Written Answers Nos. 623-642
623. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made in respite services since 27 June 2020; the additional funding provided in successive budgets; his plans for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29618/24]
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.
624. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made in residential services since 27 June 2020; the additional funding provided in successive budgets; his plans for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29619/24]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this matter.
Residential Services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, 58% of the total budget. As of April 2024, Approximately 90 service providers provided residential services to 8,484 individuals throughout the country.
As Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, I am aware that there is a need for increased service provision within the disability sector and I have fought tirelessly to bring an unprecedented level of funding for specialist disability services.
An overall increase in recent years from €1.7bn at the close of 2017 to close to €2.8bn in 2024, reflects this Governments commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, signalling to those with a disability that this Government is serious about making a difference.
Disability Residential Services - Progress
Across the four years from 2020 to 2023 budget, this Government have provided funding to the HSE for additional residential placements both on a planned and emergency/priority basis through the National Service Plan (NSP), to deliver the following:
• NSP 2020: 56 new Priority 1 (Emergency) residential placements. 86 placements were developed.
• NSP 2021: 44 new Priority 1 (Emergency) residential placements, 68 planned residential places (102 total).
• NSP 2022: 50 new Priority 1 (Emergency) residential placements. 66 planned residential places (106 total)
• NSP 2023: 43 Priority 1 (Emergency), 23 residential packages for young people aging out of TUSLA placements, 18 delayed transfers of care in line with the Winter Plan. At the end of December 2023, 160 Priority 1 (Emergency) Residential Places were developed. This is significantly in excess of the NSP target of 43.
• NSP 2024: circa 100 new Priority 1 (Emergency) residential placements.
It is important to note that residential capacity in the system can be reduced. When residents of congregated settings sadly pass away, their places are not ordinarily re-utilised. This is in keeping with Government policy which is to move away from institutionalised settings.
Under 65’s in Nursing Homes
For some people under the age of 65, nursing homes are not an appropriate setting. The HSE Disability teams are identifying people under the age of 65 currently residing in nursing homes. The HSE are working with them to discuss their supports required to move into more appropriate community settings or to enhance the quality of life for those who will be continuing their nursing home placement in line with their will and preference.
In 2021 Government provided investment of €3m to enable people under the age of 65yrs to transition to their own home with support. Budget 2022 provided a further allocation of €5.5m (rising to €13.5m in 2023), to address the situation of people with disabilities who may be inappropriately placed in nursing homes. Budget 2024 provides the basis to continue to improve access to enhanced disability services throughout the country.
The HSE is engaging with a cohort of 575 individuals for review and assessment for transition into the community or continued nursing home placements. As of April 2024, A total of 74 people have transitioned to homes of their choosing in the community since 2021 (the start of the programme). A further 55 individuals are in active planning for potential discharge. Additionally, 36 individuals have received additional enhanced quality of life supports, while they are currently continuing their placement in a Nursing Home.
Time to Move from Congregated Settings
Time to Move On from Congregated Settings (TTMO) – A Strategy for Community Inclusion was established under the Transforming Lives Programme. It is a model of support where people with disabilities are supported to move from congregated settings, often large institutions, to their own homes in the community, with the supports they need.
Time to Move On from Congregated Settings is progressing and continues to demonstrate very positive results for service users who have transitioned to living in homes in community settings. Progress made since the Time to Move On report (2009) shows that:
• 4,099 people were living in congregated settings at year end 2009
• By year end 2023, 1,532 people remained in congregated settings.
• 74 people moved from congregated to community settings in 2023, against an NSP target of 73 for the year.
The 2016 Programme for Government identified that there should be a one- third reduction in the number of individuals residing in congregated settings by the year 2021. This target has been met.
Future Planning
This Government is committed to the expansion of specialist services for people with disabilities. The Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026, which I published on 14th December 2023, represents a national strategy for capacity increases and service and policy reform in disability services. It was informed primarily by findings from the Disability Capacity Review, published in 2021. The Action Plan seeks to meet extra need over the 2024-2026 period in residential services through:
• Around 900 additional residential care places to tackle unmet needs and ensure supply keeps pace with demographic change;
• 500 new community-based residential care places to replace disability care in large institutional and campus-based settings, with a view to ending that form of provision by 2030;
• Increase support for people with disabilities to access supported independent living
• Provision of supports to live at home, in order to phase out long-term care in a nursing home for younger people with disabilities
€74m has been allocated for new development measures in 2024. This will provide for greater investment across a range of disability services and contribute to the progressive realisation of the Action Plan. Of this, €20.5m has been provided for circa 100 Residential placements for children and adults.
625. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of early childhood education providers in Cork, by local area, from 2018 to date. [29667/24]
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.
626. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE psychiatric social workers employed by Tusla in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [29689/24]
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.
627. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of schemes available through his Department to enable the provision of new facilities and upgrading of existing facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/24]
View answerThe support my department provides for the development of new play and recreation facilities for children and young people is through the annual Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. Established in 2013, this grant scheme operates through and with Local Authorities. The scheme also funds the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. Facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and all projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence that children and young people living locally who will have access to the facility have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.
Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.
Since 2021, funding of €450,000 per year has been made available to Local Authorities through this scheme. Applications must be made through the relevant Local Authority Play and Recreation Network member.
628. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the national childcare scheme will be open to childminders who are not registered with Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29755/24]
View answerThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to extending regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes. The National Action Plan sets out a phased approach to regulation with a preparatory phase followed by an extended transition period, to allow childminders lead-in time for any requirements. This supportive, phased process aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for this reform.
The main route through which parents are subsidised for their early learning and childcare costs is the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the Scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered childcare providers helps to ensure that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision. Therefore, only childminders who are registered with Tusla will be able to offer the National Childcare Scheme to the families that avail of their services.
Phase 1 of the National Action Plan is nearing completion. The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2024 has recently passed all stages in the Oireachtas. The Bill will remove the exemption relating to childminders from the application of Part VIIA of the Child Care Act, to facilitate the extension of regulation to all paid, non-relative childminders. The Bill provides a definition of a childminding service and includes it as a type of early years service, and amends the Childcare Support Act 2018 to align with the definition of early years service in the Child Care Act, thus ensuring that childminders will have access to the National Childcare Scheme. The Bill also provides for a transition period of three years before registration becomes mandatory. During the transition period, childminders will be able to register with Tusla under new childminder-specific regulations and will then be able to take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
The new, childminder-specific regulations, which will be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work, are in the final stages of development. Once the regulations have been finalised, pre-registration training to assist childminders to prepare for the regulations and registration with Tusla will start being rolled out.
629. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on his engagement with the relevant stakeholders, including foster families, on the proposed national standards for children’s social services; what future he envisages for the 2003 standards; what role will be there for foster families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29756/24]
View answerThe Department wish to acknowledge receipt of your question.
There has been on going communication and correspondence between this Department and HIQA with regard to the proposals put forward. This has resulted in significant review and analysis of the proposed standards by officials in the Department alongside other stakeholders.
Officials from my Department continue to engage with HIQA on their proposed Draft National Standards for Children's Social Services.
My officials in the Department have drafted a letter to HIQA outlining observations for further discussion including the future role for Foster Carers as being one of the fundamental pieces to the process and further meetings will take place to discuss in more detail.
This remains a priority for the Department and the Department officials continue to ensure it progresses.
630. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons with disabilities that received home support hours in CH04 up to the end of June 2024; the number of persons with disabilities up to the end of June 2024 that received personal assistance hours in CH04; the total number of hours provided in each category in CH04 up to the end of June 2024; if the target number of hours for each category in CH04 up to the end of 2024 is being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29757/24]
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.
631. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to address the staff shortage and retention issues in childcare facilities; the measures he is taking to address the shortfall of childcare places in Cork county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29758/24]
View answerImproving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
My Department has in place a range of supports and funding schemes to support the delivery of early learning and childcare places and services are independently operated, either by community not-for-profit or by private for-profit providers.
The level of capacity in the sector has risen substantially year-on-year between 2022 and 2023 as evidenced by survey data collected by Pobal, by administrative data from Core Funding and the National Childcare Scheme and registration data collected by Tusla.
However, there is also evidence that demand for places is increasing and, for certain cohorts and in certain areas, outstripping supply. This is partly driven by the significant improvements in affordability that have been achieved in recent years and I acknowledge that some families experience challenges in accessing places, particularly for younger children.
The design of funding schemes and the increased allocation of resources to the sector is supporting ongoing expansion of capacity, and in particular for young children. The rates of both the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding are weighted towards funding for young children given the higher staff costs that are required to operate at lower ratios.
Additionally, capital funding has been allocated to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant investment in further expansion of capacity. The Building Blocks Grant schemes are focused on increasing the number of full and part-time places available for 1-3 year olds. Appraisal of applications for these scheme considers the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch.
