deputy will be aware that I cannot be involved in individual cases and cannot comment on same.
The legislation underpinning the Payment Scheme - the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 - specifically provides for the explicit independence of the Chief Deciding Officer in administering the application process and making decisions on applications. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in the process in relation to the status of individual applications.
All information on the Scheme, and the application process, can be found at the dedicated Payment Scheme website - gov.ie/paymentscheme. Resources include an information booklet, questions and answers, and short 'how to' videos on the straightforward application process. A Helpline is also available at +353 1 522 9992. Applicants will be supported throughout the application process with information and advice as and when they may need it.
In addition to all these applicant supports, public representatives can contact the Payment Scheme Office via a dedicated email address paymentschemereps@equality.gov.ie if they are assisting constituents in relation to the Scheme.
In this case, I suggest that the applicant in question contacts the helpline directly and I am sure she will be assisted appropriately.
527. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has engaged with the Private Security Authority and-or the Minister for Justice in respect of the enforcement guard sector in the context of IPAS accommodation contractors engaged by his Department and the requirement for employees in those accommodations to hold an enforcement guard licence. [22775/24]
View answerThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) carefully appraises each property that is offered for use as accommodation for International Protection (IP) applicants before contracts are issued, and properties are also subject to pre-occupancy inspections to ensure they are adhering to the requisite standards. IPPS advises all potential providers of accommodation of the need to provide sufficient security to protect their property while the appraisal process is underway, and furthermore, to the requirement to maintain the safety and security of the IP applicants for which they will be providing accommodation once contracted.
IPPS contracts for the provision of services to accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants. Part of that service provision includes the requirement for the accommodation to be adequately staffed to maintain the privacy and security of residents. The security requirement is determined on a case by case basis by the provider.
There is an onus on the provider and the relevant security staff to comply with industry and regulatory requirements.
In the event that the Department contracts security directly, there is engagement with the Private Security Authority as required.
528. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of additional funding his Department has given to charities since December 2023 for the purpose of providing tents and sleeping bags to homeless asylum seekers (details supplied). [22841/24]
View answerAs of 12 May 2024 there are 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. In the first 20 weeks of 2024, nearly 8,000 people have arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation from the State. This is more than five times the average from 2017-2019.
Due to a number of well-documented factors, the Department of Integration has not been in a position to offer IPAS accommodation to every International Protection (IP) Applicant since 04 December 2023.
The Department has arrangements in place for the provision of services to assist those who await an offer of accommodation with Mendicity, Crosscare, Capuchin Day Centre and Tiglin at the Lighthouse. The Department is in also in regular contact with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, the Dublin Simon Community, and others, particularly with regard identification of particularly vulnerable individuals.
This includes the provision of tents and sleeping bags where required by IP applicants while all available accommodation capacity is in use.
Contractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) are commercially sensitive.
In relation to service providers contracted by IPAS to provide accommodation services to International Protection (IP) applicants, the information sought by the Deputy is being collated and will issue to the Deputy's office shortly.
529. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the child protection measures that are in place at the IPAS centre at Abbey Manor, Dromahair, County Leitrim; if he will provide a copy of the child safeguarding statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22858/24]
View answerWhen new accommodation centres open, IPAS engages with centre management in respect of Child Safeguarding, which includes the provision of advice and support in developing the Child Safeguarding Statement and in relation to the requirements of the TUSLA Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit (CSSCU). The CSSCU is the dedicated unit within TUSLA set up to ensure that all providers’ Child Safeguarding Statements (CSS) are compliant with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015.
Abbey Manor Hotel opened on 2 May 2024 and as part of that process IPAS has engaged with centre management in respect of Child Safeguarding. The printed Child Safeguarding Statement is being prepared will be displayed in the accommodation centre shortly.
The IPAS Child Safeguarding Statement* was deemed compliant by the TUSLA CSSU and is published on the IPAS website.
