Written Answers Nos. 322 - 342
322. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons on a one parent family payment are excluded from participating in Momentum training courses administered by FÁS; and if she will alter the criteria to allow them to do so. [50441/13]
View answerMomentum will fund the provision of education and training to allow 6,500 jobseekers to gain skills and to access work opportunities in identified growing sectors. Eligible jobseekers will gain access to a range of quality education and training opportunities linked to identified job vacancies, including work placements and support from employers leading to nationally recognised awards. Momentum is funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the European Social Fund under the Labour Market Education & Training Fund which is part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs programme and is administered by FÁS. In line with the commitments given in Pathways to Work, eligibility for the Momentum initiative is targeted at the long term unemployed and eligibility does not extend to persons in receipt of a One Parent Family payment from this Department. There are no plans to extend the eligibility criteria to include persons in receipt of other forms of income support.
323. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if an employer PRSI waiver scheme would attract more jobs. [50450/13]
View answerThe Government agreed to replace two schemes to support employers recruit unemployed people. JobsPlus is the operation title given to this new incentive and it replaced the employer job PRSI exemption and the Revenue job assist schemes. JobsPlus was designed to be a simpler, more transparent and accessible scheme whereby employers can be supported with a cash benefit to expand employment and recruit from those on the live register. Given the criticisms of the employer job PRSI exemption scheme, no consideration is being given to reinstating the scheme.
As of the week ending 15th November, 514 previously unemployed people had moved into employment with the support of JobsPlus. There are 111 JobsPlus participants aged 19-25, this equates to 21.6% of all participants. Some 1,819 employers have made applications and 1,720 or 94.5% of these have been approved. Some 3,630 jobseekers have applied, of which 76% have been found to be eligible to date. A total of 424 employers are in receipt of a JobsPlus payment for one employee. A further 37 employers are in receipt of a JobsPlus payment for more than one employee.
324. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently engaged in teaching internships through JobBridge; the number who have completed teaching internships through JobBridge; the number of those who have completed JobBridge teaching internships and subsequently entered full-time employment in a teaching position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50470/13]
View answer328. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork on blind pension is not eligible to participate in a JobBridge programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50179/13]
View answer353. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the estimated costs of providing an additional 1,500 places on the JobBridge scheme for young persons in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50327/13]
View answer381. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the whistleblowing provisions for JobBridge; the way in which a person with concerns about a JobBridge opportunity and/or the JobBridge scheme may report their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50429/13]
View answer382. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a dedicated whistleblowing feedback page on the JobBridge website to facilitate persons with concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50430/13]
View answer383. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of intern advertisements that have been placed since the start of the JobBridge scheme; the total number of advertised vacancies that have not been filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50431/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 324, 328, 353 and 381 to 383, inclusive, together.
JobBridge is limited to individuals who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/One Parent Family Payment/Disability Allowance) or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months (78 Days). Participation in the scheme is voluntary. Blind Pension is not an eligible payment for JobBridge. The scheme has been launched in this targeted way to allocate scarce exchequer resources to make maximum impact for long term unemployment while ensuring that it does not replace or displace the normal operation of the labour market.
However, I wish to advise that there are a range of other supports available to assist those in receipt of Blind Pension such as the Work Placement Programme and the Wage Subsidy Scheme. I would recommend that an individual contact their local Intreo/Employment Service Office to arrange a meeting so that these and other appropriate options could be discussed in greater depth.
The projected cost of providing an additional 1,500 places for those under 25 years of age in 2014 would be approximately €7m. This is based on the places being provided on a staggered basis throughout 2014.
The ‘Contact Us’ section of the JobBridge website already provides a facility for raising queries or complaints relating to the operation of the scheme. The Department takes all allegations of abuse very seriously and all such allegations are thoroughly investigated. It is worth noting that the Department has conducted over 3,700 on-site monitoring visits to-date. 43,800 vacancies have been advertised on the JobBridge website since it came into operation. As at 21 November, 2013, 23,537 JobBridge internships had commenced. A vacancy is advertised for a maximum of 8 weeks and may be re-advertised if it is not filled.
