Questions

669. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a blanket one-maintenance of reduced ratio-per-room rule would prevent a service needs review from recommending a further reduced ratio where the evidence demonstrates it is the most appropriate support; and the way in which the Department has satisfied itself that this restriction will not adversely affect the safety, wellbeing…

101. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a resolution has been agreed with her Department and a union (details supplied) on the ongoing industrial action in Oberstown Children Detention Centre; to comment on the number of work related injuries sustained by staff since 2020; and the steps she is taking to improve safe working conditions in the centre for both staff and the youn…

1013. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to explain the new update for the AIM Level 7 funding; the rationale for restricting a room to one maintenance of reduced ratio arrangement; if this will be reconsidered where a Service Needs Review demonstrates that this best meets the children’s needs; if transitional arrangements can be made for services that have already planned their…

1021. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports that will be available to parents if their childcare facility withdraws from core funding and prices go up as a result; and the steps she will take to address this issue. [64590/26]

247. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which an organisation (details supplied) can engage in activities of the EU presidency; how they can contribute their knowledge for this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50076/26]

695. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports that have been given to staff in Oberstown Children Detention Campus to prevent industrial action; the steps her Department is taking to increase safe levels of staffing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49081/26]

696. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of assaults on staff in Oberstown Children Detention Campus in each of the years from 2021 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49082/26]

1542. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of staff in the Clondalkin CDNT; the number of vacancies by positions in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41598/26]

1543. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if there will be disruptions to speech and language therapy services in the Clondalkin CDNT; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41599/26]

313. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if creches can refuse children who are included in the vulnerable child sponsorship scheme; the options available to parents who are refused a placement under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38493/26]

133. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children on waiting lists for assessment of needs in Dublin Mid-West; the average waiting times for assessments in the area; the steps being taken to reduce waiting times [29175/26]

2516. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to review the Children Disability Service Grant Fund application for an organisation (details supplied); the reason there has been a delay in releasing their funding; the total amount that has been allocated for the scheme to date; the total amount that has been drawn down to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25701/26…

2517. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in relation to the Children Disability Service Grant Fund applications, the total amount that has been allocated for the scheme to date; the total amount that has been drawn down to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25702/26]

281. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the recently revised assessment of need framework limits or reduces access to cognitive assessment for children, including in cases where intellectual disability is not suspected; the way in which the revised framework ensures that children with uneven developmental profiles, including those who may be gifted or twice-exceptional w…

282. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if access to cognitive or psychological assessment remains available where there is evidence of significant intra-individual discrepancy, asynchronous development, or unexplained underachievement; whether consideration has been given to the potential for increased reliance on private assessments arising from any restriction in public acces…

135. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children on waiting lists for assessment of needs in Dublin Mid-West; the steps being taken to reduce waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13366/26]

863. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a resource centre (details supplied) can apply to the building blocks scheme to fund/part-fund a new-build to replace an older, not-fit-for-purpose premises; if so, the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4157/26]

748. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department will review the AIM funding for a person (details supplied); the options available to the family in order that their child can remain in pre-school for a full day; the steps her Department is taking to address situations where a child’s right to equal participation is compromised due to funding or staffing limitations; an…

775. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the additional funding that has been allocated towards the assessment of needs for children since the 3 April 2025 in order that no child has to wait over three years for an assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65951/25]

788. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of legal cases parents have taken against the HSE due to assessment of needs not being delivered within the statutory six months, in each of the years 2020 to 2025; the legal costs for the HSE associated with this, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66230/25]

414. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the schemes available to an organisation (details supplied) to fund the building of their early childhood and family centre; how they can apply for this; if she will engage with the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62356/25]

94. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average waiting time for assessment of needs in the Dublin Midwest constituency; the steps which are being taken to reduce waiting times in the Dublin Midwest area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61910/25]

134. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the Clondalkin CDNT will move to the new primary health care centre on the Boot Road, from a location (details supplied); the reasons for the delay; when she expects it to be operational; to provide a breakdown of the staff that will be in the new location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61909/25]

852. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when Clondalkin CDNT will move from Scoil Mochua to the new primary health care centre on the Boot Road; the reasons for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61234/25]

1464. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline, under S.I. No. 704/2021, the number of 16A applications have been made and granted since 2021; the national guidance in relation to this section; if oversight or risk management exits in relation to these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57704/25]