Written Answers Nos. 1089-1113
1089. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding extensions to community employment schemes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8659/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for participants within their communities. The programme helps break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market.
Participation on CE is intended to be for a temporary fixed-term. I introduced a number of changes to CE in 2017 to broaden access to the CE scheme to a greater number of people on the Live Register and, to standardise the conditions around the length of time a person can remain on a scheme.
During the current Covid-19 emergency, my Department has continued to provide the necessary funding for CE schemes while also introducing a number of contingency measures, including the extension of existing CE participant contracts for the duration of the emergency.
The Department intends to recommence recruitment to the CE Schemes in keeping with the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. Department officials will work with CE sponsoring authorities and existing CE participants to ensure a smooth transition to normal operations over the coming period.
1090. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will introduce appropriate measures to ensure that carers who are in receipt of the carer’s allowance and who provide full-time care and attention for children with special needs qualify for the State pension, contributory, in due course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8675/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person is required to have a minimum of 520 paid reckonable PRSI contributions in order to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). The actuarial value of the State Pension is estimated at over €300,000 which requires people who claim a contributory pension to have made at least 10 years of paid contributions over 50 years of a working age life.
When I introduced the Interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) it included provision for the HomeCaring Periods Scheme which fundamentally changed the entitlement of many who spent time out of the workforce caring for others. It, for the first time, acknowledged home caring periods prior to 1994. Interim TCA provides for up to 20 years of home caring periods to be considered. Those who have a 40 year record of paid and credited social insurance contributions, subject to a maximum of 20 years of credits/homecaring periods, qualify for a maximum contributory pension where they satisfy the other qualifying conditions for the scheme. These arrangements benefit many people who are or who have been in receipt of Carer's Allowance, subject to them satisfying the other conditions regarding the State Pension (Contributory).
From April 2019, all new State (Contributory) Pension applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, including the Interim TCA, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner.
It should be noted if a person does not satisfy those conditions, they may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse is a State pensioner and they have significant household means, their most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on their personal means, and amounting up to 90% of a full contributory pension.
The Total Contributions Approach (TCA), when it is introduced, is intended to be a fairer and more transparent system where the person’s lifetime contribution will be more closely reflected in the benefit received. Having carefully examined the outputs of the TCA consultation process, officials in the Department are designing the scheme, with a view to including significant recognition for home caring periods in the new model. The final design of the TCA model will need to be brought to Government for consideration and approval in due course.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1093. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review the exclusion of persons over 66 years of age from applying for the pandemic unemployment payment. [8739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1100. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) and persons in similar positions did not qualify for the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8888/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1101. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to provide support for those over 66 years of age who have been unable to access the pandemic unemployment payment but are still suffering from a loss of income due to a loss of employment or earnings. [8890/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1093, 1100 and 1101 together.
The COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. This payment is payable to people of working age between 18 and up to 66 which is consistent with other Social Protection income supports paid to working age persons
A person in receipt of the State Contributory Pension, which is based on PRSI contributions, can retain all of their State pension as well as their employment income and retain that pension payment if they lose employment income, thus guaranteeing an income support. If a person is not in receipt of the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory, they may be eligible for an increased weekly rate of payment on the State non-contributory means tested pension depending on their circumstances. A person may also be entitled to an increase in respect of a qualified adult, subject to the means of the qualified adult.
Persons in receipt of the non-contributory or means-tested pension who are also in receipt of an employment income may have their pension payment increased if they lose that employment income or if that employment income is reduced. Similarly if a person aged over 66 who did not previously qualify or make an application for a means-tested pension may qualify for a pension payment if their circumstances change – including if they lose any employment income or if that employment income is reduced. A person may be entitled to claim for an increase in respect of a qualified adult (up to age 66 years) depending on the specific circumstances.
Recipients of State pension payments may, if they satisfy the eligibility conditions, have access to a range of supports not available to unemployed people aged under 66. These include living alone increase, household benefits, telephone support allowance, free travel and free TV licence. Additionally, as part of the Department’s response to the COVID 19 emergency, the fuel allowance season was extended by four weeks.