Last week, I was pleased to announce details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant scheme. Under this scheme, funding may be provided to the following range of projects:
• Extensions to existing premises
• Installation of modular buildings or buildings built using modern methods of construction
• Purchase of early learning and childcare premises (for community services only)
• Purchase of premises that could be easily adapted for use as early learning and childcare premises (for community services only)
• Construction of building to house a new early learning and childcare service on ‘greenfield’ or ‘brownfield’ site (for community services only)
The Building Blocks Extension Grant scheme will provide funding to support services to deliver thousands more of affordable early learning and childcare places. This is the most significant capital investment in the sector since the establishment of my Department in 2011.
Additionally, I have established a new unit in my Department to undertake more detailed analysis of the nature and quantum of supply and demand for early learning and childcare across the country. This work will help to inform how best to support the delivery of provision in the years to come.
I am aware that many early learning and care services are reporting recruitment and retention difficulties. I have expressed continued commitment to improving conditions for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners. In a very competitive labour market and unemployment reported at 4.2% in June, recruitment and retention is a challenge for all, especially for low paid sectors.
I acknowledge that pay in the sector remains low and does not reflect the importance of the work carried out by early years educators and school age childcare practitioners. As the State does not employ staff in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services, I nor my Department cannot set wage levels or determine working conditions for staff in the sector.
However, there is now, through the independent Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate terms and conditions of employment including minimum pay rates for different roles in ELC and SAC services.
This process provided the first ever Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) for the sector in September 2022 and increased wages for over 70% of staff working in services.
Recently, Emer Higgins T.D., Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail accepted proposals for new EROs for the Early Years Services Sector. The Orders came into effect on 24 June 2024 and increased the minimum hourly rates of pay for all grades. In addition, the ERO removed the requirement for graduates to have 3 years’ experience before they are eligible for graduate minimum pay rates.
The new Early Years Services ERO will see an estimated 53% of Early Years Educators and School Age Practitioners benefit from the new minimum rates set.
Outcomes from the JLC process are support by the Government through the Core Funding scheme, which will increase by 15% from September 2024, from €287 million in year 2 of the scheme to €331 million in year 3. This will see Government investment increase to more than €1.1 billion in early learning and childcare.
In line with commitments in First 5, in December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for ELC and SAC, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills sets out a range of commitments to support the professional development of the workforce and raise the profile of careers in the sector. It seeks to address the range of issues that have an impact on recruitment and retention in early learning and care.
Complementing wider Departmental policies to improve pay and working conditions, to support recruitment and retention, and to streamline administration and regulation, I am committed to rolling out wellbeing supports for educators and practitioners and supports for early learning and childcare settings to enable more supportive working environments to be created for staff.
I also recently established a sub-group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum to discuss issues of recruitment and retention with stakeholders in the sector. This group has met on three occasions since December last year and held their fourth meeting on 4 July 2024.
632. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current demand for the early childhood care and education scheme in Cork county and Cork city; how any deficits are being identified and resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29759/24]
View answerEnsuring access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
I have recently established a new Supply Management Unit in the Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare division of my Department.
This unit is currently undertaking a forward planning project to identify the quantum and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country, whether or not those places are occupied and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level.
The Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE) provides funding for sessional pre school for children from the age of 2 years and 8 months for the two years before children begin primary school. Places are offered for 15 hours a week over 38 weeks per year at no cost to parents.
For the August 2023 - June 24 programme year there were 12,319 unique children with an approved ECCE registration in Cork City and County, with approximately a 2:1 ratio of county versus city registrations.
At a national level, there is high take up of the ECCE programme of 96% of children in the relevant age bracket. Available evidence indicates that there is generally sufficient number of ECCE places to meet demand, albeit that there may be some instances of undersupply of ECCE places in certain specific locations.
In addition to ECCE, my Department has in place a range of supports and funding schemes to support the delivery of early learning and childcare places by independently operated services, whether community not-for-profit or by private for-profit providers. The level of capacity in the sector has risen substantially year-on-year between 2022 and 2023 as evidenced by survey data collected by Pobal, by administrative data from Core Funding and the National Childcare Scheme and registration data collected by Tusla.
However, there is also evidence that demand for places is increasing and, for certain cohorts and in certain areas, outstripping supply. This is partly driven by the significant improvements in affordability that have been achieved in recent years and I acknowledge that some families experience challenges in accessing places, particularly for younger children.
