Written Answers Nos. 357-376
357. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a serious shortage of childcare placements in an area of Dublin mid-west (details supplied); the action that is being taken by his Department to ensure increased capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
Data available to my Department demonstrate that, overall, early learning and childcare provision is expanding, specifically:
• Data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey shows that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of enrolments in services rose by 8% from 197,210 to 213,154.
• Core Funding application data shows that between Year 1 (from September 2022-August 2023) and Year 2 (from September 2023-August 2024) of the scheme, annual place hours increased by 7.4%.
• Data from Tusla on service closures and new service registrations shows a net increase of 129 in the overall number of services in 2023 and a five-year low in the number of net ELC services closures – with pre-school service closures falling by 18% in the first year of Core Funding.
• Data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey showing that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of staff in the early learning and childcare workforce rose by 8% from 34,357 to 37,060.
• Data from the NCS showing that since 2022, there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of providers offering the Scheme, a 100 per cent increase in the numbers of children benefitting from the Scheme and a 52 per cent increase in the number of sponsored children.
At the same time, there are also instances of underutilisation of capacity with some services reporting vacant places and others not operating to the maximum of their Tusla capacity.
There is also evidence that demand for places is increasing and, for certain cohorts and in certain areas, outstripping supply. This is partly driven by the significant improvements in affordability that have been achieved in recent years and I acknowledge that some families experience challenges in accessing places, particularly for younger children.
My Department has in place a range of supports and funding schemes to support the delivery of early learning and childcare places but services are independently operated, either by community not-for-profit or by private for-profit providers. It is important also to note that demand can vary significantly in line with families’ individual composition, circumstances and preferences; employment patterns and income; and the price and availability of services.
An important project that I have initiated this year is the development of a forward planning model to develop a better understanding of the nature of supply and how it relates to demand and in order to support the delivery of more early learning and childcare places in the parts of the country where they are needed.
The model 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.
My Department also oversees the administration of capital investment under the National Development Plan, through the Building Blocks Capacity Grant. The primary focus of the Building Blocks Capacity Grant Schemes is to increase capacity in the 1-3 year old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day or part-time care. Appraisal of applications for this scheme considers the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch. I hope to announce further details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in the coming weeks.Additionally, my Department is 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.In addition, under the National Action Plan for Childminding, I have committed to opening up access to the National Childcare Scheme to parents who use childminders following the extension of regulation to childminders. From 30 September, following the commencement of the Childminding Regulations, it will be possible for childminders to start applying to Tusla to go through the registration process. Once registered by Tusla, childminders can then also apply to take part in the National Childcare Scheme. This will increase the numbers of funded and regulated early learning and childcare places available.In individual cases where parents in mid-west Dublin are having difficulty finding a suitable early learning and childcare place, the local County Childcare Committee may be able to assist in identifying vacant places. The Committee will also support services in that area that are considering applying under the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme.
358. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the lack of flexibility for childcare providers (details supplied) to join the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme during the year in order to support parents financially, even if providers are late registering with Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides free universal pre-school to children in the eligible age range. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year. The programme year runs from the end of August to the following June in line with the primary school year.
An approved ECCE provider must be registered with Tusla to receive funding from my Department. Tusla registered approved providers can join the programme at any stage during the programme year by signing an ECCE funding agreement. Providers must fulfil programme rules including having a minimum of 8 registered children.
359. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a HSE inspection (details supplied) carried out in September 2024; the actions he will take to ensure that any recommendations are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn inspection from the HSE Environmental Health team took place at River Lodge on 11 September 2024. A report has since been received which has made a number of recommendations regarding food safety compliance. The Department will cooperate fully with the HSE to implement these recommendations.
Tented accommodation at River Lodge was established under emergency circumstances, and temporary provisions were made to best accommodate incoming residents. The Department is committed to ensuring sustainable solutions are implemented for the safety, and wellbeing of residents and staff, and to uphold IPAS standards and statutory obligations.
Currently, there are over 32,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). In response, the Department has increased IPAS capacity by more than 400% since 2020, from just under 7,000 people on 31 December 2020.
In the first 37 weeks of 2024, over 13,800 people have arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation from the State, averaging 373 people per week.
The shortage of suitable accommodation to offer to people who are seeking international protection is a huge challenge for the Department, and it has been forced to avail of all offers of accommodation made, including the use of office buildings and tented accommodation, to address the shortfall. While the Department is aware that these types of accommodation are less than ideal it is working hard to find solutions, using facilities management companies in some cases, to offer emergency food, shelter, and sanitation provision to both cohorts. Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country.
