Skip to main content
Normal View

Tuesday, 6 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 448-463

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (448)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

448. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No.397 of 19 July 2012 if he will provide details relating to professional fees paid by his Department . [47310/12]

View answer

Written answers

The accompanying tables set out the fees paid in respect of a range of services in 2011 and for 2012 up to the end of September.

2011 External Professional Services – PR, etc.

Organisation

Description

Amount €

Brindley Advertising

Print Media Advertising - Office Notices etc.

68,741.73

Catalysto Ltd

Graphic Design

9,650.96

Farm TV

Advertising at ploughing championships

3,690.50

Imagefile Ireland Ltd

Purchase of Images for booklets and Web

151.25

Info TV

Advertising - Screens in Local Offices

22,460.58

Mongey Communications

Hire of Technician for Information Officers Seminar

780.45

Splash Designs Ltd

Banner Stands

1,068.43

2012 External Professional Services – PR, etc

Organisation

Description

Amount €

Brindley Advertising

Print Media Advertising - Office Notices etc.

43,275.46

Bowspirit Marketing

Banner Stands

1,014.75

Catalysto Ltd.

Design of Staff Magazine

10,984.42

Graffiti Design

Design of Staff Magazine

1,308.72

Getty Images International

Purchase of Images for Booklets

3,284.10

Imagefile Ireland ltd

Purchase of Images for Booklets

61.50

Info TV

Advertising - Screens in Local Offices

11,070.00

Language Communications

Design and Production of Promotional material for Intreo/NEES

25,656.60

Mongey Communications

Hire of Technican for Information Officers Seminar

793.35

Splash Designs

Banner Stands for Pathways to Work and other material

1,623.60

2011 Expenditure Consultancies and Reports - Environmental

Organisation

Description

Amount €

Wright Environmental Services

Indoor air quality investigation in Gandon Hse Nov/Dec '10

4,368.10

Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Ergonomic assessment for C Mc Andrew Ballina

250

Wright Environmental Services

Investigation of odour/ smells in SWLO Belmullet

1,698.96

2012 Expenditure Consultancies and Reports - Environmental

Organisation

Description

Amount €

VDU Assessments

VDU Assessments Baggott St.

307.50

VDU Assessments

VDU Assessments Ballyfermot

246.00

VDU Assessments

VDU Assessments Dun Laoghaire

276.75

VDU Assessments

VDU Assessments Parnell St. D'Olier St.

1,414.50

Wright Environmental Services

Repeat investigation contamination July '12 Ballymun SWLO

1,198.02

Wright Environmental Services

Exam indoor air quality June/ Jul '12, Floor 1 AMD

3,382.50

Wright Environmental Services

Investigate contamination after Leak Jul '12 Ballymun SWLO

2,445.24

2012 Expenditure Consultancies and Reports - HR

Organisation

Description

Amount €

Baker, Tilly, Ryan & Glennon

Provision of Human Resource Services

11,147

Round Tower Mediation & Training

Provision of Human Resource Services

8,038

Carr Communications

Media Training Programme

6,300

2011 Expenditure Consultancies and Reports - I.T External Service

Contractor

Purpose

Amount

Bearing Point

SDM Computer System Support & Maintenance

4,999,727

Bearing Point

SDM Computer System – Development of Non Contributory Pension Suite of computer programs

1,000,439

Bearing Point

Development of computer system to support Redundancy & Insolvency Functions

1,165,158

Accenture

GRO (General Register Office) Maintenance & Development

430,899

Accenture

SDM Computer System - Means Object

195,305

Hewlett Packard Ireland

Office Systems Modernisation

199,475

Hewlett Packard Ireland

Certification of Unemployment by Mobile Phone

685,488

Inpute Technologies

Digital Documents

18,906

Bearing Point

SDM Computer System - Activation Customer Profiling & Case Management (APCM)

132,788

Bearing Point

Migration Of CWS Staff HR Records

12,705

Version 1

Welfare.ie Maintenance & Support

55,162

Fujitsu Ireland Ltd

Payment & Agency Reconciliation (PARP) Modifications

77,137

Fujitsu Ireland Ltd

Payment & Agency Reconciliation (PARP) Production Support

51,540

Core International

Corepay Development & Upgrade

38,402

Core International

Online Overtime

1,016

Fujitsu Ireland Ltd

Payment & Agency Reconciliation (PARP) Implementation

24,200

Fujitsu Ireland Ltd

Oracle Financials & Business Objects

13,950

Red Dog

Graphic Design on various SDM Projects

944

2012 Expenditure Consultancies and Reports - I.T External Service

Organisation

Description

Amount €

P.A Consulting Group

Payments Strategy

111,142

Naked Objects Group Ltd

SDM Computer System - Technical Development Advice

135,495

Naked Objects Group Ltd

SDM Computer System - Business Objects Modelling Advice & Expertise

101,253

Accenture

Business Process Improvement

186,563

ESRI

Switch Model - Support For Analysis of Budget Proposals

150,000

Deloitte & Touche

Confidential Forensic Investigation Services

7,109

Patrick Oliver Ryan

Gender Recognition Advisor Group Report

7,000

Deloitte & Touche

Information Systems Audit Consultancy

14,792

Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment

Administrative Burden Review

14,000

Price Waterhouse Cooper

National Pensions Framework Implementation

36,300

Milliman

Funding Standard Report

6,050

Social Inclusion Division: While expenditure is included for the entire year, Social Inclusion Division was the responsibility of the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs until 30 April 2011.

