Written Answers Nos. 201-224
201. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of units provided to date under the Supported Housing for Youth pilot programme; and the spend on the programme by his Department to date. [20985/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments made in Programme for Government and Housing for All, a national Youth Homelessness Strategy was published in November 2022. The Strategy aims to help young people aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It sets out 27 key actions to prevent youth homelessness; improve the experiences of young people accessing emergency accommodation; and assist young people in exiting homelessness. A Steering Group, comprising representatives from organisations with a role in addressing youth homelessness, was established in January 2023 to drive the delivery of all actions.
One of the main actions in the Strategy is to develop a pilot of a housing-led intervention for young people, Supported Housing for Youth (SHY). This intervention is aimed at those aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness and who require additional supports to maintain a tenancy. The pilot will run in the Dublin region. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) published an Expression of Interest in October 2023 seeking submissions from NGOs interested in providing accommodation and/or support services for SHY. A number of NGOs have now been identified and it is anticipated that the pilot will launch during 2024.
202. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households currently on the social housing transfer list, by local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20986/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support and to households approved for a transfer, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households.
My Department does not hold information on the number of households on the local authority social housing transfer lists. The management of these lists is a matter for individual local authorities and the numbers fluctuate continually as, for example, households are granted transfers, in accordance with an authority’s allocation scheme, to take up other accommodation options.
203. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with the HAP Shared Services Centre on the number of households paying top-up payments to their landlord; and the average of cost of these top-up payments. [20987/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
My Department is aware that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords beyond the amount of HAP being paid on their behalf, however this data is not gathered by my Department. There is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards the monthly rent to their landlord beyond that of their HAP payment. However, decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is solely a matter for the local authority concerned and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs being sought.
Since July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single persons’ households. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin. It should be noted that it is a matter for the local authority to determine whether the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case-by-case basis and also the level of discretion applied in each case.
My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review and closely monitors the level of discretion being used by local authorities, taking into account other sources of data, including Residential Tenancies Board rent data published on a quarterly basis.
204. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what grants or supports are available to parents building a new house to accommodate a child with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability can provide funding for newly constructed houses, for adaptations which may become necessary to facilitate the needs of a disabled person. In such cases, where the newly constructed dwelling is less than 12 months old, the maximum level of grant aid available is €14,500. Additionally, a grant of up to €6,000 may be available under the Mobility Aids Grant scheme for the provision of aids such as grab rails; a ramp; an accessible shower; a stair lift or a fixed track hoist.
205. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the position around any special conditions and planning requirements for log cabins in County Kildare. [20997/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll development proposals require planning permission unless they are specifically exempted under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) or the supplementary Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the Regulations). In addition, national planning policy, guidelines and legislation do not dictate the types of materials that must be used for housing, and accordingly there is no prohibition on the use of timber construction from a planning perspective subject to the overall proposal for planning permission being in accordance with national, regional and local planning policy. There are no restrictions under the planning code for any person to apply for planning permission in respect of modular/log cabin type accommodation. When a person submits a planning application for a house (including modular housing or log cabins) under section 34 of the Act, irrespective of whether the proposed development is located in an urban or rural location in any County, the relevant planning authority such as Kildare County Council, in making its decision, shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide to whether to grant the permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.Furthermore, a range of factors have to be taken into account in the assessment of proposals for housing (including modular housing or log cabins), including requirements for access, car parking, amenity space as well as separate services such as water, drainage and electricity. In addition, such proposals may also have implications for neighbouring properties and the visual amenity and character of the area which must also be taken into consideration in the determination of a planning application. An application for planning permission also provides an opportunity for members of the public to make submissions or observations in respect of proposed development. The planning authority is required to have regard to any submissions or observations received on a planning application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act. The planning authority shall makes its decision on a planning application within 8 weeks of receipt of the application in accordance with section 34(8) of the Act, except in instances where further information is required from the developer.Where any party is unhappy with the decision of a planning authority in relation to an application for planning permission, the decision may be appealed to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority in accordance with section 37 of the Act.In accordance with Section 34(13) of the Act, a person shall not be entitled solely by reason of a permission under section 34 of the Act to carry out any development. Where permission is granted for modular/log cabin type accommodation, the development must also comply with other legislative requirements such as the Building Regulations, including fire safety requirements and domestic waste water treatment requirements. In this regard, it is critical to ensure that products, systems, and ultimately buildings which are comprised of such products and systems, are designed, constructed, and certified, as fit for purpose, having regard to their intended end use.There is no national planning policy restricting the application for planning permission for the use of modular homes such as log cabins for housing purposes.
206. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the draft regulations pertaining to the defective concrete block scheme for social housing remediation works will be adopted and published (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21022/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
Section 36 of the Act provides that the Government may make a further Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) scheme for the purposes of enabling a designated local authority or an approved housing body to remedy damage caused to dwellings by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
My Department is working closely with the designated local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) affected by Defective Concrete Blocks in developing a DCB Social Homes Scheme. Work is at an advanced stage and I expect it to be finalised in the coming weeks.
The DCB social homes scheme will include the same grant rates and caps as outlined in the private scheme for homeowners. It will apply to local authority and AHB homes located within designated local authority areas and will encourage local authorities to manage efficiencies and make the best use of all available resources to remediate their affected homes.
207. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes will be operational, given the scheme was announced in 2023 to be implemented by the Housing Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21032/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I received Government approval in January 2023 to draft legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013, my Department has been advancing the steps to put the remediation scheme on a statutory footing as a matter of priority. Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time is required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payer’s money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in 2024 and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place shortly thereafter.
Pending the introduction of the statutory scheme, an Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes has been in place since December 2023. This Scheme, which is being administered by The Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, is open to applications from apartment Owner Management Companies (OMCs) via The Housing Agency’s website, and can be accessed at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/interim-remediation-scheme-fire-safety-defects-eligible-apartments-and-duplexes-2023
In the period since the Scheme’s launch, up to and including 30 April 2024, 238 applications for fire safety remediation work are being progressed across 27 local authority areas, representing a total of 14,018 residential units.
208. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify when a licence (details supplied) will transfer over to a fully online application process; and if he will address GDPR concerns surrounding the photograph associated with the same licence. [21040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is ongoing on the new elicensing system referred to. It will be available in the coming weeks. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has been in contact with the main stakeholders, and once the system is live details will be published on the NPWS website and normal social media channels.
In relation to any GDPR concerns raised, as per the Regulations, it is reasonably necessary and proportionate to seek a photograph in relation to this licence. The legal basis for the collection of this information is Article (6)(1)(e) of the General Data Protection Regulation “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller”. As with the existing licensing system, all personal data of individual applicants remains within NPWS, and individual applicants' data is not shared with other Government Departments.
209. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he intends to conduct the review of the defective concrete block scheme. [21041/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he intends to increase the overall grant scheme cap under the defective concrete block scheme by 10%, as is permitted by Section 11 of the relevant Act. [21042/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
A review mechanism is provided within the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Act 2022, which allows me, as Minister, to increase the overall grant scheme cap of €420,000 a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act. I intend to reconvene the Expert Group, originally established to advise on a number of technical issues prior to the introduction of the Scheme, shortly, to examine the issue and advise me accordingly.
Section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act also provides for a three-year review of the operation of the Act, which the Act itself mandates. In addition, the Act provides for a review of the operation of the Act within three months of the completion of any review of I.S. 465: 2018 by the NSAI.
211. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the indicative timeframe for receipt of the Attorney General’s response to the landmark High Court ruling on noise from wind turbines; if he has considered the wind energy policy outlined in the Kilkenny county development plan which was submitted to his Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications for consideration by both Ministers; if he has carried out any analysis on the regulations required relative to the Kilkenny plan; if he is aware of the different legal opinions obtained by Kilkenny County Council and Government Departments which are at odds relative to the interpretation of the planning laws and regulations that should be applied during the current impasse; if he will accept it is bad practice in terms of good governance to allow this unsatisfactory situation to continue as it is causing serious concerns for local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21103/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is assumed that the judgment that the Question is referring to is the first module of a case that has been divided into two modules. As no judgment has been delivered in the second module, the matter remains before the Courts and it would not be appropriate, therefore, to comment on the case.
