Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:269. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners per annum in Cork Prison from 2020 to 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43801/24]
View answerPrison Service
Questions (269)
Written answers
I can advise the Deputy that the information requested is contained in the table below.
|
Number of Persons |
Number of Committals |
Daily Average in Custody |
|
|
Year 2024 – to end of September |
659 |
737 |
331 |
|
Year 2023 |
860 |
985 |
306 |
|
Year 2022 |
714 |
829 |
262 |
|
Year 2021 |
695 |
808 |
255 |
|
Year 2020 |
744 |
873 |
271 |
*An individual can be committed on more than one occasion in the given year.
I can further advise the Deputy that detailed statistical information can also be found on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie.
Prison Service
Questions (270)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:270. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the number of violent assaults on prison officers from 2020 to 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43802/24]
View answerWritten answers
Any act of violence against a prison officer is unacceptable. Any criminal act carried out within our prisons, including assaults or threats on a staff member, are reported to An Gardaí Síochána for investigation and prosecution. Staff who are subject to an assault or threat in our prisons are given the necessary supports through the employee assistance programme.
Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 as amended specifically provides for assaults or threats to peace officers including prison officers acting in the execution of their duty. Any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both or on convictions on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 years or both. I increased the maximum penalty available for assaulting a peace officer, from 7 years to 12 years in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 which came into effect on 1st November 2023.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is contained in the table below.
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Number of Prisoner on Staff Direct Physical Assaults 2020 – 2023* |
70 |
91 |
128 |
110 |
*Figures for assaults on prison staff are currently not available for 2024 as these require validation at years end. These figures will be published on the Irish Prison Service’s website in early 2025.
Immigration Status
Questions (271)
Bernard Durkan
Question:271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if and when leave to remain, permanent residency, naturalisation, stamp 4 status might be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43826/24]
View answerWritten answers
The person referred to by the Deputy has no valid immigration permission to remain in the State.
If the person is in the State without an immigration permission, they must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. Therefore, I would encourage them to contact the Immigration Service of my Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
The application should be submitted via registered post to: Unit A – Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Visa Applications
Questions (272)
Bernard Durkan
Question:272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she might review the application for an employment visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43852/24]
View answerWritten answers
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in New Delhi on 30 May 2024. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 22 July 2024.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. Applicants that carefully follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order.
A decision will be issued to the applicant as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
It should also be noted that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (IMOireachtasMail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Foreshore Issues
Questions (273)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:273. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application (details supplied); the timeline for sanctioning of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43678/24]
View answerWritten answers
The operator of the site the Deputy refers to was issued with an aquaculture licence by the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board (ALAB) on 26 January 2023 “for the cultivation of Native and Pacific Oyster on a site…”. The holder of an aquaculture licence also requires a Foreshore Licence.
My Department is currently processing a Foreshore Licence application for this site. All applications for a foreshore licence are considered in accordance with the provisions of the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with scientific and technical advisers and Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. The consultation process for this application concluded on the 9th of March 2024.
As this application is under active consideration, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
Fishing Industry
Questions (274)
Brendan Griffin
Question:274. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for urgent assistance with a matter regarding pair trawling in Kenmare Bay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43793/24]
View answerWritten answers
In December 2018, a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure, however, was the subject of extended legal proceedings the outcome of which, received last year, is that the ban has been overturned.
In February 2024, I held a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday 12th April. This consultation took place without prejudice.
The purpose of this consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise me of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. A large volume of submissions - over 5,000 - were received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. My Department is in the process of analysing the submissions. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made.
Food Industry
Questions (275)
Bernard Durkan
Question:275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of importation of potatoes into this country in each of the past three years to date including seed potatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43884/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office regularly provide my Department with statistics on the value and volume of Irish trade in agrifood and prepared consumer foods. Figures for 2023 are preliminary.
Table one below shows the total value (thousand Euro) and volume (tonnes) of potatoes, including seed potatoes, imported in the three most recent full years for which data is available (2021-2023). This shows the value of potato and potato-based imports was €229 million in 2023, representing an increase of 24% or €68 million on 2022, while the volume of these imports increased by 6% or 13,613 tonnes.
