1. This Week in the Oireachtas 16-20 July 2012

Published: 16 July 2012

Contents

1. This Week in the Oireachtas 16-20 July 2012 http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=21536&&CatID=60

2. Oireachtas Questions and Debate (09-13 July 2012) - Children’s Rights Referendum - Education: including special needs, minorities, disadvantage, literacy and numeracy, school staffing, school buildings, school patronage, curriculum - Asylum/Immigration - Child Services/ Children in Care: including foster care and social work services, HSE staffing, youth services - Child Abuse/Child Protection: including vetting, child abduction - Family: including adoption - Health and Wellbeing: including disability, mental health, substance misuse, primary care, health services, hospital services, obesity, sports facilities - Justice Issues/Human Rights/Equality

1. This week in the Oireachtas (16-20 July 2012) http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=21536&&CatID=60

2. Oireachtas Questions and Debate (09-13 July 2012)

Children’s Rights Referendum

Priority Questions: Children’s Rights Referendum (10 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-10.10.0

Written Answers — Children’s Rights Referendum: Children’s Rights Referendum (10 Jul 2012) Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Question 436: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the definition of the best interests of the child as defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is to be included in the wording of the Children’s Rights Referendum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2066.0

Priority Questions: Children’s Rights Referendum (10 July 2012)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Question 19: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she plans to publish legislation to facilitate the holding of a referendum on children’s rights; when she will advise opposition spokespeople of the wording of her amendment; the date on which the referendum will be held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-10.10.0

Written Answers — Children’s Rights Referendum: Children’s Rights Referendum (10 Jul 2012)

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

Question 28: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will give a timeline for the publication of enacting legislation for the children’s referendum; when the referendum will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.603.0

Written Answers — Children’s Rights Referendum: Children’s Rights Referendum (10 Jul 2012)

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which she will publish legislation to hold a referendum on children’s rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.603.0

Education: including special needs, ECCE and childminding, minorities, disadvantage, literacy and numeracy, school staffing, school buildings, school patronage, curriculum

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport (10 Jul 2012) Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the mechanisms used by VECs in determining the distance from a candidate’s home to place of education; if he is satisfied that this method of measuring the distance is accurate and transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.1074.0

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Patronage (10 Jul 2012) Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

Question 181: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is significant demand in the Dublin 6, 8 and 12 area for a new multidenominational school; if any plans have been drawn up in his Department towards recognising the start up group that currently exists; if there has been any consideration of any potential there may be locally for divestment of a current school to cater for this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.1021.0

Asylum/Immigration

Written Answers — Asylum Support Services (10 Jul 2012) Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Question 345: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the current residents of the Mosney camp, County Meath are to be relocated to an alternative site; if they are to be relocated to an alternative site; if the Bettystown Court Hotel is being considered as a possible option. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.1726.0

Child Services/ Children in Care: including foster care and social work services, HSE staffing, youth services

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child Care Services (10 Jul 2012)

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

Question 27: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in view of publication of the report of the Independent Child Death Review Group, she will commit to the introduction of mandatory aftercare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.598.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child Care Services (10 Jul 2012) Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

Question 37: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any action will be taken against those Health Service Executive employees who closed their files on children who subsequently died, whose cases were examined in the report of the Independent Child Death Review Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.636.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child Care Services (10 Jul 2012) Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding Irish children who are detained abroad on high court orders; if she will take action to ensure that appropriate places are made available for these children within this jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.632.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Youth Services (10 Jul 2012) Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of times the International Expert Reference Group and the Task Group established under the auspices of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee have each met to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.644.0

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (10 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 441: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied regarding the availability of sufficient funds being available to her Department notwithstanding the on-going economic situation in view of pressing need to ensure that youth and children services receive the fullest possible attention thereby presenting the recurrence of previous happenings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2083.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Youth Services (10 Jul 2012)

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 444: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made by her to date towards establishing dialogue and networking with youth groups throughout the country with the objective of meeting any necessary requirements arising; the extent to which she has to date sought and or received submissions in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2095.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Foster Care (10 Jul 2012)

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

Question 42: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of private foster care services used by the Health Service Executive during each of the past five years; the number of children placed in each of these settings during the past five years and to date in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.658.0

Written Answers — Children in Care: Children in Care (10 Jul 2012)

Pádraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

Question 50: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care on 1 June 2012; the type of care setting they were in and the Health Service Executive area they were in; the number of children on that date who were known to the HSE child and family social workers but not in care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.686.0

