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Tuesday, 9 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 334-354

Budget 2013

Questions (334)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

334. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if existing rates of child benefit will be maintained in Budget 2013. [42855/12]

View answer

Written answers

The appropriate level of expenditure on child benefit in 2013 has not been decided but will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget.

In the meantime, the Deputy may wish to note that the Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure of nearly €2.08 billion on child benefit in 2012 or 10.1% of total expenditure. The Comprehensive Expenditure Report, 2012 – 2014, published last December, provides for additional new expenditure reduction measures of €1,033 million over the next two years in the Department of Social Protection’s budget. This includes €540 million of new savings to be achieved in Budget 2013. Reducing overall expenditure in 2013 and beyond in line with these targets will be very challenging. When the Government reaches its decisions on these matters, full regard will be had to the importance of the role Child Benefit plays within the overall system of social protection.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (335)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

335. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will recieve a decision on their application for a carer's allowance. [42860/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question. The application is currently with a deciding officer for a decision. It will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (336)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

336. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County donegal will be processed; if she will elaborate on her target to have made significant progress in respect of carer's by mid to late September; if she will outline the current processing times for applications; if she will provide in tabular form the average processing times over the last quarter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42864/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 11th of May 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer’s allowance claims at present is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking appropriate action to resolve the situation.

The carer’s allowance section has recently completed a major service delivery modernisation project to improve the efficiency with which it processes applications from clients for carer’s allowance. The project involved the development of IT functionality which was fully deployed in June 2012.

Following the completion of the modernisation project, an in-depth business process improvement (BPI) project commenced for the carer’s allowance scheme. This BPI project is focused on optimising output and customer service and the reduction of backlogs. Initial focus was placed on clearing the backlog of carer’s allowance claims awaiting scanning and registration. Over July and August 2012, 4,414 claims were scanned and registered, clearing the backlog completely. Claims are now scanned within a day or two of being received.

The focus has now moved to the processing of new claims. Processing of claims has been divided into two streams. One concentrates on dealing with new claim intake and processing these without delay. The second stream works on the backlog which is ring-fenced with a clear and targeted plan for its elimination. Implementation of the plan commenced on Monday 3 September and progress after 5 weeks of operation is very encouraging.

During the month of September 2012 1,147 carer’s allowance claims were received, while 1,317 claims were decided. This performance level will continue to improve and the number of claims pending decision and the average processing times will continue to reduce. However, it will take a number of months before the backlog is cleared. The allocation and management of available resources to this task continues to be closely monitored to ensure optimum effectiveness.

Programme for Government Implementation

Questions (337)

Simon Harris

Question:

337. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline in tabular form the commitments in the Programme for Government pertaining to her ministerial portfolio; the current status of these commitments in terms of implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42885/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to implementing a fundamental programme of reform of the system of social protection. The scale of this reform is challenging and wide-reaching. I am committed to working with the Department and its agencies in the delivery of the commitments in this Programme for Government and substantial progress on many of the commitments have already been made.

The first Annual Report which sets out the implementation status of my Department’s main achievements in the Programme for Government was published by the Department of the Taoiseach in March 2012 and is available on http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Publications/Publications_Archive/Publications_2011/PfG_Progress_Report_March_2012.pdf. It is the Government’s intention to publish the second Annual Report in March 2013 which will set out specific progress during 2012.

The status (to end July 2012) on the implementation of the commitments relevant to my Department is outlined in the table.

Commitments in the Programme for Government for which the Department of Social Protection has a primary role:

PfG Reference

Commitment

Status Summary

1.2.3

Halve the lower 8.5% rate of PRSI up to end 2013 on jobs paying up to €356 per week – announced in the Jobs Initiative

Implemented.

1.2.9

Expand eligibility for the back to education allowance

Implementation options under consideration.

1.3.1

The development of a new graduate and apprentice internship scheme, work placement programmes and further education opportunities for our young unemployed providing an additional 60,000 places across a range of schemes and initiatives – announced in the Jobs Initiative.

Implementation in progress.

1.3.5

Replacing FÁS with a new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) so that all employment and benefit support services will be integrated in a single delivery unit managed by the Department of Social Protection. This integrated service would provide a ‘one stop shop’ for people seeking to establish their benefit entitlements; looking for a job; and seeking advice about their training options.

