Results 6,441-6,460 of 7,359 for speaker:Katherine Zappone

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: School Attendance Data (17 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: As the Deputy may be aware, the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 defines a child as a person resident in the state who has reached the age of 6 years and who has not reached the age of 16 years or who has not yet completed 3 years of post-primary education. This Act also established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and tasked it with implementing the provisions of this Act. ...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Child and Family Agency Funding (17 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: Following Budget 2020, I am pleased to announce that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency's funding allocation will be €814m next year, an increase 4% on 2019. This underlines my commitment to supporting Tusla, as Ireland's first dedicated State agency for the protection and welfare of children. This funding will: - meet increasing demand for existing services...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Capital Expenditure Programme (17 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I can confirm that my Department has not incurred any costs in excess of €100 million in respect of capital projects over the past five years.

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Capital Expenditure Programme (17 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: There will be a significant requirement for early learning and care capital investment over the next number of years. This is currently recognised in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027. The NPF highlights the contribution of early childhood care and education to the important role of childcare provision in terms of underpinning future...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Inspections (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: Where Tusla has evidence of a serious risk to children, Tusla's early years inspectorate brings this to the attention of social work services. This is a requirement under the Children First Act 2015 and in such instances parents are informed. As the independent statutory regulator, Tusla's early years inspectorate employs a risk-rating system for all early years services. This system...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Inspections (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I can answer "Yes" to that question; it is very straightforward. As I have identified, a panel meets every couple of weeks to take a look at the various issues that arise in terms of those listed as critical risk. It is also important to note that we are also examining how parents might be given more information at an earlier stage where possible. In addition, I encourage parents to ask...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foster Care Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I understand the Deputy is referring to the HIQA foster care service inspection for the Carlow, Kilkenny and south Tipperary Tusla region, which was published on 3 of October. The inspection itself was carried out in May this year. I was very disappointed with the issues raised in the report. To hear the word "chaotic" used to describe the management of this important work was of great...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foster Care Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I really note what the Deputy has said about that region and we will take account of it. I have also tried to indicate my own response to that report. An action plan has been drawn up and the overseeing and implementation of that will hopefully address many of the issues the Deputy has identified. I have also talked about the ways in which we are trying to move on the recruitment and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Foster Care Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: Senior management in Tusla is working to improve foster care in the region. As I already indicated, HIQA has expressed satisfaction with the action plan that has been put in place in the area to address the shortcomings identified in the HIQA report. I take note of and acknowledge the Deputy's statement about the inspection and uncovering of the issues. That is why HIQA is there and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: The national childcare scheme will open to online applications on Wednesday, 20 November, with subsidies flowing from the following Monday, 25 November. The paper-based application will be available early in the new year. Children and families using the existing schemes may choose to remain on their current schemes. In preparation for the national launch of the scheme in November, we...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: In answer to the first of the Deputy's questions, as she is aware this is one of the most significant infrastructural projects that the State has taken on in the past couple of years. We have had in place a project management oversight board of experts in all the different fields, governing the implementation of this initiative to the highest standard. That is exceptionally important in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I apologise because I have not answered the Deputy's last question.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services Provision (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I am fully confident that it is user friendly. I was given a demonstration of a couple of family types that could use it and how relatively straightforward it was to use. Ultimately, there is a determination of the award and what the subsidy will be. It will be revolutionary, not only for parents and families but also for providers. Nevertheless, it will probably take some time for people...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Change Policy (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I am deeply conscious that climate justice is the issue of our time. I am proud of how young people have demonstrated tremendous leadership, as the Deputy identified, in amplifying the conversation on climate justice, not least on the international stage. My Department has become a world leader in listening to children and young people. Young people have a right to have their voices heard...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Change Policy (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I greatly appreciate what the Deputy stated. I, too, have visited several schools in my constituency to observe what they have done of their own accord under the green flag scheme or in dealing with other issues they have identified. The other day I visited a junior school where I met the green committee which comprised senior infants pupils and discussed what they encouraged their parents...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Climate Change Policy (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I attended the UN General Assembly with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and others when young people were outside. The United Nations invited them inside and we listened to what they had to say. Some of our climate activists were in attendance and we had conversations with them. We promised them that when we returned, we would try to identify ways by which we could develop engagement. I...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Child and Family Agency (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I understand the Deputy is referring to the Alliance of Birth Mothers Campaigning for Justice. I have not met the group but I have received its report. It is important that the voices of those who engage with our services are heard.  The sample size in the report relates to 25 mothers. They represent mothers whose children are either in the care of their fathers or of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Child and Family Agency (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I believe that this agency is fit for purpose. There are challenges and failures but children are safe today because of its work. It is not a finished product and further progress is needed. As society evolves, so will Tusla. It has achieved much in its five years. It has brought a myriad of disparate groups, technologies and practices together under one umbrella. It has responded to...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Child and Family Agency (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Deputy. I note the information and the specific examples he has provided. We take note when the Deputy makes representations. I suggest there is evidence of good inter-agency co-operation, particularly between Tusla and An Garda Síochána, which is what the Deputy's comments largely concerned, as well as other bodies working with children and their families. As the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Childcare Services Administration (22 Oct 2019)

Katherine Zappone: I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 72 and 80 together. As I have indicated, the national childcare scheme will open for applications on 20 November. The current childcare subvention schemes will continue to accept applications for a further short period of time. The community childcare subvention scheme, CCSP, will remain open to new applicants until Friday, 15 November 2019. The...