Written Answers Nos. 140-52
140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of job announcements made by the Industrial Development Agency, broken down by region within the State, for the three years 2008 to 2010; the number of job announcements by the IDA for the same regions for the three years 2011 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1989/14]
View answerI have been informed by IDA Ireland that in respect of job announcements, they are tracked on a calendar basis and not by region. In the period from 2008- 2010 there were 176 announcements, while in the period from 2011- 2013 there were 221 announcements, an increase of 25%. IDA Ireland’s announcements in respect of each of the years from 2008 to 2013 are set out in the attached tabular statements.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is key to Ireland’s economic recovery. IDA Ireland’s end of year results show that 2013 was another record year for investment wins and job creation, with over 7,000 net new jobs being created in the Agency’s client companies. This is the fourth year in a row for jobs growth and there are now over 161,000 people employed in IDA Ireland client companies, the highest ever number recorded in the history of the Agency.
141. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of each allocation from his Department’s expenditure budget to registered charities in each of the past three years. [2104/14]
View answerMy Department provides funding to two entities who are registered with charitable status as approved by the Revenue Commissioners. The first such body is the Consumers’ Association of Ireland. Funding is provided to the Association to support suitable projects to enhance its capacity to address the needs of consumers. Funding in the amount of €29,000 was provided to the Association in 2010. The Association did not receive any funding in 2011. An amount of €46,865 was provided to the CAI in 2012 and €45,000 was paid to the Association in 2013.
The second body is Microfinance Ireland Ltd. which is a subsidiary of Social Finance Foundation and was established in 2012 pursuant to the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012. It is a limited company with registered charitable status. Its purpose is to manage the Microenterprise Loan Fund by making loans to microenterprises in accordance with the requirements of the 2012 Act. My Department with the consent of the Departments of Finance and Public Sector and Reform provided a once off grant of €10 million to Microfinance Ireland in 2010.
142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated number and percentage of civil servants who are competent to carry out their duties through the medium of Irish and English in his Department; his views on whether this number is adequate; his plans to increase this number and percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2631/14]
View answerThere are no posts within my Department where a competence in Irish is a prerequisite. In order that my Department can respond to communications received in Irish, arrangements are in place whereby three staff who are competent in Irish have volunteered to assist business units in responding to such communications through Irish. In addition, the Department is committed to exploring the provision of appropriate training for staff who wish to enhance their Irish language skills and who will make these available to the Department as required.
My Department is aware of its obligations under the Official Languages Act, 2003 and is committed to communicating through the medium of Irish to clients who wish to transact their business with the Department through the Irish language. In addition, my Department makes available an Irish language version of its website which facilitates engagement through the medium of the Irish language. Notwithstanding this commitment, a survey of staff which was conducted in 2012 to ascertain the level of demand experienced by the Department for services through Irish confirmed that the number of communications received in Irish in recent years has been very low.
143. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing a statutory limit on the amount of fees that a pension fund can charge as is proposed in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2087/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Report on Pension Charges was completed and published in October 2012. This Report was undertaken by my Department, working with the Central Bank and the Pensions Board, and with support from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The primary objective of the report was to gather information on the level of pension charges levied, to assess whether these charges are reasonable and transparent, to report on the findings and to make recommendations. The report highlights a wide range of issues in relation to pension charges and identifies that there are major challenges to be addressed in the two main areas of reasonableness and transparency of charges. The report shows that small percentages can add up to big reductions in a pension fund over time.
The launch of the Report was followed by a three month consultation with stakeholders. There was a broad range of views expressed in the submissions received as well as a range of suggestions and proposals aimed at improving various aspects of the pension charging environment. Following the consultation period, it was agreed by Government in April 2013 that the recommendations contained in the report will be implemented, and this work is underway.
A Pension Charges Working Group is in place to initiate actions that follow up on the recommendations of the report. This group comprises the Department of Social Protection, the Pensions Board and the Central Bank. Each has a core role to play in delivering on the recommendations contained within the Report on Pension Charges and work has commenced in this regard.
Additionally, progress on the issue of pension charges will be supported by recent actions to restructure the Pensions Board and strengthen governance and regulation of the country’s occupational pensions and give consumer representatives a greater input into pensions policy. I have highlighted that the first task of the new Pensions Council will be to monitor the implementation of the recommendations in the Report on Pension Charges and advise if further actions are needed. The range of possible actions in this area would then be considered and should it prove necessary, I will bring a further policy and regulatory response to Government.
144. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a disability allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1817/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold 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 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 on social welfare entitlements.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for non-payment of jobseeker's allowance-benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1823/14]
View answerThe jobseeker’s allowance application of the person concerned was disallowed due to non-disclosure of means. It is open to the person concerned to submit an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office where his case will be examined and a decision will issue in due course.
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for her Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1857/14]
View answerPhotography services are used, in conjunction with some press releases and conferences, to communicate the Department’s initiatives, schemes and services to customers and to the regional and national media. Since March 2011, photography services were used for the occasions as set out in the table. The total cost from that date is €8,861.
