Joint Committee on Health and Children 16 February 2012

Question 1 (Deputy Jerry Buttimer)

To ask the Minister to outline her plans for supporting young people and families in particular the new Child & Family Support Agency, the continuation of the free pre-school year and the development of youth cafés.

REPLY Child and Family Support Agency I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott.

The Task Force will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government’s public sector reform agenda.

In relation to the Agency it has been asked to: · Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations; · Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same; · Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation; · Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model; · Prepare a detailed implementation plan; · Identify the main priorities and core relationships required; · Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.

In addition to taking over responsibility for child welfare and protection services, which are currently operated by the HSE, the Agency will also assume the functions of the Family Support Agency. This decision was announced in the run up to the Budget and the Family Support Agency has been fully included in the planning for the new Agency which is being led by my Department. I will also be considering other operational functions which the Child and Family Support Agency might usefully discharge and this will be taken into account in developing legislative proposals.

In the interim, and during the course of this year, child welfare and protection services are being delivered, managed, funded and staffed on a dedicated programme basis within the HSE. Overall operational responsibility lies with the National Director of Children and Family Services, Mr. Gordon Jeyes. A dedicated subhead for these services has been provided in the HSE Vote for the first time this year. In addition dedicated management arrangements specific to children’s services are being put in place under the National Director at national, regional and area level. The national supports, in particular, will be strengthened so as to have robust arrangements in place to manage the transaction to the new standalone Agency. These arrangements and the dedicated budgetary provision will assist the smooth and timely transition of child welfare and protection services to the new Agency from next year.

Continuation of the free pre school year I was very happy to secure the continuation of the free preschool year in the context of the finalisation of the Estimates for 2012. Increased costs due to growth in the number of children qualifying for the scheme due to demographic factors have required provision of €9.8million in additional funding for this scheme in 2012. In the context of wider public expenditure curtailment I believe the increased funding for the universal preschool year is recognition of its importance to young children and families, and the wider social and economical benefits. Development of Youth Cafés

In 2010, funding of €1.5m was allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund to improve Youth Café facilities in Ireland. Some 64 projects were approved for funding under two strands i.e. small-scale funding for existing youth cafés and the establishment of new youth café facilities. As a result of this scheme, a total of 16 brand new cafés are gradually coming on stream. In addition, a further €200,000 capital funding was made available late in 2011 to 18 youth projects, thus enabling them to upgrade existing premises and/or purchase additional equipments in order to provide a safe, supporting and enabling meeting space for young people.

My Department estimates that between 75-100 youth café facilities now operate across the State and these facilities are proving hugely beneficial to local communities in terms of broader engagement with young people. In addition, my Department supports a range of youth services and volunteer-led youth groups which offer similar resources and spaces for young people locally.

To support my Department’s commitment to the development of quality, front-line youth projects and services which address the changing needs of young people and their communities, I have ensured that as part of the Government’s Capital Review published in November 2011, capital funding available for youth projects will increase to an annual amount of €1.5m in 2012 and again in 2013. My Department is currently developing a strategy for the implementation and administration of this measure so as to ensure impact, resource effectiveness and value for money. Question 2 (Deputy Jerry Buttimer)

To ask the Minister is she intends to review the 2001 Youth Homelessness Strategy as proposed in the Programme for Government

Question 4 (Deputy Robert Dowds)

Does the Minister intend to review the 2001 Youth Homelessness Strategy as called for in the 2010 Rapporteur Report, in particular noting his concerns about:  Aftercare services for over 18s who have been accessing out of hours services while under 18, but who may not have been in the care of the HSE  Liaison with local authority homeless services to ensure that support is given to children living with homeless families.

REPLY I propose to take Questions 2 and 4 together. The Programme for Government 2011-2016 commits inter-alia, to (i) end long term homelessness and the need to sleep rough; (ii) review and update the existing Homeless Strategy, including a specific focus on youth homelessness.

A National Strategy for Youth Homelessness was developed in 2001. A review of progress undertaken in 2008 by the HSE in conjunction with other agencies, found that significant progress had been made, especially in the areas of interagency cooperation, early prevention and an ‘out of hours’ service.

The Department has engaged the Centre for Effective Services (CES) to undertake a high level review of the implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy, 2001. The purpose of the review is to establish the extent that the strategy has been successful, to identify blockages and challenges to its implementation and to make recommendations. Consultations will be held with the relevant service providers, non- Government agencies and young people as part of this process.

It is the case that the information system regarding the number of children who use service is poor. Work is underway to improve the quality of information on the number of young people under 18 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and to establish what areas of the service are working well and where further improvements are needed. Question 3 (Deputy Jerry Buttimer)

To ask the Minister to report on her efforts to reopen intercountry adoptions with Vietnam?

REPLY The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for Vietnam on 1 February 2012. I recently had a very positive visit to Vietnam. My visit coincided with a visit of a delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland led by the Chairman, Mr Geoffrey Shannon, to discuss arrangements for the putting in place of an administrative agreement between Ireland and Vietnam for intercountry adoption. My visit provided the opportunity for direct, personal engagement with the Vietnamese authorities, and the fostering of cooperation between our two countries on intercountry adoption.

Under section 72 of the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority may enter into administrative arrangements with another contracting State. In this context, the Authority has prepared and submitted to the Vietnamese authorities a suggested scheme of administrative arrangements to be established between Ireland and Vietnam for the resumption of intercountry adoption between the two States. The Authority is awaiting the response of the Vietnamese authorities to this proposal.

The Adoption Authority has also recently announced its approval of ARC Adoption Ltd as a registered accredited body for the purposes of adoption mediation within Vietnam. Further applications from other bodies remain under consideration by the Authority and a decision is anticipated shortly in this regard. Agencies accredited by the Adoption Authority of Ireland also require the approval of the Vietnamese authorities.

As with any other country we must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the required standards are in place for intercountry adoption and that the needs of the children are paramount throughout the process. Question 5 (Deputy Robert Dowds)

What progress is the Minister making in providing some form of 24 hour social work oversight for children, so that families and foster parents are supported and the Gardaí are not made responsible for the care of vulnerable children?

REPLY : Out of Hours

Emergency and Homeless Services The service provided in the greater Dublin area is through the Crisis Intervention Service (CIS) and outside the greater Dublin area through the Emergency Place of Safety Service (EPSS). The HSE has put in place a standardised national system whereby Gardai can access an appropriate place of safety for children found to be at risk out of hours under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991.

Ryan Implementation Plan - Out of Hours Pilot Projects The HSE National Service Plan for 2011 included a commitment to pilot and evaluate an out-of-hours social work component to supplement the EPSS. Two pilot projects are being undertaken; one in Cork and the other in Donegal. The projects involve the provision by local HSE staff of on-site social work support out of hours where deemed necessary by Gardaí. Minister Fitzgerald met with the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors on the 28th July, 2011 to discuss the two "Out of Hours" Pilot Projects.

