Written Answers Nos. 110 - 118
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of determination of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51938/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 6 November 2012, 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.
111. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will be assessed by their medical assessor regarding their illness benefit appeal. [51939/12]
View answerThe claim for illness benefit, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department following an examination by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was opened on 6 November 2012 and in accordance with statutory requirements the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer’s comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.
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.
112. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51959/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. 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.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the particular elements of the habitual residency condition that were not satisfied in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51960/12]
View answerIt was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the criteria for habitual residence in this state on the grounds that her main centre of interest has not been established as Ireland. The person concerned can appeal this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
114. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if same will now be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51963/12]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 8th May 2012. This application was referred to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on the 27th June 2012 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision.
As part of the appeal process, the case has been forwarded to another of the Department’s Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor’s opinion, the case will be further examined and will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.
116. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51969/12]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 20th December 2011. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
118. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the drop in the social pension for those that do not meet the full points, that is up to 31 August those with 36.9 points received €225.80 and then on 1 September €207 which is over a 9% drop; and the reason for the drop in this particular pension. [51989/12]
View answerThere is an important context to the changes to State pension provision under the pensions reform programme. Given the scale of the fiscal crisis and because spending on social protection accounts for nearly 40% of current Government expenditure, you will appreciate that savings have to be found in the social welfare system.
The change to State pension rate bands means that the pension in payment will reflect the PRSI contributions made over a working life. Currently a person with an average of 20-47 PRSI contributions per year over their working life receives a weekly State pension of only €4.50 less than a person with a yearly average of 48 or more PRSI contributions. This is neither fair nor equitable.
From September 2012, a lower pension is payable to new applicants for State pension who have a yearly average of less than 48 PRSI contributions. This measure introduces additional rates bands for State pension to more fairly reflect the proportionality of attachment to the workforce by the claimant. The maximum rate will remain unchanged and the rate payable to people with an average of between 40 and 47 contributions per year will also remain unchanged. However, those who have fewer contributions, such as those in the scenario mentioned by the Deputy, will receive a lower rate of pension.
Claimants with an income need, may, following a means test, qualify for a State pension (non-contributory). The maximum rate of the (State pension non-contributory) is €219.00 per week.
This change to rate bands introduced in September 2012, moves somewhat closer to a ‘total contribution approach’ where those who pay more will benefit more. The ‘total contributions approach’ to State pension will be adopted to replace the current averaging system and the proposed date for its introduction is 2020. Under this system, the level of pension paid will be directly proportionate to the number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life.
There is also an important long-term policy context for the proposed changes to State pension as the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. 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.
The State pension is the bedrock of the Irish pension system, and these reforms are essential to address the challenges of increasing life expectancy and to ensure its sustainability. 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 and the pension reform measures underway contribute significantly to this strategy.
All information relating to the changes that I have outlined here is also available on my Department’s website.
