Written Answers Nos. 588-607
588. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 28 November 2023, for an update on the findings of the scoping exercise to ascertain the requirements for ratifying the Optional Protocol at the earliest opportunity. [36212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRatification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I remain committed to delivering on this at the earliest possible date.
As I have set out previously, there is a long-standing position of the state in relation to honouring international agreements. As a matter of foreign policy, Ireland does not enter into binding international treaties until we are confident that the obligations set out can be complied with. As such, a broad scoping exercise examining the issues that may arise from ratification is nearing completion. This will ensure that the implications arising in respect of meeting the obligations under the Optional Protocol are identified and can be addressed with a view to enabling ratification.
In March this year an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was formed with representatives from all government departments and the Office of the Attorney General, so that a comprehensive, whole-of-Government approach is taken to ensuring that the necessary preparatory work to provide for the ratification of the Optional Protocol is completed, and so that ratification can proceed as quickly as possible
In July cabinet was updated on the progress of the IDG, setting out enabling work across government to facilitate ratification. Work is ongoing to provide a pathway to ratification at the earliest possible date, and I look forward to delivering on this priority.
589. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the new initiatives that have been developed since March 2020 that improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities living in rural areas. [36213/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is to continually increase the number of people working in rural Ireland, by creating an environment that supports the growth of entrepreneurship and enterprise and increases employment opportunities.
Within the framework of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s blueprint on rural development - Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 - my Department is committed to developing initiatives to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities living in rural areas.
In particular, my Department has responsibility for the implementation of two sets of actions under Our Rural Future 2024 Work Programme . Firstly, it supports the Open Doors Initiative to deliver the Employers for Change programme. This programme offers supports to employers to recruit people with disabilities into employment throughout Ireland, including in rural settings.
Employers for Change has done significant work in supporting employers to recruit disabled people, through events, seminars, training, publications, and engaging with employers directly. In 2023 Employers for Change surpassed all agreed targets and continues to provide substantial support for this sector.
Secondly, my Department has committed to the publication of a new strategy to replace the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Work is currently ongoing on the development of a new National Disability Strategy with publication expected in 2024. A public consultation process for the Strategy has concluded. The process was extensive and robust, including 34 focus groups, 18 interviews, more than 80 written submissions, 500 responses to a National Survey and 5 town hall-style events around the country, as well as online submissions.
Based on the consultation findings and ongoing engagement with disability stakeholders and across government, employment will be a key pillar of the new Strategy and will include key strategic actions aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and supports for disabled people. The development process for these actions will give due consideration to supports necessary for people with disabilities living in rural areas.
590. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of new residential places for disabled people established in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36214/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
591. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of disabled people that were living in respite care as an emergency response to their needs in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36215/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
592. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of respite nights available to disabled people in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36216/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
593. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of adult disability day centre places provided in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra594. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of personal assistance hours provided for disabled people in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [36218/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 593 and 594 together.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
595. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress made to implement a national training programme for clinicians working with people with autism. [36219/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to launch the Autism Innovation Strategy on 26th August. This Strategy provides a strong framework for cross-government action on autism which can make real improvements in the lives of autistic people throughout the country.
A strong focus of the Strategy is improved autism training and understanding for workers across the public sector, including among healthcare workers.
Action 7 of the Strategy commits to the development and promotion of an autism training framework for professionals working with autistic people in the Health Service Executive, in Section 38 and Section 39 organisations, and in Tusla, Child and Family Agency. This effort will be led by the HSE and will be supported by my Department. This training will promote neuro-affirmative models of practice by staff in the health and social care sector.
The initial focus for this action will explore making this training mandatory for certain priority staff groups who work closely with autistic people. To ensure that the training responds appropriately to the needs and preferences of autistic people, the training will be co-designed, co-developed and co-delivered with autistic people.
The Autism Innovation Strategy is an ambitious strategy, with over 80 actions to be delivered in an 18-month period, covering areas such as health and social care, education, autism training and awareness, among others which arose in consultations. Its focus is on delivering clear and tangible improvements to the lives of autistic people and their families, laying the foundations for a more autism inclusive Ireland.
Following publication of the Strategy, my attention has now turned towards implementation. I will continue to drive progress for autistic people over this implementation period, including by improving the availability of autism training for our public sector professionals.
596. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if apartments in Navan, County Meath have been cleared of residents for the purpose of making these apartments available for IPAS residents; if he is opposed to landlords clearing residents from their homes to repurpose buildings for lease to the IPAS system; if he has analysed the number of rental apartments that have been taken out of the rental market in Ireland as a result of this practice; and the number of apartments that have been repurposed from long-term rental properties into IPAS leases, in each of the last four years, in tabular form. [36222/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra597. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if apartments being leased to IPAS have been partitioned to increase the number of bedrooms that can be leased to IPAS (details supplied); if he is concerned that this partition of rooms may lead to IPAS contracts being more profitable than rental agreements, thus taking them out of the long-term rental market. [36223/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra598. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if planning permission is necessary for the partitioning of apartments for IPAS use; and if it is exempt, if he will detail the law under which it is exempt. [36224/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra599. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the regulations for standards for IPAS accommodation (details supplied). [36225/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 596, 597, 598 and 599 together.