The design of funding schemes and the increased allocation of resources to the sector is supporting ongoing expansion of capacity, and in particular for young children. The rates of both the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding weighted towards funding for young children given the higher staff costs that are required to operate at lower ratios.
Additionally, capital funding has been allocated to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant investment in further expansion of capacity. The Building Blocks Grant schemes are focused on increasing the number of full and part-time places available for 1-3 year olds. Appraisal of applications for these scheme considers the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch.
633. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the Programme for Government’s commitment to double the target for employment of people with disabilities in the public service to 6%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29760/24]
View answerAs the Minister for Disability I am fully committed to ensuring that more people with disabilities are employed in the public service. The public sector must show leadership in this area.
Part 5 of the Disability Act, 2005 sets out obligations on public bodies to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. These obligations previously set a minimum target such that 3% of public sector workers should be persons with disabilities.
As per the commitment in the Programme for Government, we are, on a phased basis, doubling that statutory target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector via the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 which I commenced in April of 2023. The Disability Act was amended and the minimum target was doubled from 3% to 6%. This increase will occur on a phased basis - to 4.5% in 2024, and to 6% in January 2025.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) prepares an annual report on compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act each year. The most recent Report relates to figures for 2022. The then minimum target of 3% was exceeded by the public service as a whole for the twelfth year in a row, and stood at an overall figure of 4.1 %.
Although there is certainly work to be done to ensure that the 6% target is met, the overall trend in recent years is encouraging. The report on compliance in 2022 indicates that 48.4% of public bodies were already meeting the new target of 6%. This represents a positive increase on the previous year's figure of 36.6%. In 2022, the overall number of public sector employees reporting a disability increased by 18% on the previous year's figures.
I am pleased to see this upward trend and the more inclusive pathways into the public sector workforce that are being developed. This will help to lay the foundation towards reaching the new 6% target in and from 2025.
634. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, in relation to amendments to the Maternity Protection Act 2004 allowing for the postponement of maternity leave in the case of a cancer diagnosis, he still supports his public commitment to amending this legislation; the actions he is taking to ensure this legislation passes through the relevant stages of the Oireachtas during the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/24]
View answerAt the end of last year I announced plans to introduce legislation to allow women undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses postpone their maternity leave.My officials are finalising these proposals and I intend to bring them to Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks.
The 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.
635. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a review being conducted by Tusla (details supplied). [29845/24]
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.
636. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific concerns raised following a site visit by the Ukraine compliance team to a site (details supplied) at which accommodation has ceased to be provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection by IPAS. [29852/24]
View answerIn recent weeks we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland who are requesting accommodation from the state and we are now seeing greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from state accommodation. As a result, my Department is currently consolidating its accommodation portfolio to ensure value for money and greater oversight.
My Department is prioritising ending contracts with non-compliant providers as part of this consolidation. While I cannot go into detail on specific compliance cases, as there may be legal implications in some situations, compliance issues include but are not limited to:
• The health, safety and wellbeing of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in state-supported emergency accommodation.
• Overcharging by providers for the provision of their accommodation.
• Unregulated secondary properties that were being utilised by providers.
• Private and residential properties that were being utilised and retained by the Department when further commercial properties were available.
My Department made a decision to end its commercial contract for the specific property to which the Deputy refers in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with the provider. This was after considerable engagement with the provider by my officials in relation to regularising the compliance issues identified at the property. This engagement included visits to the site by officials, and an independent inspection company.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank accommodation providers for their contribution to Ireland’s response to this humanitarian crisis. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.
637. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the specific compliance issues identified at a site (details supplied) at which accommodation is to cease to be provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection by IPAS. [29853/24]
View answerIn recent weeks we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland who are requesting accommodation from the state and we are now seeing greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from state accommodation. As a result, my Department is currently consolidating its accommodation portfolio to ensure value for money and greater oversight.
My Department is prioritising ending contracts with non-compliant providers as part of this consolidation. While I cannot go into detail on specific compliance cases, as there may be legal implications in some situations, compliance issues include but are not limited to:
• The health, safety and wellbeing of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in state-supported emergency accommodation.
• Overcharging by providers for the provision of their accommodation.
• Unregulated secondary properties that were being utilised by providers.
• Private and residential properties that were being utilised and retained by the Department when further commercial properties were available.
My Department made a decision to end its commercial contract for the specific property to which the Deputy refers in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with the provider. This was after considerable engagement with the provider by my officials in relation to regularising the compliance issues identified at the property. This engagement included visits to the site by officials, and an independent inspection company.