On 27 March 2024, I announced a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for people seeking international protection in Ireland. Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the use of State land for prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties. It will also involve design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of IPAS Centres. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.
360. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the establishment of the advisory council in relation to the mother and baby homes; when it will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra361. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role of the special advocate for survivors of mother and baby homes; the number of survivors he has engaged with to date; his output to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 361 together.
My appointment of Patricia Carey as Special Advocate for Survivors took effect on 25 March of this year. This followed an independent, open and transparent recruitment campaign, managed by the Public Appointments Service.
The role of the Special Advocate is to promote the collective interests of survivors, as expressed by them, and to amplify their voices as a central, essential input to Government deliberations on matters which affect them. Patricia's remit encompasses Mother and Baby Institutions, County Home Institutions, Magdalen Laundries, Industrial and Reformatory Schools, and related institutions, and those adopted, boarded out or the subject of an illegal birth registration.
In this important role, Patricia's background and extensive experience ensure that she will bring a unique perspective and dedication to it. She has already embarked on a substantive engagement process, meeting and engaging with survivors and people affected, with survivor groups, as well as with partner and support organisations in Ireland and overseas. To date, she has engaged with and met almost 500 survivors and representative organisations in Ireland and around the world including Britain, the USA, Canada, Spain, and Australia. As part of her commitment to enhance communications with survivors she is planning to set up an Advisory Council made up of survivors. She believes this Council will be helpful in informing and supporting her work, ensuring that the lived experiences of survivors will be central to her advocacy. Once her current round of engagements concludes she will publicise how the Council will be established.
362. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if siblings (details supplied) are entitled to be recognised as individuals and therefore receive separate funding and service support packages based on their distinct needs and challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37434/24]
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.
363. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of home care packages allocated to CHO2 since 2021, in tabular form. [37448/24]
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.
364. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons at present being provided with accommodation by IPAS that have been granted or refused international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) releases weekly statistics in relation to people seeking international protection (IP), including a per-county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing. These statistics are located on the gov.ie website:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/07027-ipas-statistics/
Currently, there are over 32,000 people accommodated across IPAS. As of 31 August, 5,234 of those accommodated by IPAS have been granted Status or Permission to Remain, and since the beginning of 2024 almost 3,600 people with status have left IPAS accommodation and progressed into the community.
IPAS has a specific Transition team who work in collaboration with Depaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities to support residents with status to exit IPAS accommodation and access other housing options. Those with status have the same housing entitlements as Irish Citizens and are supported to register with a Local Authority and, if required, to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to secure alternative accommodation. In addition, those with status have the same social welfare entitlements as Irish Citizens.
With respect those whose application has been refused, the Department of Justice advises IPAS after an application for international protection has been determined. When an applicant is not successful in gaining leave to remain or status and a Deportation Order has been signed, the Department of Justice advises IPAS. This is to allow the transition of the unsuccessful applicant from IPAS accommodation, if they have not already exited of their own volition. The information received by my Department is specifically in respect of those who have received a Deportation Order. Information on those who have had their application refused, but have not yet received a Deportation Order is not available to my Department officials.
Information on the number of applicants in IPAS accommodation with a pending Deportation Order is a matter for the Department of Justice.
365. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is making contingency plans to provide accommodation and other supports for a wave of refugees coming to Europe and Ireland from Sudan due to the war, famine and humanitarian crisis unfolding there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State has a legal obligation to assess the claims of those who seek International Protection (IP), and in that time, to provide accommodation and supports in line with the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (transposed under SI 230 of 2018, or the "Reception Conditions Regulations"), regardless of their country of origin.
Any potential arrivals from Sudan will be treated in the same way as arrivals from any other country claiming international protection, unless a decision is made by the EU, like that made for arrivals from Ukraine, to invoke a temporary directive. Ireland’s response to any such directive would be a matter for Government to determine.
Currently, there are over 32,000 people accommodated in the IPAS system. In response, The Department has increased International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) capacity by more than 400% since 2020, from just under 7,000 people on 31 December 2020.
The shortage of suitable accommodation to offer to people who are seeking international protection is a huge challenge for the Department.
The Department is working with communities all over Ireland to source and provide accommodation for people applying for international protection. This is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.
On 27 March 2024, I announced a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for people seeking international protection in Ireland. Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the use of State land for prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties. It will also involve design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of IPAS Centres. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.
366. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on childcare services in County Meath; the number of childcare places available in the county; the length of the average waiting list; to report on any planned measures to increase these places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is a key priority of Government. Data available to my Department demonstrates that, overall, ELC provision is expanding nationally, specifically:
• Data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey shows that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of enrolments in services rose by 8% from 197,210 to 213,154.
