Holly Cairns
Question:246. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide detail on the measures he is taking to ensure a timely release of ACRES funding in year two. [38493/24]
View answerAgriculture Schemes
Questions (246)
Written answers
ACRES is an environmental scheme that is unprecedented in the scale of its ambition, and it has enormous potential to deliver significant long-term dividends for farmers and for the environment. However, I want to acknowledge the delays that have been experienced in the processing of payments for farmers who joined ACRES in Tranche 1.
The remaining year one balancing payments are being significantly resolved this month and I look forward to both Tranche 1 and 2 payments proceeding according to committed timelines for 2024. Currently work is progressing to ensure the commencement of 2024 advance payments for both Tranche 1 and 2 ACRES participants by the end of November 2024.
For my Department, this is being informed by, and is benefiting from, the experience gained from the processing of the 2023 scheme year payments, which in many cases was significantly delayed due to the complexities associated with payment calculations, particularly in respect of those participants implementing results-based actions.
For participants, EU regulations stipulate that payments under all EU-funded schemes can only issue when the required validation checks have been carried out and passed. All necessary information to enable 2024 ACRES payments to be calculated needs to be provided to my Department by advisors on behalf of their clients. This includes the submission of completed scorecards, where applicable, and the submission of Low Emission Slurry Spreading returns where this action has been chosen. In addition, each participant is required to complete a one-day training course in the first year of their contract. I would urge all advisors and farmers to ensure that all outstanding requirements are fulfilled in order to facilitate the earliest possible payment of participants.
I am very anxious to ensure that my Department continues to issue these important payments to farmers in the most efficient and timely manner possible, and this remains a key priority for me.
Departmental Projects
Questions (247)
Patrick Costello
Question:247. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress and current work programme of the child law reporting project. [38327/24]
View answerWritten answers
The work of the Child Law Project (CLP) over the last number of years has been invaluable to my Department, in its provision of evidence regarding child care proceedings.
My Department renews the court reporting project periodically through a competitive procurement process. The most recent iteration of process concluded in late 2021, and the current project will conclude in late 2024, having operated for a period of 3 years.
The Child Law Project’s work programme is overseen by an independently chaired Research Advisory Group. In 2024 the Project has delivered, in accordance with its work plan, a volume of Court Reports relating to proceedings attended in the second half of 2023, and a Volume of a Court Reports relating to proceedings attended in the first half of 2024.
The Project is due to publish a final analytical report in early November. This analytical report is expected to highlight the key findings from the research and the reporting of the Project over the course of the current work programme.
Mother and Baby Homes
Questions (248)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:248. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the redress scheme for mother and baby home survivors, if those deemed eligible for redress are automatically entitled to an enhanced medical card; if the enhanced medical card is means tested; how this card differs from a standard medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/24]
View answerWritten answers
The legislation that underpins the Scheme provides that a person who spent at least 180 days as a mother or child in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution, as listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, is eligible for the health supports in the form of an enhanced medical card. This medical card is not means-tested, is not subject to intermittent review and will be available to the recipient throughout their lifetime.
It is intended that the enhanced medical card will ensure the provision, without charge, of the following primary and community health services for those eligible:
• GP services;
• prescribed drugs, medicines, aids and appliances
• dental, ophthalmic and aural services;
• home nursing;
• home support;
• counselling;
• chiropody/podiatry; and
• physiotherapy.
As well as the above services, it is intended that cardholders will not be required to pay the €100 Emergency Department statutory charge.
Those who are living outside of Ireland have the choice of opting for an enhanced medical card or a once off health support payment.
The Payment Scheme Executive Office notifies the HSE if an applicant is eligible for the enhanced medical card and the HSE provides the card to the applicant and will be responsible for making the services available to them.
For privacy purposes the medical card is unmarked as regards the Payment scheme. It carries an expiry date but a new card will be issued automatically, once that expiry date is reached.
Mother and Baby Homes
Questions (249)
Carol Nolan
Question:249. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update regarding an application made by a company on behalf of a person (details supplied); if he could provide an approximate timeframe indicating when this applicant will receive compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38247/24]
View answerWritten answers
While 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.
