Written Answers Nos. 438-457
438. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the available State supports for people with disabilities seeking work or already working; if she plans to improve supports; if there are proposals to change these supports in any way in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18800/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department offers supports for people seeking employment though the Intreo service including EmployAbility, Early Engagement and grants such as JobsPlus. We are in the middle of reviewing and reforming a number of schemes aimed specifically at supporting disabled people into employment.
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund provides financial support for people with disabilities and for employers to help make their workplaces more accessible. The Disability Awareness Support Scheme provides funding for disability awareness training for employees.
I published a review of these schemes last autumn. It recommends combining the two schemes into a single flexible scheme, simplifying systems and processes, providing approval in principle, and promoting the reformed scheme.
My officials have been working to make these recommendations operational and I expect to launch the reformed scheme in the coming weeks.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is an employment support to private sector employers to encourage the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market. There are currently 1,515 employers availing of the subsidy in respect of 2,445 participant employees. Estimated expenditure on the Wage Subsidy Scheme in 2024 is €25 million.
My department is currently finalising a review of the scheme under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities. As part of this review, an extensive public consultation was undertaken during June and July 2023, with over 1,000 responses received.
I expect to publish the report in the coming months. In anticipation of recommendations in the review, I made provision in Budget 2024 to decrease the minimum hours from 21 to 15 hours as this was a key issue raised by stakeholders in the consultation. I introduced this change from 1 April this year
My Department also funds the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) to deliver the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) and ‘Get Ahead’ programmes for third-level students and graduates with disabilities.
The WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme aims to support the Employment of People with Disabilities under new European Social Funding plus. The programme will run for 5 years (2024 to 2028) and will fund projects which provide progressive pathways into employment, including self-employment, through education, training, skills development, and in-work supports for people with disabilities.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
439. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection with reference to the Departmental contract with An Post, if her Department has put in a penalty clause on any welfare overpayment, given it was always paid back by postmasters who are now being informed of a €500 penalty per overpayment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18824/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCash welfare payments are governed by the Department’s Cash Payment Services Contract with An Post which was signed in December 2019 following an open public procurement process. This contract came into effect on 1 January 2020.
This contract is exclusively with An Post. There is no contractual relationship between my Department and post masters. The working arrangements of the postmasters are entirely a matter for the company. It would be inappropriate for my Department to involve itself in those matters
The Cash Payment Services Contract contains agreed minimum service standards for the delivery of social welfare payments at post offices. Where postal outlets do not adhere to these minimum standards, the Department imposes service performances re-credits on An Post, as per the terms of the Cash Payment Services Contract.
440. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of copper communication lines within her Department that are currently in active operation and for which her Department is paying for on a monthly basis, inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has a total of 18 copper communication lines and has a programme underway to remove the dependency on copper-based leased lines.
441. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if a DEIS school (details supplied) will receive funding for hot school meals; if so, when this will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18879/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Following the expansion of the Programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
I am committed to continuing to expand the School Meals Programme and building further on the significant extension of the Programme that has taken place in recent years. As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school was interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals.
Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from 8th April 2024.
In respect of the school referred to by the Deputy, they were contacted by officials of my Department in February, as further information was required and they were again contacted on 23rd April as further information was still outstanding. Once the required information is received, their application will be processed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
442. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if people receiving a disability payment and who transfer to the State pension will still be eligible for any additional one-off cost-of-living payments which are made to a person with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2024, the Department of Social Protection assisted families and vulnerable citizens through a mix of lump sum supports and increases to weekly payments.
The measures introduced included the provision of once-off Cost-of-Living lump sums, to recipients of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and the Carer's Support Grant. Recipients who are in receipt of one (or more) of these payments qualified for the Cost-of-Living lump sums.
Both Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are means tested social assistance schemes. They are subject to a medical assessment and habitual residency requirement. Disability Allowance is a working age payment paid to people aged 16 to 66 years, while Blind Pension is paid from 18 to 66 years. Maximum rates for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are currently €232 per week.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and who are covered by PRSI contributions. It is a working age payment paid to people between the ages of 18 and 66 years. Currently, the maximum personal rate of Invalidity Pension is €237.50.
By contrast, the State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is not a working age payment. It is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66. Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €277.30, some €40 per week more than those in receipt of a disability payment.
Persons in receipt of a State Pension were not eligible for the one-off Cost-of-Living lump sum for disabled people announced in Budget 2024.