Further rollout A decision on progression to a national rollout will be made following evaluation of the two pilot projects and other relevant data. An assessment of the cost of developing the service nationally will also be informed by the pilot process. Question 6 (Deputy Robert Dowds)

What are the Minister’s plans for providing a replacement for Saint Patrick’s institution for young offenders now that responsibility for a new facility has been transferred to her office?

Question 26 (Senator Jillian Van Turnhout)

Inform the Committee whether interim measures will be put in place to ensure that children in detention in Ireland, currently held in the adult prison facility St. Patrick’s Institution, will be more suitably accommodated pending the delivery of the National Children Detention Facility at Oberstown.

REPLY I propose to take questions 6 and 26 together.

The proposed National Children Detention Facility (NCDF) is a project to provide residential detention places for all young people detained by the courts on criminal charges, within a children detention school setting at Oberstown, North County Dublin. The Oberstown campus is currently the site of the 3 existing detention schools, Oberstown Boys School, Oberstown Girls School and Trinity House School.

The Government is committed to ending the practice of sending 16 and 17 year old boys to St Patrick's institution. It is a priority of mine to ensure that this practice ends as soon as possible and the funding of the Oberstown project is a key element in resolving this issue. I have asked the Irish Youth Justice Service to reassess the projected cost of the Oberstown project to bring it into line with current price levels and current economic realities. This process is ongoing and the Irish Youth Justice Service has been tasked with progressing to completion during 2012 the design work and tender documentation for the NCDF project. Even when funding for the construction stage of the project is finalised, this work will still have to be completed. I do not propose to comment on estimated project costs in advance of any tendering process.

I had consultations on this issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality in advance of the taking over legal responsibility for this area from 1 January 2012. I met with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the funding of the Oberstown project on 29 November 2011, 6 December 2011 and 10 January 2012. I wrote to him on 17 January 2012 to emphasise the priority that should be attached to this project. I do not propose to comment further on these consultations, except to say that the Committee can be assured that I will continue to make the case at Government level on the priority that should be given to this project.

I visited St Patrick's Institution twice in November last year, prior to assuming legal responsibility for the children detention schools from the Minister for Justice and Equality in January 2012. I received a briefing from the Governor and his staff on the efforts that are made on a daily basis to provide appropriate, safe and secure care for 16 and 17 males. I also visited each of the children detention schools on the Oberstown campus during 2011. The Government appreciates that, as far as possible, the 16 and 17 year old age group is accommodated and cared for differently from the other offenders held in St. Patrick's Institution, in line with best practice and child protection guidance procedures. Nevertheless, it is unacceptable that children continue to be detained with adult prisoners and the Government is committed to ending this practice.

In taking over responsibility for the children detention schools last month I tasked a group to look at interim and innovative solutions that could provide alternatives to detention in St. Patrick's Institution for as many 16 and 17 year old boys as possible. The group is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and comprises of senior officials from the Irish Youth Justice Service, Irish Prison Service, and the Probation Service. I understand that the group is making significant progress and I expect to be in a position to provide details of the short term measures to be taken on foot of the group's deliberations shortly.

I appreciate that Committee members will be interested in the options that may be developed in this regard and I will be happy to address the Committee again in the near future. At this stage, I do not wish to prejudge what interim steps may be taken but I can assure the Committee that my priority in this area is the provision of appropriate safe, secure facilities for all children in detention, in compliance with public safety and the requirements of the Children Act 2001. Question 7 (Deputy Catherine Byrne)

Update on current status of international adoptions with particular reference to Vietnam and Ethiopia; how many adoptions have been halted pending the outcome of negotiations with the relevant authorities in these countries; and will they be allowed to proceed?

REPLY I have addressed the issue of Vietnamese intercountry adoptions in my reply to Deputy Buttimer.

With effect from 1 November 2010, intercountry adoptions can be effected with other countries which have ratified the Hague Convention or with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement. At present, Ireland has no bilateral agreements in place.

As the Hague Convention is designed to ensure a minimum set of standards in intercountry adoption, it is appropriate that the immediate priority for the Adoption Authority is on reaching agreements with other Hague countries. The Authority is in the process of developing administrative arrangements with a number of countries which are signatories to the Hague Convention, including Vietnam.

Under the provisions of section 73 of the Adoption Act, 2010, "the Authority, with the prior consent of the Minister, may enter into discussions with any non-contracting state concerning the possibility of the Government entering into a bilateral agreement with that State." An official delegation from Ireland travelled to Russia in December last for preliminary discussions around the potential for a bilateral agreement on intercountry adoption. I am currently awaiting a report from the Adoption Authority which will inform the next steps to be taken in this regard.

In addition, I have recently given the AAI approval for the commencement of the process of examining the feasibility of a bilateral agreement with Ethiopia. I should emphasise that this process is in the very early stages. I am aware that applicants are waiting for Vietnam in particular to re-open for intercountry adoption. The Adoption Authority does not directly hold information on the number of applicants hoping to proceed to that country. However, I understand that in the region of 350 prospective adopters have indicated a preference for Vietnam. It should be noted that this figure is indicative and the data has not been validated. It is to be expected that a number of these applicants will have, at this stage, proceeded to adopt from another country. Question 8 (Deputy Catherine Byrne)

What funding has been allocated to the CDYSB by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs for 2012; what projects are being funded, and how much will they each receive.

REPLY The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department provides funding to the City of Dublin Youth Service Board for its youth service provision through a number of funding programmes. These are the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY), Young People’s Facilities and Service Fund (Rounds 1 and 2) (YPFSF) and the Local Drug Task Force (LDTF).

In order to ensure greater flexibility in the allocation of funding it is, and has been, open to CDYSB to amend the allocation to individual projects, with the approval of my Department, on the understanding that the overall allocation under each scheme was not exceeded.