The procurement of these photography services is carried out in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures and since March 2012, the Department has been procuring photography services under the Framework Agreement established by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in February 2012. Full details of the Framework are available online via the National Procurement Services contract list at www.procurement.ie .
I do not use my ministerial allowance for this purpose.
|
Year: 2011 |
Details |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
29 July 2011 |
Launch of JobBridge |
Maxwells |
€1,035.16 |
|
07 Nov 2011 |
Mortgage Arrears Seminar |
Ark Photography |
€254.10 |
|
09 Nov 2011 |
Social Inclusion Forum |
Ark Photography |
€254.10 |
|
21 Nov 2011 |
2 Social Inclusion Projects |
Ark Photography |
€326.70 |
|
- |
- |
Total 2011: |
€1,870.06 |
|
Year: 2012 |
Details |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
13 Feb 2012 |
Launch of ‘Partial Capacity’ & ‘Employability’ |
Maxwells |
€338.25 |
|
23 Feb 2012 |
Launch of Pathways to Work |
Maxwells |
€536.28 |
|
27 Apr 2012 |
Opening of Community Campus in Phibblestown |
Lensmen |
€280.44 |
|
06 Sep 2012 |
Launch of Mortgage Information Helpline |
Ark Photography |
€258.30 |
|
13 Sep 2012 |
Launch of Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs |
Ark Photography |
€184.50 |
|
17 Sep 2012 |
Presentation of Report of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund |
Ark Photography |
€184.50 |
|
15 Oct 2012 |
Launch of Intreo, Sligo |
Joe Travers |
€300.00 |
|
19 Oct 2012 |
Intreo roadshow in Limerick |
Pics Ltd (Kieran Clancy) |
€233.70 |
|
26 Oct 2012 |
Employer roadshow in Galway |
Joe Travers |
€125.00 |
|
01 Nov 2012 |
Employer roadshow in Cork |
Tony O’Connell Photography |
€227.00 |
|
16 Nov 2012 |
Employer roadshow in Dublin |
Ark Photography |
€258.30 |
|
- |
- |
Total 2012: |
€2,926.27 |
|
Year: 2013 |
Details |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
22 Mar 2013 |
Launch of Intreo in Tallaght |
Lensmen |
€323.48 |
|
16 Apr 2013 |
Launch of JobBridge Arts in Killarney |
MacMonagle Photography |
€338.25 |
|
19 Apr 2013 |
Briefing for Employers in Blanchardstown (Launch of Intreo in Blanchardstown) |
Lensmen |
€851.25 |
|
1 May 2013 |
Publication of Indecon Report on JobBridge |
Lensmen |
€589.79 |
|
2 May 2013 |
EU Presidency Conference, Leuven |
Peter Cavanagh |
€707.25 |
|
10 May 2013 |
Kilkenny Local Office |
Vicky Comerford |
€123.00 |
|
18 July 2013 |
Launch of Pathways to Work |
Maxwells |
€482.16 |
|
25 Sept 2013 |
Inaugural Meeting of the Labour Market Advisory Council |
Maxwells |
€424.35 |
|
22 Nov 2013 |
Launch of Intreo in Loughrea (Minister & Taoiseach) |
Joe Travers |
€225.00 |
|
- |
- |
Total 2013: |
€4,064.53 |
|
- |
- |
Overall Total: |
€8,860.86 |
147. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by her Department since coming to office; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; her internal Department policy regarding employing external groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1872/14]
View answerIn line with Department of Social Protection policy, the press office deals with all media queries and public relations matters. No money has been spent by my Department on public relations consultancy during the period in question. During this period, the Department has used the services of one external public relations firm for training purposes, details of which are outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Company |
Function |
Cost |
|
2012 |
Carr Communications, 5 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 |
Communications training for senior management |
€5,150 |
148. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when she plans to publish the Youth Guarantee implementation plan which was submitted to the European Commission in December; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1883/14]
View answerThe Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan was forwarded to the EU Commission at the end of December. I am currently making arrangements for it’s publication and expect to publish it very shortly.
149. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years on jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance who are in receipt of €100, €144 and €188, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1884/14]
View answerThe total number of young persons under 25 years in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance at the end of December 2013 were 2,924 and 51,350 respectively. A detailed tabular statement indicating the rates of payment by age is attached for the Deputy’s information.
Jobseekers’ Allowance recipients by age and rate.
|
- |
€100 |
€144 |
€188 |
Totals |
|
18 |
3,728 |
n/a |
150 |
3,878 |
|
19 |
5,669 |
n/a |
387 |
6,056 |
|
20 |
6,349 |
n/a |
563 |
6,912 |
|
21 |
6,291 |
n/a |
926 |
7,217 |
|
22 |
n/a |
6,148 |
2,266 |
8,414 |
|
23 |
n/a |
4,844 |
4,688 |
9,532 |
|
24 |
n/a |
3,170 |
6,171 |
9,341 |
|
Totals |
22,037 |
14,162 |
15,151 |
51,350 |
Jobseekers’ Benefit recipients by age and rate.