However, persons in receipt of the State Pension did receive the following:
• A €12 increase in the maximum weekly rate of all State Pensions from January 2024. There are proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate.
• A €300 cost-of-living lump sum for those getting the Fuel Allowance paid in November 2023.
• A €200 cost-of-living lump sum to people who are getting a Living Alone Increase paid in November 2023.
• A Christmas Bonus paid in December 2023.
• A January cost-of-living bonus for pensioners paid in 2024.
Any person experiencing financial hardship may seek financial assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, by way of an Exceptional Needs Payment or Urgent Needs Payment. This scheme does not have age criteria.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
443. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for State pension (contributory) that were refused by her Department in each month of 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [18899/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy is shown in the attached tabular statement. Note that these figures include instances where a person may have been entitled to a higher rate of payment on the State Pension Non-Contributory. In these cases the claim is rejected but the person is awarded the non-contributory pension instead.
|
Month |
Number rejected |
|
January 2023 |
1,138 |
|
February 2023 |
1,231 |
|
March 2023 |
1,284 |
|
April 2023 |
997 |
|
May 2023 |
1,421 |
|
June 2023 |
1,327 |
|
July 2023 |
1,164 |
|
August 2023 |
1,074 |
|
September 2023 |
1,384 |
|
October 2023 |
1,442 |
|
November 2023 |
1,499 |
|
December 2023 |
905 |
|
January 2024 |
1,467 |
|
February 2024 |
1,269 |
|
March 2024 |
1,373 |
444. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the current status of the application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of an individual (details supplied) who was previously unsuccessful; to confirm if the diagnosis of 'Classic PKU - Non-Responsive to Kuvan' (Phenylketonuria) fulfils the qualifying medical criteria for payment of domiciliary care allowance, given that the child does not respond to Kuvan treatment and requires a very specific diet and continuous monitoring on a daily basis for a lifetime; the reason some parents of children diagnosed with this condition qualify for domiciliary care allowance, while others with the same diagnosis do not; to specifically clarify the reason that this applicant was unsuccessful in their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18927/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent/guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of the child's disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living, in areas such as mobility, personal care, feeding/diet, communication, speech/language, sleeping, behaviour, safety, sensory issues, including any other additional needs.
Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the type or nature of the child's disability/diagnosis but primarily and essentially on the impact of the child's disability/diagnosis, in terms of the associated overall level of care and attention required by the child compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability/diagnosis. The decision and assessment process that applies in the consideration of whether a child meets the qualifying medical criteria for DCA, includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs. It should be noted that the impact of any specified disability/diagnosis on a child's level of additional care needs may become more apparent in later childhood, in some cases.
A child who has a diagnosis of Classic PKU- Non Responsive to Kuvan (Phenylketonuria) or any other specified condition/disability may qualify for DCA depending on the extent of their additional care needs compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability/diagnosis. With reference to the above PKU condition, the impact of that condition on the child's related overall care needs, compared to the age appropriate level, is the determining factor in the consideration of a child's eligibility for DCA, in such cases.
To qualify for DCA, it must be established that the level of additional care and attention required by the relevant child meets the threshold outlined in legislation for eligibility for DCA, that is continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age, who does not have such a disability/ diagnosis/ condition.
Applications for DCA are decided on an individual case by case basis in respect of the relevant child, based on the personal details provided in the application form (Dom Care1), including the signed details from the applicant's GP/ Specialist or other medical professional in this form, along with any additional information and/or documentary evidence such as medical professional report(s) or otherwise, if provided by the applicant in the application process. The deciding officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in the decision process in all cases.
An application for DCA in respect of their child was received by my Department from the person concerned on 3 January 2024.
A Deciding Officer disallowed their application as per decision dated 12 February 2024. Based on the information provided, their child was not considered to satisfy the conditions for DCA. This determination also considered all supporting documentary (medical) evidence that was provided by the applicant in their application. Based on the medical evidence and information that was provided, it was not established that the level of additional care and attention required is substantially in excess of that required by a child of the same age without their condition and that the level of care is likely to be required for at least 12 consecutive months, as provided for in legislation. The Deciding Officer had regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in making their decision and a copy of that opinion was issued to the applicant for information along with the decision notification.
