Written Answers Nos. 271-286
271. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the waiting times on a county basis for hearings to be held at the Employment Appeals Tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/14]
View answerThe Employment Appeals Tribunal is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day to day operations. The Tribunal is one of the front-line services directly affected by the current turbulence in the labour market. The Tribunal hears claims under 18 separate pieces of legislation, some of which are lodged as direct claims to the Tribunal and others which come to the Tribunal by way of appeal or implementation of a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation/decision.
I am informed that the waiting periods for a hearing at the Tribunal at the end of January 2014 ranged from 42 weeks to 103 weeks, with an average waiting time outside Dublin of 74 weeks and within Dublin of 71 weeks. These figures are an improvement on the end January 2013 outturns of 81 and 77 weeks respectively. I have attached a table showing waiting times as at January 2014.
However, these figures should be viewed in context. The Tribunal conducts hearings in about 29 locations around the country and from time to time cases are heard in counties other than the county where the employer is based. Where also, the number of cases is relatively small, the Tribunal may wait until a sufficient number of cases is on hand to make a visit worthwhile. In such areas, 5 days of hearings may reduce the “waiting time” in the area concerned by 30 to 40 weeks. As such the waiting times fluctuate on an ongoing basis. I understand that the Tribunal targets those areas with the longest waiting period and highest level of claims outstanding, within the resources it has currently available. Some counties no longer have hearing venues. For example Kildare , Louth and Wicklow cases are now heard in Dublin.
The Tribunal has been pro-active in driving efficiencies. Divisions of the Tribunal are sitting longer, hearing more cases per hearing and seeking to manage the caseload to maximise efficiency. As part of the drive for efficiencies, the Tribunal streams cases that are envisaged to be more straight-forward.
|
Counties |
Cases awaiting a hearing date |
No of weeks |
|
Clare |
New = 48 Resumed =1 |
81 |
|
Cork |
New = 274 Resumed =2 |
76 |
|
Cavan |
New = 46 Resumed =1 |
72 |
|
Carlow |
New = 25 Resumed =1 |
43 |
|
Donegal |
New = 80 Resumed =2 |
81 |
|
Dublin |
New = 1051 Resumed =16 |
71 |
|
Galway |
New = 197 Resumed =4 |
95 |
|
Kildare |
New = 99 Resumed =1 |
60 |
|
Kilkenny |
New = 31 Resumed =0 |
69 |
|
Kerry |
New = 94 Resumed =4 |
102 |
|
Longford |
New = 13 Resumed =3 |
42 |
|
Louth |
New = 72 Resumed =0 |
67 |
|
Limerick |
New = 242 Resumed =6 |
96 |
|
Leitrim |
New = 13 Resumed =1 |
58 |
|
Laois |
New = 35 Resumed =0 |
98 |
|
Meath |
New = 102 Resumed =1 |
64 |
|
Monaghan |
New = 22 Resumed =0 |
60 |
|
Mayo |
New = 74 Resumed =2 |
95 |
|
Offaly |
New = 48 Resumed =0 |
82 |
|
Roscommon |
New = 12 Resumed =0 |
67 |
|
Sligo |
New = 46 Resumed =0 |
82 |
|
Tipperary |
New = 123 Resumed =1 |
80 |
|
Waterford |
New = 108 Resumed =0 |
103 |
|
Westmeath |
New = 45 Resumed =0 |
45 |
|
Wicklow |
New = 39 Resumed =2 |
45 |
|
Wexford |
New = 136 Resumed =0 |
98 |
Overall Dublin waiting period: = 71 weeks (approximately)
Overall County average waiting period: = 74 weeks (approximately)
The approximate waiting period as at 31 January 2014
272. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland site visits to County Carlow in the past three years; and his views on whether it is satisfactory to meet the needs of the county. [6772/14]
View answerI am informed by IDA Ireland that in the past 3 years there has been a total of 7 IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to County Carlow. Detail of the number of site visits conducted in each of the 3 years 2011 to 2013 is set out on the attached tabular statement.
There are many complex factors influencing investor location decision-making such as the increasing preference of investors globally for cities of scale with 1 million plus population, significant challenges from lower cost locations in the UK and Eastern Europe and attractive regional aid.
Carlow has traditionally been a centre of manufacturing with a strong engineering tradition in both the indigenous and overseas sectors. In marketing Carlow for new foreign direct investment, IDA Ireland is focused on attracting overseas companies in the life sciences, services and knowledge based industries (including advanced manufacturing). IDA Ireland works closely with third level educational institutions in the region so that the skill-sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county are being developed.
At the end of 2013, there were 7 IDA Ireland supported companies in Co. Carlow employing 735 people. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with all these companies and works closely with them to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites. The primary opportunity for regional locations is in respect of the existing client base and potential further investment opportunities from same. Approximately 70% of all FDI investments won by IDA Ireland is from the existing client base.
I am, of course, concerned at the lack of investment in certain regional locations and I have, accordingly, requested IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to work with my Department so that we can explore what further initiatives we can take to ensure we have a better approach to enterprise development in regional locations. This exercise will complement the in-depth analysis of our FDI strategy which is currently being undertaken by Forfás and which will take account of factors such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI and any changes to the EU’s State Aid Rules, which will come into effect on 1 July 2014. The results of these two exercises will form the basis of IDA Ireland’s strategy from 2015 onwards.