To date, there have been a total of 59 teaching internships, of which 29 internships are still active. Of the 30 individuals who have finished teaching internships, the Department’s records indicate that 9 of these have progressed into employment on immediate completion of their internship.
325. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the value of services provided to the public by her Department and entities reporting to her Department where a payment is accepted by debit or credit card; the percentage of additional charge that is applied to such transactions under the merchant agreement; the total value of the additional charge in respect of debit and credit cards in 2012; if any portion of the additional charge accrued to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50140/13]
View answerThe information requested by the deputy in respect of the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and the Pensions Board is set out in the table.
Receipts by Debit and Credit Card 2012
|
- |
DSP |
Pensions Board |
|
Value of services 2012 |
€131,584 |
€122,475 |
|
Total value of additional charge |
€3,662* |
€3,057** |
|
Rate of additional charge applied in 2012 |
Credit Cards: 1.47% to 1.85% Debit Cards between 13 and 18 cent per transaction. |
Credit Cards 1.70% |
|
Amount accrued to DSP |
€NIL |
€NIL |
|
Additional charge |
Paid by DSP |
Paid by Pensions Board |
* The figure for total value of additional charge in 2012 (€3,662) refers to charges levied on DSP and paid by DSP in respect of General Register Office (GRO) credit/debit card receipts. GRO does not charge customers any card related charges.
** The Pensions Board is unable to separate credit and debit card receipts. Therefore, all card receipts are classified as credit card. Credit card fees are a combination of set monthly fees (€79.17 p.m.) and percentage of transaction value, and are paid by the Pensions Board and not passed on to the customer.
The statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Social Welfare Tribunal. Apart from the Pensions Board the other three entities do not use debit or credit card payment facilities in respect of the provision of services.
326. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that an appeal is processed in respect of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50152/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 20 November 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.
327. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); when it is likely a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50172/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. 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.
329. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on their social welfare appeal; and if she will expedite same. [50192/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 October 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.
330. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason jobseeker's allowance was stopped in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if it will be reinstated as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50195/13]
View answerPayment of jobseeker’s allowance to the person concerned was stopped as he failed to sign on the live register as required on 30 October 2013. He has since been in contact with his local social welfare office and payment is being reinstated with effect from 30 October 2013.
331. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a jobseeker's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50204/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15 November 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.
332. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is expected 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. [50205/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence which will be forwarded to the Appeals Officer for review. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised. 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.
333. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a decision on a carer's allowance appeal. [50248/13]
View answerI confirm that payment of Carer's Allowance was stopped from the 13th March 2013 following a review which found that the person concerned did not fulfil the care conditions for the scheme. A letter issued to the person concerned notifying them of the decision, the reason for it and of the right to a review or an appeal. The person in question appealed this decision on the 22nd April 2013. The appeal request was not acted on promptly and we apologise sincerely for this. The papers are now issued to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in order for her appeal to be progressed. We will liaise with this office to have the case expedited.
334. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50249/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 August 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 15 October 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer shortly 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.
335. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the implementation of the youth guarantee is to be evaluated here; the person who will evaluate the guarantee; the framework that will be used; the best practice in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50251/13]
View answer337. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the desired outcomes for the youth guarantee; the way results will be measured; the tracking mechanisms that will be put in place to monitor young persons on the guarantee and after they complete the guarantee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50253/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 337 together.
While plans are not yet finalised, it is expected that interactions with young unemployed people engaged in an activation process under the youth guarantee will be tracked using the existing tracking systems used in INTREO more generally. Improved systems are also being put in place in my Department to use administrative data to monitor subsequent outcomes for people who have undertaken relevant education, training, and work-experience programmes. These improved data will provide the basis for more systematic programme-level evaluations. As to the best practice in this regard, methods will vary from the use of randomised control groups to qualitative research, depending on the nature of the programme being evaluated.
More generally, the series of actions taken for the Youth Guarantee in Ireland will be best judged in terms of their impact on youth unemployment and in particular on long-term youth unemployment. Significant reductions in these measures will be the key outcomes of the Youth Guarantee.
