DOCSLIB.ORG

Written Answers

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Written Answers 28 November 2017 Written Answers. The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised]. Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally. Questions Nos. 12 to 14, inclusive, resubmitted Taoiseach’s Meetings and Engagements 28/11/2017WRA0060015. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to or met the Polish Prime Minister Ms Beata Szydlo; and if EU reform was discussed. [49073/17] 28/11/2017WRA00700The Taoiseach: I have not yet had the opportunity for a formal meeting with Polish Prime Minister Szydlo, though I did speak briefly with her in Gothenburg, as well as at the June and October European Councils, and September’s Digital Summit in Tallinn. Ongoing political engagement with our EU and international partners remains crucial, especially as negotiations on Brexit proceed, and I will continue to take advantage of every opportunity to advance Ire- land’s interests with my fellow members of the European Council. Questions Nos. 16 to 22, inclusive, resubmitted. Cabinet Committees 28/11/2017WRA0090023. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the Cabinet committee in which housing is discussed. [49077/17] 28/11/2017WRA01000The Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee D covers housing, climate action, infrastructure invest- ment and delivery, the National Planning Framework and the Ten Year Capital Plan. Among other issues, this Committee is providing political oversight of our efforts to tackle the housing and homelessness issue. The Committee last met on the 23rd of November 2017. Questions Nos. 24 to 35, inclusive, resubmitted. Questions Nos. 36 to 47, inclusive, answered orally. Child and Family Agency Services 28/11/2017WRA0130048. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress in relation to providing 24 hour access to social work services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50184/17] 1 Questions - Written Answers 28/11/2017WRA01400Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I would like to take this opportunity to highlight my commitment to ensuring that a quality 24-hour emergency social work service is available across the country. I am pleased to have secured funding for Tusla to establish this service. In my performance statement for Tusla’s 2018 business plan preparations, I have asked that this important service is in place in early 2018. Tusla has put in place a project team who are to re-organise services within an integrated national Tusla emergency service. This builds on the existing infrastructure. Key steps in the process are to put in place a national manager, have a single national contact number, provide social work advice and support on a 24 hour basis, and have a foster care service available for out of hours placements. This will also see an on-call social worker service being available to receive children removed by Gardaí under section 12, and accompany them to their identified placement. A project plan is to be developed by Tusla management. At present, there is a 24 hour Emergency Out Of Hours phone service in place in all areas. There is a dedicated phone number for Gardaí and hospitals to access social work consultation out of hours. There are also social workers available out of hours in Cork, and in the Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare area, on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis. Budget 2018 will enable Tusla to provide a greatly improved service, by integrating existing services, and ensuring the on-call availability of social workers throughout the country on a 24/7 basis for emergency cases. A project team has been established to implement the necessary changes. Officials from my Department and Tusla recently visited a service that provides the out of hour supports in Northern Ireland. The service they provide differs from ours, as it is a wider service for children and adults, and is a contact point for statutory social work involvement in mental health services. It is aimed at urgent or emergency situations outside of normal office hours. This provides important lessons about access to a round the clock social work service. In urgent situations, Gardaí must be present to access premises or to remove a child to a place of safety as social workers do not have such legal powers. For example, the decision to invoke section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991 can only be made by a member of the Garda Sío- chána. If a child in immediate danger, as with any other citizen, the correct course of action is to contact Gardaí without delay. Under the new emergency out of hours service, a social worker will be on-call to attend situations where a child has been removed by Gardaí as an emergency measure under section 12 of the Child Care Act. The expanded Tusla Emergency Service will enable greater joint working between Gardaí and Tusla, which will create better outcomes and faster responses for children at immediate risk. Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries 28/11/2017WRA0150049. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the report of the expert technical group dealing with the site of the former mother and baby home at Tuam, County Galway will be brought before Cabinet; when it is expected that the report will be discussed in Dáil Éireann; if the report will be tabled for discussion before the end of the 2017 term; if not, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50188/17] 28/11/2017WRA01600Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): In June of this year I appointed a multi disciplinary team of technical experts to ensure that decisions on the fu- ture of the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co. Galway would be informed 2 28 November 2017 by international best practice. As I have advised the Deputy recently, I have now received the Expert Technical Group’s final report. I propose to bring the report to Government shortly with a view to its publication. To assist me in this regard I have sought the advices of the Attorney General and my Department is consulting with relevant Departments and agencies in relation to the practical issues which will arise upon publication. The Expert Group’s preliminary report outlines the range of options which could be consid- ered as next steps on this site. I