Written Answers Nos. 520-537
520. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal in respect of a carer's allowance application will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34659/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29 April 2013. 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 these have been received from the Department, the case in question 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 appeal 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
521. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal in respect of an application for a non-contributory widow's pension will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34660/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
522. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the position on an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will reverse this decision and in the future ensure all such decisions are transparent in order that citizens know the grounds on which they have been turned down. [34661/13]
View answerInvalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. Medical eligibility for invalidity pension is determined by the severity and expected duration of the medical condition.
All medical assessments and medical reviews are undertaken by fully qualified medical practitioners who have experience and specialist training/qualifications in occupational medicine as well as in human disability evaluation. Desk 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. The medical assessor provides to the deciding officer a considered medical opinion on the evidence provided in support of the claim for his or her guidance.
The Department received a claim for invalidity pension from the person concerned on 2 April 2013. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion, based on the evidence provided, that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria for invalidity pension. 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 21 May 2013.
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 also 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 12 July 2013, advising her of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
523. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of successful applications for funding under her Department's grants system for projects within County Kildare for each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34670/13]
View answerThe following table shows the grants awarded to projects within County Kildare for each of the past four years from this Department.
|
Organisation |
Address |
Year and Name of Grant Scheme |
Summary |
Amount Awarded |
|
Kildare Town Youth Project |
Unit 1 & 2 Fairview Kildare Town Co Kildare |
2010 - European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion Funding Initiative 2010 |
To explore the impact of poverty and social exclusion on a group of young people, their families and their communities through the production of a DVD. To hold a community launch to highlight issues and to give young people a voice. |
€2,700.00 |
|
Newbridge Family Resource Centre |
Dara Park, Newbridge Co Kildare |
2010 - European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion Funding Initiative 2010 |
To facilitate a 7 week art programme, “An Inclusive Community” to explore social inclusion for 20 participants from the local community with all levels of intellectual abilities. |
€4,900.00 |
|
Newbridge Family Resource Centre |
Dara Park, Newbridge Co Kildare |
2010 – United Nations International Day for Eradication of Poverty Public Awareness Funding Initiative – 17 October 2010 |
6 week programme on poverty and social exclusion at Irish and global levels with photo exhibition and official ceremony to close on 17 Oct 2010. |
€4,000.00 |
Grants Paid by the former Dept of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs
|
Area |
||||
|
Newbridge Family Resource Centre |
Dara Park, Newbridge Co Kildare |
2011 – United Nations International Day for Eradication of Poverty Public Awareness Funding Initiative – 17 October 2011 |
To build links and challenging stereotypes by engaging a group of young people and older people together in a graffiti project where a derelict space is used artistically to provide a positive and attractive space. |
€3,000.00 |
524. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline, in tabular form, the commitments in the programme for Government which come within her remit; if each commitment has been met or is in the process of being met; the estimated time for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34686/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to implementing a fundamental programme of reform of the system of social protection. The scale of this reform is challenging and wide-reaching. I am committed to working with the Department and its agencies in the delivery of the commitments in this Programme for Government and substantial progress on many of the commitments has already been made.
The second Annual Report which sets out the implementation status of my Department's main achievements in the Programme for Government was published by the Department of the Taoiseach in March 2013 and is available on http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Publications/Publications_2013/Programme_for_Government_Annual_Report_20131.pdf. It is the Government's intention to publish the third Annual Report in March 2014 which will set out specific progress during 2013. The timeline for the delivery of my Department's commitments for Programme for Government is over the lifetime of the Government.
The status summary on the implementation of the commitments relevant to my Department is outlined in the following table.