The person concerned requested a review of the Deciding Officer's decision and also appealed the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Following a review of their application, including all available information and documentary evidence, a Deciding Officer decided not to revise the above decision as per further decision dated 21 February 2024.
The person concerned sought a further review of eligibility for DCA and has requested that the review is not undertaken pending receipt of further documentary evidence (medical report) which the applicant is awaiting to date. On receipt of this further documentation from the applicant, a further review of eligibility for DCA in respect of their child, including all information and supporting documentary evidence that was provided by the applicant in the application process to date, will be undertaken and the person concerned will be notified directly of the review outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
445. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address the anomaly whereby people who are wheelchair users and who are receiving a civil service pension and who are not in receipt of a disability allowance cannot access free travel while under 66 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2024 is €104 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carers Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.
As part of Budget 2024, I was particularly pleased to extend access to Free Travel to people who are medically certified as unfit to drive, including those with epilepsy. From July, this measure will extend access to the Free Travel scheme to:
• People who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability; and
• Drivers who have a licence and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of one year or longer.
There will be no requirement to satisfy a means test or that the person be in receipt of a Social Protection payment to qualify for the medical free travel pass.Any decision to further expand the Free Travel scheme measures announce in Budget 2024 would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
446. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection if the State plans to open eligibility to widow's pension to those who were not legally married but in a long-term committed relationship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18978/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried co-habitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
In simple terms, the Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required.
My officials and the Office of the Attorney General are now considering the very detailed judgment, including the legislative changes required to respond to this decision. This will be done with all expediency.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
447. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a contributory pension investigation (details supplied). [18979/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe state pension (contributory) entitlement of the person concerned was reviewed.
The pension was awarded with effect from 13 August 2022, the date the person reached 66 at the current weekly rate of €249.30 which is equivalent to 90% of the maximum rate pension. The rate awarded is based on a total of 1340 reckonable contributions and credits from 1974 to 2022 plus homemaking periods from 6/4/97 to 5/4/98 and 6/4/2000 to 8/10/2003, giving a yearly average of 30.
The first payment will issue to the nominated account of the person concerned on 3 May 2024. Arrears covering the period 13 August 2022 to 2 May 2024 have also issued.
This is the most financially beneficial rate of state pension (contributory) commensurate with the person's social insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
448. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a contributory pension investigation (details supplied). [18980/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe state pension (contributory) entitlement of the person concerned was reviewed.
HomeCaring Periods were awarded from 25/09/1976 to 05/04/1987 and 06/04/1991 to 01/10/1999. This resulted in an increase in their weekly rate from €250.30 to €275.60, equivalent to 99.38% of the maximum rate. The increased rate issued to the person concerned on 26 April 2024.
The increased rate was backdated to the date the person reached 66. Arrears covering the period 9 August 2020 to 25 April 2024 have also issued.
This is the most financially beneficial rate of state pension (contributory) commensurate with the person's social insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
449. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of disability allowance applications which were submitted in the period 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of applications which were successful on first processing; the number which were eventually successful following a review; the number eventually successful following an appeal, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19000/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
During 2023, the Department received over 28,700 new applications for DA. Over the course of the year, the Department awarded over 16,400 claims.
Where an applicant's Disability Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.
Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Where the decision was not revised by the Department, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.
The table below shows the number of DA claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:
|
Year |
Total DA Received |
Awarded by Deciding Officer* |
Allowed or partially allowed by Appeal Officers |
|
2020 |
20,671 |
15,686 |
4,057 |
|
2021 |
20,599 |
13,298 |
2,712 |
|
2022 |
26,021 |
13,817 |
2,422 |
|
2023 |
28,704 |
16,418 |
2,630 |
|
2024 to end March |
6,857 |
4,086 |
481 |
*Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
450. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carer's allowance applications submitted in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of applications which were successful on first processing; the number which were eventually successful following a review; the number which were eventually successful following an appeal, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19015/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.
Please find below the number of CA applications submitted in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024
|
- |
Applications Received |
|
2020 |
18,774 |
|
2021 |
19,648 |
|
2022 |
22,781 |
|
2023 |
22,633 |
|
2024 (to 31/03/2024) |
5,244 |
|
- |
Awarded on Application |
|
2020 |
17,795 |
|
2021 |
14,804 |
|
2022 |
14,921 |
|
2023 |
17,333 |
|
2024 (to 31/03/2024) |
4,042 |
Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.
