Results 1,941-1,960 of 11,744 for speaker:Roderic O'Gorman

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (29 Apr 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department has, since 2015, administered an annual capital funding programme, under which early learning and care (ELC) and school aged childcare (SAC) services which are registered with Tulsa can access capital funding.  The works eligible for capital funding is determined by my Department on an annual basis, having regard to the needs of children, families...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Childcare Scheme (30 Apr 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. I might just speak broadly about the national childcare scheme before addressing the Senator's specific points. The national childcare scheme is built on the basis families are supported in accessing early learning and childcare based on need. The manner in which the needs of families are addressed is progressive and ensures that those...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Childcare Scheme (30 Apr 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I am very much aware of the concerns that have been raised by providers, particularly in areas of great disadvantage, on some elements of the implementation of the scheme and particularly on the after school-issue. I have met providers, including from the Senator's local area with Senator Fitzpatrick, which is why I have outlined the three elements I am dealing with including, in the...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Ombudsman for Children (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: As the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Ombudsman for Children Office, I have referred the question to that Office for a direct response to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Residential Care (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) requires State parties actively to involve people with disabilities in policy development. Ireland ratified the UNCRPD in 2018. It is important that the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities are integrated into the development of policies and programmes so that they meet their needs...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department currently has, and has had for some time, the lead role in coordinating the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) across Departments. In accordance with Article 33 of the UNCRPD, my Department is designated as Ireland’s Focal Point and Coordination Mechanism. My Department has responsibility for...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Scouting Ireland (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I can inform the Deputy that some concerns about the loss of non-State provided funding sources have been raised in respect of the organisation, but I am not aware of the specific concerns alluded to by the Deputy. The management and actions to address any issues involving the organisation, or any of its constituent parts, is a matter for its Board. Any concerns of individual scouting...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 436 together. I am committed to ongoing engagement with former residents of Mother and Baby Institutions and their advocates. I have directly engaged with survivors and advocacy groups since my appointment and will continue to engage with those most centrally involved with these matters. In responding to the Final Report of the Commission of...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Departmental Investigations (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department has not restricted access to files or e-mails to any staff referred to in the category above.

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department has, since 2015, administered an annual capital funding programme, under which early learning and care (ELC) and school aged childcare (SAC) services which are registered with Tulsa can access capital funding. The works eligible for capital funding are determined by my Department on an annual basis, having regard to the needs of children, families and service providers, and to...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department has, since 2015, administered an annual capital funding programme, under which early learning and care (ELC) and school aged childcare (SAC) services which are registered with Tulsa can access capital funding. The works eligible for capital funding are determined by my Department on an annual basis, having regard to the needs of children, families and service providers, and to...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Direct Provision System (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I am aware of the sad case to which the Deputy refers and I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased who I understand had been very unwell for some time and was receiving treatment for complex medical needs. In keeping with relevant provisions in the International Protection Act 2015 safeguarding the identity of protection...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Direct Provision System (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I propose to take Questions Nos. 438, 439 and 442 together. My Department welcomes the Report of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) “Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision” and accepts its recommendations in full. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department has embarked upon a series of actions, planned for the...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Direct Provision System (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 446 together. My Department is engaged in consultations with the Department of Health and HIQA aimed at establishing an independent monitoring mechanism for standards in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres. It has not yet been determined whether legislative change will be required to put this in place. If...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Direct Provision System (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: My Department aims to inspect all accommodation centres (including the National Reception Centre at Balseskin) three times each year, with two of the inspections being carried out by officials of the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and the third being undertaken by an independent inspection company (QTS Limited). Regrettably, it has not always been possible to meet this...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: Officials of my Department are finalising the review of the Workplace Relations Commission's consideration of the pay rates of the managers of the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). The CCCs are one of the key support mechanisms of my Department, and I want to acknowledge the important role they play in providing vital support and guidance to early learning and care and school...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I greatly appreciate the hugely important role played by not-for-profit Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services, and the value they bring to children’s lives. I am also acutely aware that there are circumstances when there is a need for special arrangements for children their services seek to support. The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is fairer and more...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Equality Issues (5 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: The Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to end the practice of conversion therapy, a commitment I strongly support. The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018 – 2020 contains a commitment to prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland. The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 commits to ensuring that the...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: International Protection (6 May 2021)

Roderic O'Gorman: I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 126 together. I welcome the report of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) “Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision” and my Department accepts its recommendations in full. It has been my view for quite some time that the system of Direct Provision of accommodation and services...