Written Answers Nos. 397-416
397. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to make any changes to the back to education allowance for September; if there will be any limitations imposed on those applying for the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23690/13]
View answerThe back to education allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme.
The numbers availing of BTEA and the associated cost of the scheme has risen dramatically in recent years. Numbers for the current 2012/13 academic year are 25,886 which represents a 191% increase on the 2007/08 numbers.
As the Deputy will appreciate, managing expenditure demands for 2013 and beyond poses difficult challenges and requires a critical analysis of all expenditure items. Budget 2013 provided for the cessation of the €300 cost of education allowance for new and existing BTEA participants from January 1st, 2013. The practice of uprating those on means reduced payments up to the maximum personal rate of €188 per week was discontinued for new entrants only from January 1st, 2013. A new maximum rate of €160 per week for persons under 25 year olds who commence BTEA after 1st January 2013 was introduced. Those engaged with BTEA before 1st January 2013 and who are progressing, or who are mid-course will not be affected by the Budget changes relating to 'uprating'.
The BTEA scheme remains an attractive scheme for social welfare recipients who wish to further their education. A significant majority of those entering BTEA are in receipt of the maximum personal rate of payment of €188 per week, which compares favourably with other State funded supports for those pursuing education.
The Department has recently published a review of employment support schemes, including BTEA, and held a stakeholders' forum where review recommendations were discussed. All review recommendations and feedback from the stakeholders’ forum are being considered as the Department now moves in to the implementation phase.
398. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to an application (details supplied) the criteria on which medical evidence was assessed on both occasions in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the way they could come to different conclusions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24923/13]
View answer427. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24047/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 427 together.
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
Medical assessments and medical reviews of eligibility for social welfare schemes are undertaken by fully qualified medical practitioners who have experience and specialist training/qualifications in occupational medicine as well as in human disability evaluation. Assessments of eligibility are based on medical reports and other evidence furnished by the applicant and the applicant's treating physician. The assessment is made in accordance with the Department's evidence-based medical guidelines and protocols. Applicants who are not satisfied with a given decision have the right to request a review of that decision by a deciding officer or of appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.
The person concerned originally applied for invalidity pension on 27 February 2012. The claim was awarded up to 2 May 2012, when the person in question claimed jobseeker’s benefit and, subsequently, commenced a FETAC course.
On 15 April 2013 this department received a claim for invalidity pension from the person concerned, with a request for consideration of backdating to 21 January 2013 – the date on which he ceased participation on the FETAC citing medical reasons. The 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 conditions. A deciding officer disallowed the claim and the person concerned was notified of this decision and the reason(s) for it on 20 May 2013 and of his right to a review of the decision or to appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
All of the relevant evidence in this case has been submitted to another medical assessor for further review and the outcome is expected shortly. Upon receipt of the opinion of the medical assessor, a deciding officer will decide whether a revised decision to award the pension is warranted and the person in question will be notified directly of the result.
399. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23643/13]
View answerPayment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
An appeal was registered on 11th March 2013 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, 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.
400. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal for a higher rate of rent support will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if she will acknowledge receipt of additional medical information in support of this appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23644/13]
View answerThe person concerned was notified in October 2012 that his entitlement to rent supplement would cease on 31 January 2013 because the rent being paid exceeded the maximum rent for which a supplement is payable.
The person concerned notified the Department that they had submitted an appeal in relation to the decision to suspend the rent supplement claim. However, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has no record of an appeal having been received.
In November 2012, it was decided to continue payment of rent supplement for a further three months, to 30 April 2013, in order to allow the person additional time to seek a reduction in rent from the landlord or to seek alternative accommodation that fell within the rental limit applicable to the family circumstances.
As there was no change in the circumstances following this extended period, the rent supplement was suspended on 30 April 2013.
The Department has received medical information regarding the person concerned. In light of the medical circumstances outlined, it has been decided to afford the person a further opportunity to negotiate a reduction in rent with the landlord or to seek alternative accommodation within the rent limits appropriate to the family circumstances. Accordingly, the rent supplement will continue until the end of June 2013, at which time the claim will again be reviewed.
401. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection in the case of public servants and other workers who are required to retire due to contract at the age of 65 next year, the social welfare payments they will be able to avail of until they can qualify for the State contributory pension. [23650/13]
View answer402. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address the needs of those public sector workers who will be compelled to retire at 65 years and will not qualify for the State pension until they are 66 years; in the absence of the transitional pension, if those persons will have to apply for a jobseeker's payment. [23651/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 provides that State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the abolition of the State pension (transition) thereby standardising State pension age for all to 66 years. The State pension age will be further increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 years in 2028. These changes apply to all fully insured employees, including some public servants.