Employers may claim the temporary wage subsidy for all of their workers who pay Irish PAYE income tax from the Revenue Commissioners. In this way workers who are aged over 66 can continue, with the co-operation of their employers, to receive income from employment.
Where a person, of any age, is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for financial support under the means tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1094. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of new rent supplement applications received from 12 March 2020 to the most recent date for which figures are available; the number of new claims awarded from 12 March 2020 to the most recent date for which figures are available; the breakdown of these applications and claims by county; and if the availability of this rent support will be extended until the public health emergency is over. [8752/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1145. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the rent supplement guidance circular 22/20 will be extended beyond 31 May 2020. [9501/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1094 and 1145 together.
Rent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 20,400 recipients.
The scheme provides short-term income support, to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, and due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Since the introduction of the Government’s Covid emergency response approximately 6,500 customers have been provided rent supplement support; in addition, there are currently, approximately, 1,900 pending applications awaiting a decision or in process of providing the necessary documentation to the officer dealing with the claim. I am advised by my Department that statistics in relation to overall approval/refusal rates in relation to the Scheme are not currently available.
The Department’s response to this emergency, ensuring that the inherent flexibility of the rent supplement is available, has been extended to 19 June 2020 and is being reviewed in the context of the Government’s continued response to the Covid emergency.
The cases that are currently in payment and awarded from the 13 March 2020 by county, along with cases currently pending a decision (or documentation still outstanding) are provided in the tabular statement.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Table 1: Rent Supplement Awards Post 13th March & Pending Claims as at 25th May 2020
|
County |
Awarded RS Cases Post 13th March |
Pending Cases |
|
|
|
|
|
CARLOW |
102 |
19 |
|
CAVAN |
114 |
14 |
|
CLARE |
113 |
17 |
|
CORK |
669 |
426 |
|
DONEGAL |
121 |
7 |
|
DUBLIN |
2,502 |
755 |
|
GALWAY |
319 |
131 |
|
KERRY |
256 |
68 |
|
KILDARE |
309 |
74 |
|
KILKENNY |
129 |
37 |
|
LAOIS |
105 |
14 |
|
LEITRIM |
33 |
8 |
|
LIMERICK |
240 |
9 |
|
LONGFORD |
37 |
19 |
|
LOUTH |
109 |
44 |
|
MAYO |
129 |
35 |
|
MEATH |
208 |
46 |
|
MONAGHAN |
46 |
8 |
|
OFFALY |
50 |
4 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
58 |
20 |
|
SLIGO |
65 |
11 |
|
TIPPERARY |
148 |
23 |
|
WATERFORD |
36 |
14 |
|
WESTMEATH |
134 |
8 |
|
WEXFORD |
162 |
24 |
|
WICKLOW |
263 |
38 |
|
|
|
|
|
Grand Total |
6,457 |
1,873 |
1095. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a review of the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment is carried out, if it will allow unemployed taxi drivers returning to work to avail of the back to work allowance scheme; if she will consider amending the scheme to facilitate such payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8836/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The support is available to someone looking to take the first steps into self-employment when setting up a new business. It allows someone to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years. Under the rules of the scheme, which were reviewed in 2016, taxi drivers are not currently approved as they do not meet the displacement and market saturation tests.
Government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for businesses. The Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation has introduced a range of supports and guidance for businesses available on their website. As part of the overall Government response, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners introduced a Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. The scheme is available to employers who keep employees on the payroll throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning employers can retain links with employees for when business picks up after the crisis.
As we gradually move through the phases of reopening our society, we need to review the nature of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and how it fits into cross-Government plans to keep Ireland healthy and get the country working again. Any future decisions will be based on our commitment that everyone who needs help will get the most appropriate assistance and also based on the evidence we receive from the reopening of the economy. Arrangements for supports beyond that date will be considered by Government as part of its broad based approach to management of the emergency across all sectors of the economy and society.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
1096. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the hardship facing persons who are awaiting arrears for their Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment; if the case of a person (details supplied) can be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced by my Department in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. To be eligible for the Covid-19 PUP a person must have been in employment or self-employment on or after 06/03/2020 and must have lost their employment or self-employment due to a downturn in economic activity related to Covid-19.