Summary of 2012 Project Allocation to CDYSB

CDYSB 2012 Allocation Special Projects for Youth €3,723,399 Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Round 1) €3,838,644 Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Round 2) €4,645,361 Local Drug Task Force €900,125 Total €13,107,529

Details of the monies allocated in 2012 under SPY, YP1 and 2 and the LDTF are outlined hereunder in APPENDIX A APPENDIX A

Special Projects for Youth 2012 Allocations

City of Dublin VEC (CDYSB) Focus Ireland 700,714 Ballymun Youth Action Project 184,648 Ballymun Women's Resource Centre 44,544 Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR) 44,544 Ballymun Columban Youth Project 87,859 Ballymun Travellers Project 69,031 Rialto Youth Project 155,293 Inchicore (St. Michael's Parish) Project 106,621 Crumlin/Dublin 12 Youth Service 95,600 Ballyfermot Youth Federation Project 97,033 Bonnybrook Youth Project 87,672 Donnycarney (Consolata) Youth Project 95,435 Lourdes Youth Project 100,229 Darndale Youth Project 93,835 The Cavan Centre (Kilnacrott) 87,852 Candle Community Trust Project (Ballyfermot) 54,342 Adventure Sports Project 101,827 Stoneybatter Youth Service Project 100,563 Donore Avenue Youth Project 141,016 Finglas Youth Development Programme 143,247 Trinity Youth Project 44,544 Priorswood Youth Project 87,859 Cherry Orchard Integrated Youth Service 184,249 YMCA STEP Project 87,859 St. Andrew's Resource Centre 88,981 Administration,Survey and Evaluation 110,754 Travellers Youth Service 173,716 Pavee Point 72,052 Project Manager 40,728 Transition Support Project 80,929 Belvedere Youth Project 44,544 Total 3,608,123

City of Dublin Youth Service Board - Annual Grant 115,276 Total 115,276 Total SPY (CDYSB) 3,723,399 LDTF 2012 Allocation City of Dublin VEC/CDYSB Admin/Evaluation 34,480 Ballyfermot Youth Service - LDTF 86,305 BRYR (Ballymun Regional Youth Resource) 93,125 St. Michaels Youth Project 46,919 Bonnybrook Youth Project (Sphere 17) 129,404 Catholic Youth Care (Awareness Finglas Cabra) 129,836 Finglas Youth Resource Centre 91,952 Ballybough Youth Project 50,344 Catholic Youth Care (SIC Post) 48,957 Charlemount Community Assocation 46,563 Cork Street & Maryland Com. Project (DAYS - Donore Avenue Yth Service) 50,197 St. Andrew's Youth Resource Centre 45,994 SWICN - South West Inner City Network 46,049 Total 900,125

YPFSF Round 1 2012 Allocations Dublin North East Kilbarrack Youth Project 109,934 Kilmore West Youth Group 115,529 St Monica's Youth Project 101,850 Priorswood Youth Service 53,109 Trinity Youth Service 55,189 Traveller Youth Project 14,192 Total 449,803 Finglas Cabra Parent Support Programme 33,726 Cabra Youth Service 114,180 Total 147,907 Ballyfermot Cherry Orchard Integrated Youth Service 108,916 Ballyfermot Youth Service 39,481 Ballyfermot Youth Service 118,378 Mary Queen of Angels After School Project 27,378 Candle Community Trust 54,500 Cherry Orchard After Schools Project 60,680 Labre Park After Schools Programme 30,123 Total 439,456

Ballymun Family Resource Centre 28,302 St Margarets Park Travellers Youth Service 27,406 Ballymun Animal Carer's Association (Poppintree) 54,311 Ballymun Regional Youth Service 278,534 Columban Youth Project (Poppintree) 27,359 Womens Resource Centre 54,406 Total 470,317 Dublin 12 St John Bosco Youth Centre 108,944 Dublin 12 Regional Youth Service 253,062 St John Bosco "New Options New Choices" 63,981 Total 425,988 South Inner City South West Inner City Network 114,958 Donore Education Network 57,623 Dodder Youth service 169,576 St Andrew's "Talk About Youth" 109,160 Whitefriar Area Youth Service 81,169 Westland Row CBS 22,642 Total 555,129 North Inner City Aosog 54,745 Ballybough Youth Project 54,642 Eastwall/Northport Youth Development Group 109,151 Markets Area Youth Services 104,641 North Wall YDC 109,242 St Agatha's Youth Project 118,495 Stoneybatter Youth Service 143,906 The Cavan Centre 54,482 The Wexford Centre 23,114 Total 772,418 Canal Communities Rialto Youth Project 54,576 The Common Ground 47,171 St Michaels Parish Youth Project 54,466 Canal Communities Regional Youth Service 166,955 Total 323,168 Sub Total CDYSB 3,584,185 Administration / Technical Assistance 254,459 Overall Total CDYSB 3,838,644

YPFSF 2 2012 Allocations City of Dublin VEC/CDYSB Ballyfermot The Base Centre 558,850 Total Ballyfermot 558,850 Ballymun 602,140 Total services Ballymun 602,140 Canal Communities Rialto Youth Project 83,870 St. Michael's Estate Youth Resource Centre 83,870 Canal Communities Regional Youth Service - 1 Youth Worker 50,023 Dolphin House Homework Club Co-ordinator 50,023 Bluebell Youth Centre 84,336 The Common Ground 25,245 Rialto Sports Youth Worker 50,023 Total services - Canal Communities 427,389 Dublin North East Donnycarney Community & Youth Centre 50,023 Darndale/Belcamp Youth Centre 374,935 Total services Dublin North East 424,958 Dublin North Inner City Stoneybatter Youth Service 83,870 O'Devaney Gardens PT Youth Worker 25,245 St. Agatha's Youth Project (SWAN) 232,160 Regional Youth Service 259,275 Dominick Street Facility 100,045 Adventure Sports Project - School on Stilts 133,892 Ballybough Youth & Community Centre 133,892 The Cavan Centre 136,043 Total Dublin North Inner City 1,104,422 Dublin South Inner City DAYS - St. Teresa's Hall - 2 Youth Workers 100,045 James's St. Youth Service/Fountain Resource Group - 2 Yth Wkers 100,045 Charlemont Street Youth Project - 1 Youth Worker (SAYS) 49,929 Whitefriar Street Youth Service - 1 Youth Worker (SAYS) 49,929 Total services Dublin South Inner City 299,948 Finglas/Cabra John Paul II Park 100,045 Finglas Youth Centre 365,772 Total services Finglas/Cabra 465,817 Dublin 12 St. John Bosco Youth Centre - 1 Senior Youth Worker 59,186 Walkinstown Community Centre - 1 Youth Worker 50,023 Lower Crumlin Youth Centre - CLAY 273,675 The Brú Youth Centre 193,826 Total Dublin 12 576,708

Total Services CDYSB 4,460,231 CDYSB Technical Assistance 185,130 Overall Total CDYSB 4,645,361 Question 9 (Deputy Catherine Byrne)

What is the current status of the YPFSF; how much funding has been allocated by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to the YPFSF for 2012; what projects are being funded, and how much will they each receive in 2012?

Funding continues to be provided by my Department to support the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2). The total funding allocation in respect of this scheme for 2012 is €21,331,696 out of an overall budget of €56,626,000 for youth service provision.