The full range of youth guarantees indicators to be used at EU level is currently under discussion between the Commission and the Member States. Once agreed, these will be included in the multi-lateral surveillance processes of the Union, in line with the Youth Guarantee Recommendation, which recommends that the European Commission should:
monitor the implementation of Youth Guarantee schemes pursuant to this Recommendation through the multi-lateral surveillance of the Employment Committee within the framework of the European Semester, and analyse the impact of the policies in place, and address, where appropriate, country-specific recommendations to Member States, on the basis of the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States.
Specific frameworks & mechanisms concerning the evaluation and monitoring of the Youth Guarantee have not yet been decided but will be set out in the implementation plan which will be submitted to the European Commission at the end of the year. Where external persons or bodies are to be involved in evaluation, they will be selected through the normal public sector procurement processes for such work.
336. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons not in employment, education or training here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50252/13]
View answerIt is estimated by the Department of Social Protection based on micro-data from the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey in the four quarters to Q2 2013 that the average number of young persons not in employment, education or training (NEETs) was approximately 98,000 or 18% of the population aged 15-24. The young unemployed are included in the overall number of NEETs, and high youth unemployment is the main reason why the level of NEETs is also high in Ireland.
Unlike many other countries, Ireland has a universal job-seekers’ allowance available to young unemployed people without prior work experience, as well as similar welfare supports for young lone parents and people with disabilities. The number of persons not in employment, training or education but not registered with the my Department, and thus not captured in the official statistics, is therefore likely to be small by comparison with a number of other European countries.
338. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that an appeal has been received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on behalf of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50254/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal by the person concerned has been received and registered in that office. 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 papers 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.
339. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on domiciliary allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50261/13]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 14th August 2013. The application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on the 6th November 2013 advising of the decision.
A review of this decision has been requested and additional information on this child’s condition/care needs has been supplied. This review is underway and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome as soon as it is completed.
340. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have made a re-claim in respect of being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010; the number of claims which have been adjudicated in favour of the claimant; the number rejected and the number currently outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50280/13]
View answer341. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the approximate maximum number of additional claims her Department could face in respect of persons being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50281/13]
View answer342. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that all persons who may be entitled to a refund for being incorrectly charged the health levy in 2009 and 2010 are made aware of this fact and facilitated in so far as possible in making their claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50282/13]
View answer409. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection further to the overcharging of the health contribution in 2009 and 2010, the number of persons who applied for a refund; the number who were given a refund; the total amount refunded; the number of persons still eligible for a refund; and the total amount of these refunds. [50724/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 342, inclusive, and 409 together.
A person was liable to pay the health contribution where they earned in excess of €500 in any week. However, if over the course of the year their gross annual income was less than €26,000 a refund of the health contribution may be due. In order to confirm that a refund is due my Department must carry out a manual check to ensure that the correct rate of PRSI was applied over the course of the relevant tax year. It is not possible to identify the number of people who are entitled to a health contribution refund until this check is carried out.
To date my Department has received over 290,000 applications for health contribution refunds. The processing of these applications is up to date and has resulted in approximately 48% of applicants receiving refunds. The amount of health contribution refunded to date is approximately €46.2 million.
Applications for refunds must be made within four years of the end of the year that the contribution was paid. For example, you must apply for a refund of health contributions paid in 2009 by 31 December 2013. Any contributions paid prior to 1 January 2009 are outside the time limit for making a claim.
The position with regard to liability is that if a person earned more than €26,000 in 2009 and/or 2010 they were liable to pay the health contribution and are not due a refund. If a person earned less than €26,000 and never earned more than €500 in any one week they would not have been charged the health contribution and are not eligible for a refund. A person may be entitled to a refund of the health contribution if they have earned less than €26,000 in 2009 and/or 2010 and earned more than €500 in any particular week in those years.
Also employees who are Medical Card holders; recipients of social welfare widow's/widower's pension; one parent family payment; deserted wife's benefit, or certain EU pensions and payments, are exempt from the health element of the PRSI contribution (i.e. they are liable at the sub-class of contribution - A2, B2, C2, etc.). Refunds arise if the full contribution has been paid. The health contribution was included in the Universal Social Charge (USC) with effect from 1 January 2011 and no health contribution refunds arise after that date.