Where an applicant's Carer's Allowance claim is initially disallowed, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This allows the applicant to present additional documentation / evidence where this is available. Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a Deciding Officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their circumstances or the circumstance of the care recipient may not have been fully captured at the initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The table below shows the number of CA appeals received and allowed, disallowed or partially allowed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) from 2020 to the end of March 2024.
|
Appeals |
||||
|
Year |
Received |
Appeals Allowed by Appeals Officers |
Appeals Partly Allowed by Appeals Officers |
Appeals Disallowed by Appeals Officers |
|
2020 |
3,630 |
1,079 |
115 |
1,981 |
|
2021 |
3,361 |
886 |
95 |
1,743 |
|
2022 |
3,521 |
804 |
67 |
1,953 |
|
2023 |
3,048 |
680 |
52 |
1,506 |
|
2024 (to 31/03/2024) |
804 |
161 |
19 |
558 |
Appeals that had a favourable outcome for the appellant consist of appeals that were either allowed in full or in part by an Appeals Officer, or that were resolved by way of a revised decision in favour of the appellant by a Deciding Officer.
There are a number of reasons why a decision that was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer.
Where the decision was not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
451. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of invalidity pension applications which were submitted in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; the number of applications which were successful on first processing; the number which were eventually successful following a review; the number which were eventually successful following an appeal, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19019/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
Where an applicant's Invalidity Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.
Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The table below shows the number of IP claims received and awarded in the periods as requested:
|
Year |
Total IP Received |
Awarded by Deciding Officer* |
Awarded on foot of an Appeal by Appeal Officers decision |
|
2020 |
9,991 |
8,332 |
1,115 |
|
2021 |
8,849 |
6,109 |
874 |
|
2022 |
8,932 |
5,918 |
577 |
|
2023 |
11,498 |
7,651 |
847 |
|
2024 to end March |
2,575 |
2,302 |
176 |
* Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded cases include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
452. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection what protocols are in place for people who refuse the offer of work while in receipt of jobseeker’s payments; if employers are being liaised with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19027/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIntreo is the single point of contact for employment and income supports. The aim of Intreo is to provide income support and a professional employment service to help unemployed jobseekers and others to secure sustainable employment.
In order to be eligible for a Jobseekers's payment a person must satisfy all conditions including the requirement to genuinely seek employment. To satisfy this condition, it is necessary for the person to demonstrate that they have taken some positive action and are making genuine efforts to secure employment.
While in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment, engagement with Intreo Employment Service is mandatory. Intreo Employment Service provide streamlined, practical, and tailored supports for all jobseekers. A person must work with an Employment Personal Advisor to agree a Personal Progression Plan suitable to their circumstances. This Plan will detail actions the jobseeker should take to become job ready, it may also specify training, work experience or employment schemes that are considered appropriate for their development. Payment reductions can be applied if a jobseeker, without good cause, fails to engage with Employment Services or refuses an offer of employment, training or specified employment programme which is considered appropriate to their circumstances. The jobseeker can ultimately be disqualified from their Jobseeker’s payment for up to 9 weeks and their ongoing eligibility to the payment will be reviewed. Just under 1,900 reduced rates were applied this year to end of March.
My Department engages with employers to advise them of the various supports and services provided to employ jobseekers. This can include providing employers with a bespoke recruitment service to fill job vacancies, where priority is given to jobseekers on the live register. JobsIreland.ie, the Department’s recruitment website, is available to both employers and Jobseekers and allows employers to post and promote job vacancies. The Department’s officers actively engage with employers who are facing difficulties filling vacancies at present and match employer vacancies to Jobseekers. The Department proactively engages with Jobseekers when employers advise that they have refused an offer of employment. Employers who wish to advise that a jobseeker has refused an offer of employment can contact their local Intreo Centre where an Employer Relations Officer will follow up with them.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
453. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is considering any measures that would assist in the reduction of the cost of bin charges for older persons (details supplied). [19043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of waste collection charges is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. I am advised by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications that there is no national waiver scheme for household waste collection. The waste management market in Ireland is now serviced by private companies, where prices charged are matters between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; if her Department will contact the person in relation to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19074/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBlind Pension is a means-tested payment for people aged 18 years to 66 years who are habitually residing in the State. Income, including pensions, capital and property (excluding your own home) is assessable as means. A person is obliged to declare all their income and notify the Department in writing of any change in their circumstances.