My Department will continue to monitor trends in the value and volume of agrifood and prepared consumer food trade. I will also continue to work with stakeholders to realise the ambition set out in Food Vision 2030, in particular Mission Three - Food which is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
|
Table One: Potato and Potato-based product Imports |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Change 2022-23 |
Change 2022-23 |
% Change 2022-23 |
% Change 2022-23 |
|
Imports |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
Value |
Volume |
|
Subtotal for Potatoes and Potato-based Products |
159,981 |
181,856 |
210,919 |
215,769 |
279,236 |
229,382 |
68,317 |
13,613 |
24% |
6% |
|
of which |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seed potatoes |
1,305 |
2,932 |
1,569 |
3,377 |
1,521 |
3,510 |
-48 |
133 |
-3% |
4% |
Food Industry
Questions (276)
Bernard Durkan
Question:276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to indicate the level of importation of various vegetables into this country in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43885/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Central Statistics Office regularly provide my Department with statistics on the value and volume of Irish trade in agrifood and prepared consumer foods. Figures for 2023 are preliminary.
Table one below shows the total value (thousand Euro) and volume (tonnes) of vegetable imports during 2020-2023. This shows that vegetable imports were valued at €412 million in 2023, and amounted to 342,760 tonnes. This represented an increase of 17% in value and 6% in volume when compared to 2022.
It should be noted that these figures exclude the separate category of vegetable-based products.
It is also important to consider agrifood imports in the context of corresponding exports. Ireland recorded a total agrifood trade surplus of more than €5 billion in 2023 overall.
My Department will continue to monitor trends in the value and volume of agrifood and prepared consumer food trade. I will also continue to work with stakeholders to realise the ambition set out in Food Vision 2030, in particular Mission Three - Food which is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad.
Table One: Vegetable Imports Full Year 2020-2023
|
IMPORTS |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2020 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
Jan-Dec 2023 |
2022-23 Change |
2022-23 Change |
2022-23 Change % |
2022-23 Change % |
|
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
Value(€ 000) |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value |
Volume |
|
|
Vegetables subtotal |
332,724 |
323,123 |
319,471 |
304,585 |
351,758 |
322,734 |
412,033 |
342,760 |
60,274 |
20,026 |
17% |
6% |
Animal Culls
Questions (277)
Bernard Durkan
Question:277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to indicate the extent to which the deer population is monitored and controlled throughout the country with a view to ensuring that overpopulation does not occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43893/24]
View answerWritten answers
The sustainable management of our national deer population is important for agriculture, as well as for our nature ecosystems. The increased populations of deer in some parts of the country has led to a reduction in biodiversity and an increase in road traffic accidents. In response to this my Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has set up the Deer Management Strategy Group, which includes representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and my Department, and is led by an independent chair.
On foot of a recommendation of the strategy group, a public consultation on the management of deer was launched late last year. This was the first major public consultation on the impact of deer and it received over 1,500 submissions.
A report was published by the Group in December 2023. The report made recommendations across a wide range of issues, from hunter training and forest design to land use management and the venison market. The 16 recommended actions are presented in the form of short and medium-term implementation targets. The Deer Management Strategy Group continues to meet regularly to progress these recommendations towards implementation.
Two of the main recommendations are the appointment of a deer management programme manager and the establishment of local deer management units, in respect of which a procurement process is currently being prepared.
The issuing of licences for the control of deer is an operational matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
School Meals Programme
Questions (278)
Alan Farrell
Question:278. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost of expanding the hot school meals programme to include all early childhood education and care settings. [43792/24]
View answerWritten answers
All early learning and care services are required, by legislation, to provide some level of snacks and meals depending on the length of time a child attends.
My Department secured €3.2m in funding in Budget 2025 for a targeted meals programme as part of Equal Start, our new funding model to support children and their families who experience disadvantage to access and experience meaningful participation in early learning and care and school-age childcare. This measure will target current gaps in provision in Equal Start services by replacing lunchboxes from home with a substantial meal to be provided by the service. This measure will run from September 2025.
An estimated full-year cost for the Government to provide universal free meals to every child in the ECCE programme would cost approximately €66.9m.
These estimates are based on the following assumptions:
Approximately 110,000 children availing of ECCE (based on 2022/23 numbers)
A daily rate of €3.20 capitation (based on Department of Social Protection's School Meals Scheme capitation)
38-week ECCE term time (182 days)
It is important to note that a large number of children in ECCE avail of ECCE as part of full-time provision. These children would already be receiving meals as required under regulation on full-time ELC and which form part of their existing (usually subsidied) fee.