Written Answers — Children and Family Services (10 Jul 2012)

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the distinct budget that has been allocated to the management and reporting structure being put in place in Children and Family Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.682.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Foster Care (10 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 450: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent child fostering services are available throughout the country; the total number of places now required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2116.0

Children in Care (10 Jul 2012) Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

Question 18: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number and proportion of children in the care of the State without an assigned social worker in February 2011; the same figures in respect of today; her plans to improve these figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-10.4.0

Child Care Services (10 Jul 2012) Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Question 23: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her implementation plan for the introduction of 24 hour social work service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-10.42.0

Written Answers — Children & Family Services (10 Jul 2012) Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

Question : To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of evaluation that will take place of the two pilot projects providing out of hours social work assistance to children; and the timeframe during which this will take place. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 10.715.0

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (10 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Written Answers — Child Protection: Child Protection (10 Jul 2012) Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the average case-load for social workers working in child protective services; the number of those social workers employed in residential care settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.690.0

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (10 Jul 2012) Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)

Question 422: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers she intends to take on as a result of the Child First Guidelines; the number that will be taken on nationally and locally; when they will be taken on; the locations at which they will be based; the number of positions that will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2017.0

Other Questions- Child Care Services (10 July 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-10.50.0

Written Answers — Departmental Functions: Departmental Functions (10 Jul 2012) Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

Question 29: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the dialogue between her and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the transfer of certain youth justice functions to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.608.0

Child Abuse/Child Protection: including vetting, child abduction

Written Answers — Child Protection: Child Protection (10 Jul 2012) Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

Question 33: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who have stayed overnight in Garda stations to date in 2012, broken down by division and month, due to a lack of an out-of-hours child protection unit. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 10.624.0

Written Answers — Child Abuse: Child Abuse (10 Jul 2012) Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

Question 32: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in the preparation of policy concerning the mandatory reporting of the abuse of children and or vulnerable persons, she has taken into account the experience of New South Wales, Australia, which introduced similar legislation in 1999 that resulted in unintended adverse effects for the effective provision of child protection services in that State; if so, if she anticipates similar problems for child protection services here; the measures under investigation to ensure the avoidance of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.620.0

Written Answers — Child Protection Guidelines: Child Protection Guidelines (10 Jul 2012) Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

Question 434: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in planning for the mandatory reporting of child abuse, she has considered the funding and resources that will be required to manage the system of reporting; her views that the provision of these resources may result in the reduction of resources available to provide services for vulnerable children; if resources will be allocated to improve the community based welfare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2058.0

Written Answers — Child Protection: Child Protection (10 Jul 2012) Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Question 428: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if in view of the fact that it is reported that every year more than 30,000 child protection and welfare concerns were reported to the Health Service Executive Services and 16,000 of these are child welfare concerns, 13,000 of these are child protection concerns and 1,500 of these are confirmed as cases of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, if she has satisfied herself that she has enough social workers in place to deal with the reporting of such cases, the waiting time to see a social worker in tabular form; the waiting time to have a risk assessment conducted and the waiting time to have a case completed to ensure that a child is safe in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2037.0

Written Answers — Child Protection: Child Protection (10 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 52: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, arising from the number of reported incidents of child physical, sexual or other abuse, any particular lessons will be learned as to how best the relevant State institutions can become aware of the issues at a much earlier stage; if, arising from these experiences, she has in mind any particular structural changes in the area of child support services whereby it might be possible for the implementation of an early warning system thereby ensuring greater protection for children and young vulnerable adults in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 10.694.0

Family: including adoption

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Question 61: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date in September 2012 on which she will sign a new inter-country adoption agreement with Vietnam; the position regarding any ongoing negotiations with other States regarding inter-country adoption agreements. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.719.0

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

Question 30: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of countries with which Ireland has signed an administrative agreement for the purposes of facilitating inter-country adoptions; the number of children adopted using administrative arrangements since the establishment of the Adoption Authority of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.612.0

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made on finalising an administrative or working agreement with Kazakhstan for the adoption of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.616.0

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Question 46: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of adoptions registered with the Adoption Authority of Ireland since its establishment to adopters who were issued with their declarations of eligibility and suitability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.670.0

Written Answers — Inter-Country Adoptions: Inter-Country Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Written Answers — Foreign Adoptions: Foreign Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Question 424: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any progress has been made in resolving the delay in the signing of the bilateral agreement between the Irish and Russian authorities in respect of the adoption of Russian children to Irish families. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2021.0