My Department is committed to supporting all those seeking international protection (IP) in Ireland and work is ongoing across the country to bring available accommodation into use to support our residents.
As part of a whole of Government approach, the Department's International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) endeavours to minimise any impact on the private rental or housing markets in conducting its operations. The majority of accommodation offers to the Department come from alternative sources outside of the private rental or housing sector.
The Government’s Comprehensive Accommodation 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.
My Department is not aware of significant evidence of or a trend in tenants or residents being removed from private rented accommodation in order to provide offers of accommodation for use as IPAS accommodation. When properties are offered to the Department for accommodation for people seeking international protection, checks with local authorities are undertaken in every instance, and if it is brought to our attention that this has happened, the offer will be rejected.
Once an offer is received with respect to accommodation for international protection (IP) applicants, it is assessed for suitability. This includes a range of factors such as previous use of the property, accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.
In the case of existing premises where material alterations or the subdivision of rooms has been carried out, or in the case of existing premises which are not currently a place of residence, this will require a change of use and most likely involve material alteration. Any such works must comply with the Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations (1997 to 2022).
This includes a Commencement Notice, Fire Safety Certificate application, and Disability Access Certificate application and an assigned certifier to certify works have been carried out in compliance with the building regulations.
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.
600. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the basis upon which the number of weeks of parental leave that parents of the same employer can share is capped at 14 weeks; whether he will review this to allow parents to share a greater portion of this leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2019, an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to 26 weeks’ unpaid parental leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’. It should be noted that the legislation only sets out the minimum entitlement to parental leave. Depending on an individual’s contract of employment, they may have more extensive rights to parental leave, as employers have the option to offer more than the entitlement set out in the legislation.
If both parents work for the same employer, and the employer agrees, 14 weeks of parental leave entitlement can be transferred from one parent can be transferred to the other parent.
The basis upon which the number of weeks of parental leave that parents of the same employer can share is capped at 14 weeks is contained in the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended. Section 6 of the Principal Act was amended to allow for the transfer of 14 weeks’ parental leave by the European Union (Parental Leave) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 81 of 2013). The Regulations transpose EU Council Directive No. 2010/18/EU of 8 March 2010, which implements a revised Framework Agreement on parental leave concluded by the European Social Partners.
The purpose of providing individual non-transferable allocations of family leaves is to encourage sharing of caring responsibilities between both parents, which is important in fostering gender equality in society and in workplaces and in enabling children to have the benefit of receiving care from their fathers as well as from their mothers.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are effective and respond to the needs of families. Family leave entitlements are also mindful of the impact of the leaves on workplaces.Considering the recent significant increase in family leave entitlements through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, the Government has no plans to make further amendments to parental leave entitlements.
601. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports or grants available to encourage more people to provide after school childminding services, considering the significant pressures on existing creches and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36282/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of high-quality early learning and childcare (which includes school aged childcare) is a key Government priority. Considerable investment has taken place in recent years to improve the resourcing, quality and availability of early learning and childcare.
In September 2022, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare (ELC). This new funding model supports the delivery of ELC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families as well as stability and sustainability for providers. It has improved pay and conditions in the sector, affordability for parents as well as ensuring a stable income to providers.
Together for Better brings together four major programmes, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Core Funding and the recently launched Equal Start model. Equal Start is a funding model and a set of associated universal and targeted measures to support access and participation in ELC and school-age childcare (SAC) for children and their families who experience disadvantage.
This is the start of a multi-annual investment plan – with investment this year exceeding €1.1 billion – achieving the First 5 investment target five years ahead of time.
Core Funding which has been in operation since 15 September 2022, is a payment to providers designed to meet the combined objectives of:
• Improved affordability for parents by ensuring that fees do not increase;
• Improved quality through, among other things, better pay and conditions for the workforce;
• Supporting the establishment of an Employment Regulation Order through the Joint Labour Committee;
• Supporting the employment of graduate staff; and
• Improved sustainability and stability for services.
Core Funding, which increased by 11% (to €287 million) in year 2, will increase again by another 15% in year 3 (to €331 million). While Core Funding is optional, it has achieved high levels of participation.
More children than ever, over 181,000, are benefitting from subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Since September 2022, the upper age eligibility for the NCS Universal award increased from 3 years of age to 15 years of age meaning more parents could avail of subsidies for school-aged children. Furthermore, as of 2 September 2024, the minimum NCS rate has increased from €1.40 to €2.14 meaning that parents may receive a higher rate towards their ELC, including after-school and childminders.
Also of note is the extension of funding supports and regulation to childminders who are currently outside the scope of regulation under the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028. The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024, which was enacted in July, will remove the legal exemption of childminders from regulation. Childminding specific regulations are due to be commenced, along with the opening of the Tusla registration process, at the end of September 2024. Following registration, childminders will be able to take part in the NCS.
