Written Answers Nos. 284-303
284. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 487 of 27 May 2025, to provide details of the outsourced visa service provider mentioned; the total amount paid to this provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35058/25]
View answerIn recent years my Department has taken a number of steps to upgrade the visa processing system and improve the service offered to individuals applying for Irish visas. This has included availing of services provided by VFS Global at their Visa Application Centres (VACs).
Applications for Irish visas made by residents of South Africa are processed at VACs located in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria. I can advise the Deputy that my Department makes no payments to VFS Global for their services. When a person in South Africa applies for an Irish visa they pay a €40 service fee to VFS Global directly for their services.
A number of services are provided for the fee charged by VFS, including the initial processing of applications and transmitting documents between customers and the Visa Office. Additionally, VFS Global offers a number of optional services, the fees for which are detailed on their website, at the following address: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/irl/additional-services.
The use of VFS Global’s services provides greater accessibility to customers across a wider geographical area, particularly in large countries or countries where Ireland does not have consular representation. The use of VFS Global’s centres reduces courier and travel costs for customers whose nearest Irish Visa Office or Embassy could be located thousands of kilometres away.
These services do not extend to making decisions on visa applications; such decisions are the sole remit of officials from my Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs.
I can advise the Deputy the fees applied by VFS Global are in addition to the application fees for Irish visas. The fees for Irish visas are, €60 for an single entry visas, €100 for a multi entry visas and €25 for a transit visa. Further information regarding Irish visa fees and exemptions are available at the following address: www.irishimmigration.ie/preclearance-and-entry-visas-fees/.
285. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the progress of legislation to prohibit sex-for-rent exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/25]
View answerAny attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and prey on vulnerable individuals through such 'sex for rent' arrangements is completely unacceptable. Such actions are an abuse of power, which will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The General Scheme of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which I published on 6 May, includes measures to criminalise the exploitative practice of seeking sex in lieu of rent.
It is proposed to introduce two specific criminal offences related to ‘sex for rent’: (i) offering accommodation in exchange for sexual activity and (ii) the advertising of accommodation for the same motivation.
The provisions encompass both rental agreements between landlords and tenants, and “rent-a-room” situations.
It is the offer or advertisement that is being criminalised - there is no requirement to prove that sexual activity actually took place. The proposed penalty for these offences is a fine of up to €5,000.
The General Scheme of the Bill has now been referred to Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. The General Scheme will also be referred to the Justice Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, when its report is received, work on finalising the Bill will be prioritised.
286. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the regulations which were drafted in February 2022 for dealing with apartment service charges and sinking funds will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35098/25]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to commitments in Housing for All related to regulations to be made by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under subsection 17 of section 18 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that owner management companies (OMCs) are financially sustainable and, under sub-section 9 of section 19 of the Act, to ensure that OMCs provide for expenditure of a non-recurring nature (i.e. sinking fund expenditure).
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary objective of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments (MUDs), and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of OMCs. The Act includes provisions relating to inter alia:
• The setting of the annual service charge payable by apartment owners in a multi-unit development;
• the establishment of a sinking fund, to fund any non-recurring expenditure; and
• the development of house rules for the operation and maintenance of their multi-unit development.
Under Section 18 of the Act, the OMC must establish and maintain a scheme for annual service charges to fund ‘ongoing expenditure reasonably incurred’ on the maintenance, insurance and repair of common areas within its control and for the provision of common services (security, legal, accounting etc.) to unit owners.
The work of my Department in relation to MUDs is necessarily guided by that of the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in view of that Department’s key policy role in this area. Any regulations that would be made under the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 would need to be informed by appropriate policy directions from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and agreed with that Department, to enable my officials to further progress the drafting of the regulations mentioned.
Under the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, responsibility for the regulation of OMCs and the Multi-Unit Developments Act will be transferred from my Department, to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. While work in that regard is progressing, a legislative amendment will be necessary to avoid a potential conflict of Ministerial responsibility following the transfer.
287. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when responsibility for the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 will move from his Department to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35100/25]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, responsibility for the regulation of owner management companies and the Multi-Unit Developments Act will be transferred from my Department, to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. While work in that regard is progressing, a legislative amendment will be necessary to avoid a potential conflict of Ministerial responsibility following the transfer.
288. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of Gardaí that have taken sick leave of more than six months in total since 2015 in counties Cork, Limerick, Wicklow and Donegal, respectively. [35104/25]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Regrettably, this was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
289. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed on exceptional humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35123/25]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that temporary protection in Ireland only applies to the following groups of people who have had to flee Ukraine due to the invasion by Russia:
a) Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
b) Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
c) Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried minor children of either of them, and their other close dependent family relatives who have been living with them as part of the family unit before 24 February 2022.
Ireland supports the entry of migrants through legal pathways, to facilitate legal migration into the State. These include arrangements for various categories of persons, including; workers and international students.
Details of these legal pathways can be found on the Immigration Service website at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/ .
290. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to urgently intervene and expedite a family reunification visa (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35124/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on 29 November 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Bangkok office on 14 December 2023. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 09 January 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Departments business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery function of my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/#decisions
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the persons impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their immigration application on the Immigration Service’s new Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: https://portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, 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.
291. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Questions No. 573 of 25 March 2025 and No. 876 of 13 May 2025, regarding the details of all new Garda stations planned to be commenced within the next five years, if the requested information is now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35170/25]
View answerBy law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all decisions related to the upgrade of the Garda Estate. Works on the Estate are undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in cooperation with the Garda Authorities. This includes planning and completion matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2023-2030 was developed following detailed engagement between An Garda Síochána, the OPW and the Department of Justice. This Programme identifies a series of estate projects reflecting Garda priorities and emerging needs. The provision of upgraded, refurbished and additional contemporary Garda facilities nationwide is included in this Programme. A number of these Capital projects are at various stages of development and are being delivered in conjunction with the OPW.
Following the formation of the current Government this year, a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) is required. In that context, a review of the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2025-2035 is now ongoing in consideration of the current and long-term needs of An Garda Síochána.
Engagement is ongoing between Garda Estate Management, OPW and my Department on this Programme and therefore no further information can be provided on this review at this time.
The below works are in progress or are in tender preparation stages.
Drogheda PEMS & Locker Room/Tallaght PEMS/Naas PEMS:
Tallaght PEMS: Stage 2 finalisation of the tender package was advanced by the OPW in February 2025, with a target date of end of Q2 for contractor selection, and possibly, contract award.
Naas PEMS: It is envisaged that a construction contract will be awarded in late 2025.
Cell Refurbishment Programme:
Large-scale refurbishment at Abbeyleix Garda Station to upgrade cells and custody area are completed. Some minor works to adjoining office accommodation are ongoing.
A number of other cell projects are at various stages of development: Wicklow, Thurles,
Gorey, Castleblayney and Nenagh. In addition, some cell projects are at earlier stages of development between An Garda Síochána and the OPW to finalise designs.
Development of New Garda Stations at Clonmel and Macroom:
The tender returns remain under review. Works are now anticipated to commence in Q3 2025.
In relation to Clonmel, the OPW advise that the tender assessment and evaluation stage for the Main Contractor for the Clonmel Garda Station project is now complete and a preferred tenderer has been identified.
The assessment and evaluation of the Reserved Specialist tenders for the project is currently underway by the Office of Public Works and the consultants appointed to work on the project.
Once this is completed, the OPW will proceed to the next stage of holding a pre-Contract award meeting and, subject to the appropriate approvals being in place, the issuing of a Letter of Acceptance for the project.
Enabling works were undertaken at the site of the proposed new station in August of last year.
As the projects are now at tender stage and pre-commencement, any further queries that you may have regarding the status of Clonmel and Macroom stations would be best addressed by the Office of Public Works.
292. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the exact step-by-step process by which voluntary departures by those who have been unsuccessful in their application for international protection is tracked and recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35171/25]
View answerIt is a central priority for me that Ireland’s immigration system is robust and rules based. Returning people who do not have permission to remain in Ireland is undertaken through voluntary returns and deportation. Both types of returns are essential for the system to work effectively and to ensure that there is confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.
It is the preferred option to return people voluntarily, and my Department has a voluntary return programme to assist people to return prior to the issuance of a deportation order. It is important to note that a person can only avail of voluntary return before a deportation order is issued. In 2024, 934 people left Ireland by way of voluntary return. This year 778 people have left Ireland by way of voluntary return up to 20 June 2025, which is an increase of 227% compared to the same period in 2024.
A person who is intending to avail of voluntary return can arrange their return independently or they can be assisted with travel costs, financial aid and administrative support by the Voluntary Return Unit in my Department or through my Department’s partner, the UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The option of Voluntary Return is not offered to those convicted of serious criminality.
I can advise the Deputy that significant efforts are undertaken to make people aware of the option for Voluntary Return at various stages of the International Protection process.
If a person receives a final negative decision on their International Protection application, they are informed of the option of voluntary return and they have five days to indicate whether they wish to avail of it. If a person decides not to avail of a voluntary return within this period then a deportation order is made against them.
When a person indicates that they wish to avail of the option to voluntarily return, a completed Voluntary Return application form is requested within five working days from the persons initial correspondence with the Voluntary Returns Unit. This application form requires the person to indicate if they will make arrangements to leave the State without assistance or if they require support from my Department.
People who make their own arrangements are given 30 days to leave Ireland. They are required to provide my officials with documentary evidence that they have left within three days of their arrival in their home country. This can include evidence of flight tickets, boarding passes, the bio-data page of their passports and the re-entry stamp in their passport with the passport number clearly shown.
People who require assistance to leave Ireland will have the necessary arrangements made by the Voluntary Returns Unit. This may include obtaining travel documents, flight bookings and ground transport. People who receive assistance must also submit documentary evidence of their return within three days of their arrival in their home country.
Further information and evidence will be requested if the supporting documentation submitted is not sufficient to confirm that the person has left the State.
People who do not submit the required documentation within the timeframes are advised that their cases will be reverted for further processing which may result in a deportation order issuing if the person is not confirmed to have left the State.
In many instances those availing of Voluntary Return will also be met by officials from the Border Management Unit of my Department, or by IOM, to ensure that their return journey is facilitated through Dublin Airport and that their departure is confirmed.
I strongly encourage people who do not have permission to be in Ireland to leave voluntarily.
People who require assistance or information can contact my Department’s Voluntary Return Unit by email at voluntaryreturns@justice.ie or at the below address.
Voluntary Returns Unit
Arrangement
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
D02 XK70
293. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the analysis carried out in relation to the potential impact of the expected commencement of the EU’s entry/exit system with regard to irregular migration on Ireland in October 2025; if he has concerns that this will have implications for Ireland as an EU Member State that is not part of the Schengen area or party to this new system; the changes regarding to the entry and exit from the State being introduced to coincide with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35172/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that implementing effective border security arrangements is a central priority for me. The Programme for Government commits to developing a border security strategy to deliver stronger border security, ensuring technology supports border screening and to reviewing the potential of extending pre-clearance mechanisms, such as electronic travel authorisation, for travel from designated third countries. This work is underway.
I can advise the Deputy that the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are Schengen measures which Ireland does not participate in. These are information systems designed to support Schengen border operational measures for Schengen Member States.
The EES, which is due to go live in October 2025, will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of third country nationals for the Schengen area, and calculate the duration of their authorised stay. It is a digital solution which will replace passport stamps. The system will not apply to Irish nationals.