Implementation underway.

1.3.6

The NEES will process citizen entitlements such as supplementary welfare allowances, higher education grants and welfare allowances. It will manage as much as possible means testing for State entitlements. It will also be responsible for employment referral and training supports provided by FÁS. This service will offer users a higher level of personalised employment counselling, with more frequent face-to-face interviews. Those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment will receive priority treatment for more intensive support. It will ensure active case management for people in need of assistance

Implementation underway.

1.12.11

Maintain the standard 10.75% rate of employers PRSI

Implemented.

1.12.16

Introduce a range of measures to tackle the problem of welfare fraud

A range of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration.

1.12.19

&

3.37.3

Establish a Tax and Social Welfare Commission to examine entitlements of self employed and the elimination of disincentives to employment.

The Commission will examine the interaction between the taxation and the welfare systems to ensure that work is worthwhile. In particular, it will examine family and child income supports, and a means by which self-employed people can be insured against unemployment and sickness

Implemented.

Implementation in progress.

3.25.5

Convert the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened Personal Debt Management Agency with strong legal powers

Implementation in planning.

3.25.6

Make greater use of Mortgage Interest Supplement to support families who cannot meet their mortgage payments

Implementation options under consideration.

3.37.1

Maintain Social Welfare rates

Implemented.

3.37.4

Committed to achieving the targets in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty

Commitment modified. Implementation actions and plans under consideration.

Arising from the review of the national poverty target, the Government has revised the timescale for the national poverty target as follows: to reduce consistent poverty to 4% by 2016 and to 2% or less by 2020, from the 2010 baseline rate of 6.2%. The Government has agreed to set new sub-targets for children and jobless households and to adopt new supporting indicators to monitor progress towards the national poverty target. The Government has decided to rename the new national poverty target as a ‘national social target’, to emphasise its whole-of-government nature and linkages with other government policies.

3.38.1

3.38.2

3.38.3

3.38.4

& 4.1.4

We will examine the social protection system with a view to identifying and eliminating poverty traps including:

Amending the 30 hour rule for Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement for people moving from welfare to work.

Activating people on a reduced week who refuse extra day(s) employment.

Over time, One Parent Family Payment will be replaced with a parental allowance that does not discourage marriage, cohabitation or work.

Our tax, social welfare and other laws should not discourage people from getting married or cohabiting. For example, single mothers lose the One Parent Family Payment if they marry.

Over time, we will transform it into a family income-based payment that does not discourage marriage or work.

Examination of poverty traps underway.

Under consideration.

Under consideration.

Changes to the One Parent Family Payment (OFP) have been implemented to move the scheme much closer to the jobseeker schemes.

3.39.1

A zero tolerance approach to welfare fraud, underpinned by a major anti-fraud enforcement drive.

A range of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration.

3.39.2

As well as more regular face-to-face interviews with an integrated employment and entitlements service for those of working age, other anti-fraud measures will be undertaken using latest available technology and better sharing of data across government departments and agencies

A number of measures have been implemented and more are under consideration.

3.40.1

Progressively reduce reliance on Rent Supplement, with eligible recipients moving to the Rental Accommodation Scheme

Implementation in progress.

3.40.2

Review the operation of the Rent Supplement Scheme and introduce a code of conduct for rent supplement eligibility similar to that which operates for local authority tenants

Implementation in progress in co-operation with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

3.40.3

Pay rent supplement to tax-compliant landlords registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) and offering decent quality accommodation, to root out fraud

Implementation in progress.

3.40.4

Divert staff from elsewhere in public service to clear the social welfare appeals backlog, and introduce a consolidated appeals process

Implemented.

3.40.5

Put the household benefits packages out to tender, so that the Exchequer benefits from reduced prices

Implementation not feasible based on advice from the Chief State Solicitors Office, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Competition Authority.

Other expenditure reducing measures have been implemented.

3.40.6

Raise the issue of payment of Child Benefit in respect of non-resident children at EU level, and seek to have the entitlement modified to reflect the cost of living where a child is resident. We will examine all possible flexibility within European legislation to reduce the cost of this payment.

Issue has been raised and implementation of change in this area is unlikely.