A list of early learning and childcare services participating in the NCS, including childminders, is available on: www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/
This year, I established a Supply Management Unit within the Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Division of my Department. A key part of the Supply Management Unit’s remit is to develop capacity for monitoring, analysing and forecasting of supply and demand. The development of a forward planning model is currently underway. The model will seek to identify the nature and volume of different types of ELC and SAC 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.
Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in the number of stand-alone SAC services registered with Tusla, with 546 more services now on the Tusla register. At the end of Q1 2024, there was a total of 2,546 registered school-age services. The latest data on new service registrations and service closures provided to my Department by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate for January to July this year shows a net increase of 39 standalone SAC services.
According to latest data, almost 17% of all ELC services are located in schools. The scope for wider use to be made of school buildings is a matter for the Department of Education and the various patrons that govern schools across the country. The Department of Education policy is to encourage the use of school facilities, where possible, for community, training and education-related activities, including ELC.
To assist schools in considering applications for use of their facilities, the Department of Education recently published Procedures on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours. To encourage the greater use of such facilities, the Department of Education has committed to provide schools with a guarantee that any income from after-school use of their facilities will not affect their State grants, capitation fees or any other form of departmental funding.
602. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on a facility (details supplied). [36344/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the issues facing Northside Community Enterprises, and of the funding that they require to support the re-opening of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, Co. Cork.
The Before 5 Family Centre is in an area of undersupply and of high need, so the ambition of Northside Community Enterprises to reopen this Centre, with an extended offer of full time, full year places for children under three as well as places for school-going children, is very welcome.
Having met with Northside Community Enterprises representatives in Cork, I confirmed that the capital funding I announced for the early learning and childcare sector earlier this year under the National Development Plan will only fund the expansion of existing services and does not apply to the scenario that Northside Community Enterprises finds itself in with Before 5 Family Centre.
However, I did confirm that I am working within my Department to look at what solutions can be found to support Northside Community Enterprises with reopening this vital service for the Churchfield community.
Northside Community Enterprises sent a new proposal for the renovations required to Pobal on the 18 July 2024. This proposal is under review by Pobal, and they will continue to engage with Northside Community Enterprises.
Additionally, both Pobal and the local Childcare Committee are engaging with, and offering support to, Northside Community Enterprises in this regard.
603. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Early Childhood Care and Education Programme-approved pre-school places in Cork city in 2020, and the current number. [36345/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below the number of children with an ECCE registration in Cork City for programme calls 2020/2021 and 2023/2024.
Please note there was a change of boundaries that resulted in 47 services with children registered for ECCE 2020/21 changing from Cork County to Cork City. For that reason, the numbers below are based on the boundaries at the time and the number based on the current boundaries.
ECCE Programme Call 2020/2021:
• Cork City original boundaries: 2,500 unique children
• Cork City current boundaries: 4,195 unique children
ECCE Programme Call 2023/2024:
• 4,201 unique children in Cork City
The above figures have all been collated by Pobal.
Cork City Childcare Committee has advised that the boundary change in 2022 did not impact ECCE places. The services did not reduce operational capacity due to the boundary change.
My Department funds a national network of City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who provide support and advice to parents and childcare providers on all issues for childcare funded programmes. Cork City Childcare Committee has provided support to parents to find ECCE places and parents that are having difficulty finding places can contact Cork City Childcare Committee on 021 4310500 or at info@corkcitychildcare.
604. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the Áras Attracta trust in care investigation outcome, and costs, as of September 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSafeguarding adults at risk against abuse is of paramount importance and I take the matter very seriously.
This Department (DCEDIY) is actively engaging from a disability perspective, with colleagues in the Department of Health, who are the lead on policy proposals for adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. It is expected that the Department of Health’s sectoral policy framework will be brought before Government in due course, informed by the recent consultation process and the Law Reform Commission’s report ‘A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding’.
In addition, the HSE has published a high-level review of HSE policy, procedures, structures, and options for the future of safeguarding across all settings. The review, which was commissioned by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, was undertaken by independent safeguarding expert Jackie McIlroy. Ms McIlroy outlines four key actions supported by detailed recommendations now required in order to address the issues she identified. These are as follows: embedding a safeguarding culture, increasing the visibility of safeguarding, supporting a strong change management process, and embedding a culture of learning and improvement.
I understand the HSE has now commenced a process to implement these recommendations and enable the development culture and practice across the HSE that places safeguarding at the centre of the services provided.
This Department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders as required on this very important matter.
605. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1365 of 9 September 2024, the number of the 495 applicants for clinical posts in children's disability network team (CDNTs) who were called to take part in the interview process; and the number of those interviewed that were offered a contract with one of the CDNTs. [36395/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
606. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO2; the breakdown of the time they have been on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36399/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
607. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children awaiting a physical therapy appointment in CHO2; the breakdown of the time they have been on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36400/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