The assessment of wind energy developments is covered by the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines (WEDGs). My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of these guidelines with assistance from officials of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The review is addressing a number of key aspects, including noise impact assessment.
Pursuant to a recommendation received from the Office of the Planning Regulator, on 15 October 2021 the then Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Peter Burke TD, wrote to the Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council giving notice of his intention to issue a Direction in relation to the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027. A draft of the proposed Direction was contained in the notice in accordance with Section 31(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, and accordingly, those parts of the Development Plan referred to in the notice shall be taken not to have come into effect, been made or amended.
The draft Direction was made available for public inspection by Kilkenny County Council and submissions were invited during a two week period between 29 October 2021 and 12 November 2021. Subsequently, the Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council prepared a report dated 10 December 2021 on submissions received during this period and made a recommendation on how to give effect to the draft Direction. The Office of the Planning Regulator considered this report and on 10 January 2022 issued a notice under Section 31AN(4) of the Act recommending that the Minister issue the Direction with minor amendments, consistent with the recommendation contained in the Chief Executive’s Report.
It should be noted that the OPR’s recommendation in relation to this matter was received by the Minister prior to the enactment of the Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Act 2022 and as such no statutory timeline is applicable to a decision in respect of a final direction in this case and the matter remains under active consideration in light of policy developments in this area.
Section 31(6)(b) of the 2000 Act specifies that if a part of a development plan proposed to be replaced contains a matter that corresponds to any matter contained in a plan which is referred to in a draft Direction, that part of the previous development plan shall not cease to have effect in respect of that matter.
The interpretation of this provision of the Act and its application to the relevant particulars of the development plan pertaining to County Kilkenny is a matter for Kilkenny County Council in the first instance in its capacity as the planning authority for the area.
212. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total leading each year from the Housing Finance Agency for which data is available; the total leading to local authorities and approved housing bodies each year from the Housing Finance Agency for which data is available, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a complete breakdown of Housing Finance Agency lending in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21147/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected lending from the Housing Finance Agency from 2024 to 2027; the projected lending specifically to local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 212, 213 and 214 together.
The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) plc is a non-commercial semi-State company under the aegis of my Department, limited by shares under the terms of the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981.
My Department does not hold the information sought in the questions. However, the Housing Finance Agency has a dedicated email address to assist Oireachtas members in seeking information and can be contacted at oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie.
215. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected number of units that will be delivered by the Land Development Agency in each year from 2024 to 2027; the type of housing units that will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21149/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, targeting an average of 6,000 affordable homes to be made available every year for purchase or for rent by Local Authorities, AHBs, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and via the First Home Scheme.
The LDA represents a crucial lever in the Government’s delivery of affordable and social homes, co-ordinating relevant public lands within State control and activating key underutilised sites to maximise housing delivery. To ensure the delivery of homes, the LDA deploys two primary delivery mechanisms, the first being direct delivery on lands sourced from the State or on lands purchased by the LDA and the second through the Project Tosaigh initiative, whereby they partner with homebuilders.
In establishing the Land Development Agency (LDA) we have ensured proactive management of the State’s extensive land bank. The LDA is also working in partnership with local authorities to deliver new homes on key strategic local authority sites.
The LDA is actively advancing fourteen such direct delivery sites, capable of delivering over 5,500 homes over the next four years and it is projected by the LDA that development of these strategic sites will become the main source of its delivery over the coming years as projects achieve planning and construction starts.
Construction has commenced on the former St. Kevin’s Hospital site in Cork City which will deliver 265 new homes between 2025 and 2027 and on 219 new homes at the site of Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co Kildare, expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026. Construction work is also advanced on the Shanganagh Castle site, the largest public housing scheme in the State in recent years, which the LDA is delivering with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, expected to yield delivery of 597 homes with delivery beginning this year.
The LDA is also working in partnership with Dublin City Council to advance large scale housing delivery on the Donore Project/St. Teresa’s Gardens in Dublin 8, at Cherry Orchard Point, and Cromcastle in Dublin 5, which collectively are projected to yield delivery of c. 1,700 new homes.