According to the records of this Department the person concerned originally applied for the Covid-19 PUP on 24/03/2020, entering his date last worked as 29/02/2020. On this basis a Covid-19 PUP did not issue as he was not employed on or after 06/03/2020.
On 27/04/2020, the person concerned revised his application to reflect a date last worked of 14/03/2020. Subsequently a Covid-19 PUP was awarded on 05/05/2020 and he has been in payment on a weekly basis since.
The current focus is on ensuring that payments are made and continue to be paid to all who qualify for them. My Department is aware that many people are due some arrears and that each person’s case is unique. This means that each application may need to be individually reviewed to accurately calculate any arrears. This work can only begin when my Department has time and attention to focus on what will be a considerable task.
While this is not ideal I can assure you that all cases will be examined and where arrears arise they will be processed and applicants will be notified. Updates on the process will be available on www.gov.ie/deasp.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties he can contact his local Community Welfare Service in the Bishop’s Square Intreo Centre where his circumstances will be assessed. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The Community Welfare Service may be contacted by email at CWSBishopSquare@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1097. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a domiciliary care allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8861/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 15th November 2019. The application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on the 6th February 2020 setting out the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance.
An appeal was registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 26th February 2020. As part of the appeals process, the application was re-examined by a deciding officer and the person concerned was notified on the 13th May 2020 that the review was unsuccessful. An appeal submission will be prepared and forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals office for consideration by an Appeals Officer. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will contact her directly about the outcome of the appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1098. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8862/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gentleman referred to was awarded invalidity pension (IP) with effect from 29 August 2019. Payment issued to his nominated post office on 31 October 2019 and arrears due from 29 August 2019 to 30 October 2019 issued to him by cheque on 20 November 2019.
Upon review, my Department is satisfied to treat the application for disability allowance (DA) made by the gentleman concerned as equivalent to a claim for IP having been made at that time.
Consequently, his IP claim was backdated and awarded to him from 14 March 2019, i.e. from the first Thursday following receipt of his original DA application. He was notified of this decision on 24 February 2020 and payment for the period 14 March 2019 to 28 August 2019 issued to his nominated bank account on 27 February 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1099. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment counts as contributions or reckonable contributions for the State pension, contributory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8885/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
It is proposed that workers in respect of the COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment should be granted paid contributions for the duration of the emergency measures. This will be important in order to protect a person’s entitlement to future payments - both long-term payments such as pensions and shorter term payments such as Illness, Maternity and Paternity Benefits which require a contribution record up to the date at which benefit is claimed. Primary legislation is required for this which my Department is currently working on.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
1102. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for a carer’s grant by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8891/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 April 2020. 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. 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 required and possible in the context of the Covid-19 restrictions, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1103. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the percentage of those who have been in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment who previously qualified for a social protection payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8911/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the launch of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment on 16th March, 2020, the Department has issued at least one payment to 681,000 people up to week ending May 23rd 2020. I am advised that approximately 13% of these recipients had received a Social Welfare payment in the first three months of this year.
1104. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the previous income including social protection payments of those who have been in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment in tabular form. [8912/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent PRSI/earnings data available refers to the year 2018. In order to accurately calculate income inclusive of social protection payments, information on social protection payments also refers to the year 2018.
The following table is restricted to PUP recipients where PRSI/earnings data is available. Separately, the average weekly social protection payment received in 2018 by current PUP recipients was €123 per week.