Details of the funding allocated to YPFSF (Rounds 1 and 2) are outlined hereunder in APPENDIX B APPENDIX B

YPFSF Round 1

City of Cork VEC Bishopstown Outreach Project 28,069 Ballyphehan Action for Youth (BAY) 28,069 Blarney St & Areas Community Association (Rock Community Group) 53,329 St Joseph's Mayfield Youth 56,136 Churchfield Youth Community Trust (Exlu to Inclu Drug Prevention) 58,008 Bádoireacht - Meitheal Mara (Sailing and Boatbuilding) 51,458 U4EA Arts Programme 32,747 Togher Link-up 27,132 Glen Young Adults Project 56,136 Togher Family Centre Ltd 32,747 WellSprings Outreach Programme 46,734 Alliance Sexual Health Centre (Young Peoples Helpline) 46,734 Matt Talbot Services 46,734 Cork Simon Community 51,406 Sub-Total 615,438 Administration / Technical Assistance 55,389 Total 670,828 Dun Laoghaire VEC Sallynoggin Youth Project 47,715 Loughlinstown/Ballybrack Yout Project 47,715 Prevention through Education 41,963 Southside Travellers Youth Support 47,716 Cuala Sports and Social Project 49,587 Arts Access 18,712 Sub-Total 253,408 Administration / Technical Assistance 63,352 Total 316,760 County Dublin VEC Clondalkin CASP 53,329 Teen Counselling 53,329 Catholic Youth Care, Youth Workers 159,988 Development Group Youth Support & Training Unit 14,034 Clondalkin Partnership 48,652 Catholic Youth Care Quarryvale Youth Project 53,329 Catholic Youth Care Deansrath/Sruleen Youth Project 48,652 Collinstown Park Sports Complex 48,652 Youth Support Worker 53,330 Total 533,295

Blanchardstown Potential Early School Leavers Blanchardstown YS/Barnardos 106,659 Mulhuddart Community Building Committee 106,659 Total 213,318 Baldoyle Baldoyle Forum 18,712 Total 18,712 Tallaght Tallaght Traveller Youth Service 48,652 Tallaght Youth Service (Springfield Community Officier) 52,993 Tallaght Youth Service (At Risk in Brookfield) 53,329 CARP 48,651 Total 203,625 Rathdown Sandyford Youth Project 47,716 Rosemount/St. Columbanas Youth Support 47,716 Hillview 47,716 Total 143,147 Sub-Total Co. Dublin VEC 1,112,098 Administration / Technical Assistance 100,089 Overall Total Co. Dublin VEC 1,212,187

County Carlow VEC Support Worker & Contribution to Programme Costs 86,617 Total 86,617 City of Limerick VEC Technical Support Worker 25,428 Training and Development Budget 18,328 Southhill Integrated Co. 18,722 St John's Partnership 7,852 Northside We're Ok Youth Initiative 59,538 St Mary's Partneship 23,743 RESIN (Our Lady of Lourdes CDP) 18,723 EduCare 5,141 Limerick Travellers 19,166 Sub-Total 196,642 Administration / Technical Assistance 5,114 Total 201,757 City of Galway VEC Bohermore Youth Development Programme 46,735 Ballybane Youth Development Programme 53,280 Circles & Peer Education Project (CAPE) 46,735 Le Cheile & Rahoon 44,869 Total 191,618 County Wicklow VEC St Fergal's Ballywaltrim Youth Development Project 49,430 Bray Outdoor Pursuits Project 25,115 Little Bray Youth Project 49,175 At Risk Youth Project 14,661 Sub-Total 138,381 Administration / Technical Assistance 12,454 Total 150,835 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Youth Arts Access 18,328 Community Worker working with DLR CC 37,389 Total 55,718 Total YPFSF1 2,886,320

