Written Answers Nos. 328-339
328. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the Money Advice and Budgeting Service has withdrawn from participating in the Central Bank pilot scheme for the restructuring of secured and unsecured distressed consumer debt across multiple lenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36396/13]
View answerThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments.
The Central Bank of Ireland recently announced its intention to operate a pilot scheme to a sample of borrowers (approx. 750) for the restructuring of secured and unsecured distressed consumer debt across multiple lenders. The aim of the pilot framework is to achieve sustainable and fair outcomes without the need for the borrower to enter the full insolvency process.
The pilot scheme envisages a third party service provider, acting as an intermediary between the borrowers and the lenders, who would look at the borrowers overall debts, issues of affordability of all debts and make agreements with the banks and credit unions on new levels of repayments ( including write downs) etc.
When the framework was announced the third party service provider hadn’t been identified. Facilitated by the Central Bank, a pilot working group comprising banks, credit unions and lenders bodies has been established to oversee the pilot, a sub group of which examined the proposals, from a number of applicants, submitted to manage the pilot. CIB / MABS made a detailed submission outlining how they would manage the pilot if they were successful in becoming the third party service provider.
The CIB/MABS proposal was successful and they confirmed to the Central Bank their acceptance of the offer. However at follow up discussions with the lenders to discuss the proposal, CIB / MABS, after much consideration, decided that the proposed approach of the lenders was not the best fit for MABS at this particular point in time and notified the Central Bank of the withdrawal of their proposal. MABS felt that the pilot provides for a very specific role for the service provider, which is significantly narrower than MABS current role and provides only a limited facility for MABS to advocate on behalf of clients.
MABS has communicated its continued commitment to the approach and principles of the pilot and its support of the comprehensive approach to multiple-debt resolution proposed. Furthermore, MABS is willing to incorporate aspects of the pilot in its own work with borrowers and lenders and has offered to contribute to the work of the Steering Committee for the pilot.
I am satisfied that MABS will continue to play an important role and provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
329. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, the number of amendments to legislation she proposed during Committee and Report Stages in Seanad Éireann in 2012; if she will provide in tabular form the number of her amendments accepted; and if she will indicate in tabular form the number of amendments accepted from Members of the Seanad, broken down by Senator. [36442/13]
View answerThree Bills were initiated and finalised by the Minister for Social Protection during 2012 – the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012, the Social Welfare Bill 2012 and the Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012.
No committee or report stage amendments were proposed by the Minister for Social Protection to any of these Bills in Seanad Éireann. Nor were any committee or report stage amendments, which were proposed by Senators to any of these Bills, accepted.
330. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that recipients of survivor's pension, who are working and paying social insurance contributions, may not avail of another social welfare payment that they otherwise may be legitimately entitled to because of their existing receipt of survivor's pension; if there is a potential failure of regulation in this instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36458/13]
View answerThe social welfare system is primarily a contingency-based system, with entitlement based on contingencies such as sickness, unemployment, old age or widowhood.
There are two underpinning principles of the Irish social insurance system; firstly the contributory principle whereby there is a direct link between contributions paid and entitlement to a varying range of benefits and pensions that are payable as a right, if and when particular contingencies arise, and then the solidarity principle whereby contributions paid by insured persons are not actuarially linked to benefits but are instead redistributed to support contributors who are more vulnerable.
Primary social welfare legislation provides that only one social welfare payment is payable at any one time. While it can happen that a person may experience more than one contingency at the same time - for example, an unemployed person may become sick - a general principle applies whereby even if a person experiences more than one of the contingencies at any one time, he or she only can receive one primary social welfare payment at any time.
In relation to those in Budget 2012 introduced changes to a provision whereby those in receipt of widow(er)’s pensions, surviving civil partner's pensions or one parent family payment may have been entitled to half rate jobseeker’s benefit, illness benefit or incapacity supplement if they satisfied the qualifying conditions. With effect from January 2012, these half rate payments ceased for new applicants for jobseeker’s benefit, illness benefit or incapacity supplement.