published this report on my Department’s website in July. The Expert Group’s final report fully explores each of 5 options, including the feasibility of delivery and what outcomes might reasonably be expected for this specific site. These options range from the least technical to the most complex responses which are feasible at this site. My primary concern is to ensure that whatever action is taken respects the memory and dignity of the deceased children who lived their short lives in this institution. The report will be published to support efforts to build towards a consensus and I can assure the Deputy that consultations will take place with stakeholders before any decisions are made on the future of the site. I am of course willing to discuss this report in the House at a suitable opportunity. However, I would suggest that such discussion would benefit from first allowing those most centrally involved an opportunity to read the report and have their say. Early Childhood Care and Education 28/11/2017WRA0170050. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the necessary capacity exists within the preschool sector in 2018 to provide a space for all those that want a place in County Cork in view of the entitlement to the early childhood care and education scheme will increase from 61 to 76 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50191/17] 28/11/2017WRA0180062. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the de- mand for places under the early childhood care and education scheme in County Cork; the way in which deficits will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50192/17] 28/11/2017WRA01900Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Katherine Zappone): I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 62 together. My Department has conducted an analysis of ECCE capacity and is satisfied that there will be no shortfall in ECCE places for the 2017-2018 programme year. ECCE providers have catered for over 120,000 children for this programme year and while there can be pressures in some immediate localities; all eligible children have been catered for. We are working closely with the local CCC’s and to date there is no reported shortage of places in County Cork. Further, from September 2018, the ECCE Programme will revert to one single entry point in a given ECCE Programme Year (i.e. September) with eligible children entitled to two full years of ECCE provision. From September 2018, the number of ECCE enrolments in any given year will be around 114,000. Given that 120,000 places were filled in April 2017, there should be no capacity issues for the 114,000 expected to register for ECCE, for as long as 2 years, from September 2018. Towards assisting in alleviating pressures with regard to availability of ECCE places in cer- tain areas, my Department provided €8.4 million for its 2017 Early Years Capital funding pro- gramme. This represents a doubling of the €4m provided under the 2016 Early Years Capital. Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 47. 3 Questions - Written Answers Affordable Childcare Scheme Implementation 28/11/2017WRB0020052.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bad Hare Days One Man’S Fight Against a Cruel Blood Sport! by John Fitzgerald in Ireland the Humble Hare Has Been the Subject of Great Controversy
    Bad Hare Days One man’s fight against a cruel blood sport! By John Fitzgerald In Ireland the humble hare has been the subject of great controversy. After years of an abusive sport, which resulted in its child-like death screams being heard regularly throughout Ireland, a result was achieved. For those few dedicated people trying desperately to save the gentle creature from the horrors of the cruel sport of hare coursing, the struggle was painful and fought against great odds. The author writes about his experience of a campaign against this barbaric blood sport, focusing mainly on a controversial phase in the 1980s when the State deployed a police heavy gang to suppress anti-coursing activism. The author’s own peaceful and non-violent action and that of, initially, a few others' did arouse the public and achieve what at first appeared to be a hard-won benefit to the hare. But the hare's troubles were - and are -far from over. Though it can no longer be torn apart by greyhounds, now muzzled, it can still be mauled, injured, and tossed about like a rag doll on the coursing field. In addition to highlighting the hare's sad plight, this is also a campaigner's story. The author recounts vividly the ups and downs of his own fight against animal cruelty. He and others paid a major price for their role in the campaign. The gentle hare, apart from its use and abuse in coursing, has now become an endangered species in Ireland, and this book reinforces its right to be protected.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2021 • Volume 15 - Issue 4
    est. 2006 April 2021 • Volume 15 - Issue 4 The Many Stages of Melissa Fitzgerald Editor’s Are you where everybody Corner Do Tell: What’s the SAFE HOME knows your name? By John O’Brien, Jr. New to Cleveland? We’d like to help: Craic in April? April 2021 Vol. 15 • Issue 4 @Jobjr Í Publisher & Editor John O’Brien Jr. THOMAS BODLE teacher at both VASJ and St. Edward hen you are this close in life experiences and writing, that Design/Production Christine Hahn February 1, 1952 - March 5, 2021 High School. He was a devoted basket- Help you get started, to the fire, you can’t affect their columns each month. Website Rich Croft THOMAS M. BO- ball coach, educator and dear friend to Columnists get situated or get always see who is get- I won’t rehash what is within; what Akron Irish Lisa O’Rourke DLE “Coach Bodle,” many student-athletes throughout the tingW warmed. You usually hear the is filling the website, podcast and settled! An Eejit Abroad Conor Makem age 69. Beloved hus- years. Passed away unexpectedly due to screams of those getting burned, but eBulletin; the content continues to At Home Abroad Regina Costello band of Margaret A. complications from COVID-19 on March The road has been paved, and Behind the Hedge John O’Brien, Jr. we are a celebratory paper - not the speak for itself, and surprises are “Margie” (nee Lack- 5, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial con- we pay it forward, by helping scorched earth discussion of divorc- good for the soul and the sedentary.