Written Answers — Foreign Adoptions: Foreign Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

Question 435: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the Adoption Authority of Ireland will start processing adoptions from India or when an agent will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2062.0

Written Answers — Foreign Adoptions: Foreign Adoptions (10 Jul 2012) Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Question 440: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeframe within which the bilateral agreement between Russian and Irish adoption authorities will be completed; when the agreement will be signed and when adoptions from Russia will recommence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2070.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Adoption Services (10 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 451: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of applications for adoption, national and foreign awaiting process or approval; if she will further outline her proposals to address the most obvious of frequently arising issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2120.0

Health and Wellbeing: including disability, mental health, substance misuse, primary care, health services, hospital services, obesity, sports facilities

Seanad Debate: Childhood Obesity (12 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2012-07-12.540.0

Written Answers — Suicide Prevention: Suicide Prevention (10 Jul 2012)

Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)

Question 469: To ask the Minister for Health the progress made on the implementation of the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 - 2014. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.2182.0

Topical Issue Debate: Suicide Prevention (12 July 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-12.220.0

Written Answers — Child Protection: Child Protection (10 Jul 2012)

Micheál Martin (Leader of the Opposition; Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Question 34: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions she is taking to address the serious issues of alcohol misuse as identified in a child welfare case and highlighted in the report of the Independent Child Death Review Group as a factor in multiple cases; her liaisons with the Department of Health in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.628.0

Justice Issues/ Human Rights/Equality

Constitutional Convention: Motion (12 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2012-07-12.290.0

Seanad Debate: European Court of Human Rights decision in A, B and C v. Ireland (12 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2012-07-12.534.0

Written Answers — Children Detention Schools: Children Detention Schools (10 Jul 2012)

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Question 45: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children currently detained at St. Patrick’s Institution, Dublin; her views on the need to introduce interim steps to transfer these 16 and 17 year olds out of that institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.666.0

Topical Issue Debate: Family Law Cases (11 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-11.487.0

Written Answers — Court Proceedings: Court Proceedings (10 Jul 2012)

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Question 47: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will bring forward legislation to change the in camera rule regarding the reporting of child protection and welfare cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.674.0

Written Answers — Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking (10 Jul 2012)

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 343: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent he has identified locations for potential trafficking in children or young adults with particular reference to the need to prevent the activities of organised criminals in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-10.1721.0

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Oireachtas Monitor

Published: 09 July 2012

Contents

3. This Week in the Oireachtas (11-15 July 2012) http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=21476&&CatID=60

4. Oireachtas Questions and Debate (02-06 July 2012) - Children’s Rights Referendum - Education: including special needs, minorities, disadvantage, literacy and numeracy, school staffing, school buildings, school patronage, curriculum - Child Services/ Children in Care: including foster care and social work services, HSE staffing, youth services - Child Abuse/Child Protection: including vetting, child abduction - Family: including adoption - Health and Wellbeing: including disability, mental health, substance misuse, primary care, health services, hospital services, obesity, sports facilities - Child Benefit/Social Welfare/Poverty - Justice Issues/Human Rights/Equality

1. This week in the Oireachtas (11-15 July 2012) Note: • Tuesday 10 July 2012. Dáil Éireann 2.00 p.m. Questions (Minister for Children and Youth Affairs). • Tuesday 10 July 2012. 5.06 p.m. Topical Issues Constitutional Convention Resolution (to conclude within 2 hours) • Tuesday 10 July 2012. 7.30 p.m. Private Members Business: Motion re Health Budget. (Fianna Fáil) • Wednesday 11 July 2012. 7.30 p.m. Private Members Business: Motion re Health Budget. (Fianna Fáil) • Wednesday 11 July 2012. Committee: Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation 1. CR1, LH 2000 9.30 a.m. (T) AGENDA: Legislating for a world class workplace relations service [ Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation ] • Thursday 12 July 2012. Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 (Seanad) Order for Report, Report and Final Stages) (Department of Justice and Equality) • Thursday 12 July 2012. Seanad. 11.45 a.m. Resolution to Establish the Constitutional Convention [Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade] • Thursday 12 July 2012. Committee: Health and Children CR2, LH 2000 9.30 a.m. (T) AGENDA: Update on children and youth issues [ Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ]

2. Oireachtas Questions and Debate (02-6 July 2012)

Children’s Rights Referendum

Order of Business (4 Jul 2012)

Enda Kenny (Taoiseach, Department of An Taoiseach; Mayo, Fine Gael)