Commitments in the Programme for Government for which the Department of Social Protection has a primary role
|
Commitment |
Status Summary |
|
Halve the lower 8.5% rate of PRSI up to end 2013 on jobs paying up to €356 per week – announced in the Jobs Initiative. |
Implemented. |
|
Expand eligibility for the back to education allowance. |
Implementation options under consideration and two new initiatives are currently being piloted. |
|
The development of a new graduate and apprentice internship scheme, work placement programmes and further education opportunities for our young unemployed providing an additional 60,000 places across a range of schemes and initiatives – announced in the Jobs Initiative. |
Implementation in progress. |
|
Replacing FÁS with a new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) so that all employment and benefit support services will be integrated in a single delivery unit managed by the Department of Social Protection. This integrated service would provide a 'one stop shop' for people seeking to establish their benefit entitlements; looking for a job; and seeking advice about their training options. |
Implementation underway, including roll out of Intreo. |
|
The NEES will process citizen entitlements such as supplementary welfare allowances, higher education grants and welfare allowances. It will manage as much as possible means testing for State entitlements. It will also be responsible for employment referral and training supports provided by FÁS. This service will offer users a higher level of personalised employment counselling, with more frequent face-to-face interviews. Those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment will receive priority treatment for more intensive support. It will ensure active case management for people in need of assistance. |
Implementation underway, including roll out of Intreo. |
|
Maintain the standard 10.75% rate of employers PRSI. |
Implemented. |
|
Introduce a range of measures to tackle the problem of welfare fraud. |
A range of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration. |
|
Establish a Tax and Social Welfare Commission to examine entitlements of self employed and the elimination of disincentives to employment. The Commission will examine the interaction between the taxation and the welfare systems to ensure that work is worthwhile. In particular, it will examine family and child income supports, and a means by which self-employed people can be insured against unemployment and sickness |
Implemented. Implementation in progress. |
|
Convert the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened Personal Debt Management Agency with strong legal powers. |
The Personal Insolvency Act 2012 provides for a Debt Relief Notice (DRN) for persons with no assets or income with unsecured debts of no more that €20,000. With the assistance of an approved intermediary the Notice will allow for the full write off of qualifying unsecured debt after a 3 year supervisory period. At the request of the Minister, the Citizens Information Board agreed that MABS would act as Approved Intermediaries for the purposes of the provision of DRNs. Sanction has been given by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for 16 temporary staff to be assigned to MABS for up to 2 years to establish an Approved Intermediary Service (AIS) for the purposes of processing DRNs. An implementation process is underway and the CIB/MABS are working closely with the new Insolvency Service to ensure that the appropriate structures are in place within MABS to implement this new and important statutory role. It is intended that the Approved Intermediary Service will be mainstreamed within the local MABS network over a 2 year period. |
|
Make greater use of Mortgage Interest Supplement to support families who cannot meet their mortgage payments. |
Implementation options under consideration. |
|
Maintain Social Welfare rates. |
Implemented. |
|
Committed to achieving the targets in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty. |
Implementation of the National Social Target for Poverty Reduction continues to be rolled out in 2013, including publication of a Social Impact Assessment of Budget 2013, the holding of the Social Inclusion Forum, publication of the first annual Social Inclusion Monitor, updating of progress towards the Europe 2020 poverty target in National Reform Programme 2013. The Department of Social Protection is continuing to work with relevant stakeholders on setting the sub-targets for children and jobless households, towards formulating proposals for these sub-targets during 2013. |
|
We will examine the social protection system with a view to identifying and eliminating poverty traps including;- Amending the 30 hour rule for Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement for people moving from welfare to work. Activating people on a reduced week who refuse extra day(s) employment. Over time, One Parent Family Payment will be replaced with a parental allowance that does not discourage marriage, cohabitation or work. Our tax, social welfare and other laws should not discourage people from getting married or cohabiting. For example, single mothers lose the One Parent Family Payment if they marry. Over time, we will transform it into a family income-based payment that does not discourage marriage or work. |
Examination of poverty traps underway. Under consideration. Under consideration. Changes to the One Parent Family Payment (OFP) are currently being implemented on a phased basis between 2012 and 2016. The purpose of these changes is to move the scheme much closer to the jobseeker schemes, tackle the high levels of lone parents suffering from consistent poverty and to improve outcomes for lone parents and their families. |