    [Show full text]
  • Greyhound Racing in Ireland
    REWARDING CRUELTY Greyhound Racing in Ireland GREY2K USA November 2019 WORLDWIDE All around the world, commercial greyhound racing is ending. The United States first invented this pastime, but now history is reversing itself. The voter-ordered closure of twelve tracks in Florida has prompted a complete remission of a once-powerful American industry. The only legal dog track in China has just been forced to close and 532 surviving hounds flown to waiting rescue groups across the globe. Countries such as Argentina and Uruguay have chosen to prophylactically ban the activity and the Australian Capital Territory has become the first jurisdiction Down Under to join this trend. So what to make of dog racing in Ireland? Its miserable economics should have led to happier days for greyhounds long ago. Now, the devastating reportage of RTÉ has also exposed the misery of the dogs themselves. My first greyhound Zoe was of Irish descent and to think of her good fortune in escaping abandonment at the side of the road or slaughter at a knackery simply takes my breath away. It is our hope that the report which follows helps usher in a new day for Irish hounds. We are grateful to the Irish Council Against Blood Sports for joining with us in its production and would also like to thank the many groups, including Greyhound Awareness Cork, which contributed information and guidance for its completion. Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President and General Counsel GREY2K USA Worldwide 2 REWARDING CRUELTY Greyhound Racing in Ireland The Irish Council Against Blood Sports, founded in 1966, is a voluntary organisation campaigning against hunting wild animals with dogs and other cruel sports that exploit and abuse animals.
    [Show full text]
  • Sean Macentee Papers P67
    SEAN MACENTEE PAPERS P67 UCD Archives School of History and Archives archives @ucd.ie www.ucd.ie/archives T + 353 1 716 7555 F + 353 1 716 1146 © 1989 University College Dublin. All rights reserved ii Introduction vi Chronology viii Papers of Sean MacEntee: Content and Structure A. Early Political Career i. Easter 1916 a. contemporary documents 1 b. Episode at Easter 2 c. statements to the Bureau of Military History 5 ii. Dail Eireann and the Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1919-22 8 iii. Belfast Boycott, 1921-2 11 iv. Civil War and Internment, 1922-3 12 v. Sinn Fein, 1922-7 13 B. Minister for Finance, 1932-9; 1951-4 i. 1932-9 [-48] a. Departmental and policy issues 15 b. Budgets 26 c. Economic War and Anglo-Irish Conferences 28 d. Constitution, 1937 41 e. National Defence 44 f. The Emergency and wartime finance 46 ii. 1951-4 50 iii C. Minister for Industry and Commerce, 1939-41 [47] 53 D Minister for Local Government and Public Health, 1941-8 57 E. Minister for Health, 1957-65, and Minister for Social Welfare, 1957-61 i. Fluoridation of water supplies 73 ii. Other health, social welfare and policy issues 76 F. Elections and Referenda i. Elections, 1918-77 81 ii. Referenda on proportional representation a. 1959 95 b. 1968 99 G. Fianna Fail, 1926-82 100 H. Partition, Northern Ireland and Anglo-Irish Relations, 1924-78 108 J. Revolutionary and subversive organisations, 1930-60 113 K. Speeches and related matter, 1921-79 121 L. Council of State 146 M.
    [Show full text]
  • Dáil Éireann
    Vol. 871 Wednesday, No. 2 11 March 2015 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DÁIL ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Insert Date Here 11/03/2015A00100Ceisteanna - Questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 11/03/2015A00200Priority Questions� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 11/03/2015A00250Heritage Schemes � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2 11/03/2015A00950Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4 11/03/2015B00600Inland Waterways Development � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5 11/03/2015C00500Fostaíocht sa Ghaeltacht � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7 11/03/2015D00400Easter Rising Commemorations � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 11/03/2015E00600Other Questions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12 11/03/2015E00700Easter Rising Commemorations � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
    [Show full text]
  • Indecon Independent Strategic Review of Irish Greyhound Racing Stadia to Underpin a Viable Long Term Sustainable Industry
    Indecon Independent Strategic Review of Irish Greyhound Racing Stadia to Underpin a Viable Long Term Sustainable Industry Submitted to The Irish Greyhound Board Prepared by Indecon International Economic Consultants www.indecon.ie 27 November 2019 Disclaimer: This report is provided solely in connection with the consultancy project for the Irish Greyhound Board. Any liability Indecon will assume to the Irish Greyhound Board will be governed by specific liabilities, if any, as specified in a contract to be agreed between us. This report is provided on the basis that Indecon accepts no liability whether in contract tort (including negligence) or otherwise to the Irish Greyhound Board or to any other person in respect of this. Contents Page Executive Summary i 1 Introduction and Background 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Background 1 1.3 Methodology 2 1.4 Structure of Report 4 1.5 Acknowledgements 5 2 Greyhound Racing Internationally 6 2.1 Introduction 6 2.2 Comparative Countries 6 2.3 Australia 6 2.4 Denmark 8 2.5 Great Britain 8 2.6 Hungary 10 2.7 New Zealand 10 2.8 United States 11 2.9 Summary of Key Findings 12 3 Location of Stadia, Access Arrangements and Other Sporting Facilities 13 3.1 Introduction 13 3.2 Location of Greyhound Stadia in Ireland 13 3.3 Population Catchment Areas for Greyhound Stadia 16 3.4 Access Arrangements 18 3.5 Competing Sporting Facilities 21 3.6 Summary of Findings 25 4 Attendance Levels and Racing Schedules 26 4.1 Introduction 26 4.2 Trends in Attendance 26 4.3 Analysis of Racing Schedules 30 4.4 Summary of Findings
    [Show full text]