The legislation on the constitutional convention will come before the Dáil and the Seanad next week. I hope the constitutional convention will have its first meeting in September. Work is proceeding on the children’s referendum with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and different groups on a wording that can be agreed. I expect that the child protection referendum will be held in the autumn. I do not want to nominate a particular week until all is ready for the Bill to be published. That requires agreement among those groups that have done a great amount of work on the wording. I will keep the House updated on it, but it is my intention to have it in the autumn. … http://www.kildarestreet.com/debate/?id=2012-07-04.77.0

Education: including special needs, ECCE and childminding, minorities, disadvantage, literacy and numeracy, school staffing, school buildings, school patronage, curriculum

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Jul 2012) Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

It has been brought to my attention that a particularly unfair anomaly exists with regard to the early child care year concerning certain crèches which provide the service. Parents pay less if the crèches have staff with FETAC level 8 qualifications. This is an anomaly and is unfair and means fees are less in some crèches than in others. This is an unintended consequence of a decision made. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Children. … http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?gid=2012-07-05.26.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child Care Services (4 Jul 2012) Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

Question 223: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to extend the early childhood care and education scheme from one to two years per child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.1325.0

Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (4 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-04.410.0

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport (3 Jul 2012) Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Question 257: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason parents were not informed in advance of entrance exams that their children would not be eligible for school transport if they attended a school outside their catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1077.0

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport (3 Jul 2012) Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) Question 259: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure a reduced rate on the weekly bus fare for low income families who cannot secure a place for their children at their catchment school due to the late notice given to parents on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1085.0

Education (Amendment) (Protection of Schools) Bill 2012: Second Stage [Private Members] (3 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-03.517.0

Seanad Debates: School Transport (3 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?id=2012-07-03.140.0

Written Answers — School Textbooks: School Textbooks (3 Jul 2012) Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Question 260: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to introduce the use of ebooks and digital facilities to ease the burden on parents buying new editions of books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1089.0

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Patronage (3 Jul 2012) Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

Question 218: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the role his Department will play in assessing the preferred patronage for the new primary school to be established in the Dublin 2/4 area; if he will examine or consider any changes to the existing schools patronages; and the direct communications he expects to have with parents living in the catchment area before the new school is built. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.932.0

Written Answers — Bullying in Schools: Bullying in Schools (4 Jul 2012) Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

Question 82: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to implement an all-Ireland anti- bullying strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.843.0

Written Answers — National Council for Special Education: National Council for Special Education (3 Jul 2012) Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)

Question 242: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the National Council for Special Education falls under the remit of the Ombudsman for Children; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 03.1017.0

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme (4 Jul 2012) Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

Question 143: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will ensure that the back to school allowance will be granted promptly to applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.1033.0

Written Answers — Special Educational Needs: Special Educational Needs (3 Jul 2012) Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

Question 244: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the absence of screening for hearing problems in infants at maternity hospitals has left certain children with hearing issues now at a developmental disadvantage due to late detection; if these children whose hearing issues were not detected early will now be entitled to additional learning support; and if provisions are being made for these children now in the form of developmental aids such as resource teachers. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1025.0

Child Services/ Children in Care: including foster care and social work services, HSE staffing, youth services

Written Answers — Department of Health: Child Care Services (3 Jul 2012)

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 572: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are plans to run the childcare capital programme in 2013; if so, when will the application process will commence; if he will give details of other financial supports available to childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2198.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Youth Services (3 Jul 2012)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Question 576: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the time frame for the National Youth Framework has slipped from 2012 to 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2210.0

Written Answers — Health Service Executive Funding: Health Service Executive Funding (3 Jul 2012) Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) Question 575: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if demographic funding for school leavers and for emergency residential services will remain in place. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2206.0

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2012)

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)

I would like to draw attention to the publication on last Friday of a HIQA inspection report on children’s residential centres in the HSE South area. The report followed a two day pre-announced inspection of the children’s residential centres in April. Three young people resided in the centre, one aged 14 years and two aged 15 years. The report was highly critical. … http://www.kildarestreet.com/sendebates/?gid=2012-07-03.37.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Missing Children (3 Jul 2012)

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

Question 562: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of minors that have been reported missing from the care system in 2010 and 2011; the number that were found and re- entered the system; the age profile and country of origin of each of these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2161.0

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (5 Jul 2012)

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Question 140: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social work team leaders post filled with acting team leaders; the number of principal worker posts filled with acting principal social workers; the number of acting positions that have been backfilled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-05.857.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: Children in Care (3 Jul 2012) Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