|
A zero tolerance approach to welfare fraud, underpinned by a major anti-fraud enforcement drive. |
A range of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration. |
|
As well as more regular face-to-face interviews with an integrated employment and entitlements service for those of working age, other anti-fraud measures will be undertaken using latest available technology and better sharing of data across government departments and agencies. |
A number of measures have been implemented and more are under consideration. The Department engages in extensive sharing of data with other Departments and agencies. |
|
Progressively reduce reliance on Rent Supplement, with eligible recipients moving to the Rental Accommodation Scheme. |
Implementation in progress. |
|
Review the operation of the Rent Supplement Scheme and introduce a code of conduct for rent supplement eligibility similar to that which operates for local authority tenants. |
Implementation in progress in co-operation with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. |
|
Pay rent supplement to tax-compliant landlords registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) and offering decent quality accommodation, to root out fraud. |
Implementation in progress. |
|
Divert staff from elsewhere in public service to clear the social welfare appeals backlog, and introduce a consolidated appeals process. |
Implemented. |
|
Put the household benefits packages out to tender, so that the Exchequer benefits from reduced prices. |
Implementation not feasible based on advice from the Chief State Solicitors Office, the Commission for Energy Regulation and the Competition Authority as the Department is not the actual customer. Over the lifetime of the Programme there were ongoing negotiations with the major utility providers which did give improved deals and yielded savings. Other expenditure reducing measures have also been implemented. Other expenditure reducing measures have also been implemented. |
|
Raise the issue of payment of Child Benefit in respect of non-resident children at EU level, and seek to have the entitlement modified to reflect the cost of living where a child is resident. We will examine all possible flexibility within European legislation to reduce the cost of this payment. |
Issue has been raised and implementation of change in this area is unlikely. |
|
Ensure that trans-gender people will have legal recognition and extend the protections of the equality legislation to them. |
Proposals are being brought to Cabinet and it is intended that the outline heads of a Bill will be presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection in the autumn. |
|
Reform the pension system to progressively achieve universal coverage, with particular focus on lower-paid workers, to achieve better risk sharing, and to provide for greater flexibility for those who wish to retire on a phased basis. |
A number of measures have been implemented and further measures are under consideration. |
525. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail, in tabular form, the names of all external public relations companies, communications consultants or communications companies used by organisations or agencies under the remit of her Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34702/13]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Board, the Pensions Ombudsman and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Agency/ Board |
Name of Company |
Service Supplied |
Expenditure |
|
Citizens Information Board* |
Marketing Network |
0761 telephone number prefix campaign to promote public awareness of the new contact number for Citizens Information and Money Advice and Budgeting Service |
€127,939 (excluding VAT) |
|
Marketing Network |
Mortgage Arrears Information helpline promotion, incl. radio, newspaper and online advertising |
€80,400 (excluding VAT) |
|
|
The Pensions Board |
Q4 |
Public Relations |
€16,236.93 (including Vat) |
|
Pensions Ombudsman |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
*The Citizens Information Board has not used public relations or communications consultants since 9 March 2011. However, a marketing company was used for promotional purposes and details of the expenditure are included in the table.
526. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of inspectors within her Department dealing with social welfare appeals; the number of appeals awaiting a decision; the average waiting time for an appeal; her plans to increase the number of inspectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34705/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 41 Appeals Officers dealing with social welfare appeals. There has been a rapid and sustained increase in the number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2009 which has placed extraordinary pressure on the office. Up to 2009, the average number of appeals received was 15,000 per annum whereas in 2012, the office received 35,484 appeals. In order to manage this increasing workload, significant resources and efforts have been put into reducing backlogs and improving appeals processing times for appellants, including the assignment of 15 additional Appeals Officers, in addition to 10 former Community Welfare Service Appeals Officers who joined the appeals office in 2011, bringing the total number of serving Appeals Officers to 41 as mentioned above; reviewing and improving business processes; and implementing a new operating model within the appeals office.