3.41.4

Ensure that trans-gender people will have legal recognition and extend the protections of the equality legislation to them.

Plans to implement commitment under consideration.

4.1.11

Reform the pension system to progressively achieve universal coverage, with particular focus on lower-paid workers, to achieve better risk sharing, and to provide for greater flexibility for those who wish to retire on a phased basis

A number of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Questions (338)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

338. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange for an urgent oral hearing of an appeal following a refusal of an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42888/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th May 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 4th October 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Pension Provisions

Questions (339)

Simon Harris

Question:

339. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the brackets of the contributory State pension that now receive a weekly payment less than that of non contributory State pension; the date on which her Department became aware of same; her views of the situation where persons contributing toward their pension receive lower payments then persons who do not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42889/12]

View answer

Written answers

The contributory benefits of the Irish social insurance system are based on the relationship between labour force status, earnings from work, contributions made and, finally, entitlement to benefits in the event of certain specified contingencies (such as illness, unemployment or old age). Two fundamental principles apply:

- The contributory principle whereby there is a direct link between contributions paid and entitlement to a varying range of benefits and pensions that are payable as a right if and when particular contingencies arise; and

- The solidarity principle whereby contributions paid by insured persons are not actuarially linked to benefits but are instead redistributed to support contributors who are more vulnerable. It is an expression of solidarity between both earning groups and generations. The non-contributory pension falls into this category.

As the Deputy will be aware, Budget 2012 announced changes to State pension provision including new rate bands for claimants who become eligible for State pension after 1st September 2012.

Prior to the September 1st changes this year, a person with an average of between 20 and 47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life received a weekly State pension of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is not equitable.

The reform introduced additional rate bands for new customers who become eligible for State pension (transition) and State pension (contributory), and associated increases for qualified adults from 1st September 2012. This affects those who have smaller yearly average of social insurance contributions as they spent fewer years at work.

The maximum rate remains unchanged and the rate payable to people with an average of between 40 and 47 contributions per year also remains unchanged. However, those who have fewer than 40 contributions per year will receive a lower rate of pension. If claimants have an income need they may, following a means test, qualify for a higher rate on the State pension (non-contributory).

People who qualify for the State pension (contributory) based on either of the top two rate bands i.e. a yearly average of 48 PRSI contributions or more and a yearly average of between 40 and 47 PRSI contributions qualify for a weekly personal payment of €230.30 and €225.80 respectively, both of which are greater than the maximum rate of the State pension (non-contributory) pension which is €219.00 per week.

Similarly, those who qualified for the State pension (contributory) before 1st September based on either of the top two rate bands qualified for a personal payment of €230.30 per week and €225.80 per week. These were based on yearly average of 48 PRSI or more contributions and a yearly average of between 20 and 47 PRSI contributions respectively. The maximum personal rate of the State pension (non-contributory) is €219.00 per week and is paid to people who have a weekly means of €30 or less. The weekly rate of payment is reduced by €2.50 for every €2.50 means assessment over €30.00. The minimum personal rate payable is €4.00 per week which is paid to people whose weekly means amounts to over €242.50 and up to €245.00.

The Deputy will be aware that the State pension is a very valuable benefit and the change to State pension rate bands means that pension payments will be more closely related to PRSI payments made over a working life. This ensures that those who contribute more during their working life will benefit more in retirement, thereby ensuring equity in the social welfare system.

It is also important to note the significant long term challenges facing the Irish pension system. There are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to less than two to one by 2050. People aged 65 years and over will account for a greater proportion of the population while the proportion of working age is expected to decline. People are living longer with healthier lives and growing numbers of people want to work, or may need to work beyond State Pension age. While this is a welcome development it does have obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. Therefore, the task of financing increasing pensions will fall to a diminishing share of the population. The State pension is the bedrock of the Irish pension system, and these reforms are essential to address the challenges of increasing life expectancy and to ensure its sustainability.

