Written Answers Nos. 615-629
615. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of an underpayment of core funding (details supplied); if the shortfall can be made good; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCore Funding is a payment to Partner Services designed to support quality, sustainability, and enhanced public management. To receive Core Funding, Partner Services must uphold their contractual obligations as laid out in a Partner Service Agreement.
Pobal, on behalf of my Department are responsible for the day-to-day management of Core Funding in their role as Scheme Administrator. In addition, Pobal regularly correspond with Partner Services on issues pertaining to payment.
In order to ensure fair and equal treatment of all services, an agreed backdating process is in place. I understand that in the case of the service you refer to, support was offered from Pobal and the service did not ultimately meet the requirements for backdating.
Where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability there are special supports are available from my Department which can be accessed through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
In relation to the query in respect of AIM Plus, I have requested that officials raise this issue with Pobal in order to advise the service how best to record its sessions.
616. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to develop a national pathway and specialist multidisciplinary functional neurological disorder clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42683/24]
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.
617. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that all entitlements due to the retired staff at an organisation (details supplied) are paid in full as a matter of urgency; the reasons for the delay; the number of staff affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42688/24]
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.
618. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide the details of costings provided to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, in the context of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 review conducted earlier this year; and to provide a breakdown of each project and its projected cost in each of the years 2025 to 2030. [42711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question and would ask, at the outset, that he understands that my response is constrained by considerations of commercial sensitivity and the need to protect the State’s ability to achieve maximum value for money.
The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-30, published in 2021, outlined €165 billion in funding to support capital programmes and projects nationally. Following the Summer Economic Statement 2023, an additional €2.25 billion in funding was made available to be allocated in the 2024 to 2026 period. As the Deputy will know, the review conducted earlier this year was done with a focus on finalising NDP allocation ceilings for 2025-26, in the light of this funding increase.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, within the context of this review, and in light of the changed capital profile of my Department since the NDP was originally published, I have succeeded in securing an increased funding allocation for my department of €146.8m for 2025, as set out in the following table. I have also secured a revised allocation of €180m for 2026, but would note that this figure, and any potential figure beyond 2025, is indicative in nature and will be discussed and finalised in the course of future estimates processes.
|
Area |
2025 Allocation € 000 |
|
Tusla |
30,000 |
|
Early Years |
30,000 |
|
National Centre for Research and Remembrance |
10,000 |
|
Disability |
27,000 |
|
IPAS |
40,000 |
|
Ukraine |
6,800 |
|
Other |
3,000 |
|
Total |
146,800 |
Through this allocation, my department, as part of the National Development Plan, is committed to the delivery of a broad range of important and impactful capital investment through a diverse range of capital programmes including:
• Investment in Tusla, where a comprehensive programme of capital investment will be delivered, with a particular focus on moving forward with the provision of additional Children’s Residential Services and Special Care services.
• Investment in Early Years Childcare. This programme provides investment in early years, early learning, and school aged childcare. My department continues to develop and refine our approach to capital investment in childcare, guided by the ‘First 5, a Whole-of-Government Approach to Strategy for Young Children and their Families 2019-2028’. Investment in the ELC and SAC sector, under the revised National Development Plan (2023-2026) consists of three pillars - Modernisation, Capacity and First 5/Innovation Initiatives. Delivery of capital programmes is underway.
• Investment in developing and upgrading Specialist Community-Based Disability Services, with particular attention to acquiring, renovating, and enhancing residential homes that support individuals living in the community. Additionally, expanding the infrastructure for Children's Services, Day Services, and Respite Facilities will ensure that these essential supports are accessible and adequately meet the needs of individuals nationwide.
This approach is further guided by the Disability Action Plan 2024-2026, which marks the first phase of implementing the recommendations set out in the Disability Capacity Review to 2032, ensuring that capacity is systematically increased to align with anticipated needs.
Investment in the provision of accommodation for International Protection Applicants which will consist of a multi-strand approach with focus on increasing State owned accommodation and the upgrade of additional contingency accommodation, enabling the State to meet the material reception needs of International Protection Applicants, according to the guiding principles of the White Paper to End Direct Provision and the Government’s Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection Applicants.
Other capital funding provides allocations towards investment in Youth and Youth Justice, in addition to the NDA and the OCO, for capital works and to deliver improved outcomes through enhanced service infrastructure.
The Deputy may also interested to know that, in addition to the programmes of investment outlined above, progress continues on delivery of the National Centre for Research and Remembrance project. This is a whole-of-Government initiative, led by my department as Sponsoring Agency, which will create a National Centre on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. This site will serve as a museum and exhibition space, a research centre and repository of records relating to institutional trauma in the 20th century, a place for reflection and remembrance, and allow for the provision of social housing and educational and community facilities.
My department is committed to continuing to deliver on our ambitions in line with the NDP and I trust the Deputy will find the above information useful.
619. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 15 October 2024, the costs paid to the service provider before his Department was made aware that they had not obtained permission from the owner and the owner sought the return of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42766/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 566 of 15 October 2024, the specific number of such instances where a current or potential service provider was not the outright owner of the property where beneficiaries of temporary protection were residing, and who had not obtained permission from the owner before entering a contract with his Department; the cost paid out to each provider prior to the discoveries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42767/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.
My Department does not collate the information in the manner requested by the Deputy in relation to the specific number of such instances where a current or potential service provider was not the outright owner of the property where beneficiaries of temporary protection were residing, and who had not obtained permission from the owner before entering a contract with my Department. My Department also cannot provide information in relation to the cost paid to each provider as sought by the Deputy.
In relation to the example provided in Parliamentary Question No. 565 of 15 October 2024, I am unfortunately not at will to release the information in relation to the cost paid out to such provider. I understand there are legal proceedings between the provider and the owner of the property.
However, my Department routinely publishes on a quarterly basis information on all purchase orders over €20,000, that include payments to providers of accommodation as part of the Ukraine response.
621. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the rationale behind the roll-out of a scheme nationwide (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42772/24]
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.
622. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 567 of 15 October 2024, whether the €3.1 million mentioned is to support the Department’s remit for the participation of children and young people in youth work, or if it is to support the Department’s remit for the participation of children and young people in decision-making; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42782/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 576 of 15 October 20244, I wish to advise the Deputy that the €3.1m of current funding secured in Budget 2025 referred to in the response, is to support my department’s remit for the participation of children and young people in decision-making.
As previously advised, this funding will enable my department to implement, inter alia, the ambitious Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making Action Plan 2024-2028.
The implementation of this action plan will support:
• Wider recognition and implementation of the right of children and young people to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
• Our local level (the Comhairle na nÓg local youth council network) and national level (the National Youth Assembly of Ireland, Dáil na nÓg and the National Executive of Comhairle) participation structures to operate and develop to realise the right of all children and young people to have a say in important decisions that will impact their lives.
• The participation of seldom-heard and vulnerable children and young people in decision-making by identifying and establishing mechanisms and pathways for their participation.
• Capacity building training to equip those working with and for children and young people to undertake meaningful consultations with children and young people is developed and rolled out.
The funding secured in Budget 2025 will also ensure that my department can fund and oversee the National Participation Office and Hub na nÓg, providing expert advice and guidance on child and youth participation, and continue to meet the demand for participation support from across government departments and the public sector in an ethical and effective way.
623. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an application (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that applications for the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) have been received for the person concerned. ARP is administered by the Department of Social Protection on behalf of my Department. Officials in that Department are examining these applications and a decision will issue in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
624. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of investment in neurorehabilitation services in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [42899/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service/operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
625. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide for several areas (details supplied) a list of all individual projects that have received play and recreation funding under his Department’s capital grant scheme, since 2020, in tabular form. [42919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the play and recreation projects in Dublin Bay North, Galway West, Cork South-Central, and Wicklow which have been supported by my department under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation are provided in the tables below.
My department provides support for the development of new play and recreation facilities for children and young people through the annual Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. Established in 2013, this grant scheme operates through and with Local Authorities. The scheme also funds the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. Facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
Please note that the funding is awarded via Local Authorities. Some constituencies may cross multiple Local Authority areas.
The following table outlines the funding received within each constituency:
Dublin Bay North (Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council)
|
Year |
Amount Awarded |
Name |
Project Detail |
Address |
|
2020 |
€22,500.00 |
Stardust Playground |
Phase 3 - Re-imagining Stardust Playground’ This project was part of overall works at Stardust Park, which were carried out in preparation for 40th Anniversary of the ‘Stardust Tragedy’ during which 48 young people lost their lives |
Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, Dublin |
|
2021 |
Nil (Project within another constituency) |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
Nil (Project within another constituency) |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
Nil (Project within another constituency) |
|
|
|
|
2024 |
Nil (Project within another constituency) |
|
|
|
Galway West (Galway City Council and Galway County Council)
|
Year |
Amount Awarded |
Name |
Project Detail |
Address |
|
2020 |
Project 1 €9,750.00 |
