Written Answers Nos. 428-447
428. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to engage with local County Enterprise Boards, Enterprise Ireland and others to help support youth enterprise here; his views on whether further targeted supports are required to foster the talent and ideas of our young persons to allow them develop business ideas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47725/12]
View answerYoung Entrepreneurs can, as their first port of call, contact their local County or City Enterprise Board (CEB) to discuss what options may be available to them in relation to their proposed business venture. The CEBs provide both financial and/or non-financial assistance to microenterprises in the start-up and expansion stages. Encouraging and promoting a youth enterprise culture is an important area of activity for the CEBs. Through various programmes and initiatives, the CEBs seek to influence student attitudes in favour of enterprise. Examples of initiatives provided by the CEBs at both primary and secondary level include the annual Student Enterprise Awards, as well local or inter-County initiatives such as Exploring Enterprise, Celtic Enterprise and Bí Gnóthach Enterprise. Over 20,000 students now participate annually in the various CEB–supported programmes implemented in the education sector. Contact details for the CEBs can be found on www.enterpriseboards.ie.
The ‘Think outside the Box’ competition, co-sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys, Mammoth Advertising, Grant Thornton and Intel is open to all full time Third Level students in the island of Ireland. The competition offers Third Level students from all academic disciplines and courses, the opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions and is designed to encourage innovation, promote enterprise and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among Third Level students. As well as €30,000 in cash prizes, the competition offers €30,000 in consultancy to help the finalists make a serious start at making their idea a commercial reality. This year, “Think outside the Box” attracted submissions from over 360 Third Level students from colleges across Ireland. Enterprise Ireland will continue to participate in the “Think outside the Box” competition in 2013.
Enterprise Ireland also supports young Third Level researchers through a number of initiatives including: the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund; Innovation Vouchers; Innovation Partnerships; Applied Research Enhancement Centres; Technology Centres; Campus Incubation Units and FP7. Contact details for Enterprise Ireland can be found at the Agency’s website www.enterprise-ireland.com.
In addition the Government established the Microfinance Loan Fund on 27 September 2012 to improve access to credit for entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises and to facilitate the growth and expansion of viable businesses from all industry sectors which have been refused access to credit by banks. The Fund has a significant entrepreneurship focus and is open to entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages. Microfinance Ireland (MFI), the company set up to operate the Fund, will work closely with the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) / Local Enterprise Offices which provide assistance with training and preparing business plans for entrepreneurs. Microfinance Ireland, the CEBs and Enterprise Ireland are very conscious of the particular difficulties young entrepreneurs face with regard to credit history, previous business experience etc. and where they can assist young entrepreneurs, they will do so. However, the potential viability of the business proposal is the dominant factor in any credit decision made by Microfinance Ireland.
429. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if Enterprise Ireland are planning to financially support the new milk processing unit, Belview County Waterford, in view of the significant job creation potential of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47761/12]
View answerAny decision by Enterprise Ireland to fund projects, including those in the dairy processing sector, is a day-to-day matter for the Agency and I have no function in this regard. In relation to public funds paid to enterprises, details of individual offers of support from Enterprise Ireland to each client company are confidential and will vary, depending on the type of support being sought.
I understand from Enterprise Ireland that they have been engaged in discussions with the major dairy processors over the past eighteen months, as a follow-up to the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Food Harvest 2020 Strategy Report published in 2010, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Enterprise Ireland publishes each year a detailed schedule of financial support payments made to its client companies for the previous year. This information is listed by client-company at county level. These reports are available directly from Enterprise Ireland.
430. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if it is realistic to expect the county enterprise boards to process the disbursement of grants to entrepreneurs in a time period of about six weeks or less, in view of the fact that the CEBs have to seek and access applications, approve applications at board level, potential clients have then to lodge three quotations for expenditure, secure bank finance, the CEBs have then to inspect purchases of equipment, draw the funds from his Department, and then send it on to successful clients, all to be completed by 15 December; if he will explain the reason that his Department has left it so late in the year to disburse funding to the CEBs when they were first asked for clarity of this funding in March and again in June; his further views on whether this is an efficient way to support organisations at the heart of job creation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47878/12]
View answerUnder the Exchequer Estimates Process, an annual Exchequer allocation is provided for the operation of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs). In 2012, the CEBs received an Exchequer Capital Allocation of €15 million towards the provision of grants and soft supports, such as training, mentoring and advice services, to the micro-enterprise sector. This allocation is distributed among the CEBs once it is secured by my Department and thereafter the disbursement of these monies to clients is a matter for each Board. My Department does not retain any of the allocation for distribution later in the year.