Social Inclusion Division 2011

Organisation

Description

Amount €

E Teams

Translation

1,150.42

Eleanor Ashe

Proof Reading

1,800.00

Dragana Jurisic

Photography

512.40

DCULS Ltd.

Translation

853.17

Peigin Doyle

Proof Reading

2,178.00

ESRI

Poverty Research

64,000.53

Maureen Bassett

Evaluation and Reporting of EU Year 2010

1,032.00

Kathy Walsh

Evaluation and Reporting of EU Year 2010

726.00

Jane Pillinger

Consultation and Development of a Code of Practice guide

2,000.00

Mary Mulcahy

Editing

1,422.50

Crowleys DFK

Audit of Financial Statement for EU Year 2010

4,815.80

Artane Audio

Audio Visual Services for the Peer Review Conference

726.00

Survey Monkey

Public Consultation/Survey & Event registration

240.00

Finnegans Coach Bray

Coach Hire EU Peer Review

500.00

Net Affinity

Hosting CPA Website

290.40

ESRI

Printing

490.00

Hyperlink/active link

Advertisement on activelink

180.00

EAPN

SIF Preparation

6,500.00

Social Inclusion Division 2011

Organisation

Description

Amount

AVCOM

SIF Tech Equipment

1,851.30

Community Workers Co-op

Review NPT Support

500.00

Namesco Ireland Ltd

Hosting social inclusion website/Domain name renewal

65.89

Community Workers Co-op

SIF Facilitators

909.00

IRCHSS

Research Development Scheme

50,000.00

Aiden Lloyd

SIF Rapporteur/Report

1,500.00

Soutron

Hosting library catalogue

5,944.15

CEPS INSTEAD

Peer Reviewing

400.00

Social Inclusion Division 2012

Organisation

Description

Amount €

Mark Tomlinson

Peer Reviewing

500.00

Eleanor Ashe

Proof Reading

600.00

ESRI

Poverty Research

33,494.29

Survey Monkey

Public Consultation/Survey & Event registration

240.00

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (449)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47342/12]

View answer

Written answers

This application for carer’s allowance has been awarded. A letter with all details of the payment issued to the person in question on the 18th October 2012, with all arrears due issuing on that date also.

Invalidity Pension Applications

Questions (450)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

450. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to date in the determination of an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47344/12]

View answer

Written answers

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

A previous claim for invalidity pension in respect of the person concerned was refused on 18 October 2011 on the grounds that the claimant was considered not to satisfy the medical criteria.

A new claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned was received on 1 August 2012. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The applicant was notified of this decision on 20 September 2012 and advised of her right to request a review of the decision and also of her right to lodge an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

To date no further correspondence has been received from the person concerned.

Jobseeker's Allowance Applications

Questions (451)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

451. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if arrears of jobseeker's allowance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47346/12]

View answer

Written answers

The person concerned made an application for jobseeker’s allowance on 17 October 2012. As a decision has not yet been made on her claim it is not possible to state if she has an entitlement to an arrears payment.

Fuel Allowance Applications

Questions (452)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

452. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if it will be possible for the fuel allowance to be paid in lump sums to person's who have oil heating so that they can fill their tanks as some oil companies will not deliver oil unless the order is for over €100; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47356/12]

View answer

Written answers

The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Fuel allowance is €20 per week payable for 26 weeks. The 2012/2013 fuel season commenced on 8 October 2012 and almost 400,000 people will benefit at an aggregate cost of €215 million.

There would be a number of difficulties in paying the fuel allowance as a lump sum for some recipients while others receive it as part of their weekly payment. If the payment were given in advance as a lump sum, there could be significant over-payments if a recipient’s circumstances were to change during the payment season. If it were paid in arrears, it obviously would create further budgeting difficulties for individuals and their families.

Many oil companies provide facilities for making payment by monthly instalment over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses. I am satisfied that this arrangement is sufficient to meet the needs of our customers.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (453)

Jack Wall

Question:

453. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47385/12]

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 1st August 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.

Social Welfare Benefits Numbers

Questions (454)

Clare Daly

Question:

454. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare benefits that have been stopped following persons being interviewed at Dublin Airport and other Irish entry points, upon returning to the country, and the number of these cases result in the benefit being restored. [47395/12]

View answer

Written answers

Provision was made in the Social Welfare & Pensions Act 2012 to allow Social Welfare Inspectors to exercise certain functions at ports and airports for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Act. The provision came into effect for 7th June 2012.

Following on from this, protocols have been put in place with the relevant airport authorities. Security/Garda clearance has been obtained so that relevant Social Welfare Inspectors have the appropriate clearance to attend port and airports.