It is also tasked with unlocking stalled private, planning-consented developments in the shorter-term through Project Tosaigh, its market engagement initiative. Under the first phase of Project Tosaigh the LDA delivered its first homes in 2022 and over 2,500 social, affordable purchase and cost rental homes have since either been delivered, contracted or are in the approved pipeline.
Housing types for these developments will vary, according to the site size and planning and design specifications for each project, however a key objective for LDA developments is to maximise density where possible, while remaining sensitive to planning guidelines, and enabling sustainable growth and development within new communities.
216. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2019 to 2024, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [21164/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Year |
Firm |
Purpose of Contract |
Desired or Completed Output |
Contract Value (ex VAT) |
Contract Spend (ex VAT) |
Duration |
|
2022 |
Indecon |
Provision of research and report for Land Value Sharing services |
Provision of research and report for Land Value Sharing services |
226,859 |
226,586 |
5 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon[1] |
Review of Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme |
A review of financing costs for residential developments and forward funding by a development purchaser in order to reduce all-in-delivery costs for Croí Cónaithe (Cities) |
€49,797 |
€49,797[2] |
3 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon[3] |
Consultancy Services relating to the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) Scheme |
Consultancy services to undertake an analysis of household incomes to inform the STAR Investment scheme |
€21,285 |
€21,285[4] |
3 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon[5] |
Consultancy services relating to the STAR Scheme |
Professional fees for advisory services in the drafting of legal agreements for the STAR Investment Scheme |
€43,890 |
€43,890[6] |
2 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon[7] |
Consultancy services relating to the STAR Scheme |
Professional fees for analysis of returns on investment to inform the STAR Investment Scheme |
€49,830 |
€49,830[8] |
3 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon[9] |
High Density Urban Development |
Review of incentives to encourage high density urban development |
€48,587 |
€48,587[10] |
2.5 months |
|
2023 |
Indecon |
Consultancy in relation to the effect on the balance sheet and debt levels of seven Approved Housing Bodies. |
A report to the department for further consideration of options |
€48,785 |
€48,785 |
5 months |
|
2024 |
Indecon[11] |
Review of Croi Conaithe (Towns) Schemes |
A review of schemes funded under Croí Conaithe Towns to determine if they are meeting objectives |
€42,570 |
€17,454[12] |
3.5 months |
|
Bodies under the Aegis of DHLGH |
Oireachtas email |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Electoral Commission |
info@electoralcommission.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
217. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if a living alone increase payment for a widower (details supplied) will be backdated to the date of death of their spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20947/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for the living alone increase was received from the person concerned on 21 February 2024.
The allowance was awarded with effect from 25 August 2023, which included 6 months backdating from the date of receipt of the application.
Following a review, the allowance was backdated to 30 November 2018. The person concerned has been notified in writing. The arrears due will issue without delay.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
218. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection to investigate the reason a person (details supplied) has had their carer’s allowance cut. [21000/24]
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.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse/civil partner/cohabitant including property (except their own home), or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income.
I confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of CA since 7 December 2017.
The person concerned notified this Department on 8 May 2023 regarding a change in their circumstances. Following receipt of this notification, a review of means for the person concerned commenced on 28 June 2023.
The outcome of the review determined that the means of the person concerned were assessed at €266.95 and the amount of CA payable was €47.00 from 16 November 2023. This payment increased to €65.00 on 4 January 2024 in line with Budget increases.
The person concerned was notified on 25 October 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and/or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
Following a request for review, the case was reconsidered, and the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned was notified on 1 May 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of appeal to the SWAO.
From 6 June 2024, in line with Budget measures the CA weekly income disregard will increase from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for a couple. Payment on 6 June 2024 for the person concerned will be automatically adjusted to take account of the new income disregard.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
219. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the reason a couple, who are separated but forced to live together due to financial constraints, must be assessed jointly for a working family payment application. [21009/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment is a tax free in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low-earnings who have children. The payment is not linked to receipt of a social welfare payment, but rather, is based on overall household income.
