Tuesday, 6 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 512-531

Social Welfare Benefits Applications

Questions (512)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

512. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on social welfare benefits (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47562/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. It is a fundamental qualifying condition for these benefits that a person must be available for full-time work. My Department engages with jobseekers in order to support them and their families in progressing into employment. One of the key concepts underpinning pathways to work and intreo, a new service providing a single point of contact for all employment and income supports, is the relationship between the jobseeker and the Department. In accepting payment of benefit and support, the jobseeker shall agree to avail of the appropriate support measures offered during the course of the activation process, whether this is employment, education, training or placement in employment schemes.

With regard to the dynamics of the Live Register it may be noted that the great majority of people on the Live Register have a strong financial incentive to work and significant numbers leave the register each year. Indeed, for many unemployed people, unemployment is a short-term experience and the jobseeker’s schemes have an important labour market function in supporting people through periods of involuntary unemployment. In this context the establishment of a compulsory work system for jobseekers would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in the first instance. However, I would note that there could be significant potential for such a system to interfere with the functioning of the labour market, for example through substitution of existing work.

Register of Electors Administration

Questions (513)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

513. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if her officials use the electoral register; and if so, the occasions when such use is considered warranted within her Department. [47643/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The electoral register is a matter of public record and, as such, may be consulted where appropriate by officials of the Department as one source of information which may be useful in confirming eligibility for payments.

National Internship Scheme Places

Questions (514)

John O'Mahony

Question:

514. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is precluded from getting on jobbridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47654/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The National Internship Scheme, JobBridge, was launched on 1st July 2011. It provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals at all skills levels. The aim of JobBridge is to assist individuals in breaking the cycle where they are unable to get a job without experience. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience, relevant knowledge and skills within a working environment. The Scheme is open to organisations in the private, public and community or voluntary sectors. The JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress to-date since it came into operation on the 1st July 2011. 11,671 internships have commenced to date with 5,262 participants currently on an internship as at 1st November 2012 and 1,879 opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.

In response to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, I wish to advise that an individual cannot apply for an internship with an organisation that they have an existing employment relationship with e.g. working part-time. However, the terms and conditions of the Scheme currently provide that an individual may partake in an internship with an organisation that they had a previous employment relationship with subject to all other eligibility criteria being met. I am delighted to further advise the Deputy that there is no ‘one day’ condition or rule preventing participation on JobBridge. The Department will endeavour to contact the person concerned in this instance to clarify the matter. In the meantime if you have any further queries in this regard, please contact the JobBridge unit at [e-mail] and the staff there will assist further if required.

Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals

Questions (515)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

515. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in the case of an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47657/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5th July 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 31st July 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.

Child Care Services Provision

Questions (516)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

516. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 16 October 2012, in which she indicates that the inter departmental 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. [47677/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The 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 as based on these findings 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.

Question No. 517 withdrawn.

Mortgage Arrears Proposals

Questions (518)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

518. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the sector of professionals who will be permitted to advise mortgage holders as part of the new advisory service; if financial brokers will be permitted to advise clients in this area of mortgage arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47731/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I recently announced a three-phased approach to establishing a comprehensive Mortgage Arrears Information and Advice Service to provide the necessary supports to assist people in mortgage distress. The approach differentiates between mortgage information and mortgage advice. The first two involve the enhancement of the website www.keepingyourhome.ie and the establishment of a Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline within the Citizens Information Board both of which focus on the provision of comprehensive mortgage arrears information in particular to people in arrears or pre-arrears. The third element of the service is the provision of independent financial advice to mortgage holders who are being presented with long term mortgage resolution proposals by their lenders. This advice will be provided by a panel of accountants drawn from members of the main accountancy institutes in Ireland who have agreed to participate and support this independent service.

When a lender is proposing longer-term mortgage resolutions, the lender will advise the borrower to obtain independent financial advice on the proposed arrangement and, if the borrower wishes to avail of this option, that the lender will pay €250 to an accountant of the borrower’s choosing for the provision of this advice. An operating protocol for the provision of this advice has been agreed between the main accountancy bodies and the lenders. The general scope of the advice will be limited to the borrower’s principal private residence. The advisory framework has commenced with practising accountants because they already operate within a regulatory regime which includes qualitative oversight by their regulating bodies and in these circumstances it was possible to establish the advisory framework for people with mortgage distress within a relatively short timeframe.

There is nothing to inhibit other financial intermediaries from continuing to give advice on mortgages as requested by borrowers. While the advisory framework will be monitored on an on-going basis, it is not intended to conduct a full review of the service before June 2013. The review will be undertaken to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and will encompass all aspects of the service including if participation is extended to other interested parties, the criteria that would be required in terms of relevant qualifications, experience, independence, professional indemnity insurance, etc. The accountancy bodies have notified their members about the new service. To date, some 2,700 accountants have confirmed to their accounting body that they wish to be part of the panel and their details are now listed on a county by county basis on the website www.keepingyourhome.ie.

Exceptional Needs Payment Applications

Questions (519)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

519. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 23 of October 2012, the grounds on which a request for an exceptional needs payment was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will review this decision with particular reference to the bad health of the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47740/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The exceptional needs payment application of the person concerned was disallowed as the medical evidence submitted did not recommend the need for clothing. The person concerned has been advised that she can request a review of this decision.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (520)

Robert Troy

Question:

520. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied). [47726/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 24th April 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Questions (521)

Robert Troy

Question:

521. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an invalidity appeal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [47727/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence has allowed the appeal of the person concerned, by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. 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.

Questions Nos. 522 and 523 withdrawn.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Questions (524)

Pat Breen

Question:

524. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on invalidity pension appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47792/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 28th March 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 5th September 2012 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer shortly 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.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (525)

Pat Breen

Question:

525. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47793/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 11th January 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals Status

Questions (526)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

526. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [47795/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22nd August 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 30th 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.

Social Welfare Overpayments

Questions (527)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way it was determined that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was overpaid by her Department; if she will review this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47796/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Following a review in August 2012 of the person’s disability allowance claim it was found that the person failed to fully disclose his weekly means from self-employment from 8 April 2009 to 2 May 2012. His payment was stopped and he was assessed with having an overpayment of disability allowance of €63,206.30. The person was notified in writing of this decision and of his right of appeal. Further letters were sent to him regarding the recovery of the overpayment.

The weekly rate of disability allowance payment depends on the amount of weekly means assessed. The legislative provisions regarding disability allowance state that means will be assessed from all income which the claimant or claimant’s spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the year following the date of their claim with certain exceptions. Income derived from earnings from self-employment is not included in these exceptions, and is accordingly assessable in full as means for disability allowance.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (528)

Michael Creed

Question:

528. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in expediting a decision on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47773/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 9th January 2012. 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 27th July 2012 refusing the allowance. A letter issued to the person in question outlining details of how to have this decision reviewed or appealed if they are not satisfied with the decision.

Invalidity Pension Applications

Questions (529)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

529. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension review application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [47774/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 22 June 2012. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it on 26 July 2012. Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. The deciding officer confirmed the original decision and notified the claimant of the outcome on 05 November 2012, advising him of his right to appeal the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.

Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Questions (530)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

530. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a rent allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [47775/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

An application for rent supplement issued to the person concerned on 01 November 2012. The application form should be completed and returned to this Department for processing.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Questions (531)

Pat Breen

Question:

531. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer's allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47800/12]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 28th May 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.