YPFSF Round 2 Dublin City Council BALLYFERMOT Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Ballyfermot 50,490 BALLYMUN Ballymun East Youth Centre 14,025 Sports Development Officers x2 100,980 Total - Ballymun 115,005 CANAL COMMUNITIES Bluebell Youth Centre 106,310 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Canal Communities 156,800 DUBLIN NORTH EAST Donnycarney Community & Youth Centre 173,630 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Dublin North East 224,120 DUBLIN SOUTH INNER CITY St. Catherine's Community Sports Centre 318,742 St. Teresa's Hall, Donore Avenue 173,630 Sports Development Officer & Sen SDO 100,980 Total - South Inner City 593,351 DUBLIN 12 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total Allocation - Dublin 12 50,490 DUBLIN NORTH INNER CITY Ballybough Youth & Community Centre 139,783 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total allocation - North Inner City 190,273 FINGLAS/CABRA - Dublin City Council John Paul II Park - Cabra Parkside 352,402 Sports Development Officers x2 100,980 Homeless Street Leagues/Midnight Leagues (same allocation each year) 20,103 Total allocation - Finglas/Cabra 473,484 Boxing Start Box Programme 2012 67,320 Technical Assistance 2012 42,075 Grand Total - DCC 1,963,407 CO DUBLIN VEC TALLAGHT Killinarden Community Centre 223,185 Tallaght Operational Grant 18,700 Fettercairn Community Centre 55,820 St. Mark's Youth & Family Centre 55,820 Brookfield 391,298 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Tallaght 795,311 CLONDALKIN Bawnogue Community Centre 100,045 Neilstown Youth & Community Centre 50,023 Quarryvale Community & Leisure Centre 223,652 Knockmitten Community & Youth Centre 213,928 Clondalkin Operational Fund 84,150 Boxing Start Box Programme 2011 18,700 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Clondalkin 740,988 BLANCHARDSTOWN Mulhuddart Community Centre 100,045 Huntstown Community Centre 50,023 Corduff Sport & Leisure Complex 273,675 Blakestown/Mountview Community Centre 50,023 Blanchardstown Operational Fund 84,150 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Blanchardstown 608,405 DÚN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN Whitechurch Youth Work Support 50,023 Hillview/Mountainview/Loreto Youth Project 50,023 Rathdown Sailing Programme 25,245 Nutgrove Youth Centre 14,025 Ballyogan Youth Centre 193,358 Total - Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown 332,673 Co. Dublin VEC Administration 2011 72,930 Grand Total - Co Dublin VEC 2,550,306 Dún Laoghaire VEC Minibus Project Services 28,050 Cois Cairn Youth Programme 100,045 Alternative Learning Centre 50,023 Central Dún Laoghaire Youth Programme 50,023 Sailing Programme 25,245 STAG 81,813 Sallynoggin Youth Programme 50,023 DLVEC Administration 2011 15,895 Total - Dún Laoghaire VEC 401,115 Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council Loughlinstown Community Rooms 89,667 County Youth Arts Worker - based in Ballyogan 50,023 Cois Cairn Operational Budget 14,025 Sallynoggin Operational Budget 14,025 Mounttown/Meadowlands Operational Budget 14,025 UCD Soccer Programme 7,480 Sports Access Programme 25,245 Sports Development Officer x2 100,980 FAI Football in the Community Officer - Dún Laoghaire 25,245 Technical Assistance 2012 33,660 Total - Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council 374,374 Co Wicklow VEC St Fergal's Ballywaltrim Youth Development Project 89,667 Bray Youth Service 89,667 Little Bray Community Centre 89,667 Bray Outreach/Youth Worker 50,023 Bray Operational Fund 50,490 Sports Promotion Officer x 2.5 126,225 FAI Football in the Community Officer (Bray) 25,245 Total - Co Wicklow VEC 520,982 City of Cork VEC Knocknaheeny - Link Point 476,196 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Good Shepherd Services 50,023 St. Joseph's Community Centre 64,048 Technical Assistance 2012 16,830 Total - City of Cork VEC 657,586 Co Wicklow VEC Arklow Youth Centre 54,791 Sports Access Program 2011 1,870 Total - Co Wicklow VEC 56,661 Co Louth VEC Apple Tree Foundation 54,791 Sports Access Program 2011 1,870 Total - Co Louth VEC 56,661 Athlone Town Council Sports Access Program 2011 1,870 Total - Athlone Town Council 1,870 Co Westmeath VEC The Gateway Project 54,791 Project Co-ordinator 41,093 Total - Co Westmeath VEC 95,884 Co Wexford VEC Francis St Youth Centre 54,791 Sports Access Program 2011 1,870 Total - Co Wexford VEC 56,661 City of Galway VEC Ballybane Adventure Programme 50,023 Rahoon Youth Project 50,023 Circles & Peer Education Programme (CAPE) 50,023 Bohermore Teenage Development Project 25,245 Total - City of Galway VEC 175,313 Co Carlow VEC The Vault 184,289 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Total - Co Carlow VEC 234,779 City of Limerick VEC YPFSF Co-ordinator 25,245 RESIN Youth Worker Our Lady of Lourdes 25,245 YPFSF Outreach Worker 25,245 St. Mary's Partnership 25,245 Northside We're OK 50,023 Southill Area Centre Drug Prevention Worker 50,023 Sports Development Officer x3 151,470 Southill Area Centre 240,202 Our Lady of Lourdes Centre 260,117 Total - City of Limerick VEC 852,814 HSE South Eastern Area WATERFORD Innercity Community Youth Project 50,023 Farran Park/Farronshoneen Community Youth Project 50,023 Frontline Project (Outreach) 75,268 Ferrybank Drugs Prevention Project 100,045 Administration 36,465 Sports Development Officer 50,490 Gracedieu/Logloss & Hillview Youth Project 75,268 Axis Programme Ballybeg 50,023 Larchville/Lisduggan Millenium Youth Project 50,023 Waterford City Arts Access 6,545 Farronshoneen Youth & Community Centre 273,675 Manor Street Youth & Community Centre 326,035 Total - HSE South Eastern Area 1,143,879 Limerick City GAA Munster Council - GAA DO's L.C. 50,490 Munster Rugby - Rugby DO's L.C. 50,490 National Organisations ISPCC 50,490 FORÓIGE 50,490 CYC 50,490 YMCA 50,490 ECO (UNESCO) 75,735 Total - National Organisations 277,695 An Síol CDP Homework Club 52,360 FAI RDO's Limerick City 100,980 Summer Soccer Schools (same allocation each year) 13,324 Football in the Community (4 new towns) 34,081 Big Issue Street League Final (same allocation each year) 2,000 Football in the Community (Late Nite Leagues) 1,870 Regional Development Officers x 10 (Dublin) 176,715 3rd Level Facilitator Programme 25,132 Goal to Work Programme 2011/2012 8,700 RDO Waterford City (from HSE South - Waterford) 25,245 Total - FAI 388,047

Total YPFSF2 9,961,375

Question 10 (Deputy Ciara Conway)

What is the Minister doing to address the problems with the Family Mediation Service?

This operates under the auspices of the Family Support Agency. In Waterford the Family Service is now non-existent in Waterford as it has been transferred "on a temporary basis" to Wexford which is open on a 2 day per week basis and operated on a part time basis. Currently there is a 9 month backlog of cases resulting in families in crisis having to wait for months for the important initial mediation consultation. It has also come to my attention that there are very high rents being paid on buildings in Waterford- but these are currently lying empty.

REPLY Responsibility for the Family Mediation Service (FMS) transferred from the Family Support Agency to the Legal Aid Board with effect from 1st November 2011.

Questions regarding the operation of the FMS office in Waterford are now a matter for the Legal Aid Board and the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I have referred the matter to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and asked for a direct reply to issue to the Deputy. Question 11 (Deputy Ciara Conway)

Can the Minister provide an update on the status of the Child Protection Agency?

REPLY I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott.

The Task Force met for the eleventh time earlier this month (February 2nd). I look forward to receiving the report of its work, which will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation. I am anxious to advance the full establishment of the Agency at as early a date as possible, subject to the work of the Task Force and the necessary legislative provision. It is my intention to bring forward legislation during the course of this year to provide for the Agency’s establishment in 2012. In addition to taking over responsibility for child welfare and protection services, which are currently operated by the HSE, the Agency will also assume the functions of the Family Support Agency. This decision was announced in the run up to the Budget and the Family Support Agency has been fully included in the planning for the new Agency which is being led by my Department. I will also be considering other operational functions which the Child and Family Support Agency might usefully discharge and this will be taken into account in developing legislative proposals.

Question 17 (Deputy Charlie McConalogue) To ask the Minister for Children what organisations and political parties she has held meetings with to consult on the proposed new wording for the childrens rights referendum and her plans for when the referendum will be held.

I propose to take Questions 12 and 17 together.

The Programme for Government 2011 states that the Referendum on Children’s Rights is a priority, and that the wording of the proposed referendum will be along the lines of that proposed by the All Party Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC). From the outset of deliberations in relation to the constitutional amendment on children's rights the need for all party consensus on this topic was highlighted. As a member of the JCCAC I can attest to the level of all party co-operation afforded the then Government in the work of the Committee.

Since taking office, both myself and officials of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs have had a very considerable number of meetings and communications with the Attorney General and her officials to progress this commitment. A draft wording is being prepared by the Office of the Attorney General in co-operation with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and there is on-going contact and meetings between officials of the Department and of the AG’s office focusing on ensuring that the proposed Referendum reflects the deliberations and conclusions of the Joint Committee and the commitment in the Programme for Government.