Rates of payment from January – August 2012

State Pension (Contributory)

Personal Rate

State Pension

(Non-contributory)

Personal Rate

48 cons or over

€230.30

20 - 47

€225.80

15 – 19

€172.70

Weekly Means up to €30.00

€219.00 (maximum rate)

10 – 14

€115.20

Weekly Means of over €30.00 & up to €32.50

€216.50

State Pension (Transition)

State Pension

(Non Contributory)

48 cons or over

€230.30

N/A

24 – 47

€225.80

N/A

Rates of Payment from 1st September 2012

State Pension (Contributory)

Personal Rate

State Pension

(Non-contributory)

Personal Rate

48 cons or over

€230.30

40 - 47

€225.80

30 - 39

€207.00

Weekly Means up to €30.00

€219.00 (maximum rate)

20 - 29

€196.00

Weekly Means of over €30.00 & up to €32.50

€216.50

15 – 19

€150.00

Weekly Means of over €32.50 & up to €35.00

€214.00

10 - 14

€92.00

Weekly Means of over €35.00 & up to €37.50

€211.50

State Pension (Transition)

State Pension

(Non Contributory)

48 cons or over

€230.30

40 – 47

€225.80

30 – 39

€207.00

Weekly Means up to €30.00

€219.00 (maximum rate)

Social Welfare Code

Questions (340)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

340. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will change legislation so property/capital will be disregarded as means for jobseeker's allowance if the person in question is not in receipt of any income from it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42907/12]

View answer

Written answers

In assessing means for social assistance payments including jobseeker’s allowance, account is taken of the value of capital and property belonging to the person and their spouse or partner. Capital includes monies on hands or deposited in financial institutions while property includes the value of other assets such as bonds and equities as well as houses and other premises. Property such as the family home or a premises used by a person in carrying out a business are not liable for assessment.

In the case of other property, the current market value of the property is established as well as the amount of any outstanding mortgages on that property. The current market value of a property is the best estimate of what would be achievable if the property was offered for sale. Such an estimate will have regard to reductions in prices over recent years. The balance (market value less outstanding mortgage) is then assessed. Where the current market value is less than the outstanding mortgage, no assessment is made.

In the case of jobseeker’s allowance, the first €20,000 of the value of capital/property is not assessed and the value of the balance is assessed by reference to a formula set out in legislation. The income, if any, derived by the person from the use of any capital or property is not taken into account. There are no plans at present to change the method of assessment of property/capital for social assistance schemes.

Question No. 341 withdrawn.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals

Questions (342)

John McGuinness

Question:

342. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42944/12]

View answer

Written answers

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 15th February 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 8th April 2011 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 10th December 2011 that the appeal had not been allowed. Following receipt of further correspondence the appeal was reconsidered but the decision remained unchanged. A letter issued on the 10th July 2012 advising of this.

The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. If the person concerned has additional information which was not available to the deciding and appeals officers when they made their decisions, it is open to her to re-apply for the payment.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (343)

Alex White

Question:

343. Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42950/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 23rd February 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Questions (344, 366)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

344. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on her Department's decision to advise a person who has applied for the back to education allowance that they would have to drop out of their course in order to be put back into payment; her views on whether this is encouraging applicants to better themselves; her further views on the fact that the qualifying conditions of having to progress to another level in order to receive the back to education allowance is not always practical and is restrictive; her further views on the fact that there should be some leniency when a person who holds a current certificate is unable to find employment in that field or when a person is enrolling in a course of more than one year in length and that the award at the end of the two years is a higher level; if her Department can have some discretion in deciding on such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42952/12]

View answer

Tom Hayes

Question:

366. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a masters degree does not qualify for the back to education allowance in the same way as the higher diploma, even though both courses are higher level qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43283/12]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 366 together.

The Department of Social Protection provides a wide range of second chance education opportunities for unemployed people, lone parents and people with disabilities. The Department's objective in this area is to raise educational and skills level among the long term unemployed in order to help them to meet the requirements of the modern labour market. Included in the supports available is the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme which is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education. The scheme is open to those on certain social welfare payments for a specified time and who otherwise meet the conditions of the scheme. These other conditions include, the nature of the course being pursued and the qualification sought, and progression by reference to the level of education previously held. The scheme covers a wide range of full-time courses of education in approved colleges spanning basic foundation courses to third level courses across all disciplines.

BTEA guidelines are, in the main, in line with the mechanisms in place for similar student supports administered by the Department of Education and Skills and require student progression from one qualification level to a higher one. This is necessary to ensure displacement does not occur, in that courses could be offered to students who are not progressing at the cost of students progressing from a lower education level.