• Core Funding application data shows that between Year 1 (from September 2022-August 2023) and Year 2 (from September 2023-August 2024) of the scheme, annual place hours increased by 7.4%.
• Data from Tusla on service closures and new service registrations shows a net increase nationally of 129 in the overall number of services in 2023 and a five-year low in the number of net ELC services closures – with pre-school service closures falling by 18% in the first year of Core Funding.
• Data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey showing that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of staff in the ELC workforce rose by 8% from 34,357 to 37,060.
• Data from the NCS shows that since 2022, there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of providers offering the Scheme, a 100 per cent increase in the numbers of children benefitting from the Scheme and a 52 per cent increase in the number of sponsored children.
• At the same time, there are also instances of underutilisation of capacity with some services reporting vacant places and others not operating to the maximum of their Tusla capacity.
• There is also evidence that demand for places is increasing and, for certain cohorts and in certain areas, outstripping supply. This is partly driven by the significant improvements in affordability that have been achieved in recent years and I acknowledge that some families experience challenges in accessing places, particularly for younger children.
My Department has in place a range of supports and funding schemes to support the delivery of ELC places but services are independently operated, either by community not-for-profit or by private for-profit providers. It is important also to note that demand can vary significantly in line with families’ individual composition, circumstances and preferences; employment patterns and income; and the price and availability of services.
An important project that I have initiated this year is the development of a forward planning model to develop a better understanding of the nature of supply and how it relates to demand and in order to support the delivery of more ELC places in the parts of the country where they are needed.
The model will identify the quantum and volume of different types of ELC 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.
My Department also oversees the administration of capital investment under the National Development Plan, through the Building Blocks Capacity Grant. The primary focus of the Building Blocks Capacity Grant Schemes is to increase capacity in the 1-3 year old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day or part-time care. Appraisal of applications for this scheme considers the supply and demand in the area around the proposed projects and seeks to prioritise funding for areas with the biggest supply/demand mismatch. I hope to announce further details of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in the coming weeks.
Additionally, my Department is 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.
In addition, under the National Action Plan for Childminding, I have committed to opening up access to the National Childcare Scheme to parents who use childminders following the extension of regulation to childminders. This will increase the numbers of funded and regulated ELC places available.
Each year, Pobal compiles data from the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers as part of the Early Years Sector Profile Survey.
The most recent capacity data for the 2022/23 programme year estimated that there were 8,780 children enrolled in Meath ELC and SAC services, 55% of services had at least one vacant place, and 38% had a waiting list.
Waiting list data can be used as an indicator of demand for places for a given age group or service type. However, it should not be used as a measure of demand as not all services operate a waiting list and an individual child may be on multiple waiting lists in different services.
Further information can be found on the ELC data website: www.pobal.ie/childcare/earlylearningandchildcaredata/. The Capacity Section of the website provides information on the number of children enrolled, number of vacant places and number of children on waiting lists. It also includes figures on the sector’s overall capacity nationally and by county.
To support parents to find appropriate ELC places to meet their needs, my Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees which provide support and assist families and ELC providers with ELC matters. Parents can contact Meath County Childcare Committee on 046 907 3010 or at reception@mccc.ie.
367. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to report on respite for children and adults with disabilities in County Meath; if he will provide an update on plans to increase respite for children and adults with disabilities in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37509/24]
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.
368. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review the decision to relocate beneficiaries of temporary protection from the Franciscan Friary and Dominican Friary, Drogheda, to Drumcar County Louth; the reason the Franciscan and Dominican friaries will no longer be used to house beneficiaries of temporary protection; if his Department has plans to use these friaries for alternative purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37520/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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 them to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.
My Department made a decision to end its commercial contract for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) for the specific property to which the Deputy refers in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with the provider.
My Department aims to ensure that our portfolio of accommodation meets the evolving needs of the State’s response to the Ukraine Crisis. In recent months we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland, decreases in those arriving who request accommodation from the State and greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from State accommodation. As a result, my Department is currently seeking to consolidate and rationalise its BOTP accommodation portfolio to ensure greater compliance with standards and better value for money. The residents of these premises have been notified of the termination, which is planned for the first week in October
The properties to which the Deputy refers were contracted by the Local Authorities. The future use of the properties would be a matter for the property owners. My Department currently has no plans to use these properties to accommodation BOTPs or International Protection (IP) applicants at this time.