It is my intention to consult with parties by way of briefings as the output of the deliberations which are currently underway emerges. I also envisage that the issue will be dealt with in the Joint Committee on Health Children and Youth Affairs. It is my intention to seek approval from Government for the proposed wording, with a view to holding the referendum this year. Question 13 (Deputy Denis Naughten)

The progress to date on implementing the recommendations in the report on the Roscommon Child Care Case

REPLY Original update provided in response to PQ from Deputy Naughten in November 2011

The Report into the Roscommon case was published by the HSE on 27th October 2010. Since its publication the HSE has given assurances that practice in assessing and responding to child welfare and protection concerns is being applied to the necessary standard across all regions. The HSE has already stated that it is committed to learning from this and other reports to ensure that services are strengthened to help protect children to the greatest extent possible.

In relation to the specific family case the management of the case was transferred to Mayo HSE in January 2011 and the monitoring and oversight role is undertaken by the HSE Regional Lead for Childcare. Child in Care Reviews on all the children have been undertaken and chaired by the Regional Lead.

The local Management Team in Roscommon is leading out on implementation of recommendations and monitoring and supporting the process. An external consultant has provided training across disciplines on working with neglect, gender issues attachment and supervision.

Nationally workshops were convened to share the learning from the Roscommon Inquiry with specific focus on the Recommendations of that Enquiry. The Workshops had a multidisciplinary focus and a Practice Guidance Document, ‘Back to Basics’ as disseminated which documented key messages with accompanying guidance.

One of the Recommendations from the Inquiry was for a National Audit of Neglect Cases to be completed, commencing with Roscommon. An external consultant has completed a Review of Practice and Audit of the Management of Cases of Neglect in Roscommon, and has highlighted both strengths and challenges. It is envisaged that an executive summary will be published in the near future. Positive outcomes included: o Well established multidisciplinary arrangements and organisational structures which facilitated teamwork and communication o Initial assessments routinely completed o An emphasis on direct work with children and young persons and commitment to listening to children and ensuring their voices were heard

The Review found that in a majority of the cases, staff and managers displayed a commitment to early assessment of need and provided a range of supports to assist children and families, resulting in improved parenting capacity and better outcomes for children. The Review concluded that the challenges involved are similar throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom including the need for more authoritative social work, senior managers reviewing and auditing files, national supervision policy implementation and establishing thresholds for legal intervention in cases.

A Review of Progress following Audit was undertaken after three months and again this had many positive outcomes. Achievements included: o The recommendations of the Inquiry Report and the Review of Practice and Management of Neglect are being implemented via an Interdisciplinary Child Care Steering group. o A monthly child care meeting chaired by the General Manager considers specific developments within the Child Care Service, including budgetary and resourcing issues, waiting lists and individual cases which require to be notified to senior management. o Family Support Services have been streamlined to include a single point of entry and is being realigned with new social work boundaries.

Revised management structures have been put in place in Child Care Services in Roscommon and 5 additional social work posts were allocated to Roscommon in 2010. A further 3 additional posts have been allocated in Roscommon. Further update provided in December 2011

The issue of training spans several of the report’s recommendations. A detailed training programme continues to be rolled out in a number of areas including neglect, courtroom skills and report writing. Training on Attachment Theory will be rolled out in 2012. In relation to management development, training was rolled out for first time managers and senior managers during the summer and autumn of 2011. Supervision training has been rolled out for Supervisors at the levels of Child Care Manager, Principal Social Worker, Team Leader and Social Care Leader.

The revised Children First National Guidance was published in July 2011. Briefing sessions in relation to the Guidance continue throughout the HSE. The HSE’s associated Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook has also been distributed amongst all relevant staff.

On the issue of targeted family support, a dedicated Family Support Service is in place in North Roscommon and it is planned to expand the service through a redistribution of funding from other sources. This will be achieved by employing another youth worker and increasing the capacity of youth workers currently providing a service.

The report recommended that the nature of public health nursing records in respect of children where there are child protection concerns should be reviewed to ensure their adequacy. In this context the public health nursing service has developed a Child Health Record, and it is currently in the process of developing a Child Protection Record.

The report recommended that there should be full involvement of the HSE Speech and Language Department in the development of support and treatment services for children and families where this is an issue for the child’s well-being. A Communications Working Group has been established, comprising representatives from social work and allied disciplines such as public health nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. The objective of this is to ensure a more seamless flow of information between the various disciplines. The report recommended that a nationally appropriate quality assurance system be established, that considers the practice issues as well as the technical aspects of each case. A Principal Social Worker has commenced auditing of files with support provided at regional level.

Further update provided in February 2012

The Report recommendation that a review of the effectiveness of the Home Management Services in respect of working with families where chronic neglect is an identified issue has been completed and a pilot project has been undertaken in South Roscommon looking at improving communications between Social Workers and other disciplines. This project is underway and is scheduled for review in May, 2012.

The Sexual Abuse Treatment Unit established in Galway is due to be evaluated shortly by the HSE.

In conclusion, the HSE continues to address the recommendations of the Report into the Roscommon childcare case as a priority. Question 14 (Deputy Denis Naughten)

The progress to date in addressing concerns relating to the care of unaccompanied minors claiming asylum.

REPLY Separated Children seeking asylum are deemed to be in need of care and protection under the Child Care Act, 1991 and are entitled to equity of treatment and rights as other children at risk.

The immediate and ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum (SCSA) as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, the circumstances are investigated and where concerns about the safety and welfare are identified, the child is placed into the care of the HSE.

The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum. The policy seeks to achieve equity and equality of services to separated children seeking asylum vis a vis all children at risk and to ensure that there is no differentiation of care provision, care practices, care priorities, standards or protocols until the young person reaches 18 years. The number of separated children seeking asylum has steadily declined since its peak of 1085 in 2001 to just 105 in 2010. Question 15 (Deputy Denis Naughten)

The steps being taken to protect frontline youth services

REPLY The youth sector has received considerable financial support over the past number of years. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector there has been a growing emphasis on consolidation of services.

In light of current budgetary constraints, the youth budget requires careful management with a focus on prioritising front-line services. In determining allocations to initiatives and schemes in 2012, as in previous years, every effort has been made to minimise the impact of the reduction in the Youth Affairs budget on front line youth work services.

I wish to advise the committee that there will be no reduction to the voluntary local youth work grant scheme given the particular importance I attach to supporting community-based voluntary activity in the youth work sector.

It is my intention to examine reform of youth work funding schemes to allow youth work organisations more flexibility in managing their financial allocations and to reprioritise and reconfigure service provision to better respond to the needs of young people and communities. Reforms in this area will be informed by the new Children’s and Young People’s Policy Framework which is currently under preparation. Question 16 (Deputy Charlie McConalogue)

To ask the Minister for Children the number of social workers currently in working in child protection services and how this compares to the number employed on 1st January 2011 and if maternity and temporary social worker posts in the area of child protection are being filled as they fall vacant and for details of the number of these positions that are currently unfilled.