As Schengen Member States implement border controls on behalf of each other they require shared operational systems, such as the ETIAs and EES. As a non-Schengen member Ireland does not require the operational capacity to grant access to the Schengen zone and therefore is not party to these measures. Operating either system would also conflict with the functioning of the Common Travel Area.
Changing migration trends are kept under continual review by my Department. Ireland will continue to operate its own visa and border systems following the introduction of the EES and the ETIAS. Any variation in migration trends following the introduction of these measures will see my Department adapting its response accordingly.
294. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projected annual cost for Ireland of participation in the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration for each of the next five years, broken down by current and capital expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35173/25]
View answerIt is a central priority for me as Minister for Justice that our immigrations laws are robust and enforced.
The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is a new EU framework to manage migration and asylum for the long-term. The overall objective of the Pact is to provide a fair, sustainable and efficient asylum procedure. This will be done through convergence in asylum practises across the EU.
Ireland’s national implementation plan sets out the State’s proposed approach to meeting the requirements set out in the Pact. It is not a binding prescription, but rather an indication of how Ireland intends to go about implementing the Pact.
The plan allows for a transition period before the Pact comes into effect in June 2026 during which elements can be examined in greater detail and modified as required. This includes operational aspects as well as resource requirements around human resources, IT, infrastructure etc.
The plan sets out an ambition to have a maximum 9-month processing period for applicants in the international protection system, which would greatly reduce the cost to the State. The delivery of State-owned beds through the State’s Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy will also reduce the cost of accommodation.
The estimated costs for running all aspects of the Department's asylum and immigration services will be set out in the annual Estimates for 2026 and subsequent years on an annual basis in the normal fashion.
295. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the estimated overall cost to roll out the three broad thematic objectives and actions to be pursued under the youth justice strategy nationwide, as recommended under the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35180/25]
View answerThe Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides for an expanded mandate of the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network under three broad priority headings:
• early intervention with younger children at risk of later involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour;
• family support; and
• work with harder-to-engage young people who are heavily involved in criminal activity, including at risk of recruitment by criminal gangs.
In Budget 2025, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services amounted to just over €36 million, the vast majority of which is allocated to maintaining and expanding YDPs. There are currently 93 YDPs throughout the State.
The minimum core ‘package’ for a YDP now includes two Youth Justice Workers, together with as may be appropriate in the specific locality; a family support youth justice worker, an early intervention youth justice worker and an outreach youth justice worker to engage with harder-to-reach young people, and a team leader in situations where the number of other staff requires such a post.
However, all these additional elements will not be required in all areas, and the actual cost of a YDP varies according to the size and population base of its catchment area, local needs and availability of other, complimentary, public services in the area. Full implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy model remains a priority for me to be realised progressively over the coming years, building on the significant progress that has already been made since 2021.
296. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number in each intake of Gardaí, and the number who attested, in each intake in the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35181/25]
View answerAn Garda Síochána publishes data on the allocation of Gardaí by Division, Station and rank, including for each Garda station in the country. This can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
The Deputy can access data dealing with the “Allocation of Probationer Gardaí by Division and Station (2015 to 6 June 2025)” under "Probationer Gardaí" for a breakdown of Probationer Garda numbers by Garda station going back to 2015. It should be noted that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
An Garda Síochána has provided me with the table below which shows the intakes since the Garda College reopened in 2022 and the number of Gardaí who attested from January 2023 to the latest ceremony on 6 June last. A number of factors influence the number of people who attest in each ceremony including trainees reverting from one intake to another due to academic or health/injury reasons, as well as resignations or training suspensions. The training is, of necessity, quite rigorous and some level of attrition is normal given the high standards of performance required of Gardaí.
|
Original Number of Intake |
Number Attested (Attestation date) |
|
24 |
25 (January 2023) |
|
92 |
86 (July 2023) |
|
135 |
126 (October 2023) |
|
154 |
151 (December 2023) |
|
174 |
165 (March 2024) |
|
174 |
157 (June 2024) |
|
109 |
108 (September 2024) |
|
186 |
169 (December 2024) |
|
157 |
149 (March 2025) |
|
125 |
120 (June 2025) |
297. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give detailed consideration to a recent briefing note of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly: Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, June 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35165/25]
View answerI wish to recognise the work of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly in drafting the Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region and I welcome this Report.