Every effort will be made to keep BOTPs as local as possible, however, given the number of moves that will take place over the next few months, this is not always possible. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. All accommodation provided by my Department is temporary, and BOTPs are informed of this when they request accommodation from the State.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.
BOTPS may also explore private rented accommodation either through their own means or with the assistance of Rent Supplement, if eligible. Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment administered by the Department of Social Protection to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. Their local Department of Social Protection office may be able to provide further information relating to Rent Supplement. Contact details for the local offices can be found on gov.ie (Intreo centres and local branch offices).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank accommodation providers for their contribution to Ireland’s response to this humanitarian crisis. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.
638. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of sites at which accommodation is provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection or applicants for international protection by IPAS that have received a site visit by the Ukraine compliance team, QTS, or any other independent inspection company hired by IPAS or his Department in the first six months of 2024; and of those, at how many were compliance issues identified. [29854/24]
View answerMy officials are collating the information sought by the Deputy and will respond in due course.
639. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of sites at which accommodation is provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection or applicants for international protection by IPAS that have received a site visit by the Ukraine compliance team, QTS, or any other independent inspection company hired by IPAS or his Department in the first six months of 2024; and of those how, at how many were compliance issues of a financial nature identified, including, but not limited to, suspected over-payments or suspected over claims for payment. [29855/24]
View answerMy officials are collating the information sought by the Deputy and will respond in due course.
640. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the sum of money suspected to have been overpaid by IPAS at accommodation centres for beneficiaries of temporary protection or applicants for international protection which received a site visit by the Ukraine compliance team, QTS, or any other independent inspection company hired by IPAS or his Department in the first six months of 2024. [29856/24]
View answerIt is not possible to provide or estimate the sum of money sought by the Deputy in relation to suspected overpayment in the first six months of 2024 for accommodation providers for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) due to ongoing investigations. In relation to accommodation providers for International Protection (IPs) applicants, IPAS have not identified any cases of overpayments made to accommodation providers through site inspections in the first six months of 2024.
641. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the number and detail of the public helplines operated by their Department; whether calls are recorded on each helpline; and if not, whether he would consider recording calls for transparency and training purposes. [29988/24]
View answerThe Department for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth’s main switchboard number is +353 1 647 3000. Callers to this number are directed to the appropriate officer within the Department as well as to our Customer Service Contact, Complaints Appeals, Access Officer, Freedom of Information Office, Early Years, National Childcare Scheme, Minister’s Office, Press Office and Data Protection. Calls to this number are not recorded and there are no plans at this point to introduce recording.
Other public helplines the Department operates to assist in the different areas of our remit are:
Mother and Baby Institution Payment Scheme +353 1 522 9992
The Mother & Baby Institutions Payment Scheme has a public helpline which assists people with queries about the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme, how to make applications and how to proceed with their applications to the Scheme. Calls to this number are recorded for training & quality purposes.
The Mother and Baby Homes Information Line +353 1 647 3200
This line is a public information line for anyone with questions or who needs help with respect of the legacy of Mother and Baby Homes. Calls are not recorded purposes but the office retains an open mind about recording calls for transparency and training purposes in the future.
Subject Access Request Information Line +353 1 237 6001
A dedicated subject access request telephone helpline is operated to assist callers seeking further information about making a Subject Access Request (SAR). Calls are to this number are not recorded.
642. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure pay parity for section 39 organisations who provide vital dementia services and standardise rates of pay for critical home care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29208/24]
View answerIn 2023 the existing competitive tender system for the contracting of home support was replaced with an Authorisation Scheme. It provides for fixed pricing and a common framework for the delivery of Home Support Services.
Prior to the Authorisation Scheme there was a significant administrative burden on the HSE and service providers to manage legacy rates; and an unfairness in the system where some providers were being paid rates from 2012, or 2016. This was raised as a key issue to Strategic Workforce Advisory Group by stakeholders, including the community and voluntary and private sectors. To address this and other important considerations raised by the Group, I secured an increased rate for home support services from August 2023.
The Authorisation Scheme delivers on commitments for sectoral reform such as payment for travel time for home support providers, paying carers the National Living Wage at a minimum, and bringing legacy rates in line with the new, revised rate of funding of €31 per hour for standard home support.
A separate process of engagement is underway to examine the pay of workers in Section 39 funded organisations. While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 funded organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.