In addition, a major programme of process redesign and modernisation is currently under way in the Department in relation to many of its scheme areas, aimed at reducing backlogs and reducing the time taken by the Department to respond to requests from the appeals office for submissions in relation to appeals. These measures have led to improvements in processing times and a significant increase in the number of appeals finalised from 17,787 in 2009 to 32,558 in 2012. The Chief Appeals Officer expects to finalise 6,000 more cases in 2013 than in 2012. Good progress is also now being made in reducing the number of appeals on hand from 20,414 at 1 January 2013 to 16,542 at 1 July 2013.
Appeal processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period, including time spent awaiting any clarification from the appellant, time in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process. While this process carries an inherent delay in terms of finalising an appeal, it also crystallises the flexibility and accessibility of the appeals system.
The average waiting time for appeals peaked in 2011 when the average time for an oral hearing was 52.5 weeks and for a summary decision was 25.1 weeks. In 2012 these times improved by 10.3 weeks when the average time for an oral hearing dropped to 39.5 weeks while the time for a summary decision increased slightly to 27.8 weeks. The improvement has continued in 2013 with the average processing time up to June 2013 reducing to 36.2 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing and 27.6 weeks for a summary decision. By its nature and because it is a quasi-judicial function, the processing of appeals takes time and reflects the fact that, by definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one.
527. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding carers. [34712/13]
View answerThe contribution that people provide in caring for members of their own family is critical for society. It was for that reason that the Government last year adopted the National Carers Strategy with a view to giving greater public recognition to carers and their work. Carers receive significant income supports from the Department of Social Protection so that people can continue living at home as long as possible – in fact the supports available to carers in Ireland are among the highest rates of income support in Europe. Expenditure on carers has increased significantly in recent years. In 2013 it is estimated to be €776 million compared with an estimated outturn of €771 million in 2012. The expenditure on carers in 2012 included: €509 million on carer's allowance; €24 million on carer's benefit; €135 million on the respite care grant and; €103 million on domiciliary care allowance. Carers also receive a free travel pass at an annual cost of €6 million and carers who reside with the care recipient are eligible for the household benefits package at an annual cost of approximately €30 million.
The respite care grant is available to all full-time carers regardless of their means while the income disregard and means test for carers allowance is the most generous in the social welfare system. Carers are entitled to an extra half-rate carer's allowance if they care for more than one person and a respite care grant for each care recipient. A person in receipt of certain qualifying payments and also providing full-time care and attention to another person may qualify for a half-rate carer's allowance while retaining their main social welfare payment.
Regrettably, I am not in a position to reverse last year's cut in the respite care grant. However, I should point out that both the Carers' Association and Care Alliance Ireland have made submissions to my Department in the context of Budget 2014, and representatives from both organisations attended the pre-Budget Forum which I hosted on July 5 last. The key points made by both organisations will be considered in the context of framing Budget 2014.
528. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer's allowance appeal will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34716/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 May 2013. 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 these have been received from the Department, the case in question 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 appeal 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
529. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the total cost of restoring the payment of child benefit to the children of asylum seekers living in direct provision accommodation. [34717/13]
View answerThe Department does not hold information regarding the number of children in direct provision. In order to qualify for payment of child benefit, a person must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. Section 246 (7) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 lists persons who shall not be regarded as habitually resident and this includes those who are at any stage of the asylum process, or who have similar forms of request for permission to remain in Ireland, but in respect of whom such permission has not yet been granted.
530. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a table of local employment service providers showing the number of staff they employ, the grant they receive from the State and the number of individuals they place in work. [34722/13]
View answerThe Department contracts for the provision of the local employment service (LES) with 22 local development-community companies, the details of which are set out in the following list. These organisations deliver employment services through a network of offices and outreach clinics. The LES provide services for both jobseekers who are referred to them by the department for activation supports and those who are most distant from the labour market e.g. people who have a disability, lone parents, ex-offenders, etc. In the first six months of 2013, apart from placing 4,094 people into employment, the LES have also progressed 11,840 people into training/educational programmes.
As the Department may shortly be tendering for providers to augment the capacity of LES, I do not intend to publish figures or the payments made to individual LES contractors at this time.