2018 income of current PUP recipients with 2018 earnings
|
Mean weekly earnings |
Mean weekly social protection payments |
Mean Weekly Income (earnings + social protection payments ) |
|
€ 428.70 |
€ 42.60 |
€ 471.30 |
1105. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the employment protections being considered or that are in place to ensure security and protection of employees’ employment in the private sector in which they cannot return to work due to no childcare service being available or having an underlying medical condition and in which the employer will not consider unpaid leave or other options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8917/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom the outset of Covid-19, many employers will have taken the initiative, in line with subsequent requests from the Government, to be as flexible as possible in allowing staff time off to look after their children who are not attending school or crèche, or other family members who have an underlying medical condition. Employers have a general duty of care towards their workers and that care is often expressed in the form of negotiation, compromise and flexibility. Some of the options to be considered for workers with caring responsibilities that preclude them from working their normal hours in the normal, pre-Covid, way include -
- Offering paid compassionate leave,
- Allowing employees to work from home,
- Altering shifts, so that employees can coordinate caring between themselves and partners, or another person,
- Allowing employees to rearrange holidays,
- Allowing employees to rearrange parental leave,
- Allowing employees to take paid time off that can be worked back at a later time etc.
I would continue to encourage any employees affected by the lack of childcare or who have an underlying medical condition to engage with their employer in the first instance with a view to exploring all options available to enable them to return to, or continue with, work. I would encourage all employers to be as flexible and supportive as possible in the circumstances with a view to maintaining good employment relationships over the long term.
In circumstances where employers fail to consider any of the reasonable options, an employee may have recourse to pursue a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 or the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015.
The Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 outlaw discrimination in a wide range of employment and employment-related areas. These include recruitment and promotion; equal pay; working conditions; training or experience; dismissal and harassment (including sexual harassment). The legislation defines discrimination as treating one person in a less favourable way than another person based on any of 9 grounds, including family status and disability. The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 fall under the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
1106. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for the pandemic unemployment payment by a person (details supplied) will be investigated; if the other support options available to the person can be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8918/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced by my Department in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. To be eligible for the Covid-19 PUP, a person must have been in employment or self-employment on or after 6/3/2020 and must have lost their employment or self-employment due to a downturn in economic activity related to Covid-19.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned ceased employment on 28/2/2020. Unfortunately therefore, I am advised that he does not meet the eligibility criteria for this income support as he was not employed on or after 6/3/2020.
The records of my Department show the person concerned submitted an application for a Jobseeker's Allowance dated 4/3/2020. A Jobseeker's Allowance was awarded and the person concerned received this first payment on 10/3/2020 inclusive of all arrears due to him.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties he can contact his local Community Welfare Service in the Blanchardstown Intreo Centre where his circumstances will be assessed. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The Community Welfare Service may be contacted by phone at 01 858 1310/1 or by email at enps.d15@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1107. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person is entitled to receive his or her means-tested disability allowance payment in another EU member state for a time period under the provisions of EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8931/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify for disability allowance, a person must be aged between 16 and 66, satisfy a medical and means test and be habitually resident in the State.
The EU Regulations on Social Security Coordination provide for common rules to protect a person’s social security rights when moving within Europe. These Regulations contain a number of key principles, including the principle of exportability of benefits. This principle means that if you are entitled to a cash benefit from one country, you may generally receive it even if you are residing or living in a different country.
However, the EU Regulations provide for a number of exceptions to this principle, including in the case of benefits that are classified as being special non-contributory cash benefits. I am advised that as disability allowance is classified as being a special non-contributory cash benefit in the EU Regulations on Social Security Coordination, this means that the EU rules on exportability do not apply.
Accordingly, disability allowance is not paid while the recipient is abroad.
1108. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if discussions are taking place to close an office (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this matter; if she has issued a direction to the board regarding its duty to provide services in the Irish language to the Gaeltacht community from offices in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8945/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, (CIB) provides assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments, who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems. As part of its free services, MABS also provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.
South Connacht MABS is one of 8 regional companies funded and supported by CIB, which is responsible for providing a Money Advice and Budgeting Service extending across the three counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. South Connacht MABS is governed by a voluntary Board which aims to ensure that the provision of and access to MABS is consistent and equitable across the entire region.
South Connacht MABS covers a large geographical area and the Board is considering how best to meet demand for its services in an equitable manner. I am advised that this is an issue for the Board of South Connacht MABS and my Department understands that a final decision has not yet been taken by the Board of South Connacht MABS.