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs), under statute, two of which are located in the Northern and Western Region, namely Ros An Mhíl and Killybegs. Between 2010 and 2024, my Department invested over €110.4 million in these harbours under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme (FH&CIDP). Minister Dooley and I have allocated a further €14.4 million for these harbours under the 2025 Programme.
It should be noted that the responsibility for the maintenance and development of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance. The overall governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
However, my Department has provided funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership. Between the years 2010 and 2024, my Department reimbursed total funding of over €44 million to local authorities in the Northern and Western region under both the Local Authority sub-scheme of the FH&CIDP and Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme 2022-2023.
The focus of the funding is to support actual capital works and it is a matter for each local authority to manage and deliver the projects. Minister Dooley and I have allocated a further €1.4 million to four Local Authorities in the region for 2025 in counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway.
I am mindful that the primary role and function of the FH&CIDP remains to support the seafood industry and the provision of any other services, facilities or future developments at non-fishery harbour centre commercial ports are a matter for the port operators concerned in conjunction with the Department of Transport.
298. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will commit to funding a community neuro-rehabilitation team for the southeast in Budget 2026, in line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government to complete the nationwide rollout of community neuro-rehabilitation teams (details supplied). [35047/25]
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.
299. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress regarding discussions between the HSE and St. John of Gods in regard to providing respite at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35049/25]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
300. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of Tusla publicly-provided residential care places for children, available in each year from 2020 to 2024; the number available in 2025; the additional number of regulated places added in each year, either public or private; the plans for adding new public places in 2025; the additional funding in place for 2025 to provide new places, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35063/25]
View answerAs this relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
301. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the locations around the country where community health organisations are providing specific services for adults with an autistic diagnosis; the staffing cohort at each location; the number of patients benefitting from the services at each location, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35083/25]
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.
302. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will intervene in a pay dispute between a trade union and an organisation majority funded by her Department (details supplied), to encourage the organisation to implement its pay agreements and engage with the WRC. [35088/25]
View answerI thank the deputy for his question. The challenges facing organisations that provide services on behalf of Tusla under section 56, including Barnardo’s, is of significant concern. It is important to me that all eligible staff, receive their agreed pay increases, in as timely a manner as possible.
Since 2023, my Department has been actively engaged with the WRC process to find solutions to the pay issues raised by Unions, for the staff of HSE and Tusla funded organisations.
Over the past 18 months, funding increases that could translate to potentially 17% pay increase for staff in eligible organisations have been negotiated, agreed and planned for.
I sought additional funding and that has been secured to meet the cost of these agreements. My Department have made funding available to Tusla to enable the increased funding be channeled to service providers. The providers may only this extra funding to cover increased staff costs associated with the agreements at the WRC. Since December 2023, Tusla have been disbursing that funding.
Section 56 funded organisations are separate legal entities, neither my Department, nor Tusla, are the employer for staff of such organisations. Funding has been made available to Barnardo's in order to apply the agreed pay increases to eligible staff as per the WRC agreement.
My Department continues to engage regularly with Tusla and with the Unions as appropriate, on these important agreements.
303. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a child (details supplied) with severe and complex needs will receive the occupational therapy and speech and language therapy interventions they urgently require; the reason for the ongoing delay in service provision despite repeated contact from the child’s school to the relevant CDNT since November 2024; whether she considers the delay to be unacceptable; and if her Department will intervene directly to ensure the child receives the supports they need without further delay. [35107/25]
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.