Public servants (including civil servants) who are due to retire aged 65 in January 2014 will be able to draw their occupational public service pension at age 65. The changes regarding State pension (transition) will have no impact on public servants (including civil servants) who are on modified social insurance.
However, for those public servants (including civil servants) who are fully insured, their public service pensions (and contributions) are, like many occupational pension schemes, integrated (or co-ordinated) with social welfare benefits. This means the occupational pension paid is based on the assumption that the pensioner also receives the State pension (transition or contributory).
Where this does not happen, a discretionary supplementary pension may be payable under the relevant public service pension scheme to bridge the gap. In this instance, a supplementary pension is only payable where the individual, through no fault of their own, does not qualify for social welfare benefit or qualifies at less than the maximum personal rate. It is therefore necessary to claim any available social welfare benefits in order to receive a supplementary pension. This situation is not new and already applies to public sector workers who have a retirement age below 65.
For other workers, the main social welfare payments available to those who leave employment before pension age are jobseekers benefit and job seekers allowance. Persons aged between 65 and 66 years are generally entitled to receive payment up to the date on which they reach pensionable age (66 years).
It should be noted that until the 1970s, the standard age for receipt of State pension was 70 years of age. Increasing longevity and significant improvements in health status mean that people can work longer to support themselves in retirement. Raising State pension age and the abolition of the State pension (transition) is a necessary step in ensuring the sustainability of pensions into the future. The recently published OECD report on the Review of the Irish Pension System confirms that reforms are necessary if we are to continue to put pension provision on a sustainable footing given the changes in demographics, the deficit in the Social Insurance Fund, and the difficult fiscal situation.
405. 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. [23680/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th February 2013. 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 04th April 2013 and 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.
406. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer's allowance appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23700/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 14th March 2013. 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 these are 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.
407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding eligibility for illness benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23711/13]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of illness benefit at the maximum personal rate of €188.00 since 7th April 2012. Payment is issuing to his employer as per his instructions.
408. 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 disability allowance. [23759/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 22nd March 2013, 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.
409. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the fact certain women are not eligible for the full rate of a State contributory pension because they chose to stay at home to care for their children or family relatives prior to 1994 when the homemaker scheme was first introduced; if he will agree that this affects a large proportion of our female pension earning population as it was much more common for women to remain in the home prior to the 1990s after which time it became more socially acceptable for mothers to be out at work; if there are any plans to deal with this sector of our society in order to give them due regard for the work they undertook in the home and ensure they receive full pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23782/13]
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.
There are no plans to review the effective date for this scheme as backdating the scheme further than 1994 would involve considerable costs. The 2007 Green Paper on Pensions indicated that to back-date 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 €160 million. 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 women and social insurance payments, it is worth noting that the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund confirms that the Fund provides better value to female rather than male contributors. Those with lower earnings and those with shorter contribution histories, mostly women, have and will continue to obtain the best value for money from the Fund. The social solidarity principle which underlies the Fund is reflected in the fact that, for those at the higher end of the income distribution, the Fund is redistributive and they generally get back less than they pay in.
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 in an improved fiscal environment.
410. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans move social welfare payments to a purely electronic system; if she will outline the proposed timeframe involved in making this move; if she will acknowledge that this move will have a detrimental effect on the country's post office network; if she will agree that the post office network has delivered an exceptional service to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23786/13]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection envisages a payments environment that will ultimately deliver all payments to customers electronically. This is in line with wider Government policies and objectives such as better public services, better and more effective ePayments and is aligned to the objectives of the National Payments Plan published by the Central Bank recently. The progression to electronic payments is a critical element of the National Payments Plan which aims to reduce the very high levels of cash usage in the Irish economy, thereby contributing to improved national competitiveness.
All welfare customers paid through the post office network are paid in cash. This is an inherently expensive means of paying customers. This approach is inefficient, costly and imposes security risks on customers and staff alike who handle, distribute and receive these monies. The Government needs to move to more modern approaches for distributing these vast sums of money to customers weekly.
As the current contract with An Post expires at the end of 2013, the Department is undertaking two public procurement competitions for the delivery of welfare payments and will provide for progression over time from cash to electronic payment methods.