Question 565: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in care with an assigned social worker when she came to office in March 2011; the number at present; the number without for each; the proportion for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2169.0

Child Abuse/Child Protection: including vetting, child abduction

Written Answers — School Staffing (3 Jul 2012) Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Question 216: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to one teacher schools to allow for the full implementation and monitoring of all child protection procedures and requirements in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.924.0

Family: including adoption

Written Answers — Family Support Services (3 Jul 2012) Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Question 567: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the practical measures in place to protect in crisis families. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.2181.0

Health and Wellbeing: including disability, mental health, substance misuse, primary care, health services, hospital services, obesity, sports facilities

Written Answers — Your Health is Your Wealth: Your Health is Your Wealth (3 Jul 2012)

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

Question 639: To ask the Minister for Health the number of submissions made on the public consultation on the Your Health is Your Wealth – Health and Wellbeing Framework 2012-2020 which closed on the 1 June 2012; if he will publish the submissions made to this public consultation; the expected timeline for the adoption of the Your Health is Your Wealth – Health and Wellbeing Framework 2012-2020, if he will detail the key priorities to be implemented under this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 03.2424.0

Written Answers — National Carers’ Strategy: National Carers’ Strategy (3 Jul 2012)

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) Question 643: To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding family carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 03.2436.0

Written Answers — Alcohol Pricing: Alcohol Pricing (5 Jul 2012)

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Question 146: To ask the Minister for Health when legislation will be introduced to facilitate the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-05.881.0

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Substance Misuse Strategy (5 Jul 2012)

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

Question 148: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the recommendations of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group’s report on alcohol; if and when he will implement the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-05.889.0

Topical Issue Debate: Mental Health Services (4 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-04.436.0

Written Answers — Mental Health Services (4 Jul 2012)

Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

Question 237: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on progress being made on the review of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.1381.0

Topical Issue Debate: Mental Health Services (4 Jul 2012) http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2012-07-04.436.0

Child Benefit/Social Welfare/Poverty/Housing

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Domiciliary Care Allowance (4 Jul 2012)

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

Question 141: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of non- governmental organisations on the committee to review the domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.1025.0

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (3 Jul 2012)

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

Question 332: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will guarantee that, in the intervening period before the introduction of a system of Scandinavian-style childcare, no parent who moves from the one parent family payment to jobseekers’ allowance will have their payment cut because they are deemed not to meet genuinely seeking work requirements if they cannot source childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07- 03.1339.0

Written Answers — Homelessness Strategy: Homelessness Strategy (3 Jul 2012)

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

Question 432: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funding allocated by him to fund homelessness statutory and voluntary services for County Louth in 2010; if he will provide a breakdown of funds allocated to all statutory and voluntary services in County Louth providing services for persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless including any funds allocated to Louth County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1696.0

Written Answers — Rent Supplement Scheme (4 Jul 2012)

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

Question 142: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to enact legislation to protect rent supplement recipients that face eviction and displacement as a consequence of the new lower rent thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-04.1029.0

Written Answers — Housing Grants: Housing Grants (3 Jul 2012) Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)

Question 458: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of CAS applications received in the 2012 round; the number of these received for homeless accommodation; when decisions will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1781.0

Justice Issues/ Human Rights/Equality

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Family Law Cases (5 Jul 2012) Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 51: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the position whereby the Irish father of a child born here, whose mother holds a passport from another jurisdiction, will restrict the right of the child’s mother to remove the child from this jurisdiction without the father’s consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-05.543.0

Written Answers — Department of Justice, Equality and Defence: Family Law Cases (5 Jul 2012)

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Question 127: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will clarify the position whereby the Irish father of a child born here, whose mother holds a passport from another jurisdiction, will restrict the right of the child’s mother to remove the child from this jurisdiction without the father’s consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-05.805.0

Written Answers — Department of Justice, Equality and Defence: Human Trafficking (3 Jul 2012)

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

Question 484: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of recorded victims of human trafficking in 2010 and 2011; if he will provide details of the gender, age profile and country of origin of each of these victims; the number of convictions that have been secured in respect of these offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1875.0

Written Answers — Office of the Ombudsman: Office of the Ombudsman (3 Jul 2012)

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) Question 275: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to act on the recommendation of the Constitutional Review Group 1996 which proposed a Constitutional status for the Office of the Ombudsman in order that the office would be seen to be independent and to be able to operate without being influenced by Government action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2012-07-03.1139.0

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