The person concerned was previously in receipt of a Blind Pension from 9 November 2012 up to 15 September 2022. The person did not notify the Department that there was a change in circumstances. The person was cohabiting since 16 September 2022 and the means were in excess of the statutory limit to receive a Blind Pension payment. The Blind Pension was overpaid from 16 September 2022 to 14 September 2023 .
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
The person is currently in receipt of Disability Allowance, effective from 11 October 2023. Where there is an outstanding debt and the customer transfers from one payment to another, the Department continues to seek recovery of such overpayments.
The person was issued a letter on 2 April 2024 proposing to withhold arrears of Disability Allowance against the overpayment. The person concerned was given the opportunity to respond within 21 days.
To date, the arrears have not been offset again this debt. Correspondence received on 24 April 2024 from the customer is currently under consideration. My Department is also reviewing this individual's Disability Allowance claim and their request to backdate beyond the current award date. If an entitlement to DA is considered appropriate for this period, arrears due would be offset against the debt.
Officials will contact the person directly to inform them of the outcome of this review.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
455. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 23 April 2024, if the national standards for school meals stipulates that produce which is delivered under the school meals programme must or should be sourced in Ireland; and the proportion of foods provided under the programme with a country of origin which is not Ireland. [19084/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Hot School Meals Programme aims to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, by reason of lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided for them. It is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement by children, particularly those from the most disadvantaged background.
While the Hot School Meal Nutrition Standards, which provide guidance to ensure that children are offered a healthy, nutritious, and balanced lunch, neither stipulates that produce must or should be sourced in Ireland nor the proportion of foods provided with a country of origin which is not Ireland, under tender documentation as set out by the Schools Procurement Unit, the menu is to include a range of locally sourced items.
As I previously advised the Deputy, my Department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is their responsibility to administer the Programme, including handling the procurement process. All schools who wish to avail of hot meals for their pupils are responsible for choosing their supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with Public Procurement rules.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
456. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full payment of child benefit will be approved for a person (details supplied) and their partner, as both are in the process of establishing their home again in Ireland, having spent several years abroad; and if she will expedite a positive decision. [19086/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16,17 and 18, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
The person concerned and her family returned to Ireland on 23 December 2023 and an application for Child Benefit was received in this office on 27 February 2024.
As her spouse was employed in the United Kingdom, the claim had to be decided under the Convention of Social Security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
According to the above regulations, the country of employment pays the family benefits. The other State considers entitlement to a supplement payment, based on residency in that State.
For the period from 01 January 2024 to 31 March 2024, the United Kingdom was the primary competent state for paying Child Benefit and Ireland was secondary competent and therefore paid the supplement rate of payment.
The supplement is the difference between the rate of UK Child Benefit and Irish Child Benefit.
Ireland became the primary competent state for paying Child Benefit when Irish employment commenced on 04 March 2024.
The person concerned was awarded full-rate Child Benefit from 01 April 2024 and was notified of this decision on 27 March 2024. All arrears were paid to their nominated account on 16 April 2024.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
457. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection to list all Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by her Department which became law from 20 February 2020 to date in 2024 and which were necessitated, either in whole or in part, to transpose or give effect to regulations, directives or other measures passed at European Union level. [19173/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the legislation underpinning the social welfare code, occupational and private pensions, civil registration and gender recognition and the Citizens Information Board / Comhairle.
The Acts and Statutory Instruments sponsored by my Department which gave effect to EU Directives since 2020 are listed below:
S.I. No. 374 of 2020 - The European Union (Posting of Workers) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 .
These Regulations transpose into Irish law Directive (EU) 2018/957, which amends Directive 96/71/EC, concerning the posting of workers within the European Union.
Section 8 of Social Welfare Act 2021 and Section 7 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023.
These Acts amended the duration of Parent’s Benefit in line with the provisions in the EU Work Life Balance Directive 2019/1158. While my colleague, Minister Roderic O'Gorman has responsibility for policy regarding parent's leave, parent's benefit is paid from the Social Insurance Fund. Parent’s Benefit provides seven weeks payment to each parent of a child aged under two years, or in the two years following an adoption, who is on Parent’s Leave from work to care for their child. Parent’s Benefit will increase from seven weeks to nine weeks in August of this year (2024). Parent’s Benefit is currently €274 a week.