REPLY The HSE has begun to compile a breakdown of staff working in particular care groups. It should be noted that the classification of staff by care group is considered by the HSE and the Department to be provisional since the methodology is being refined and work is ongoing on the precise allocation of staff to the Children and Families area in the context of the planned establishment of the Child and Family Support Agency. Notwithstanding these caveats, the number of social workers employed in Children and Families increased by 37, from 1,183 to 1,220 between end December 2010 and December 2011. This information shows that the overall growth in social workers within the HSE last year is attributable to the increased numbers provided for child welfare and protection purposes.

Provision was made for the recruitment of an additional 62 social workers to Children and Family services in 2011. The recruitment process in respect of these posts was completed in late 2011 and all posts have either been filled or accepted. I understand from the HSE that not all of the additional staff are reflected in the latest employment census returns owing to the time lag between candidates being offered positions, serving out notice with existing employers, taking up duty and appearing in the employment census returns. To date some 25 individuals have taken up duty with others due to come on stream in the coming weeks.

With regard to the filling of vacancies the National Director of Children and Families Services has discretion to fill vacancies subject to compliance with the overall budget for Children and Families and the employment ceiling. In deploying available staff and filling vacancies regard is had to the relative workloads amongst social work teams and existing vacancies, where this is a factor. Since decisions on the filling of vacancies must have regard to the need to meet budgetary targets it is important to note that the Government has increased the HSE’s Children and Families budget by some €21 million or 4% this year. The HSE National Service Plan also provides for an increase in the total number of staff employed in Children and Family Services compared to last year. This contrasts with a reduction of €14 million or 2.3% in the budgetary provision for Children and Families in 2011 under the previous Government. It reflects the determination by Government to lead the improvement of child welfare and protection services. It provides significant additional flexibility in managing service pressures and reforming services to make them more effective. Question 18 (Deputy Charlie McConalogue)

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs what the comparable budget figures for 2011 are for those items included in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ 2012 Budget.

REPLY Direct comparison between Vote 40 in 2012, and the previous provision for these items in 2011, is complex. I think it is important to outline and explain why this is the case before addressing the specific question on comparative figures for 2011 / 2012.

As you are aware, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Vote 43 were established in June 2011. They brought together functions and funding from four Votes as follows: The full year allocation in respect of the provision held in Vote 39 of the Department of Health transferred for:  the pay and non-pay costs of staff in what had been the Office of the Minister for Children (OMCYA),  national lottery grants, legal fees and costs associated with the proposed Referendum on Children’s Rights; and  operating costs for the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the Children’s Acts Advisory Board.

From Vote 41 the unexpended allocations relating to the various programmes implemented by the OMCYA under Subheads B, C and D of that Vote.

From Vote 26 of the Department of Education and Skills, the full year provision in respect of the National Educational Welfare Board, the Visiting Teacher’s Service for Travellers and the School Completion Programme, as well as the pay and non-pay costs of DES staff transferring to the Department.

From Vote 27 of the Department of Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, the full year provision in respect of the Family Support Agency, as well as the pay and non-pay costs of DCEGA staff transferring to the Department. Vote 43 was renumbered to Vote 40 in the December Estimates and was given a gross allocation of €408m. The position will change in the Revised Estimates to be published next week. In particular, additional provision of €426.9m will be included for the part of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) which transferred to my Department in January of this year. Vote 43 differs from Vote 40 in a number of other respects. Vote 40 does not include the Family Mediation Service as this transferred to the Department of Justice and Equality in November 2011. In addition, with the cessation of both the Children’s Acts Advisory Board and the Visiting Teachers for Travellers Service in September of last year, the 2011 funding allocation is not continued in Vote 40.

A further complication arises from the fact that the subhead structure under the various Votes prior to Vote 43, and between Vote 43 and Vote 40, vary significantly, particularly with the move in 2012 to the performance accounting system. This means that there is no exact match between the Subheads in Vote 40 and the preceding Votes in the first half of 2011.

The Government is due to publish the 2012 Revised Estimates next week. This will provide the House with detailed Estimates for 2012. In line with convention individual Estimates will then be referred to relevant Select Committees for consideration. In advance of the consideration of the 2012 Estimate for my Department I will submit to the Health and Children Committee a detailed explanatory note providing a comparison for each 2012 subhead of the relevant 2011 provision.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide Revised Estimates figures for 2012 to the Committee in advance of their publication by Government. Question 19 In view of the number of Irish people that are arranging for children to be born through surrogacy and in particular in the Ukraine, India and the US, would the Minister outline what legislative changes are proposed to deal with this very difficult legal issue. Could she clarify the legal position for allowing the parents to bring the child back into this country and outline what legal measures are required to formalise the parents rights to the child within Irish Law?

The issue of surrogacy is a cross Departmental one involving the Departments of Justice and Equality, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Health as well as my own Department.

Recently an inter-departmental group, chaired by the Department of Justice, in which my Department participated, drafted a Surrogacy Guidance Document which is expected to be published shortly. This document will be of assistance to people who are considering entering into surrogacy arrangements outside of the State. In addition to being relevant to the Department of Justice and Equality’s responsibilities in the area of citizenship and immigration the issue of surrogacy also raises issues of relevance to other Departments such as Foreign Affairs and Health.

The issue of surrogacy is an extremely complex one involving not only Irish law but also the laws of the other countries. Notwithstanding the guidance documentation which will be of some assistance, the advice to anyone considering this option is to obtain independent legal advice. Question 20 (Senator Colm Burke)

Would the Minister outline to the Committee was is the current position of the HSE Special Care facility – Gleann Alainn, Glanmire, Co Cork? Is she satisfied with the progress being made in dealing with the many issues which were raised?

In October 2011, the Heath Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted an unannounced inspection of Gleann Alainn Special Care Unit. It found at the time of their inspection, that it was in a state of crisis, due primarily to the poor standard of management which impacted negatively on the delivery of care to the children, the day-to-day practices of the staff and the capacity of the unit to fulfil its purpose and function as a special care unit.

In January 2012, HIQA carried out a further inspection. I met with HIQA last week to discuss their findings and I was informed that considerable improvements have been made and the majority of their recommendations have been addressed. This inspection report is expected to be published by HIQA by the end of this month.

The HSE has advised me that in the period in question i.e. since the publication of the HIQA report on 2nd December last, no child has been confined to their bedroom and one child was restrained for a period of one minute. A detailed programme of action to respond to the original HIQA report has been put in place by the HSE and my Department continues to liaise with the HSE to ensure all issues are appropriately addressed. Question 21 (Senator Colm Burke)

Would the Minister outline the time it takes for a couple to be approved for an adoption from the date that they lodged the initial application to the date the approval is given and is the Minister satisfied with the current procedure with dealing with applications?