Unlike other Social Welfare schemes, which are means-tested, the Working Family Payment is an income supplement and is an income-tested scheme. As a result, for example, capital assessments are not undertaken.
In order to qualify for the payment, the average total weekly household income must be below the applicable income threshold. For example, the weekly income threshold for households with one child is €645 and with two children it is €746. The income thresholds increase based on the number of children in the household. As this is a household income test, where a couple continue to reside together with their children, the income of both will form part of the assessment.
Overall household income includes all earnings from employment (including self-employment), social welfare payments, rental income, farm income and any other contributions to the household. A number of payments or income sources are however excluded in the calculation of income, these include for example Child Benefit, the Domiciliary Care Allowance and Guardian’s Payments.
The payment made is calculated at 60% of the difference between overall household income and the income threshold that applies based on the number of children.
In addition to general conditions, to be eligible for the payment an applicant:
- must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is part of a family wholly or mainly supported by them; and
- be in employment for at least 38 hours per fortnight - this requirement can be met by combining the applicant’s hours worked with those of a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant.
I trust this clarifies the position.
220. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a working family payment application by person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment, the customer must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.
An application from the person concerned was received on 26 March 2024, a review has been completed and the claim has been awarded from 28 March 2024.
Arrears due to the person concerned from the 28 March 2024 have issued.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
221. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a one-parent family payment rate appeal by person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th of April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. The appeal contentions are also reviewed by the Department at this point. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
222. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if an individual (details supplied) has an entitlement to apply for the State pension (contributory), in view of the fact that they have 244 reckonable contributions paid since 2014 and they also have mixed contributions for a number of other years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21057/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 22 December 2020.
To qualify for the standard state pension (contributory) an individual must have 520 full-rate contributions. This equates to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
As the person concerned worked in the public service, they were also considered for a mixed insurance pension. To qualify for this pension, 520 employment contributions are required, of which at least 260 must be full-rate employment contributions with the remainder made up of modified contributions.
According to the records of my department, the person concerned has 243 full rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite number of contributions required for the standard and mixed insurance pension, the application for State Pension (contributory) was disallowed on 1 December 2020.
The person concerned re-applied for state pension (contributory) on 25 January 2024. Details of employment prior to 1974 were included in this application. As my department has no record of contributions recorded prior to 1974 for the person concerned, a review of their contribution record is currently being undertaken.
On completion of this review, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
223. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if a school (details supplied) can reassess how funding allocated by her Department through the hot school meals programme can be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21064/24]
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 is 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. The remaining primary schools have since been contacted to express an interest in joining the scheme from September 2024.
Funding under this programme is solely for food. All schools who wish to avail of the School Meals Programme are responsible for choosing their own school meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with Public Procurement rules and the primary relationship is between school and supplier. The subject of funding for music and play therapy is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
224. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in the circumstance where someone is in receipt of the widow's pension, works part-time but their job closes during the summer months, there is any additional payment to their widow's pension that they are entitled to during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides social insurance and social assistance payments to those who are experiencing a particular contingency.
There is a general principle of “one person, one payment” across the social welfare system, which is a common principle in social security systems globally. Given the contingency-based nature of this system, even if a person experiences more than one contingency at the same time, generally, they can receive only one payment to help meet their income needs.
Seasonal and part-time workers can apply for jobseeker’s benefit (JB) as soon as they become unemployed. However, where a person is already in receipt of widow(er)’s & surviving civil partner’s contributory pension (WSCPCP), they cannot receive JB concurrently.
It should be noted, however, that the following supports are available in addition to WSCPCP if the qualifying criteria are met:
• Working Family Payment is a weekly income-tested tax-free payment available to employees with children.
• The Living Alone Increase, Fuel Allowance and Household Benefits Package. Payment of these allowances are dependent on a person’s living circumstances and their age.
Further information on these supports is available on the www.gov.ie website.
If a person’s income is insufficient to meet their needs, they can apply for assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme. This can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments. This can be done through a person’s local Community Welfare Service. There is also a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818 607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