Children in Care
Questions (279)
Bernard Durkan
Question:279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to indicate the number of children deemed to have been subject to abuse, whether physical, sexual or psychological, while in State care or guardian ad litem, in each of the past five years to date, if any, deemed to have been subject to abuse physical, sexual or psychological while in State care or guardian ad litem in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43887/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to data collated by Tusla, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.
Public Transport
Questions (280)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:280. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has engaged with the Minister for Transport to ensure that all public transport services are wheelchair-accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43588/24]
View answerWritten answers
Transport is a key issue for persons with disabilities and as such it is a priority consideration. Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in March 2018, which clearly articulates that all State parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis to others, to transportation.
In line with the principle of mainstream-first service delivery, it is incumbent upon all public bodies to execute their functions with proper regard for people with disabilities and Ireland’s obligations under the UNCRPD.
My Department has a particular role as "focal point" and "coordinating mechanism" across government for the implementation of the UNCRPD. My officials have therefore been engaging across government on disability issues, including detailed and frequent engagement with colleagues in the Department of Transport on matters related to transport accessibility, and I am aware that accessible public transport is the subject of dedicated work.
My officials are engaging at a senior level with colleagues across government to map out next steps towards the development of the next National Disability Strategy. This Strategy will provide an ambitious framework for disability policy across the next five years, including in relation to transport and mobility for disabled people. The new Strategy will build on work done under Action 104 of the previous National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Under Action 104, a Transport Working Group was established in 2020 to formulate proposals on how transport supports could be better coordinated across the state. The Final Report of the Group was published and is available on my Department’s website.
The Department of the Taoiseach has convened a Senior Officials Group to discuss how the proposals of the NDIS TWG final report can be progressed. My officials are engaging and actively contributing to discussions on this matter, and outcomes will form a key part of ongoing work for the development of transport-focussed actions under the next National Disability Strategy.
Disability Services
Questions (281)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:281. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to ensure capacity in respite care in County Cork for children with disabilities can meet demand on this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43589/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service/operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Childcare Services
Questions (282)
Richard Bruton
Question:282. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether an up-to-date audit of the gaps in childcare provision is being planned to inform future capital provision in the sector; and how he hopes to attract new entrants to the sector. [41196/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is progressing a range of actions to ensure the supply of early learning and childcare meets demand, with work in this area led by a Supply Management Unit that I established earlier this year.
A key part of the Supply Management Unit’s remit is to develop a better understanding of the nature of supply and how it relates to demand and to develop policy to support the delivery of more early learning and childcare places in the parts of the country where they are most needed.
This unit is currently developing a forward planning model which will 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 Unit will also lead on the delivery of the Building Blocks capital funding schemes. The primary focus of the Building Blocks Schemes, funded under the NDP, is to increase capacity in the 1-3 year old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day care. The scheme is open to Core Funding Partner Services. Appraisal of applications for this scheme will consider the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch. Funding is available for existing services to expand their current premises, and for community service to purchase or construct new premises.
My Department is also currently engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine and review the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Early Learning and Childcare Settings with a view to updating them under the framework of the new Planning and Development Act. A working group is in place between the Departments. The group will develop data and evidence bases, review existing policy and implementation measures, and support co-operation and collaboration. An important component of this work will be the development and dissemination of a DHLGH-initiated survey of planning authorities on the application of the 2001 Planning Guidelines.
Ukraine War
Questions (283)
Brendan Howlin
Question:283. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to his stated policy of ensuring that as far as possible beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) are offered accommodation close to their current residences where contracts for those premises are not renewed, if he will ensure that those BOTPs who are currently accommodated in a hotel (details supplied) will be offered accommodation in Wexford town either at another accommodation centre or elsewhere close to where they have established deep community relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43605/24]
View answerWritten answers
Since 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. This supports Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.
My Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible of moves. Generally, 48 hours’ confirmation is issued in advance of such moves and where possible in certain circumstances greater notice periods may be provided.
Where contracts with accommodation providers are not renewed, my Department undertakes to offer alternative accommodation for those beneficiaries of temporary protection who continue to be in need of assistance. However, while my Department will endeavour to offer alternative accommodation in the region in which BOTPs are currently accommodated, this is not always possible. My Department cannot guarantee accommodation type or location at this time, and BOTPs are encouraged to engage with the Local Authority to assess the possibility of finding accommodation in the community if possible.