A total of 28 social welfare payments have been stopped as a result investigations undertaken at airports. There has only been one case where payment was restored. However, in this case an overpayment was assessed against the person concerned as it was established that they were not habitually resident in the State for a period of time.

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Questions (455)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the conclusion was reached that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was working for their father when there is no evidence of same; if the will reinstate their job seekers allowance with immediate effect bearing in mind the undue hardship caused as a result of the payment being ceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47398/12]

View answer

Written answers

Following a review of this case it was decided that the person concerned no longer has an entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance. The person concerned was informed of his right to appeal this decision to the social welfare appeal’s office.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Questions (456)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of an appeal for an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47337/12]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned has not been received by that office. 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.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (457)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with a view to granting an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47341/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 13th October 2011. This 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 26th June 2012 refusing the allowance. The person in question subsequently submitted further medical evidence 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.

Blind Person's Pension Eligibility

Questions (458)

Arthur Spring

Question:

458. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the qualifying criteria a person (details supplied) in County Kerry failed to meet in order to be registered as blind when applying for the blind welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47430/12]

View answer

Written answers

This question is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (459)

John O'Mahony

Question:

459. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive a decision on their application for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47433/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 17th July 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Local Employment Service

Questions (460)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

460. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection following the re branding of the National Employment and Entitlements Service into Intreo without a single mention of the Local Employment Service, if her attention has been drawn to the tender document for the commercial provision of employment services in Ireland from her Department it said that The Department provides employment services directly to clients through its own offices and indirectly through contracted arrangements with non-profit organisations who deliver Local Employment Services and the potential to augment the capacity of the Department’s and LES capacity to provide one-to-one guidance services through contracting with the private sector is being examined, hence this request for tenders,in view of these statements if she will confirm her continued support and maintenance of the excellent quality Local Employment Services. [47460/12]

View answer

Written answers

INTREO is the new employment activation and supports service model which integrates the employment services and community programmes formerly of FÁS; the Community Welfare Services (CWS) formerly of the HSE and the income support services provided by the Department itself. The delivery of employment services at local level is an integral part of the new INTREO service. The Department currently contracts with 23 Local Development Companies and 1 community organisation for the provision of local employment services in 24 locations. These organisations play an important role in the delivery of employment services and given the urgent need to address unemployment, the intention is to enhance employment services at local level and not reduce such services. In this regard, the Department is currently engaged in a procurement process from which it intends to appoint expert advisor(s) to assist with the design and delivery of employment service provision, on a contracted basis with external providers, as envisaged under the Pathways to Work strategy. It is expected that the initial design will be completed in the first quarter of 2013 and thereafter the question of procuring additional employment services in line with this design will be considered.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (461)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

461. Deputy Sandra McLellan 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 Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47461/12]

View answer

Written answers

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 2nd November 2011. This 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. The person concerned subsequently submitted further medical evidence in support of her application on 24th July 2012. This medical evidence is awaiting assessment by a medical assessor. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Fuel Allowance Applications

Questions (462)

Áine Collins

Question:

462. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence regarding the Tús scheme (details supplied). [47468/12]

View answer

Written answers

The fuel allowance is intended to help households that depend on long-term social welfare or Health Service Executive payments and are unable to provide for their own heating needs. The fuel allowance is a means-tested payment and is payable where a customer lives either alone or with certain categories of people and the customer is in receipt of an eligible social welfare payment. Participants on Tús may retain the fuel allowance as a secondary benefit if they qualified for the allowance prior to participating on the scheme. They do not qualify for fuel allowance during their participation on Tús.

Child Benefit Payments

Questions (463)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

463. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the future of child benefit; her plans to tax it or means test same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47487/12]

View answer

Written answers

Child benefit is a universal payment that assists parents with the cost of raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. The estimated expenditure on child benefit for 2012 is around €2 billion in respect of some 1.15 million children.

The Government is conscious that child benefit, as a universal payment, can be an important source of income for all families, especially during a time of recession and high unemployment. The social protection system also provides assistance to low income families with children through the payment of qualified child increases on primary social welfare payments and through the family income supplement payment. Both of these provide a level of assistance which is directly or indirectly linked with a household’s income situation.

I am conscious that achieving a better design of the overall system of child income supports, including child benefit, raises complex issues about the effectiveness and efficiency of the full range of income supports currently provided to families and their children. In this context and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year, which has been tasked with recommending cost-effective solutions as to how employment disincentives can be improved and better poverty outcomes achieved, particularly child poverty outcomes. The Advisory Group prioritised the area of family and child income supports and has completed its work on this area. Their report is currently receiving my consideration and will assist the Government in setting out a pathway towards a more appropriate system of child income supports.

It is envisaged that any proposed changes to the child benefit scheme and in particular a change from a universal to a means-tested payment would be considered in the context of the annual budget and announced on Budget day. Therefore I do not intend to signal anything about the government’s intentions in this area at this time.

Top
Share