*www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/272102/96c31733-814f-44f0-afa3-c492190f978f.pdf
530. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the chronic shortage of childcare spaces in the area of Dublin south-west with a case of one mother on 21 waiting lists; if he is further aware of the affordability crisis of childcare services and the impact this is having on working mothers trying to get back into the workforce; the measures his Department is taking to alleviate these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/24]
View answerThe availability of high-quality Early Learning and Care (ELC) is a key Government priority. My Department monitors ELC capacity on an ongoing basis, with a particular focus on responding to the unmet ELC needs of families.
My Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), which provide support and assist families and providers with ELC matters. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their ELC needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for assistance. Contact details for South Dublin CCC may be found on southdublinchildcare.ie/
The Board and team within SDCCC are acutely aware of the shortage of childcare places in the county. The SDCCC is working extensively to identify suitable premises in South Dublin that can be adapted or renovated to become a childcare service. They are also working closely with South Dublin County Council including its Planning Department to ensure plans for childcare services are appropriately included in large developments.
In addition, the SDCCC is currently finalising a report on supply and demand in the South Dublin area, which will be shared it with my Department as soon as it is available.
My Department is also progressing a broad range of actions to ensure the supply of ELC and School-Aged Childcare meets demand. A new Supply Management Unit has been established to lead on this important work. The development of this function is akin to the Department of Education’s Forward Planning Unit. The Supply Management Unit is overseeing the allocation of new capital investment. €69 million was allocated to my Department over the period 2023-2025 under the National Development Plan to enable capital investment in the ELC sector. In February, I announced an €18 million capital grant scheme for the sector. The grant will provide for an immediate increase in affordable ELC places in 2024, and will be specifically targeted in areas in where they are needed most. It will be the first of two significant capital investment schemes, to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
Under the National Action Plan for Childminding, there is a commitment to open the National Childcare Scheme to parents who use childminders following the extension of regulation to childminders.
Core Funding, which began in September 2022, is the new funding stream to start the partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Its primary purpose is to improve pay and conditions in the sector as a whole and improve affordability for parents as well as ensuring a stable income to providers.
Core Funding improves:
• affordability for parents by instituting a fee freeze in participating Partner Services;
• access by expanding the capacity being offered by the sector, particularly for younger children;
• quality including through improved pay, conditions and career structure underpinned by Employment Regulation Orders; and
• stability and sustainability for providers.
Core Funding introduced fee management, or a fee freeze at 2021 rates, this ensures that parents’ costs do not increase and that the increased National Childcare Scheme subsidies are fully felt by parents.
Budget 2023 allocated funding to secure a 3% growth in capacity. Initial analysis of the scheme indicates that this target has already been reached. Though only in operation since September 2022 this analysis shows there has been a growth in capacity particularly for young cohorts.
Arising from Budget 2024, the Core Funding allocation for year 3 of the scheme will increase by 15% - to €331 million. €9.27m of this additional funding will allow for a further 3% increases in capacity in the sector in year three of the scheme. This additional capacity will be driven both by new services joining the sector and existing services offering more places and/or longer hours to families.
To date, 94% or 4,731 providers have contracted to Core Funding, and are following the Fee Management system set by the Department.
531. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 427 and 428 of 27 February 2024, when the papers of the interdepartmental group will now be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22938/24]
View answerIn March 2023, an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was established to support the development of referendum proposals on family and care.
The group comprised representatives from every Government Department, as well as the Office of the Attorney General. It met 16 times over the course of its work in a period spanning March to November 2023.
My Department published the redacted minutes of all meetings of the IDG on the 16th April. These minutes contain details of the membership of the group and the attendees at each meeting and are available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ff411-interdepartmental-group-referendum-proposals-on-family-and-care/
As part of its work, the IDG carried out a public call for submissions. A report of the submissions received as well as the submissions received from organisations are also published at the above link. The remaining submissions are being redacted for personal information and will be published shortly.
My Department is also considering whether further material can be published, given the confidentiality of both legal advice received from the Office of the Attorney General and discussions by Government.
532. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE child psychologists working as part of Cavan children's disability network team in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased. [22947/24]
View answer533. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE child psychologists working as part of Monaghan children's disability network team in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased. [22948/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 533 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.