It is not at all necessary for applicants to use a legal firm to submit an application, but where it does happen, as in this case, it is possible that delays can arise since communications have to progress through a third party, thereby doubling up on timelines. At this point, I suggest that the applicant in question, or the legal firm representing him, contacts the helpline directly and I am sure they will be assisted appropriately.
Irish Sign Language
Questions (250)
Pauline Tully
Question:250. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it is mandatory for hospitals to have staff who can communicate in sign language for those attending the hospital who are unable to talk or hear. [38249/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 stipulates that public bodies must do all that is reasonable to ensure the provision of ISL for users of Irish Sign Language when that user is unable to use Irish or English and is seeking to access statutory entitlements or services provided by that public body. Under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, the definition of a public body includes, non-exhaustively, a Department of State (other than, in relation to the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces) for which a Minister of the Government is responsible; a local authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2001; and the Health Service Executive.
In Ireland, there are three types of hospitals:
• Public hospitals that are run by the State through the Health Service Executive.
• Voluntary public hospitals that are mainly state-funded but are sometimes owned by private bodies such as religious orders. Other voluntary public hospitals are run by boards often appointed by the Minister for Health.
• Private hospitals that receive no state funding.
Where a hospital operates as a public body, it is subject to the provisions of the Act and must comply with requirements to provide ISL interpretation services. The governance of acute hospitals and their designation according to the above criteria is a matter for the Minister for Health.
The manner of ISL provision is not detailed in the Act beyond a stipulation that public bodies shall not engage the services of a person providing Irish Sign Language interpretation unless that person's competence has been verified in accordance with an accreditation scheme funded by the Minister for Social Protection. The Act does not provide that interpreters must be direct employees of the public body whose services require interpretation, nor that public bodies must directly employ staff who can communicate in ISL. Many ISL interpreters are freelance.
The ISL Act 2017 provides that funding can be made available by the Minister for Social Protection to facilitate users of Irish Sign Language accessing certain services, including services of a medical nature. This is provided through a Department of Social Protection funded Voucher Scheme operated by the Sign Language Interpreting Service.
Health Services Waiting Lists
Questions (251)
Pa Daly
Question:251. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who are on the waiting list for paediatric OT services in the Tralee and west Kerry area; the number of staff who are available to manage the list; and the waiting time for initial assessment. [38269/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
International Protection
Questions (252)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:252. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the staffing complement and the annual budget of the International Protection Procurement Service since its creation. [38283/24]
View answerWritten answers
The International Protection and Integration Division has overall responsibility for developing and promoting policy on migrant integration. The division is responsible for procuring, developing and providing accommodation and reception conditions for international protection applicants, guided by EU regulations and the Government's Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS).
The Government’s strategy to address accommodation shortages and build a sustainable system involves a range of different actions, from developing state-owned sites with tented and modular accommodation, to considering more immediate offers of accommodation from providers, including existing accommodation, conversions of office or commercial facilities, and other options.
The CAS will see a move away from full reliance on private providers and towards a core of State-owned accommodation, delivering 14,000 State-owned beds by 2028 – quadruple the previous commitment under the White Paper. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.
The Department's International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) unit manages and oversees the procurement of accommodation centres from commercial providers for international protection applicants. The current staffing complement of IPPS is 31 staff. The Department operates under a decentralised procurement structure, where each business unit is responsible for its own procurement activities.
Full year expenditure for 2021-2023 are provided below. Earlier years are not available due to transfer of function from the Department of Justice.
|
- |
Spend to 31 December |
|
2021 |
€190,855,653.80 |
|
2022 |
€353,758,433.24 |
|
2023 |
€651,713,647.33 |
Childcare Services
Questions (253)
Paul Murphy
Question:253. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if childcare providers that have signed a core funding scheme contract for any one year are under any legal obligation to inform parents three months in advance that they will not be signing up to the following year's core funding contract, or if the obligation to provide three months' notice of withdrawal from the core funding scheme only applies to notifying his Department, and further, that this only applies if they are withdrawing from core funding within a 12-month contract period. [38285/24]
View answerWritten answers
To be eligible for Core Funding it is necessary for all Partner Services to agree to the Core Funding Fee Management terms and conditions as laid out in the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement. (earlyyearshive.ncs.gov.ie/Core-Funding-Partner-Service-Funding-Agreement-2024.pdf).