It is important to note that the BTEA scheme is not intended to be an alternative form of funding for those wishing to enter or re-enter the education system. It is not possible, within the scope of the scheme, to authorise an application for payment where the basic qualifying conditions have not been satisfied and progression is not evident.

If a person wishes to pursue a part time education course they may be able to do so while still obtaining their jobseekers payment. They must apply at their local social welfare office and verify that participation on the course does not reduce their availability for work. In the case of jobseekers benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period for which jobseekers benefit is paid.

Social Welfare Appeals Waiting Times

Questions (345)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

345. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time taken by the Social Welfare Appeals Office to process appeals in respect of applications for invalidity pension, disability allowance, carer's allowance, domiciliary care allowance and jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42959/12]

View answer

Written answers

The current processing times of appeals in respect of applications for invalidity pension, disability allowance, carer's allowance, domiciliary care allowance and jobseeker's allowance at the end of September 2012 are listed in the table below.

Generally the vast majority of cases fall within these average times but extenuating factors, often outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, will cause greater delays in some cases.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, from about early 2009 the number of appeals received by that Office has increased dramatically and by 2011 had more than doubled from an average of 15,000 pa to. 31,241 in 2011. A further 27,089 have been received for the period January to September this year. These increases have significantly impacted on the time taken to process appeals.

In an effort to reduce the processing times for all appeals, the Department has appointed 13 additional Appeals Officers since 2010. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers now serving in the Office to 40. In addition to this the Office has improved its business processes and IT support.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.

Appeals processing times by scheme September 2012 Summary and Oral

Scheme

Average processing times (weeks)

Summary Decisions

Average processing

times (weeks)

Oral Hearings

Invalidity Pension

37.8

39.4

Disability Allowance

35.9

39.8

Carers Allowance

34.2

41.4

Domiciliary Care

35.5

40.9

Jobseeker's Allowance Payments

25.8

33.5

Jobseeker's Allowance Means

23.4

34.7

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Applications

Questions (346)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42962/12]

View answer

Written answers

The person concerned is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance and has been since 1st August 2012. In addition rent supplement has been payable in respect of his accommodation since 25th June 2012.

Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Questions (347)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

347. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis on which rent allowance has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42969/12]

View answer

Written answers

The claim for rent supplement by the person concerned has not been refused and the claim is currently being assessed. The Deciding Officer will contact the person concerned with the outcome of their decision in due course.

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (348)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

348. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when jobseeker's allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42970/12]

View answer

Written answers

The jobseeker's allowance application for the person concerned is currently under consideration. Pending the outcome of this, supplementary welfare allowance is being paid to her at the appropriate rate.

Question No. 349 answered with Question No. 314.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (350)

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

350. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on the application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42981/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 30th of May 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. It will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (351)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

351. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43022/12]

View answer

Written answers

An application for carer’s allowance was received from the person concerned on the 22nd of July 2011. The application was referred to one of the Department’s medical assessors who found that the caree in question was not medically eligible for carer’s allowance. A letter issued on the 25th of August 2012 refusing the allowance. The person in question submitted further medical evidence on 4th of September 2012 for review. This medical evidence is awaiting medical assessment by a medical assessor. On completion of all the necessary investigations as part of this review, a decision will be made and the person in question will be contacted directly with the outcome.

Back to Education Allowance Eligibility

Questions (352)

Peter Mathews

Question:

352. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in respect of back to education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43045/12]

View answer

Written answers

My Department does not generally operate or fund schemes of afterschool care in respect of children where the parents are attending school or college. Under the broad supplementary welfare scheme there does exist provision, in special circumstances, for some child care to be paid where there is a medical determination made that the child concerned requires such provision. If the person concerned feels that this would be relevant to her own child’s circumstances she should contact her local Social Welfare Local Office. In this regard I am advised that difficulties may have been experienced by staff locally in making contact and the person concerned should contact her local office in relation to these.

Question No. 353 withdrawn.

State Pension (Contributory) Appeals

Questions (354)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Question:

354. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive notice from the appeals office on their eligibility for a contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43156/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22nd May 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

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