My Department will make every effort to inform BOTPs of the arrangements for onward placements when they are known.
I appreciate that this is not easy for people and that moving location may be disruptive. My Department strives to minimise any such disruption to BOTPs and communities its relocations while also seeking to ensure that the State is getting value for money, while continuing to comply with its obligations under the Temporary Protection Directive. State-funded accommodation is temporary and subject to change.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, subject to availability, 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: www.gov.ie/en/directory/category/e1f4b5-intreo-offices/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/40cf48-find-your-local-intreo-office/ .
Early Childhood Care and Education
Questions (284)
Paul Murphy
Question:284. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will recognise the ongoing work and dedication of educators in the early years by listening to their advocacy campaign and providing professional status for the early years sector; and if not, the reason therefor. [43610/24]
View answerWritten answers
I acknowledge that those working in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector do not receive the recognition they deserve. The roles of the early years educator and school-age childcare practitioner are valuable ones and they play an important part in supporting children's development, learning and care.
In line with commitments in First 5, in December 2021, I launched Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC), 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in ELC and SAC and to raise the profile of careers in the sector. It includes a career framework and commitments to support early years educators to upskill and develop their careers. It also includes commitments to strengthen continuing professional development for staff working in the sector.
Consultation with the sector, through the various representative organisations and directly with Educators and Practitioners, was an important element in the development of strategies such as Nurturing Skills and Equal Start. My Department continues to engage with the workforce on workforce specific matters through the Early Learning and Care Stakeholder Forum and the its dedicated sub-groups.
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.
As the State does not employ staff in ELC and SAC services, neither I nor my Department 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.
Outputs from the JLC process has seen two increases in minimum rates of pay for roles in the sector and positively impacting over 70% and 50% of the workforce respectively. Outcomes from the JLC process are supported by the Government through the Core Funding scheme, which has an allocation for this programme year alone of €331 million and in budget 2025 I secured an additional €15m euro specifically ring-fenced to support services meet the costs of future JLC negotiated minimum rate increases. This funding is conditional on new EROs being coming in to effect.
Complementing wider Departmental policies to improve pay and working conditions, and to streamline administration and regulation, earlier this year I launched Equal Start, which includes a commitment to roll out well-being supports for educators and practitioners and supports for early learning and childcare settings to enable more supportive working environments to be created for staff.
Disability Services
Questions (285)
Niamh Smyth
Question:285. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of home personal assistant hours delivered in years 2016 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43638/24]
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.
Disability Services
Questions (286)
Johnny Mythen
Question:286. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of respite hours provided to families in County Wexford in each of the past 12 months; the number provided in each month since March 2020 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43654/24]
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.
Home Care Packages
Questions (287)
Johnny Mythen
Question:287. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons awaiting home care support in County Wexford; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Wexford; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43655/24]
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.
Emergency Accommodation
Questions (288, 289)
Johnny Mythen
Question:288. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if private owners of B&Bs require permission from his Department, or from local authorities, to provide emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43658/24]
View answerJohnny Mythen
Question:289. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated time for permission to be granted/refused to private owners of B&Bs applying to provide emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43659/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
Initial contact of offers of properties to be used for accommodation for people seeking International Protection (IP) are received by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) primarily through its e-mail portal.
Once an offer is received, IPPS sends a proposal template to the prospective provider that they are required to complete and return. The proposal template seeks to gather as much information as is reasonably practicable to facilitate an objective assessment of the suitability of the premises to accommodate IP applicants. This includes but is not limited to information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, its catering provision and room sizes, its recreational and lounge facilities and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it.
With all new properties contracted by the Department to provide accommodation for IP applicants, the Local Authority have a role in verifying that properties meet the required building, planning and fire safety regulations. IPPS seek written evidence of any engagement by the provider with the local authority on the viability of the property for use as accommodation for IP applicants. If a provider intends to utilise a planning exemption to do this, they are obliged to inform the local authority, and the department confirms its interest in using a property, subject to contract/contract denied.
Once all documentation is received, the Department continues to engage with the appropriate fire certification authorities to ensure fire certification is up to date. Once evidence of certification is received from the relevant authorities by the provider, and provided to the Department, a contract may be signed for the use of the property.
The timeframe for the completion of this process can vary depending on the particularities of each individual property, the availability of relevant documentation, and the approval of valid certification by the regulatory body.