Some Providers may choose to withdraw from Core Funding or not participate/sign up for Year 3 of the Core Funding scheme, therefore, as private businesses, are free to set their own fees and/or increase fees if they wish to do so.
Once contracted into Core Funding services who wish to withdraw must give 3 months’ notice to the scheme administrator of their intention to withdraw. Parents/guardians must also be notified for this withdrawal. The term of the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement finishes on 31 August for all services.
If a Partner Service introduces a new Service Type, discontinues an existing Service Type, or introduces a new fee for a Service Type, they must provide parents affected by this change with 20 working days of notice ahead of change in service offering.
If a service is not withdrawing mid-programme year, but instead decides not to contract into programme year 3, there is no contractual requirement to give notice.
Core Funding remains open to all eligible providers. To date, over 4,000 providers have either started or submitted their Core Funding application – a figure that is on par with this time last year.
For a list of Partner services, and individual year Core Funding allocations please visit the Together for Better Website (first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/together-for-better/ ).
Childcare Services
Questions (254)
Catherine Murphy
Question:254. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated annual cost of paying the salaries of all early years educators - with a Department-recognised early years qualifications degree at NFQ Level 7 and above - currently working within the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38286/24]
View answerWritten answers
I firmly believe the level of pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners should reflect the value of their work for children, families, society and the economy.
The State is not the employer and therefore does not set the pay or conditions for employees in either early learning and care (ELC) or school-age childcare (SAC) services.
However, there is now, through the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates for ELC and SAC services, which are set down in Employment Regulation Orders (EROs). This is an independent process from the Department and neither I, nor my officials, have any role in the proceedings of the JLC and any associated negotiated minimum pay rates, the cost of which is borne by the employer.
The EROs provide for higher rates for both graduate lead educators and graduate managers. First 5, the ten-year Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2019-2028), commits to a graduate-led workforce, with 50% of staff working with children holding an appropriate qualification at NFQ Level 7, or higher.
Among other objectives, Core Funding supports the ability of service providers to meet the additional costs resulting from the EROs for Early Years Services, which came into effect in September 2022, as it provides increases in funding to early learning and childcare service providers to support improvements in staff wages, alongside a commitment to freeze parental fees. A graduate premium is one of the elements of the Core Funding model.
On the basis of 2024 data supplied by Partner Services taking part in the Core Funding scheme, the estimated annual cost of salaries for all staff with a Level 7 or higher relevant qualification is €407 million.
In relation to the estimate above, the following should be noted:
• The cost estimate is based on staff details, including qualification level, recorded in service providers’ submissions for Core Funding, but the Core Funding data has been extrapolated to provide an estimate for all staff working in the sector with a Level 7 qualification and above.
• Cost estimates are based on the most recent data available to the Department which was provided by service providers in May 2024, this data was provided prior to the new EROs for Early Years Services came into force on June 24th.
• Calculations are based on wage-data available at a point in time. Some services may have increased wages more recently, which would reduce the estimated employer cost of meeting the proposal set out in the Deputy's question.
• The cost estimates only relate to staff and managers covered by the current EROs, i.e. the estimates exclude the cost of ancillary staff.
• The figure provided does not take into account the income currently received by those working in the sector who are self-employed and who derive their income from profits rather than wages.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (255)
Catherine Murphy
Question:255. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a summary of the training currently in place throughout the civil service and public sector to ensure compliance with Acts (details supplied); and the monitoring in place to ensure compliance throughout the civil service and public sector with same. [38287/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform have responsibility for OneLearning, the learning and development platform available to all civil servants, which offers the following courses, underpinned by equality and public sector duty legislation, to provide attendees with knowledge and the skills to create an inclusive workplace;
• Equality and Human Rights: Understanding your Role,
• Authentic and Inclusive Leadership,
• Managing for an Inclusive Workforce,
• The Learning Management System hosts the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) e-learning module ‘Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service’.
The IPA Professional Development Department run programmes that cover parts of the Equality Acts on the CIPD Foundation Certificate, specifically on employment equality, reasonable accommodation and discrimination. The Equality Acts are then also noted on Dignity at Work training courses. The Acts and arising obligations are studied in broad terms within the following academic programmes, at the Whitaker School of Government and Management:
1. The Professional Diploma in Human Rights & Equality covers Equality Acts (Employment Equality Act and Equal Status Act) and some elements of the Disability Act and the UNCRPD.2. The Employment Law modules on the Professional Certificate in Resourcing & Recruitment, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Public Management and Master of Arts in Human Resource Management also address the Equality Acts.
