Written Answers Nos. 331 - 351
331. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider asking employers partaking in JobBridge for a contribution to the cost of maintaining an intern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50870/12]
View answerThe JobBridge Scheme has made significant progress since it came into operation on the 1st July 2011. Over 12,100 internships have commenced to date with 5,398 participants currently on an internship as at 15th November 2012 and over 1,900 internship opportunities presently advertised on www.jobbridge.ie.
The interim evaluation report conducted by Indecon found that 52% of the participants who have finished their JobBridge internship placement have progressed into employment. These progression rates compare favourably with European averages in this area. Further information on outcomes will be ascertained as a result of the independent evaluation of the Scheme which is currently being undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants.
The existing terms and conditions of the Scheme including this specific matter raised by the Deputy will be examined as part of this independent evaluation.
This evaluation will assess the design, delivery and impact of the JobBridge Scheme, it will provide details of the nature of the work experience of the participants; a measurement of the relevance of that experience to the labour market and progression into employment. The report will also present recommendations on how the Scheme might be improved. It is anticipated that this Report will be available by year end 2012. It is at this stage that further consideration will be given to amending the terms and conditions of the Scheme. Any such amendment or changes will then be notified via the website.
332. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider broadening the qualifying requirements for community employment schemes and internships to include persons who are working on reduced hours and not in receipt of a social welfare payment (details supplied). [50884/12]
View answerThe criteria for participating on Community Employment (CE) are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. The core eligibility criterion for CE is that the person is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment such as jobseekers allowance, jobseekers benefit, one parent family payment for a specified amount of time, generally 12 months. Persons in receipt of a qualifying disability-linked social welfare payment are also eligible if they are currently in receipt of their payment (at least 6 months for illness benefit).
CE is an active labour market programme aimed at persons who are not considered ready for entry to employment, with the programme emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education/training. Thus, CE is not generally available to persons who are already in employment. There is a limit of 30 worked days in the 12 months qualifying period for jobseeker clients wishing to apply for CE under the one-year version of CE, or 30 worked days in each of the three years for jobseeker clients wishing to apply for CE under the three-year version of CE.
The CE programme is one of a range of training and employment programmes available for unemployed persons. All of these programmes have specific objectives and eligibility criteria that address the specific needs of a wide range of jobseekers.
In the circumstances, the person concerned should contact their local Employment Services Office where the employment and training options that are available to her can be outlined.
333. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect a decision on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance. [50896/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer 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.
334. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer's allowance. [50897/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 29th November 2011 in respect of two carers. These applications were referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the carees in question were not medically eligible for carer’s allowance. A letter issued on the 9th October 2012 refusing the allowances. The person in question subsequently submitted further medical evidence for review on 13th November 2012. 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.
335. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer's allowance. [50898/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 1st December 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 1st October 2012 refusing the allowance.
336. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an invalidity pension review. [50899/12]
View answerThere is no trace of a claim for invalidity pension from the person concerned. I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 22nd August 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 6th June 2012 refusing the allowance. The person in question subsequently submitted further medical evidence for review on the 23rd August 2012. 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.
337. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer's allowance. [50901/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 25th October 2012. On completion of all the necessary a decision will be made and the person in question will be contacted directly with the outcome.
338. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an application for carer's allowance. [50905/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 28th June 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 7th March 2012 refusing the allowance. The person in question subsequently submitted further medical evidence for review on 29th June 2012. 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. If this decision remains unchanged following this review, the file will be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.
339. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence regarding backdating the homemaker's scheme; her plans to address the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50925/12]
View answerThe State pension is a very valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives.
The homemaker’s scheme makes qualification for the State pension (contributory) easier by disregarding time spent out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme was introduced in and took effect from 1994. Eligibility for the homemaker’s scheme is conditional on firstly meeting the standard qualifying conditions for State pension. Backdating the scheme to 1964 would involve considerable costs. An analysis undertaken in the 2007 Green Paper on Pensions identified that to backdate the homemaker’s scheme to 1953, the year when the unified system of social insurance was introduced in Ireland, would cost the Exchequer in the region of €160m and to 1973/73, an estimated €150m. Costs in relation to this scheme under the current rules, are expected to increase in the coming years due to the increase in female employment rates since 1994.