As I have sought to maintain existing core rates of primary social welfare payments in a very difficult fiscal environment, the continuation of these payments was not possible in an environment where spending has to be significantly curtailed, and if the alternative is to deepen the level of reductions in rates of primary payments to recipients generally.
331. 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. [36492/13]
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. 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.
332. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the staffing levels of the private offices and constituency offices of Ministers and Ministers of State in her Department; the salary of each; the same figures for this time in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36506/13]
View answerDetails of staffing levels and salary costs in respect of Ministers’ private and constituency offices in my Department for the period 2009 to date are set out as follows. There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.
Salaries with effect from 1 July 2013 (Post Haddington Road Agreement)
Minister Burton
Constituency Office
Grade Salary Scale
Ministerial Appointments
1 Personal Assistant €43,715 - €56,060
1 Personal Secretary €23,820 - €47,755
Established civil servants
1 Executive Officer €30,516 - €47,975*
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 – €37,341*
Private Office
Grade Salary Scale
1 Special Advisor €119,572
1 Press advisor €75,647 - €92,550
Established civil servants
1 Higher Executive Officer €43,816 – 55,415
+ Private Secretary Allowance €15,524
1 Executive Officer €29,024 - €45,616
1 Clerical Officer €23,042 - €36,267 (Higher Scale)
1 Clerical Officer €22,015 - €35,515
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341 *
Ministerial Drivers
2 Ministerial Drivers €32,964
2011 to 30 June 2013 ( Pre Haddington Road Agreement)
Minister Burton
Constituency Office
Grade Salary Scale
Ministerial Appointments
1 Personal Assistant €43,715 - €56,060
1 Personal Secretary €23,820 - €47,755
Established civil servants
1 Executive Officer €30,516 - €47,975*
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 – €37,341*
Private Office
Grade Salary Scale
1 Special Adviser (appointed 26/7/2011) €127,796 (single point scale)
1 Press advisor €80,051 - €98,424
Established civil servants
1 Higher Executive Officer €43,816 – €55,415
+ Private Secretary Allowance €19,653
1 Executive Officer €29,024 - €45,616
1 Clerical Officer €23,042 - €36,267 (Higher Scale)
1 Clerical Officer €22,015 - €35,515
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341 *
Ministerial Drivers
2 Ministerial Drivers €32,964
In my role as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party I also have a further support person employed by the Labour Party.
March 2010 – March 2011
Minister Ó Cuiv,
Constituency Office
Grade Salary Scale
Ministerial Appointments
1 Personal Assistant €43,816 - €55,415
1 Personal Secretary €22,023 - €42,122
+ 10% attraction allowance
Established civil servants
1 Executive Officer €30,516 - €47,975*
2 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341*
Private Office
Grade Salary Scale
1 Special Advisor €80,051 - €98,424
1 Press advisor €80,051 - €98,424
Established civil servants
1 Higher Executive Officer €43,816 - €55,415
+ Private Secretary Allowance €19,653
1 Executive Officer €29,024 - €45,616
2 Clerical Officers €22,015 - €35,515
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341*
01 Jan 2010 to March 2010
Minister Hanafin, T.D
Constituency Office
Grade Salary Scale
Ministerial Appointments
1 Personal Assistant €43,816 - €55,415
1 Personal Secretary €22,023 - €42,122
+ Attraction Allowance
Established civil servants
1 Executive Officer €30,516 - €47,975*
2 Clerical Officer €22,015 - €35,515
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341*
Private Office
Grade Salary Scale
1 Special Advisor €80,051 - €98,424
1 Press advisor €61,966 - €76,768
(Press Adviser Civil Servant on loan from the Central Statistics Office for period of Minister’s term of Office)
Established civil servants
1 Higher Executive Officer €43,816 - €55,415
+ Private Secretary Allowance €19,653
1 Executive Officer €29,.024 - €47,379
2 Clerical Officers €22,015 - €35,515
1 Clerical Officer €23,177 - €37,341*
Pre Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Service legislation
2009 Minister Hanafin
Constituency Office
Grade Salary Scale
Ministerial Appointments
1 Personal Assistant €46,558 - €59,097
1 Personal Secretary €23,181 - €44,726
+ 10% Attraction Allowance
Established civil servants
1 Executive Officer €32,179 – €51,054*
2 Clerical Officer €24,397 - €39,558*
1 Clerical Officer €23,174 - €37,584
Private Office
Grade Salary Scale
1 Special Advisor €86,168 - €106,582
1 Press advisor €66,179 - €82,520
(Civil Servant on loan from the Central Statistics Office for period of Minister’s term of Office)
Established civil servants
1 Higher Executive Officer €46,558 - €59,097
+ Private Secretary Allowance €20,687
1 Executive Officer €30,566 - €48,504
2 Clerical Officers €23,174 - €37,584
1 Clerical Officer €24,397 - €39,558*
*Personal Pension Contribution Pay Scales apply.
333. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the saving to the Exchequer if the pay of all her special advisers, and those of her Ministers of State, were capped at the first point on the principal officer pay scale. [36521/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the savings to the Exchequer if all my special advisors salaries were capped at the first point on the Principal Office scales is set out in the tabular statement below:
There is no Minister of State attached to my Department.
|
Title |
Annual Salary Post Implementation of the Haddington Road Agreement |
Savings if the salary were capped at the 1ST Point of PO Scale |
|
Press advisor |
€75,647 |
No savings |
|
Special advisor |
€119,572 |
€43,925 |
As my special advisor was previously employed in the private sector on a salary package that was more than twice the highest point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale, I sought sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for remuneration in excess of the applicable pay scale grade. A single point salary of €127,796 was sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform effective from 29 July 2011 which represented a reduction of over one third in my Special Adviser’s previous salary in the private sector at that time. The salary has been reduced in line with the Haddington Road Agreement as shown in the table above.
334. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claimants currently on disability allowance and all other disability related payments; the percentage of the working age population this represents; the way this compares with equivalent labour forces in each country of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36524/13]
View answerThe total number of recipients of a disability related payment, including carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit at the end of June 2013 was 290,149. A breakdown of this number by scheme is detailed in the attached tabular statement.
Comparisons at a European level are difficult to present because social protection schemes are organised on a different basis in each EU country. The pension age varies across Europe, which can influence expenditure on disability payments for older age groups. Caring duties are not always recognised as a condition for entitlement to social protection in National systems, and there can be a different balance between direct payments and services from country to country in the disability sector.
The latest estimates of the population from the CSO relate to April 2012. There were 3,041,200 persons in the population aged 15-64 in these estimates, and on this basis the percentage of recipients of illness, disability and caring payments at end of June 2013 is 9.5% of the working age population, or 7.7% when caring payments are excluded.
|
Scheme |
Recipients |
|
Disability Allowance |
102,995 |
|
Blind Pension |
1,427 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
55,829 |
|
Illness Benefit |
61,176 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
315 |
|
Injury Benefit |
697 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
51,853 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
14,234 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
1,623 |
|
Total recipients |
290,149 |
335. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the Harmon report issued on the evaluation of revised employment action plan, which found that data and IT systems are largely aimed at the provision of a claimant system rather than for the production of management information. [36540/13]
View answerMy Department collects a wide range of data in engaging with jobseekers, which is mainly used at present to establish entitlements and for monitoring fraud and abuse. This information can also be more systematically used as a basis for evaluating progression outcomes for the Department’s customers and schemes, which was the focus of the Harmon report referred to in the question. A ‘jobseekers database’ is being developed in response to the report and in order to support the Department’s research capabilities in this area. Any demographic, employment, education, training or scheme related data currently available to the Department at Personal Public Service Number level will be considered for inclusion in the database, which will mainly involve restructuring of existing data into a consistent time series at customer level. Periods spent on activation or employment schemes can be related to subsequent work and benefit outcomes on this basis.
Analysis of customer outcomes using the database will be made available when the technical and data validation work is completed.
336. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied). [36542/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4th March 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 18th June 2013 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.
337. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied). [36543/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 9th July 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
338. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [36551/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case. Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
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.
339. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied). [36552/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 08th January 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 02nd July 2013 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.
If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs, it is open to him to make an application for supplementary welfare allowance, pending the outcome of his disability allowance appeal.
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.