|
- |
€100 |
€144 |
€188 |
Totals |
|
18 |
n/a |
n/a |
4 |
4 |
|
19 |
n/a |
n/a |
12 |
12 |
|
20 |
n/a |
n/a |
68 |
68 |
|
21 |
n/a |
n/a |
270 |
270 |
|
22 |
n/a |
n/a |
646 |
646 |
|
23 |
n/a |
n/a |
827 |
827 |
|
24 |
n/a |
n/a |
1,097 |
1,097 |
|
Totals |
n/a |
n/a |
2,924 |
2,924 |
150. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of social welfare appeals taken by young persons under 25 years who have had their claim for jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance refused in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the number of appeals for each year which have been successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1885/14]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that as appeal statistics are not maintained on the basis of age, it is not in a position to supply the information sought by the Deputy in relation to persons under 25 years. Outcomes of all jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance appeals from 2009 to 2013 are contained in the following tables.
A total of 1,353 jobseeker's benefit appeals were processed during 2012. 585 (43.24%) of these appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant. 365 (62.39%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of the Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. A total of 1,010 jobseeker's benefit appeals were processed during 2013. 40% of these (404) had a successful outcome for the appellant. 203 (50.25%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance.
A total of 3,301 jobseeker's allowance (payments) appeals were processed during 2012. 1,688 (51.14%) of these appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant. 725 (42.95%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. A total of 2,711 jobseeker's allowance (payments) appeals were processed during 2013. 41.72% of these (1,131) had a successful outcome for the appellant. 387 (34.22%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance.
A total of 3,584 jobseeker's allowance (means) appeals were processed during 2012. 1,465 (40.88%) of these appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant. 896 (61.16%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. A total of 2,992 jobseeker's allowance (means) appeals were processed during 2013. 33.02% of these (988) had a successful outcome for the appellant. 414 (41.9%) of the successful appeals were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed deciding officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose as a result, in many cases, of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the original decision on his /her claim. In such cases an Appeals Officer decision was not necessary.
Outcome of Jobseeker's Benefit Appeals
|
- |
Revised DO Decision |
Decided by Appeals Officers Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Partly Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
Total |
|
2009 |
289 |
169 |
34 |
521 |
97 |
1,110 |
|
2010 |
268 |
135 |
25 |
698 |
82 |
1,208 |
|
2011 |
224 |
180 |
44 |
898 |
130 |
1,476 |
|
2012 |
365 |
183 |
37 |
669 |
99 |
1,353 |
|
2013 |
203 |
160 |
41 |
516 |
90 |
1,010 |
Outcome of Jobseeker's Allowance (Payments) Appeals
|
- |
Revised DO Decision |
Decided by Appeals Officers Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Partly Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
Total |
|
2009 |
277 |
326 |
39 |
1,114 |
93 |
1,849 |
|
2010 |
641 |
478 |
56 |
2,947 |
161 |
4,283 |
|
2011 |
526 |
1,459 |
231 |
2,737 |
264 |
5,217 |
|
2012 |
725 |
810 |
153 |
1,384 |
229 |
3,301 |
|
2013 |
387 |
626 |
118 |
1,385 |
195 |
2,711 |
Outcome of Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) Appeals
|
- |
Revised DO Decision |
Decided by Appeals Officers Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Partly Allowed |
Decided by Appeals Officers Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
Total |
|
2009 |
479 |
454 |
191 |
958 |
139 |
2,221 |
|
2010 |
618 |
377 |
243 |
2,328 |
257 |
3,823 |
|
2011 |
515 |
361 |
266 |
2,605 |
348 |
4,095 |
|
2012 |
896 |
395 |
174 |
1,843 |
276 |
3,584 |
|
2013 |
414 |
425 |
149 |
1,728 |
276 |
2,992 |
151. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will publish the social impact assessment of budget 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1886/14]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing an analysis of the Budget 2014 tax and welfare packages. This Social Impact Assessment will include an analysis of the distributive and poverty impacts of these changes on different family types as well as the impact on at risk of poverty levels. Social impact assessment is an evidence-based methodology which uses a tax/welfare simulation model developed by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to estimate the likely distributive effects of budgetary measures on income and social inequalities.
The ESRI published their analysis of the distributional impact of Budget 2014 in December last. This analysis is innovative in that it captures for the first time tax changes relating to DIRT, pensions reliefs, health insurance reliefs and capital gains taxes. This analysis will inform the social impact assessment being undertaken in my Department. I will be examining the analysis when it is finalised and I will publish it in due course.
152. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the next edition of the Social Inclusion Monitor will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1887/14]
View answerThe Department developed the Social Inclusion Monitor, in consultation with the technical advisory group on poverty data and indicators, to report on progress towards the national social target and the Irish contribution to the Europe 2020 poverty target. It also reports on supporting indicators which capture key dimensions of poverty and on contextual indicators relating to lifecycle and vulnerable groups. The Monitor is primarily based on statistics from the annual Central Statistics Office Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC), the official data source for national and EU poverty indicators. The inaugural Social Inclusion Monitor 2011 was published by the Department in March 2013. Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the CSO publication of the 2012 SILC results. Once these are available, the Department will finalise and publish the Social Inclusion Monitor 2012.