The HSE has advised that waiting times for intercountry adoption assessments have reduced considerably across the country. In general there are no waiting times for second assessment across the HSE. In the Dublin service (covering Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow) I understand there is no waiting time for first or second assessments.

Within the Dublin service it takes no longer than 18 months to complete the entire assessment process with many applicants completing the process within 12 months. The breakdown of this process typically is: o 3 months for a Group Preparation course with other prospective adoptive parents, allocation of a Social worker 6-8 weeks later, o 3 months for the Social Work assessment, o 4 weeks to write up the Assessment report and o 2-3 weeks for the Local Adoption Committee to consider the report and the Social Work presentation.

Following the assessment process the application goes to the Adoption Authority and generally a final determination on their application is issued 3-4 months later.

A delay may occur for applicants at the initial stage of the assessment process when they are getting the necessary paperwork in place. There may also be a significant time factor in the referral process following the issuing of a declaration, depending on which country is chosen. Question 22 (Senator Imelda Henry)

What steps has the Minister taken in relation to missing children in the care of the HSE?

Joint Protocol There is a joint protocol between the Gardaí and the HSE, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in relation to children missing from care. Its implementation is kept under review, and the development of a new protocol to provide an improved set of Garda/HSE procedures is well advanced.

Missing Children’s Hotline Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and led a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.

The position is that Comreg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, Comreg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC.

In the coming months the Project Team will now work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection. Question 23 (Senator Imelda Henry)

Could you provide the committee with information on intercountry adoption with Mexico?

Adoptions from Mexico have been the subject of particular media focus in recent weeks. The Chairman of the Adoption Authority, Mr Geoffrey Shannon, has set out very clearly the position of the Authority with regard to the regulation of adoptions between Mexico and Ireland. The Authority has been proactive in this regard arising from concerns which it had around emerging issues in Mexico. It has visited Mexico and met with the Central Authority there. It has also provided consistent and clear guidance on its website for prospective adoptive parents. Any adoptions from Mexico must be effected between the respective central authorities. There is no provision under these arrangements for the processing of private adoptions. I understand that the eleven cases in question appear to have arisen from private arrangements.

I must reiterate the advice to prospective adoptive parents that applicants considering Mexico should first consult the Adoption Authority of Ireland website for the latest advisory.

I am very much aware that the recent events will also have given rise to concerns for those who have previously adopted from Mexico. I want to reassure these adoptive parents that the Authority has no evidence that previous adoptions are unsafe or in any way affected by the recent events in Mexico. The recent unfortunate developments serve to reinforce the need to ensure that all intercountry adoptions are properly regulated and effected in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention. Question 24(Senator Imelda Henry)

There seems to be concern in relation to the gap in Foster care services in Ireland could the Minister give the committee an update on this ?

REPLY I am aware that there are issues to be addressed in the provision of foster care. However, I would like to point out at this stage, that 90% of children in the care of the HSE are placed in foster care and with relatives. This compares very favourably with other jurisdictions and it is to the credit of foster carers, the HSE and social work teams across the country. Generally the outcomes for children looked after in foster care are very good, particularly for those in long term foster care.

I am aware that there are particular demands regarding the placement of older children, and children with challenging behaviour, for example those who might have previously been placed in High Support Units or Special Care Units. Finding suitable foster placements for these children and for larger sibling groups can pose problems. The implementation of the Regulations governing relative foster care is also receiving attention. It is important to stress that the HSE are continuously seeking to find the most appropriate placements for children in care.

The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum, and many of these young persons are now being placed in foster care. Moreover, outside the greater Dublin area, and as part of the HSE’s Emergency Place of Safety Service, foster care is provided on an emergency basis pending resumption of HSE social work services in normal working hours.

You may be aware that the HSE are at an advanced stage in the completion of the review of the capacity for alternative care services, which includes foster care services. I believe that this review will provide significant learning and I look forward to receiving the HSE proposals arising from the review’s findings. Question 25 (Senator Jillian Van Turnhout) Outline the Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ legislative programme for 2012, with specific reference to the Amendment of the Constitution (Children’s Referendum) Bill and the children First Bill, and whether she plans to meaningfully involve the Joint Committee on Health and Children in the processes.

REPLY Details of the legislative programme for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs are set out hereunder. It is intended that the Children First Bill and the Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill would be referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children and the views of the Joint Committee will be given every consideration.

(1) Children First Bill This Bill will put the Children First National Guidelines on a statutory basis to implement the Programme for Government commitment in that regard. Government approved preparation of Heads on 12 July 2011 and policy issues are currently under consideration and preparation of the Heads of Bill is underway. It is my intention to refer the Heads of Bill to the Committee when they have been approved by Government.

(2) Amendment to the Constitution Bill (Children’s Referendum) The Bill will provide for a referendum in respect of an amendment to the Constitution to acknowledge and affirm the rights of children. The Department is engaged in ongoing consultation with the Attorney Generals Office in relation to the wording of the proposed amendment. I envisage discussing the proposed wording with the Committee.

(3) Child and Family Support Agency Bill The purpose of this Bill is to establish a child and family support agency for the delivery of child welfare and protection services. Preliminary work has commenced on a range of matters relating to the establishment of the new agency, including consideration of the various functions to be discharged by the agency and associated governance arrangements. Consideration is also being given to the legislative linkages required by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in respect of the oversight of child welfare and protection services.

(4) Adoption (Tracing and Information) Bill This Bill will provide statutorily for an Information and Tracing Service in relation to adoptions to applicants seeking such services. There is ongoing consultation with the Attorney General’s Office in relation to the Heads of Bill which are at an advanced stage.

(5) Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 It is intended to commence the remaining sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2011 (i.e. the sections dealing with special care and related matters). In advance of making the commencement orders, Special Care Regulations are required and work is underway in this regard. Question 27 (Senator Jillian Van Turnhout)

Entrust to the Joint Committee on Health and Children receipt in full of the recently published reports by the National Review Panel for Serious Incidents and Child Deaths and the first Annual Report of the National Review Panel to facilitate appropriate scrutiny within the Oireachtas of the child protection system.

REPLY The following documentation will be provided to the members of the Joint Committee;

 National Review Panel Annual Report 2010  National Review Panel October 2011 Overview of local Reviews Submitted  National Review Panel – Review Undertaken in respect of death of a child known to the child protection system : W March 2011  National Review Panel – Review Undertaken in respect of death of a child known to the child protection system as Child M April 2011  National Review Panel – Review Undertaken in respect of a serious incident to a young person who was in receipt of aftercare services from the HSE.  National Review Panel – Review Undertaken in respect of death of a child known to the child protection system as Child G May 2011  National Review Panel –Final Report Desk Top Review Q – Bill Lockhart June 2011  National Review Panel – Review Undertaken in respect of death of a child known to the child protection system October 2011