Project 1 - Doughiska Playground |
Project 1 - The proposed works involved refurbishment with a mix of natural play features and accessible equipment to the existing playground |
Project 1 - Doughiska Park Doughiska Road, Galway City |
|
|
Project 2 €9,750.00 |
Project 2 - An Sean Bhaile, 2 Playgrounds |
Project 2 - The proposed project involves upgrading the two existing playgrounds by installing accessible and sensory play equipment to make the playgrounds more inclusive for all children regardless of ability. |
Project 2, An Sean Bhaile, Doughiska, Galway City |
|
2021 |
Project 1 €8,066.00 |
Project 1 - ‘We Go Swing’ - Claude Toft Park - Salthill |
Project 1 - The project proposed to install a new wheelchair accessible swing |
Project 1 - Claude Toft Park Playground. Address: Quincentennial Drive, Salthill, Galway |
|
|
Project 2 €8,066.00 |
Project 2 Sensory Garden at Children’s Millennium park Galway |
Project 2 - Installation of a sensory garden to enhance the inclusiveness of the park. |
Project 2 Millennium Children's Park University Rd, Galway City |
|
2022 |
€15,162.00 |
O’Sullivan Park, Mervue - upgrade. |
Supply and install inclusive wheelchair swing, including extension of concrete surround and the installation of wet-pour safety surface |
Mervue Public Park Playground. Mervue, Galway City |
|
2023 |
€12,195.00 |
Wheelchair see-sew in Westside Playground |
Supply and Install a Wheelchair See-Saw including black wetpour safety surface repairs work in Westside playground, Galway City. |
Westside Park Playground. Seamus Quirke Road, Newcastle, Galway City |
|
2024 |
€16,953.06 |
Roscam Inclusive Toddler Castle Play Unit |
It was proposed to install an inclusive toddler unit in Roscam Playground |
Boireann Bheag, Roscam, Co. Galway |
Cork South Central (Cork City Council and Cork County Council)
|
Year |
Amount Awarded |
Name |
Project Detail |
Address |
|
2020 |
€15,000.00 |
The Lough Playground |
Replacement of boat themed play item |
The Lough Playground, The Lough, Cork |
|
2021 |
Nil (Project within another constituency) |
|
|
|
|
2022 |
Nil (Projects within other constituencies) |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
€16,793.00 |
Tory Top Park Playground |
Refurbishment |
Ballyphehane, Cork City |
|
2024 |
Nil (Projects within other constituencies) |
|
|
|
Wicklow (Wicklow County Council)
|
Year |
Amount Awarded |
Name |
Project Detail |
Address |
|
2020 |
€18,000.00 |
Wicklow Town Murrough Playground |
Addition of disability friendly equipment |
Murrough Playground, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow |
|
2021 |
€11,573.00 |
Upgrade to Seaview Avenue Playground |
A multi play unit and additional spring rockers and boat play systems keeping in with the maritime theme. |
Seaview Avenue, Arklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
2022 |
€15,162.00 |
South Green playground, upgrade |
Additional play unit/ sensory panels to South Green Playground. |
South Green Playground, Arklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
2023 |
€16,952.00 |
Inclusivity project at Seafront Playground - Bray |
The proposal is for an extension and redesign of the playground to include inclusive and accessible playground equipment. |
Seafront Playground, Strand Rd, Bray, Co. Wicklow |
|
2024 |
€15,773.72 |
Inclusivity Project - Blessington Playground |
The grant will add value to the play facility by allowing the playground to be used by children and young people of different abilities and developmental abilities. |
Blessington Playground, Blessington, Co.Wicklow |
626. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently sponsored under the national childcare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for parents. A component of the Scheme is a Sponsorship referral which makes special provision for vulnerable children.
The NCS Sponsorship arrangement allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or enhanced hours requirements. The Scheme will pay the full cost of the childcare for families referred to the Scheme by a Sponsor Body.
Year-to-date, a total of 209,919 unique children have benefitted from an NCS subsidy. Of these, a total of 7,774 children have received NCS Sponsorship. Year-to-date, this represents an increase in the number of children benefiting from Sponsorship by 16% when compared to the same period in 2023.
There are five designated Sponsorship bodies that may refer a child under Section 14 of the Childcare Support Act 2018. A further breakdown of children currently benefitting from NCS Sponsorship according to these Sponsorship bodies is as follows:
|
Sponsor |
2024 (YTD) |
|
Department of Education (DOE) |
2 |
|
Health Services Executive (HSE) |
1,128 |
|
Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) |
209 |
|
National Homeless Authorities |
644 |
|
Tusla, Child & Family Agency |
5,888 |
|
Total |
7,774 |
Finally, it may be of interest to note that as of September 2024, the hourly rates for NCS Sponsorship have been increased. Sponsored children will now receive a rate of €5.30, or €5.87, depending on their age and educational stage.
Further details on the Scheme, including Sponsorship, may be found on www.ncs.gov.ie.
627. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the annual budget of AIM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra628. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in ECCE supported by AIM; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42929/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra629. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of children in ECCE that AIM supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 627 to 629, inclusive, together.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme and beyond, thereby reaping the benefits of quality early learning and care and realising the opportunity to reach their full potential. AIM provides a suite of universal and targeted supports across 7 levels.
AIM has supported more than 33,000 children with a disability to access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme since it was first introduced in September 2016.
The total allocated budget for AIM in 2024 is €57.497m and the total allocated budget for AIM for 2025 is €80,861. The increased budget for 2025 includes an additional €23.4 million to provide for an increasing cohort of children with a disability availing of AIM supports as well as the full year cost of the expansion of targeted supports beyond time spent in the ECCE programme, in term and out of term, which was introduced in Budget 2024.
For programme year 2023/2024 which concluded in June 2024, 8,152 children were approved for AIM targeted supports, representing 7.7% of the total ECCE population.
At present, there are 7,092 children approved for AIM targeted supports for the 2024/2025 programme year. AIM applications are received processed throughout the programme year.
The Department expects that the final number will exceed those supported in 2023/2024 as the numbers requiring support continues to grow year on year.