Every effort will be made to keep BOTPs as local as possible, however, given the number of moves that will take place over the next few months, this is not always possible. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. It is not possible to take other issues such as employment or school places into account when allocating follow-on accommodation, and people will be encouraged to make their own arrangements if they wish to stay in their current area. All accommodation provided by my Department is temporary, and BOTPs are informed of this when they request accommodation from the State. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70. BOTPS may also explore private rented accommodation either through their own means or with the assistance of Rent Supplement, if eligible. Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment administered by the Department of Social Protection to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. Their local Department of Social Protection office may be able to provide further information relating to Rent Supplement. Contact details for the local offices can be found on gov.ie (Intreo centres and local branch offices).I would like to take this opportunity to thank accommodation providers for their contribution to Ireland’s response to this humanitarian crisis. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.”
369. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when approved home support will be in place for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal deemed clinically fit for discharge to their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37536/24]
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.
370. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the rationale behind the decision to cancel a contract which is not due to expire until February 2025 for the provision of accommodation at a location (details supplied); if other accommodation will be provided in Kilkenny for those who reside at the location and are employed or attending school and college locally; his plans to provide alternative accommodation for those that will be asked to leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37544/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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 them to make longer term independent arrangements if they decide to remain in Ireland for the duration of the Temporary Protection Directive.
My Department made a decision to not renew its commercial contract for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) for the specific property to which the Deputy refers in accordance with contractual terms and conditions agreed with the provider. This decision was arrived at for a number of reasons, including the consolidation of my Department’s accommodation portfolio and issues identified during the contract renewal process. It should be noted that my Department had not agreed a contract until February 2025 with this provider.
In recent months we have seen decreases in arrivals from Ukraine to Ireland, decreases in those arriving who request accommodation from the State and greater numbers of Ukrainians who choose to move on from State accommodation.
As a result, my Department is currently seeking to consolidate and rationalise its BOTP accommodation portfolio to ensure greater compliance with standards and better value for money.
Every effort is being made to keep the residents affected as local as possible , however, given the number of moves that will take place over the next few months, this is not always possible. Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE assessed medical needs. It is not possible to take other issues such as employment or school places into account when allocating follow-on accommodation, and people will be encouraged to make their own arrangements if they wish to stay in their current area. All accommodation provided by my Department is temporary, and BOTPs are informed of this when they request accommodation from the State.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.
BOTPS may also explore private rented accommodation either through their own means or with the assistance of Rent Supplement, if eligible. Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment administered by the Department of Social Protection to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. Their local Department of Social Protection office may be able to provide further information relating to Rent Supplement. Contact details for the local offices can be found on gov.ie (Intreo centres and local branch offices).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank accommodation providers for their contribution to Ireland’s response to this humanitarian crisis. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.
371. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a response will issue, and his views on pre-Budget 2025 request from an organisation (details supplied) in relation to family resource centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37553/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to thank the Deputy for sharing this note from the Family Resource Centre Employers Action Group. I am aware of many of their concerns from my engagement with the Family Resource Centre National Forum.
My Department allocates core funding for the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme via Tusla, which amounts to some €24 million in 2024.
At the end of April this year, I brought forward a funding equalisation scheme for existing FRCs, which will see all FRC Programme members receive additional core funding in 2024 and ensure that minimum core funding for all FRCs is at least €160,000 from 2025 onwards. This funding will support the pivotal role FRCs play in so many communities across the country by providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual community needs.
In relation to counselling services, the FRC Programme members are intrinsic to the delivery of such services on behalf of Tusla. In addition to counselling funding provided by Tusla, in 2024 my Department secured €1.5 million under Dormant Accounts Funding for counselling services, and a total of €579k in counselling grants was allocated by Tusla to Family Resource Centres to allow them to continue their important work of providing counselling services in the community. This additional funding increases counselling, psychotherapy and therapeutic services to children and young people experiencing social and economic disadvantage in communities around Ireland. It helps to address unmet need and reduce waiting lists for community-based counselling services.
In relation to capital funding, I wish to inform the Deputy that neither my Department nor Tusla have capital funding to develop the capital infrastructure of Family Resource Centres, however FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources.
At this time, my Department is engaging with Tusla in relation to the 2025 estimates. Any potential changes in funding are considered as part of the annual Budgetary process, which represents a significant number of competing priorities in a challenging fiscal space. Notwithstanding this, it is my intention to seek funding in Budget 2025 to explore options to support and increase the number of FRCs. Any expansion of the Programme will however, be dependent on the success of my Budget negotiations. The Tusla Area Commissioning Plan will be a critical contribution to the decision-making process as it is Tusla’s aim is to utilise the total resources available to it in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.
372. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 15 May 2024, for data underpinning the figures provided in Table 1 (details supplied). [37579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra374. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 15 May 2024, if any exercise to determine average weekly figures for the 2021-2022, 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 programme years has been carried out by any State agency in order to compare to the figures for 2020-2021 as provided in the reply; if so, the data underpinning these averages; and if this data will be made publicly available. [37581/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 374 together.
My Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy in due course.
373. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the annual early years sector profile survey was completed by Pobal for the programme year 2023-2024; and when the results of this survey will be added to the Early Learning and Childcare Data website. [37580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey is the primary data source on the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector. It is developed and administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). All services who are contracted to deliver at least one DCEDIY funded programme/scheme (i.e. ECCE, NCS, CCSP) are invited to take part in the survey. The survey, which has been running for 21 years, plays a central role in informing policy development, assessing the impact of policy change and provides a comprehensive national analysis of ELC and SAC services throughout Ireland.
The annual early years sector profile survey was completed again this year for the programme year 2023/24. Data collection for the 2023/24 survey took place between 07 May and 07 June 2024. In total, 4,022 services completed the survey during the data collection window, with a response rate of 87%. Data cleaning is currently in progress and the publication of the results on the Early Learning and Childcare Data website is expected to begin towards the end of this year.
375. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when parent statements provided by each partner service for the programme years 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 will be made publicly available; and the reason these documents have not been made publicly available heretofore given that section 7.4 of the Core Funding Partner Service Agreement Year 1 provides that each partner service agrees to allow the Minister or scheme administrator to publish their parent statement. [37582/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the question regarding the publishing of the Parent Statements for Partner Service.
I have been informed by the relevant unit within my Department that they have been in contact with Pobal, the Core Funding scheme administrator, to facilitate uploading the Parent Statements to the NCS childcare search.
My Department will endeavour to have these publicly available as soon as possible.
376. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to ensure that parents are made aware of how they can request a fee review of the fees policy of their partner service creche; and his views on his Department’s plans to direct all 30 childcare committees to provide a dedicated section on their websites advertising their role in this process and nominating a contact person within the childcare committee. [37583/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraServices who contract into Core Funding are required to keep their fees at the same level as the fees charged to parents in September 2021.
Partner Services may create a new Service Type and agree that the fee for any new Service Type will be calculated as not more than a proportion of the closest equivalent fee extant on September 30, 2021 which, all other things being equal, would apply to the eligible child. The proportion of the fee cannot exceed the relative proportion of the Service Type.
Where a Partner Service increases the level of service offered, a higher fee can be charged for this, but the higher fee must be in direct proportion to the increase. For example, for an increase in full-day care from 40 hours/week to 50 hours/week represents an increase of 25%, a higher fee can be charged for this but it cannot exceed an increase of 25% of the previous fee that was charged to parents/guardians as of 30 September 2021.
Where the amount of service offered is decreased, the fee charged must also decrease by at least the same proportion. If a new Service Type with shorter hours is introduced, the fee charged should be set in proportion to the closest existing Service Type, as above for cases where the Service Type has longer hours.
Where a Partner Service removes a Service Type and replaces it with a new Service Type, for example stops offering Part-Time and replaces this with Full-Time only, the fee for the old Service Type must also be removed and the fee charged for the new Service Type must be proportionate to that which was charged for the previous Service Type.
This fee freeze will remain in place for the majority of these services for year 3 of Core Funding, though there are two new developments:
• Services whose fees have been frozen at a level that may not be sufficient to sustain their business even with increased funding available through Core Funding, will have the opportunity to apply for a Fee Increase Assessment. Only services currently charging low fees (fees below the average in their county) will be eligible to apply and the onus will be on the provider to demonstrate a need for a fee increase. Any approved fee increases by my Department will not go above the increased universal NCS subsidy that a parent would be receiving for the full hours offered within the fee. This means that parents receiving the universal NCS subsidy for the full hours offered in these services will not face higher costs.
• A cap on fees is being introduced for services joining Core Funding for the first time in the third year. A fee cap will apply to all services in Core Funding from September 2025. This change will improve affordability for parents, as very high fees will be reduced.
Additionally, any parent/guardian with concerns or questions about fees or in the event that an individual wishes to raise a concern regarding a potential breach in fee conditions, the first step is and are encouraged to reach out to their local CCC for support and guidance. Contact details for local CCC can be found at www.gov.ie/childcarecommittees.
My Department is in continuing contact with CCCs regarding the information provided to parents and has made the fee review process publicly available on the Hive under the Guidelines on Fee Management tab.