In relation to income support, Ireland’s pensioners have the lowest consistent poverty rate and are least likely to be at risk of poverty compared to other groups - pointing to the adequacy of the State pension. Between 2004 and 2010, consistent poverty for older people (those over 65) fell from 3.3% to 0.9%. The ‘at risk of poverty’ rate for people in that age group fell from 27.1% to 9.6% over the same period.
The recently published review of the Social Insurance Fund identified that in the medium to long term, pension related expenditure will account for an increasing proportion of the Social Insurance Fund expenditure - rising from 57% in 2011 to 85% in 2066. The pensioner support ratio is projected to decline from 5.3 workers for every individual over pension age in 2010 to 3.9 workers by 2020 and to 2.1 workers by 2060.
In terms of value for money for those who take time out of the workforce, the report confirms that social insurance benefits offer excellent value for money for those:
- on the lower part of the income distribution,
- those with shorter contribution histories, mostly women
- and the self-employed.
Notwithstanding the changes in the contribution rules and associated rates of payment which were introduced in September 2012, those with lower earnings and those with shorter contribution histories, will continue to obtain the best value for money from the Fund. This can be of particular benefit to women.
In relation to the marriage bar, it should be noted that women affected by the marriage bar are public servants who would not be eligible for the homemakers scheme due to the type of PRSI being paid by them at the time of leaving the workforce. It should be noted that women who do not qualify for a full rate pension may, if their spouse is in receipt of a State pension contributory, receive a qualified adult payment at a higher rate where they satisfy a means test.
A State pension non-contributory pension, which is a means tested payment, may also be payable. Time taken out of the workforce for homemaking and caring duties will continue to be protected by the current disregard. While my Department will keep the homemaker’s scheme under review, any improvements which could result in further costs for the Exchequer could only be considered in a budgetary context. The Government’s priority is to secure economic recovery, promote growth and employment. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure in 2013 and in later years.
The Government is considering the appropriate level of expenditure on the wide variety of schemes and services operated by my Department in 2013 in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The outcome will be announced on Budget Day.
340. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons for the closing of the community welfare clinic in the Third Age Centre in Summerhill (details supplied) and to detail the way those with restricted mobility or living in poverty can access similar services. [50929/12]
View answer341. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of maintaining the community welfare clinic in the Third Age Centre in Summerhill (details supplied) and to detail any savings generated from its proposed closure. [50930/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
My Department is very conscious of the need to provide efficient and effective customer services at a local level for all customers of the Department, having regard to the resources that are available. In this context, the staffing needs of all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed.
In recent months, the Department has restructured a number of Community Welfare Service (CWS) clinics across the country, including in the County Meath area, with the aim of providing an efficient service to all customers. Some smaller clinics have been closed where the level of demand for a service was low and a number of other clinics have also been identified for closure. Where a closure has occurred or is planned, an increased level of service has been made available to the customers from these areas at alternative locations in the general vicinity.
In the case of Summerhill, the clinic was open to the public for 1½ hours per week (2pm-3.30pm, every Wednesday). Customers who attended the Summerhill clinic will, from 3rd December 2012, be served in Enfield, which is approximately 10km from Summerhill. The CWS Clinic in Enfield is available each Wednesday for two hours - 10.00am – 12:00pm.
In the case of Clonard, the clinic was open to the public for 1 hour per week (11am-12pm every Wednesday). Customers who were dealt with in the Clonard clinic are now served in Enfield, which is approximately 14km from Clonard. The CWS clinic in Enfield, for customers from the Clonard area, is available on Thursdays from two hours 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Notices were issued to local Department of Social Protection Offices, Money Advice and Budgeting Service and Citizen’s Information Centres and posters have been displayed in both Summerhill and Clonard clinics advising customers of these changes.
Where clinics are closing, an emergency contact telephone number has been made available to customers who are unable to attend the alternative clinic.
The decision to close the Summerhill clinic was not made on the basis of cost savings which might accrue. Rather locating the service in Enfield will, I believe, enable customers to receive a more effective and comprehensive response from the CWS.
342. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50935/12]
View answerThis Department has no record of a recent application for an exceptional needs payment in respect of the person concerned.
343. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered changing the way property is assessed in the means test for social welfare claimants; if she will change to a system of assessing the rental income rather than the capital value as a measure of the income attributed to the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50936/12]
View answerSocial welfare legislation provides that the yearly value of “property owned but not personally used or enjoyed” is assessable for means testing purposes. Property for this purpose includes:
i. Money invested in a bank, building society or other financial institution;
ii. The current market value of stocks and shares of every description, and
iii. Houses and premises owned by a claimant which may or may not be put to commercial use (including property which is rented out).
However, it does not include property such as the home or, for example, a premises used by the claimant in carrying out a business.
For assessment purposes, the current market value of the property is established as well as the amount of any outstanding mortgages on that property. The balance (market value less outstanding mortgage) is assessed by reference to a formula. Where the current market value is less than the outstanding mortgage, no assessment is made.
In establishing the current market value of a property, the Department may make enquiry of the State Valuation Office. Alternatively, the market value may be established through receipt of a reasonable current valuation from a registered auctioneer, with reference to the purchase price and date of purchase of the property or, alternatively, the inspector may agree a valuation with a customer having regard to the type and location of the individual property and prevailing market values in that area.
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. Given that background, I have no plans to change the assessment of property for the purposes of means tested social assistance schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection.
344. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has received an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this appeal will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50942/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 02nd October 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. When received, the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, 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.
345. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if the disqualifying criteria for the back to education allowance would credit previous involvement in education, when such involvement was made under individual initiative and making use of personal resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50943/12]
View answer346. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if the disqualifying criteria for the back to education allowance would measure progression at being at, and not beyond, qualifications previously achieved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50944/12]
View answer347. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if the disqualifying criteria for the back to education allowance would not take account of qualifications previously gained when such qualifications have not been widely recognised and have been seen to have little value in acquiring employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50945/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 345 to 347, inclusive, together.
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme. It is designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling those in receipt of certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. The BTEA scheme covers a large 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 student support type schemes administered by the Department of Education and Skills. Progression in education is a condition which is not unique to BTEA, indeed State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing 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.
The Department is currently reviewing a wide range of activation supports available to the Department’s customers, including BTEA, and it is the intention to canvass the views of stakeholders as part of the implementation process resulting from the review.
349. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for jobseekers benefit. [50953/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th September 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 8th 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.
350. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the child benefit payments for multiples will not be cut; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50955/12]
View answer372. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51127/12]
View answer405. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered moving child benefit from a universal payment to a form of opt-in scheme. [51461/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 350, 372 and 405 together.
Child benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children up to their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability. The estimated expenditure on child benefit for 2012 is around €2 billion and it is paid to around 600,000 families in respect of some 1.15 million children.
Parents of multiple birth children receive an additional monthly premia paid at one and a half times the monthly child benefit payment rate for each twin and double the monthly payment rate for each child in other multiple births. While Budget 2012 maintained this additional monthly payment, the multiple births grant of €635 paid at birth, at 4 years of age and at 12 years of age was discontinued.
As a universal payment child benefit assists parents with the cost of raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. The Government is also conscious that child benefit is an important source of income for all families, especially during a time of recession and high unemployment. Bearing this in mind, any plans to change the amount paid in respect of such payments will be a matter to be decided in a budgetary context and announced on Budget day. I do not therefore propose to speculate on any possible approaches to child benefit payment rates changes.
With regard to the application process for child benefit, when a parent registers the birth of their child the Department of Social Protection will initiate a child benefit claim. In cases where the parent is not claiming child benefit for another child, such as their first child, a partially completed form is sent to the parent to sign in order to claim the payment. In cases where the parent is claiming child benefit for another child, the new child is added to the child benefit claim and payment begins automatically from the month after the birth. A letter confirming payment is then sent to the parent by the Department. If a parent does not wish to claim their child benefit payment, they can notify the Department in writing to that effect and their claim will be stopped in accordance with their wishes.
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 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 incentives 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.