The CEB Central Coordination Unit (within Enterprise Ireland) works closely with the CEBs throughout the year reviewing individual expenditures to ensure that the funding allocated to the CEBs is utilised to the maximum extent possible. As part of this process, the Central Coordination Unit conducts regular surveys among the CEBs to monitor expenditure, identify savings and determine any additional capital funding requirements to year end. As a result of these exercises, additional demand was identified by 30 of the 35 CEBs and my Department began a process to identify savings in other Agencies of the Department that would fund these requirements. This process in reality can only be done towards the final quarter of the year when the Agencies are in the best position to determine their full year spending requirements.
Additional funding of €3.78 million was identified and made available to the CEBs for the provision of direct assistance to the micro-enterprise sector and I am assured that this funding will be disbursed to eligible projects before the end of the year. At no stage due to lack of funds do CEBs refuse to assist a viable enterprise that is in real need of support. My Department has made it clear to the CEBs via the EI Central Coordination Unit that if such a situation were to arise, funding will be made available through savings elsewhere in the Departments vote.
The funding arrangements for the CEBs are based on sound financial practice as set out within the Government financial procedures and ensure that the State maximises its return on its investment in jobs from across the capital expenditure programme.
431. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of the type and frequency of North South engagement his Department undertakes; the current priorities in this area; the number of whole time equivalent staff assigned to these matters; the grades involved and the amount of time each grade spends on North South Activities as a proportion of their WTE employment; the co-ordination arrangements that have been put in place; if there are any current vacancies in North South Co-operation unites; the duration of this vacancy and the steps being taken to fill the vacancy. [48548/12]
View answerNorth South economic co-operation is and will remain a priority for myself and the Government. To this effect, there is on-going dialogue between relevant Ministers, North and South, in all areas to promote economic development in the border region. My officials engage in on-going dialogue with their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and keep me informed of all key North/South related issues including the North/South activities of the enterprise development agencies. My officials liaise regularly with their counterparts in DETI and the staff of InterTradeIreland (ITI) in relation to a variety of ITI programme activity, corporate governance and financial matters.
In addition, my Department provides funding support for enterprise-themed Interreg projects jointly approved with DETI. In this regard my officials attend steering committee meetings and other planning meetings with their colleagues in DETI on a regular basis. At present there are four members of staff working in this North/South Unit. The staff of the Unit also have other responsibilities relating to other Departmental issues. The Unit has an Executive Officer vacancy since September 2012 which is being addressed as part of the Department’s overall staffing management. The proportion of time spent per grade on North South activities in the Unit is set out in the following table:
|
Staff Grade |
Time spent on North South activities |
|
Principal Officer |
20% |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
70% |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
65% |
|
Clerical Officer |
40% |
In addition to this Unit, a small number of staff in other areas of my Department would have engagement on North/South issues, as relevant matters arise in those areas. The Government, along with the enterprise development agencies, will continue to work diligently with the Northern Ireland Executive and its agencies to increase the economic benefits accruing from cross-border co-operation.
432. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the exact number of public servants who are back in employment in the public service, who are on pensions and have accepted lump sums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49088/12]
View answerIn my Department there are two retired public servants employed as Civilian Drivers. In addition there is one re-appointed former Assistant Principal post in my Department which has been sanctioned for the period 25/10/12 – 31/7/13 in connection with Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. The appointments were made on the basis of the relevant salary scales for the posts, with abatement as appropriate of public sector pensions in payment. Staffing of the Agencies under the auspices of my Department, is a day to day matter for the agencies. I have asked the Agencies to respond directly to the Deputy.
434. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to her response to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 16 October 2012 in which she indicates that the inter department group on school-age childcare has completed its work if she will arrange for the publication of its full findings, conclusions and recommendations and the date of same. [47678/12]
View answerThe role of the Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) on School-Age Child Care is to explore the best possible model for enhancing the provision of school-age child care to assist in meeting the child care needs of the customers of my Department – including those of lone parents. The model in question will address the child care requirements of children aged between 7 and 12 years (inclusive) and will also address the child care required during both the school term and the school holidays. Extensive work has been completed by the Group to quantify the level of school-age child care that is required to support the relevant social welfare income support recipients, in particular lone parents, for each year up to and including 2015. An examination has also been carried out of existing child care schemes and of the capital investments already made by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in this sector. The work of the IDG is still on-going and the IDG are currently engaged in detailed discussions to define a suitable and effective school-age childcare model. Once completed, the model and proposals will be submitted to Government for approval.
435. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the reason persons that are self-employed and suffer from illness are treated differently by her Department and the Department of Health when, for example they cannot work due to their illness and require social protection assistance or when their illness is only newly recognised. [47963/12]
View answerSelf-employed persons are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social insurance benefits pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition, their employers make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356 per week, the rate of employer’s PRSI is 4.25%).
Last year I established the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare to meet the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The Advisory Group will, inter alia, examine and report on issues involved in providing social insurance cover for self-employed persons in order to establish whether or not such cover is technically feasible and financially sustainable. In addition the third Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, as at 31 December 2010, examined the long-term cost implications to the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) and the break-even contribution rates required to provide short term benefits to the self-employed.
Any proposals to extend such social insurance entitlements will have to be considered in a budgetary context, taking account of the finding of the Actuarial Review that the self-employed achieve very good value for money compared with the employed – when the comparison includes both employer and employee contributions in respect of the employed person.
Self-employed individuals who fall on hard times or are without work for some time due to ill health may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments. Those who have been previously self-employed can apply for the means-tested disability allowance, in the same manner as those who were not self-employed. In general, their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year and, in the current climate, account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. As in the case of a non-self-employed claimant for assistance-based payments, the means of husband/wife, civil partner or co-habitant will be taken into account in deciding on entitlement to a payment. The Department of Health’s treatment of the self-employed who suffer from illness is a matter for the Minister for Health.
436. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the terms of the Tús programme to take account of the events and preparations that communities across the country are undertaking for The Gathering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48038/12]
View answer557. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the extension of the Tús programme in order that community groups and others that are organising events for The Gathering could have an administrator or organiser that could assist the organisation of events in local communities, receive upskilling as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48036/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 557 together.
Tús, the community work placement initiative introduced during 2011, is providing up to 5,000 short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed. This initiative is being delivered through the network of local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta, collectively known as Implementing Bodies. The 5,000 placements are allocated between the individual Implementing Bodies who have been delegated the management of Tús at local level. It is open to any community or voluntary organisation or a collection of such organisation to apply to any Implementing Body if they have identified work placement opportunities, including tasks associated with the organisation of events relating to the Gathering. A list of the Implementing Bodies and where they can be contacted is set out in the table.
|
Implementing Body |
Address 1 |
Address 2 |
Address 3 |
Address 4 |
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Integrated Local Development Body |
The Showgrounds |
Fermoy |
Co. Cork |
|
|
Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership |
4 Drumfinn Park |
Ballyfermot |
Dublin 10 |
|
|
Ballyhoura Community Partnership |
Ballyhoura Centre |
Kilfinane |
Co. Limerick |
|
|
Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership Limited |
North Mall |
Ballymun Town Centre |
Dublin 11 |
|
|
Blanchardstown Area Partnership |
Dillon House Unit 106 |
Coolmine Industrial Estate |
Dublin 15 |
|
|
Bray Partnership |
4 Prince of Wales Terrace |
Quinsboro Road |
Bray |
Co. Wicklow |
|
Breffni Integrated Development Ltd. |
Unit 6A, Corlurgan Business park |
Ballinagh Rd |
Corlurgan, |
Co Cavan |
|
Canal Partnership |
2nd floor, Oblate View |
Tyrconnell Road |
Inchicore |
Dublin 8 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
Main Street |
Bagenalstown |
Co. Carlow |
|
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo |
The Woods Centre |
Clane |
Co. Kildare |
|
|
Clare Local Development Company |
Westgate Business Park |