Monitoring of the Acts is largely carried out independently by the National Disability Authority and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is an independent statutory body, established under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014. The Commission has a broad statutory remit in relation to the protection and promotion of human rights and equality under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014.The Act provides that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be independent in the performance of its functions.
It has been accepted that the Minister would not answer questions about the Commission's functions as it could mislead Members of the Dáil, the media and the general public to believe that the Commission reports to the Minister. The Commission will therefore respond directly to the Deputy.
The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 is not subject to ongoing monitoring but is subject to a review of the operation of the Act every five years. The National Disability Authority published the last review in 2021. The next review is due in 2025.
Under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, the National Disability Authority carry out annual monitoring of the number of persons with disabilities working in the public sector. Under Part 3 of the Disability Act the National Disability Authority are required to monitor the implementation of the Code of Practice on accessibility of public services and information provided by public bodies. There is no specified timelines on how often this monitoring is to be carried out unlike Part 5 of the Act.
In relation to the EU Web Accessibility Directive, public sector bodies in Ireland must ensure their websites and mobile applications are accessible to everybody, including people with disabilities. The European Union (Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications of Public Sector Bodies) Regulations 2020 came into force on 23 September 2020. The National Disability Authority is named in Irish Regulations as the National Monitoring Body for the purposes of monitoring compliance with and reporting on the EU Web Accessibility Directive. National Disability Authority conducts both Simplified and In-depth and mobile app reviews on a large number of public sector websites and mobile apps on an annual basis.
Public Sector Staff
Questions (256)
Catherine Murphy
Question:256. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a summary of the rules/guidelines/best practices in place throughout the civil service and public sector to ensure disabled persons are recruited and promoted throughout the civil and public sectors equally and fairly. [38288/24]
View answerWritten answers
Responsibility for central Civil Service HR policy rests with my colleague the Minister for Public Enterprise and National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, who is best placed to provide a summary of rules/guidelines/best practices in place.
My Department is leading across Government for the development of the next National Disability Strategy (NDS), due for publication in 2024. The next NDS will include action on employment as a cornerstone issue, and will give due consideration to the supports necessary for the employment and advancement of disabled persons in the civil and public sector.
In 2018, Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which articulates the rights of disabled persons to work on an equal basis with others. The UNCRPD stipulates that State Parties shall safeguard and promote the realisation of the right to work by taking appropriate steps, including the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector.
Government is committed to delivering on this obligation and in 2023, I was proud to commence the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022, which sets a statutory employment target for disabled people in the public sector, increasing from 3% to 4.5% by 2024 and to 6% by 2025. Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 details the obligations public bodies have to promote and support the employment of person with disabilities. Compliance with Part 5 is monitored by the National Disability Authority, who have developed a Code of Practice on the Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by public bodies.
My Department also funds Employers for Change, a programme under the Open Doors initiative, the goal of which is to empower employers with all the information and advice needed to hire, employ, manage and retain staff with disabilities. Employers for Change have published a Guide to Reasonable Accommodations where under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, employers are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to support disabled employees and alleviate substantial disadvantage.
Health Services
Questions (257)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:257. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person in County Meath (details supplied) will see an occupational therapist and psychologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38289/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Freedom of Information
Questions (258)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:258. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the Freedom of Information publishing log for his Department has not been updated since January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38294/24]
View answerWritten answers
Due to an administrative oversight the Freedom of Information publishing log for my Department has not been updated since January 2023. This will be addressed in the very near future and my Department will notify the Deputy's Office once the log is available.
Commissions of Investigation
Questions (259)
Paul Murphy
Question:259. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an exact date as to when the final report from the Farrelly commission of investigation (details supplied) will be published. [38297/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Commission of Investigation (certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters), “the Farrelly Commission” is an independent statutory Commission of Investigation established under S.I. No. 96/2017 - Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) Order 2017 to investigate the care and protection of “Grace” (pseudonym) and others in a former foster home in the South East, which has been the subject of abuse allegations.