I am further advised that South Connacht MABS is not a designated public body for the purposes of the Official Languages Act, 2003.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1109. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of personal information sharing and-or exchange between her Department and An Garda Síochána. [9012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraData Protection legislation (section 41(b) of the Data Protection Act 2018) permits the disclosure of information to members of An Garda Síochána when they are preventing, detecting or investigating offences or prosecuting criminal offences. In addition, Section 8 of the Immigration Act 2003 permits the exchange of information with An Garda Síochána in respect of non-Irish nationals. There are also circumstances in which sections of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 still apply and under which An Garda Síochána can make requests.
The Department keeps a central database of all requests from An Garda Síochána. There are procedures for dealing with the requests and recording them on the central database. These procedures include the requirements that:
- the request must be from a Garda Sergeant (or higher rank),
- the request must either be on the Garda Station’s headed notepaper or in the case of email have these details included in the body of the email,
- the request must give the legislative basis for the request,
- the request must also confirm that the information is required in relation to the investigation of an offence.
The Data Protection Unit of the Department has responsibility for the central database which holds the requests. I am advised that 3,311 requests have been recorded on the central database in 2020 to date.
1110. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures being considered to ensure that employees participating in the wage subsidy scheme do not have their social insurance contributions adversely affected as a result of the use of the PRSI class J9 arrangement currently in place; when such measures will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9025/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has introduced a number of initiatives to help employers and their employees during this difficult time, including the Covid-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. This scheme is operated by Revenue and provides the payment of support to employers in respect of eligible employees where the employer’s business has experienced significant disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As set out in the legislation underpinning the scheme, employers are required, for the purposes of their PAYE obligations to record PRSI at Class J9 for each employee in respect of whom a subsidy is being claimed. This coding will also assist in subsidy payment reconciliation. Where employers make a weekly ‘top-up’ payment to their employees, in addition to the subsidy amount, a PRSI charge at the Class J9 rate applies to the ’top-up’ payment amount and is payable by employers. No PRSI charge arises for employees in respect of whom an employer claims a subsidy under the scheme.
In the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the intention of the Government to ensure that employees, in respect of whom a subsidy is claimed by their employers, do not have their social insurance contribution records interrupted or otherwise adversely affected as a result of participating in the Covid-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
My Department is in the process of developing legislative proposals in this regard for consideration by the Government in the near future.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1111. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will facilitate oral social welfare appeal hearings using video call technology for those applicants who are willing and able to use this technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9027/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, in person oral appeal hearings have been suspended since 13 March 2020. The resumption of oral hearings will be kept under review in light of government advice on easing restrictions. However appeals work continues and appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion.
The Chief Appeals Officer has also advised that the Office is exploring the use of video technology for appeal hearings. Among the issues being considered are what is the most appropriate technological solution and the types of appeal cases that would be potentially suitable for this approach. Any future use of video technology would need to ensure the maintenance of fair procedures, confidentiality and data protection.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an invalidity application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9052/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lady referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 30 April 2020. Payment will issue to her nominated post office on 04 June 2020 . Any arrears due from 30 April 2020 to 03 June 2020 will issue as soon as possible. The lady in question was notified of this decision on 28 May 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1113. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the position of assistant supervisor will be funded to manage the meals on wheels project operated by a community employment scheme (details supplied); if she will continue the arrangement authorised and entered into in 2002 when the first assistant supervisor was appointed to the project which continued up to February 2020 when the person retired; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE also provides funding for the initiative and without the assistant supervisor position being filled as a matter of urgency, the future of the project will come into question. [9063/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) sponsor groups provide a valuable and dedicated service in running CE schemes. The many services provided by CE schemes both in rural and urban areas are extremely valuable to every town and village in the country.
Funding for CE supervision on a CE scheme is based on the number of CE participants. CE schemes with 11 to 25 CE participants receive funding for a CE supervisor. Where a CE Scheme has 26 or more CE participants, funding for an additional CE assistant supervisor can also be provided by the Department.
The CE scheme in question - Clogh/Muckalee - has 21 CE participants at present and is therefore being funded to employ a CE supervisor. Officials from my Department are in contact with CE scheme sponsor and will assist them in trying to resolve the issues raised, including communicating with the HSE to try to establish a viable solution.