Kilrush Road |
Ennis |
Co. Clare |
|
Comhair Chathair Chorcai |
Heron House |
Blackpool Park |
Blackpool |
Cork |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teo |
Inis Oírr |
Oileáin Árann |
Co. na Gaillimhe |
|
|
County Kilkenny Leader Partnership Company Ltd. |
11 Patrick's Court |
Kilkenny City |
Co. Kilkenny |
|
|
CPLN Area Partnership Ltd |
Unit D, Nangor Business Park |
Nangor Road |
Clondalkin |
Dublin 12 |
|
Dodder Valley Partnership Ltd |
Killinarden Enterprise Centre |
Killinarden |
Tallaght |
Dublin 24 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company |
1 Millennium Court |
Pearse Road |
Letterkenny |
Co. Donegal |
|
Dublin Employment Pact |
Strand House, 1st Floor |
22 Great Strand Street |
Dublin 1 |
|
|
Fingal Leader Partnership |
Abco Kovex House |
Swords Business Park |
Swords |
Co. Dublin |
|
Forum Connemara |
Ellis Hall |
Letterfrack |
Connemara |
Co. Galway |
|
Galway City Partnership |
3 The Plaza |
Headford Road |
Galway |
|
|
Galway Rural Development Company |
Mellowes Campus |
Athenry |
Co.Galway |
|
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
Pound Street |
Carndonagh |
Inishowen |
Co. Donegal |
|
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
James O'Keefe Memorial Institute |
Newmarket |
Co. Cork |
|
|
Laois Partnership Company Ltd |
2 Park Villas, Harpurs Lane |
Portlaoise |
Co. Laois |
|
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company Ltd |
Church Street |
Drumshanbo |
Co. Leitrim |
|
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
Longford Community Enterprise Centre |
Templemichael |
Ballinalee Road |
Longford |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership Ltd |
Partnership Court |
Park Street |
Dundalk |
Co. Louth |
|
Mayo North East Leader Ltd |
Lower Main Street |
Foxford |
Co. Mayo |
|
|
Meath Community Rural & Social Development Partnership Ltd |
Ground Floor Unit 7 |
Kells Business Park |
Cavan Road, Kells |
Co. Meath |
|
Monaghan Integrated Development Company |
Monaghan Road |
Castleblayney |
Co. Monaghan |
|
|
North & East Kerry Leader Partnership Teo |
Clash |
Tralee |
Co Kerry |
|
|
North Tipperary Integrated Local Development Body |
Town Hall |
Banba Square |
Nenagh, Co. Tipperary |
|
|
Northside Partnership Ltd |
The Coolock Development Centre |
Bunratty Drive |
Coolock |
Dublin 17 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company Ltd |
Millennium House |
Main Street |
Tullamore |
Co. Offaly |
|
PAUL Partnership Limerick |
Unit 25 |
Tait Business Centre |
Dominic Street |
Limerick |
|
Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership |
Rathmines Information Centre |
11 Wynnefield Road |
Rathmines |
Dublin 6 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Body |
Castle Street |
Roscommon town |
Co. Roscommon |
|
|
SECAD (South & East Cork Area Development) |
Midleton Community Enterprise Centre |
Owennacurra Business Park, Knockgriffin |
Midleton |
Co. Cork |
|
Sligo Leader Partnership Company |
Sligo Development Centre |
Cleveragh Road |
Sligo |
|
|
South Kerry Development Partnership |
West Main Street |
Caherciveen |
Co. Kerry |
|
|
South Tipperary Development Company |
Unit 2C Carrigeen Business Park |
Clogheen Road |
Cahir |
Co. Tipperary |
|
South West Mayo Development |
Carey Walsh Building |
Georges Street |
Newport |
Co. Mayo |
|
Southside Partnership |
The Old Post Office, |
7 Rock Hill, Main St |
Blackrock |
Co. Dublin |
|
Tolka Area Partnership |
Rosehill House |
Finglas Road |
Dublin 11 |
|
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Na Forbacha |
Co. na Gaillimhe |
||
|
Waterford Area Partnership |
Unit 4, Westgate Business Centre |
Tramore Road |
Waterford |
|
|
Waterford Leader Partnership Ltd. |
John Barry House, Lismore Business Park |
Mayfield, Lismore |
Co. Waterford |
|
|
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
Unit D, West Cork Technology Park |
Clonakilty |
West Cork |
|
|
West Limerick Resources Limited |
St Marys Road |
Newcastlewest |
Co. Limerick |
|
|
Westmeath Community Development |
Business Development Centre |
Clonmore Business Park |
Mullingar, Co. Westmeath |
|
|
Wexford Local Development |
Cornmarket |
Mallin St. |
Wexford Town |
Wexford |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
3rd floor, Avoca House |
Bridgewater Centre |
Arklow |
Co. Wicklow |
437. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the advertising of private rental accommodation on public sites stating no rent allowance accepted and the problems this is causing for those potential tenants who are unemployed in this economic climate; if it is legal for the advertiser whether it be the landlord, letting agent or advertising personnel to state on the advert 'no rent allowance allowed' and if a landlord has the right to refuse an applicant based on the tenant's status as a social welfare recipient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48445/12]
View answerThere are approximately 90,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement for which the Government has provided a sum of €436 million for 2012. The aim of rent supplement is to provide short term income assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer.
Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme. The tenant’s engagement with the Department usually takes place after the tenant has reached an agreement with the landlord.
I am aware that some landlords are advertising their property on public sites and stating that they are unwilling to accept rent supplement recipients as tenants. The Equal Status Acts 2000-2011, prohibit discrimination in the provision of services that are generally available to the public whether provided by the state or the private sector. There are nine grounds prohibiting discrimination namely - gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, race, disability and membership of the Traveller community. Refusal to accept rent supplement tenants does not fall within the area of discrimination as provided for under the equality legislation.
The fact that approximately 90,000 people are currently in receipt of rent supplement of which 42,000 have been awarded during 2012 proves that a significant number of landlords are accommodating applicants of the scheme and that rent supplement recipients are able to access accommodation.
438. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will initiate pension reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48688/12]
View answerThere are a number of significant challenges currently facing pensions systems across Europe and in Ireland. As the populations of most EU countries are aging, issues around pension sustainability and adequacy mean that effective retirement age and the need for longer working in particular have come to the fore. In Ireland, there are currently six people of working age for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to approximately 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. This has 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.
With these challenges and opportunities in mind, earlier this year, the Government asked the OECD to examine Ireland’s overall pension policy in light of the economic downturn and to ensure that it meets the needs of future generations. The review, which began in April of this year, encompasses the totality of pension provision in Ireland i.e. state, private, occupational and public sector. The review takes account of the Programme for Government commitments in the pensions area, including tax reliefs and the commitment to cap taxpayers’ subsidies for pension schemes, (including politicians’ pension schemes), that deliver income in retirement of more than €60,000. The review will focus in particular on the commitment on universal coverage, and is also informed by developments at EU level in relation to pensions.
The OECD will report on the sustainability of the pension system in the light of demographic and investment challenges; the adequacy and coverage levels, in order to ensure adequate income in retirement with a particular focus on the lower and middle income group; the modernity of pension systems to ensure flexibility in the labour market and supporting mechanisms for longer working, and equity within the pension system.
In addition to this overall review, the Government has, since coming into office, introduced a number of key pension reforms. Legislation was introduced in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 to abolish the State pension (transition) with effect from January 2014 thereby standardising pension age at 66. The State pension (contributory) age will be increased to 67 in 2021 and to 68 with effect from 2028. Further changes to State pension include changes to rate bands; to align the rate of pension paid with the contribution made ensures that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions.
Significant changes to occupational pensions, specifically defined benefit pension provision have also been introduced. Legislation introduced in 2011 provided for a sovereign annuity as an option for pension schemes. In August, the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) announced details of the sale of over €1 billion of Irish Amortising Bonds which were purchased by pension schemes and welcomed pension funds into the economy. The regulatory structure for defined benefit pension schemes has been re-introduced. Legislation enacted during the year strengthened the Funding Standard by introducing a requirement for schemes to develop a risk reserve from 2016 and to meet the reserve requirement in 2023 with a view to ensuring greater security for pension scheme members and giving pension schemes increased protection from market volatility in the future.
The “Report on Pension Charges in Ireland 2012” was recently published by my Department with support from the Central Bank and Pensions Board. This report, which is a fact finding report, has concluded that there are serious challenges in relation to the reasonableness and transparency of the pension changes. Comments from interested parties and stakeholders are being invited over a 3 month period (i.e. by the end of January 2013). These responses will be considered and a further policy and regulatory response, if necessary, will be brought to Government.
439. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for carer's allowance; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47204/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 11th July 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, 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.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the options regarding social welfare benefits available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47261/12]
View answerThe person concerned was found to be “not incapable of any or all employment” as prescribed for the purpose of entitlement to illness benefit from 19th October 2011. The person concerned appealed this decision. The appeal was subsequently disallowed and the person was notified of this decision by letter from the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10th September 2012. The person is currently in receipt of a supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) payment of €166.90 per week. (SWA) is a weekly payment for people that have insufficient means or no income. SWA is being paid to this person while the Department is processing information relating to a new claim for illness benefit that was received on 10th October 2012. However, this claim is incomplete. To progress this claim, the Department have written to the person seeking a completed application form (MC1) and further information on the nature of the incapacity that is preventing this person from returning to work. When this information is provided a decision will be made as soon as possible on this claim.
442. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection If she will provide details of the average processing time for rent supplement applications; the reason there appears to be long delays in the processing of rent supplement applicants; the measures being taken to deal with the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47266/12]
View answerThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source. The overall aim is to provide short-term assistance and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. There are currently approximately 90,000 persons in receipt of rent supplement, for which the Government has provided €436m in 2012.
The timescale for determining individual applications for rent supplement is dependant, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant’s income, bank statements, information from landlords, etc. In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. If the Deputy has a concern in relation to processing delays in a particular area or in respect of an individual, they should provide this detail to the Department for follow up.
A key objective of the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive to my Department on 1st October 2011 is to provide a streamlined, consistent and enhanced service to the customer. The process of integration is on-going and significant progress has already been made with a unified service, Intreo, now in the process of being delivered in four offices. The delivery of services in relation to processing rent supplement applications is also subject to on-going review.
Statistics are not available on the average length of time taken to assess rent supplement applications. The provision of a prompt service is a major objective for the Department’s staff dealing with rent supplement applications. This is tempered by the necessity to ensure that every case is fully investigated and that all cases are dealt with in a consistent and fair manner. I am satisfied that the Department’s staff dealing with these applications make every effort to ensure rent supplement claims are processed in an efficient manner.
443. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the payment of rent supplement directly to the landlord as opposed to the tenant bearing in mind the increasing reluctance of landlords to accommodate rent supplement applicants due to problems within the current system and the added pressure this is placing on the demand for public housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47267/12]
View answerThe purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term 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 overall aim is to provide short term assistance, and not to act as an alternative to the other social housing schemes operated by the Exchequer. The Government has provided €436 million for the scheme in 2012. There are currently approximately 90,000 rent supplement recipients proving that landlords are accommodating applicants of the scheme.
Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme.
However, rent supplement payments can, at the request of the tenant and with the agreement of the Department, be paid directly to the landlord. If the Department were to introduce a system whereby all rent supplement payments were to be made directly to landlords the efficiency of the scheme would be significantly affected. For example, the Department would potentially have to create a formal relationship with some 90,000 additional clients, the landlords. This would involve greater complexity and significant resources to deal with a new set of third parties. It would not be an effective use of resources to have departmental staff negotiating rental agreements for those with a short term need.
The Government has effectively two initiatives to deal with long term reliance on rent supplement. The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is in operation since 2004 and the new Housing Policy Initiative as announced by my colleagues the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Minister for Housing & Planning on 16th June 2011.
In March 2012, the Government approved in principle to transfer responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to persons with a long term housing need from my Department, currently provided through rent supplement, to housing authorities using a new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Among the main features of HAP is that landlords will be paid directly by the local authority.
A multi-agency steering group has been established to develop proposals to give effect to this transfer. The group is chaired by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and consists of representatives from the Departments of Social Protection; Public Expenditure and Reform; Office of the Revenue Commissioners; the County and City Managers Association, and the Housing Agency. It is planned that pilot testing of HAP arrangements will commence during the second half of 2013 with general roll out and commencement of transfers from January 2014. The new arrangements will achieve a key Government commitment of removing barriers to employment and at the same time returning rent supplement to its original purpose of a short-term income support.
444. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved carer's allowance; the date the application was received in her Department; if the medical element of the claim has been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47270/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 22nd November 2011. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
445. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47284/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 9th January 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
446. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of each staff member within her Department that has been rehired since March 2011 and the cost involved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47300/12]
View answerSince March 2011, one member of staff in my Department, the Chief Medical Advisor, has been rehired on a temporary contract on a payscale of €93,197 - €113,503. His salary is reduced to take account of the rate of his pension payment.
The decision to re-employ the Chief Medical Advisor was taken due to his specific skills and his involvement in the policy reform of the illness related schemes, the difficulty and long lead-in time for replacing his skills, and the critical importance of ensuring continuity and a high level of service to customers of the Department.
447. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47304/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th September 2012. 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 received, the case in question 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.