The first procurement for over the counter cash services for social welfare customers commenced in December 2012 and is now well advanced. This will replace the existing service contract with An Post and will ensure continuity in the delivery of cash payments to the Department’s almost 1 million cash payment customers. I anticipate a contract for these services will be signed by the summer and will provide similar services to customers to those they currently enjoy. The term of the contract will be for a two year period up to 31 December 2015. The contract may be extended, for one or more period(s) of twelve months each, up to a maximum of six years in aggregate. The services being procured under this RFT will be for a transitional period as the Department progressively increases levels of electronic payments.
In addition, and to further support the migration towards electronic payments, the Department will be procuring an ePayment solution(s) to complement the existing facility to make payments directly into customers’ accounts in financial institutions. It is anticipated that notification regarding this procurement will issue by end June 2013 and a new electronic payment method will be in place for customers towards the end of 2014.
Public sector contracts for the supply of products and services are generally subject to a competitive tendering process. This ensures that the taxpayer receives value for money and ensures that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward the most efficient, effective and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation. The award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to various EU Directives. Because of the financial value of this particular service, the Department was required to publicly invite tenders for the new contract to deliver social welfare payments when the current contract with An Post expires at the end of this year.
I am conscious of the important role of the post offices around the country, notably the extent to which it is now a one stop shop where people can pay bills, purchase mobile phone top ups, use the passport application facility, pay local property tax and carry out a range of banking and other financial services. The Government has stated its commitment to maintaining the post office network in the Programme for Government.
411. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal on a farm assist application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [23795/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th April 2013. 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 29th April 2013 and 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.
412. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 had their jobseeker's payment reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23796/13]
View answerUntil recently the person concerned was in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance at a weekly rate of €164.70, which comprised of a personal rate of €144.70 and in addition a winter fuel allowance of €20.00. Payment of the winter fuel allowance ceased with effect from the week beginning 8th April 2013 which returned his weekly rate to €144.70. This rate is means-assessed based on the payment of a non-contributory state pension to his wife, who is also in receipt of the full range of household benefits and qualifies for free travel.
413. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedures set out by her Department, and the criteria which must be met by persons who wish to apply for mortgage interest supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23797/13]
View answerThe purpose of the mortgage interest supplement (MIS) scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. There are approximately 13,000 mortgage interest supplement recipients for which the Government has provided approximately €42 million for in 2013. Under the rules governing entitlement to the scheme a person may be entitled to a supplement towards the amount of mortgage interest payable in respect of his or her residence provided that:
- the supplementary welfare allowance means test is satisfied
- the applicant has, at the time of application, engaged with their mortgage lender in order to meet their mortgage repayment obligations, and has entered into and complied with an alternative repayment arrangement for a period of not less than 12 months
- the loan agreement was entered into at a time when, in the opinion of the Department’s representative, the person was in a position to meet the repayments
- only the portion of the loan that relates to the essential purchase, repair or maintenance of the property is taken into account
- the applicant is habitually resident in the State
- the amount of the mortgage interest payable by the claimant does not exceed such amount as the Department’s representative considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs
- it is reasonable to award a supplement having regard to the amount of any arrears outstanding on the loan. In exceptional circumstances, the Department’s representative may award a supplement where the amount of mortgage interest payable by a person exceeds such amount as the Department’s representative considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs. Such supplement is payable for a maximum of 12 months from the date of the claim.
- the applicant or their spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is not engaged in full time employment, defined as more than 29 hours a week (subject to exceptions)
- the applicant is not: involved in a trade dispute; engaged in full time education (subject to exceptions); unlawfully in the State; admitted to an institution for a period of in excess of 13 weeks
- the applicant has not made an application for asylum under the Refugee Act 1996 which is awaiting final decision by the Minister for Justice and Equality, or an application under the Aliens Act 1935 to remain in the State which has not been determined.
A person who wishes to apply for mortgage interest supplement is advised to contact the Department’s representative in their local office administering supplementary welfare allowance. The application form for mortgage interest supplement is available from the Department’s representative administering supplementary welfare allowance and also from the Department’s website, www.welfare.ie.
415. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding accommodation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6. [23802/13]
View answerThe person concerned is currently in receipt of one parent family payment; she is also receiving €23.50 per week rent allowance for the mother and baby facility she is currently residing in. However, as she has not yet applied for rent allowance in respect of any address in the rental accommodation sector, my Department is not in a position to make a decision on whatever rent entitlement she or may not have when this might happen.
My Department does not have a remit in sourcing or providing accommodation as this lies within the competency of the relevant local authority. However, her local Citizens Information Centre, or an organisation such as Threshold, may be better positioned to give appropriate advice.
416. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and when they may expect a decision on their case. [23808/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 6th March 2013 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