Local Employment Service (LES) Providers 2013
Northside Partnership
Ballymun/Whitehall Area Partnership
Tolka Area Partnership (Dublin)
Bluebell, Inchicore, Islandbridge, Kilmainham & Rialto Co Ltd
Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership Ltd
Blanchardstown Area Partnership
Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership Co Ltd
South Dublin County Ltd (SDC)
Southside Partnership (Dublin)
Co Kildare Local Employment Service Network
Bray Area Partnership
Monaghan Integrated Development
Louth Leader Partnership
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co Teoranta
Galway City Partnership
People Action Against Unemployment Ltd (PAUL) (Limerick)
Cork City Partnership Ltd
South Kerry Development Partnership
North & East Kerry Leader Partnership Teo
Waterford Area Partnership
Waterford Leader Partnership Ltd
Wexford Local Development
531. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34733/13]
View answerThis application for carer's allowance was disallowed in November 2011 on two grounds, namely, that the person in question is not habitually resident in the State and that the care recipient is not in need of full-time care and attention. The person in question appealed this decision. Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the preparation of an appeal submission by the deciding officer and the transfer of the relevant papers to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The necessary papers will be forwarded to the SWAO for determination without further delay.
532. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection the action being taken to address black market activities, particularly in the area of construction. [34740/13]
View answerA key priority for Government is to ensure that fraudulent activity within the social welfare system is vigorously prevented and combated. A key element of this is the active policing of the black economy sector where there is a prevalence of social welfare fraud and tax non-compliance.
A range of specific activities are being undertaken to ensure that the black economy is appropriately targeted. These include:
- Interagency co-operation : In conjunction with other agencies and, in particular, with Revenue, the Department tackles shadow economy working by a combination of joint intelligence collation, assurance checks and outdoor operations, including inspections and direct investigations.
- High Level DSP/Revenue co-operation: The Department liaises bilaterally with Revenue through a High Level Group consisting of senior officials from both organisations. This mechanism ensures ongoing collaboration and interaction between the organisations, including oversight of activities designed to combat the black economy.
- Operational Co-operation with Revenue: In conjunction with Revenue, the Department undertakes site visits and inspections in the construction sector through assurance checks and outdoor operations, including inspections and direct investigations. Joint Investigation Units have been established between the Department and Revenue and these units play a key role in targeting particular types of shadow economy activity and workers in the employed sectors, including construction.
- Working with Business and Unions: The Department participates on the Hidden Economy Monitoring Group with Revenue, employer and union representative bodies. This Group provides a formal structure to monitor developments, share experiences and make proposals for combating the hidden economy.
- Direct Investigations and Interventions: Where intelligence or reliable reports are received about specific sectors or persons engaged in concurrent working and claiming or under declaration of income, then reviews of eligibility are immediately undertaken. Case interventions are undertaken based on assessments of compliance risks and other relevant information.
In addition, the Deputy should note that the Department has extensive legal powers to support the sharing of data for the purpose of controlling the entitlement and payment of benefits. Data are exchanged on an ongoing basis with agencies and, in particular, with Revenue to support its activities in combating shadow economy activity. The approach taken by the Department is frequently reviewed and is regularly adjusted to concentrate on the areas of greatest risk, based on its operational experience and credible information received from industry and business sectors.
533. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34744/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4 April 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
534. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a company (details supplied) in County Kerry will qualify as a JobBridge employer in view of the fact that its business is not solely trade-related; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34746/13]
View answerThe aim of JobBridge is to provide work experience placements for interns in order to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience. In order to protect the intern and to ensure the integrity of the JobBridge Scheme in achieving this aim a variety of control measures and criteria have been introduced. The Scheme is designed to guard against the displacement of apprentice positions and therefore placements in trades (mechanic, plumbing etc.) are not permitted under the terms and conditions of the Scheme.
535. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in securing an emergency needs payment to help towards patient transport to their disability service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34756/13]
View answerMy Department's local staff in Dublin 15 have been in contact with Mr. Ryan's family in this instance. The advice given is that they should attend a meeting with an officer from the Department's welfare service at Roselawn Health Centre where all available options and choices will be discussed. It is hoped that this will happen next week.