The Commission consists of a sole member, Ms Marjorie Farrelly SC.
The functions vested in the Minister for Health with respect to the Commission transferred under S.I. No. 688/2022 - Specialist Community-Based Disability Services (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2022 to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth effective from 1st March 2023.
The Deputy may be aware that on 29 July 2024, I received a Report from the Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) (“the Farrelly Commission”). The Report is a final substantive report on the first phase of the Commission’s investigation, as required by the Terms of Reference. The Commission has also provided a statement concerning Part X of the Terms of Reference of the Commission of Investigation.
The Report and statement relating to Part X have been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for legal advices and consultation is ongoing on these matters. I am not in a position at this time to confirm an exact date of publication.
Housing Provision
Questions (260)
Carol Nolan
Question:260. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the total budget allocated by Government to develop and implement the rapid-build housing programme to ensure accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it; the number of short-term accommodation and modular units provided under the programme to date; the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38300/24]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
The first phase of ten sites is completed with 2,312 residents having moved into their new homes.
This project – the first of its kind – is an important one, as it will provide a blueprint for future developments. As each phase has brought new challenges, these challenges are providing important future learnings.
The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.
The emphasis in this programme is on delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments and this has been a priority. Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site. In the future, the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
The cost of each unit is approximately €145,000 per unit (45m² / 484sqft), inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. This is separate to the site development and utility connection costs, etc. relating to the overall development. As the project is still ongoing and further sites are under consideration, it is not possible to fully specify a final overall programme figure.
For each of the Rapid Build sites, my Department has put in place structures to ensure planning for the provision of essential and support services, like healthcare and education, are conveyed to the relevant providers in each area. My Department is working with other Departments, State Agencies and stakeholders to ensure these additional resources are in place.
Housing Provision
Questions (261)
Carol Nolan
Question:261. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can confirm that the rapid-build units being delivered under the European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022 and the rapid-build housing programme are precluded from use as social housing by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38301/24]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
The rapid build units are being delivered under the European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022, which limits their use to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection initially. The Government is obliged under EU law to provide access to suitable accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine under the Temporary Protective Directive (European Council Directive 2001/55EC).
In the future, the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
Children in Care
Questions (262)
Patrick Costello
Question:262. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the pilot for supports for parents whose children are taken into care. [38325/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to information held by Tusla, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.
Children in Care
Questions (263)
Patrick Costello
Question:263. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the rollout of in-house therapeutic services for children in care. [38326/24]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is required under the Child and Family Agency Act (2013) to support and promote the welfare and protection of children; to support and encourage the effective functioning of families; and to provide services relating to the psychological welfare of children and their families (excluding the provision of specialist mental health services for children).
As the Deputy will be aware, Tusla has committed to a strategic approach seeking to deliver an integrated framework for therapeutic services as part of a three-year plan to establish the high-level framework and operating model for Tusla Therapeutic Services. As part of this plan Tusla has established multi-disciplinary teams across six service areas by recruiting Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists to work with existing therapeutic staff, such as psychologists.
Tusla has advised that the focus of these teams is on the early identification of therapeutic needs of children on admission to care, including children to be placed in foster care, and which will inform their care plan.
Tusla has set out a specific action contained within its 2024 Business Plan to have six fully operational Multidisciplinary Area Based Therapeutic teams put in place. Tusla has advised that the teams in the six service areas are nearly at full strength. I am also aware that it is an aim of Tusla that 100% of new children or young people coming into State care in the six areas where Therapeutic Teams have been funded will have multidisciplinary input into their care planning.
I can assure the Deputy that I will work closely with Government colleagues and with Tusla to support the provision of therapeutic services to children in care.
Childcare Services
Questions (264)
Paul Murphy
Question:264. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1358 and 1359 of 9 September 2024, the procurement process for engaging the services of an organisation (details supplied); if there were any site visits to inspect premises, paperwork or in-person meetings with any of the directors or management of an organisation. [38328/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Childcare Services
Questions (265)
Paul Murphy
Question:265. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1358 and 1359 of 9 September 2024, what was the audit process; if this ever led to any concerns about the governance and oversight of the organisation (details supplied); if an audit ever took place; and if so, the outcome of this process. [38329/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.