Table showing the number of IDA sponsored site visits in County Carlow in each of the years 2011 to 2013, inclusive.
|
County |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Carlow |
2 |
4 |
1 |
273. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will intervene in the dispute at a supermarket (details supplied) in County Limerick so the workers may secure all pay and redundancy payments and receive full assistance in gaining further employment. [6777/14]
View answerIn the case of the employees referred to by the Deputy, I am happy to report that the dispute has been resolved, that the employees have received payments in respect of redundancy and outstanding pay and that they ended their sit-in of the premises last Thursday. The employees concerned had been in contact with the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and were provided with information on their employment rights.
The body of employment rights provides a number of protections that enable employees to obtain their pay and redundancy entitlements in situations where their employer has failed to make payment. The Payment of Wages Act 1991 provides certain rights to employees as well as providing a method of obtaining redress if their rights have been breached. Where wages and payments in lieu of annual leave untaken are due or any public holiday benefit outstanding, a case can be taken to the Rights Commissioners Service (RCS) under this Act. Cases must be referred to the Rights Commissioners Service within six months of the non-payment.
Where an employer fails to comply with the redundancy payment/minimum notice obligation or where there is a dispute regarding entitlements, claims may be referred by the employee to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT).
Redundancy Claims to the EAT must be made within 52 weeks from
(i) the date of dismissal or,
(ii) the date of ending of contract of employment.
Further details on taking a case are available on the Workplace Relations Customer Services website www.workplacerelations.ie or from their Information Service at 1890 80 80 90. Complaints to the RCS and the EAT can be submitted using the online form available on the website.
Furthermore, the services of the Labour Relations Commission and if appropriate the Labour Court are available and at the disposal of parties to any such dispute.
The administration of the Redundancy Payments area is within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton TD who has advised that it is the responsibility of the employer to pay statutory redundancy to all eligible employees. Where an employer can prove to the satisfaction of the Department of Social Protection that he/she is unable to pay statutory redundancy to his/her eligible employees that Department will make lump sum payments directly to those employees. Such payments are made from the Social Insurance Fund and result in a debt being raised against the employer which the Department of Social Protection will seek to recover.
With regard to the job activation measures in place, a protocol is in place between my Department, the Department of Social Protection, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards/LEO's to maximize recruitment from the Live Register. My colleague the Minister for Social Protection has advised that in co-operation with a range of other Departments and Agencies, the Department of Social Protection are actively engaged in supporting people of working age to avail of opportunities to get back to work, education or training, to help them provide for themselves and their families and participate in society. A social contract is created, between the person applying for a payment and the State, which will set out the rights and responsibilities of each party. Under this agreement, the individual must commit to engage with the employment advice, placement and training referral services provided by my Department.
My Department is focused on maximising employability by providing targeted income support, training referral, development and employment services, based on individual needs and circumstances and working with other Departments/Offices, agencies (both national and international), employers and stakeholders in providing client centred services.
Because of the varying qualifying conditions for the different supports, persons making claims to jobseeker’s payments should discuss their own individual circumstance with the INTREO Office staff when making claims or in their subsequent meetings.
274. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide details of all the official engagements attended by him or the Ministers of State in the Department that have taken place in Northern Ireland since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6821/14]
View answerThe accompanying table sets out all official engagements undertaken in Northern Ireland by both myself and by the Minister for Small Business since we took office. In respect of some of the engagements listed, I would point out that in addition to participation in the formal events, the opportunity was also taken to undertake additional informal discussions while in Northern Ireland on those dates. No such engagements were undertaken by the Minister for Research and Innovation.
I would also like to highlight the fact that a historic Trade Mission event, organised by Enterprise Ireland, U.K. Trade and Investment and Invest Northern Ireland is bringing a delegation of Aviation companies to Singapore this week. This Trade Mission is being led jointly by myself, by the Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster MLA and by the U.K. Under Secretary for Transport, Stephen Hammond, MP. This is the first such joint Trade Mission by the three administrations. The key event being targeted on this Mission, for Irish, Northern Irish and British companies in the aviation sector, involves participation in the Singapore Airshow. This is Asia's largest and one of the most important aerospace events in the world.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD
|
Event |
Date |
|
North South Ministerial Council, - Trade and Business Development Sectoral |
25th July, 2011 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Plenary |
18th November, 2011 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Trade and Business Development Sectoral |
1st March, 2012 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Plenary |
2nd November, 2012 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Trade and Business Development Sectoral |
28th November, 2012 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Trade and Business Development Sectoral |
26th June, 2013 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Plenary |
8th November, 2013 |
|
North South Ministerial Council, Trade and Business Development Sectoral |
22nd January, 2014 |
Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD
|
Event |
Date |
|
Annual Dinner of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce in Everglades Hotel, Derry |
21 Oct. 2011 |
|
Launch of INTERREG Border Uplands Project at Marble Arch Caves Geopark, Co. Fermanagh |
24 Oct. 2012 |
|
InterTradeIreland All Island Seedcorn Awards, Titanic, Belfast |
28 Nov. 2012 |
|
Meeting with InterTradeIreland, at their offices, Newry, Co. Down. |
23 Jan. 2013 |
275. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the numbers of jobs created in north Kerry in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6829/14]
View answerResponsibility for statistical information rests with the Central Statistics Office (CSO). However, I understand that the CSO does not compile statistics on jobs created on a county basis. As regards jobs created, the only figures available to my Department are those in respect of jobs created, on a county basis, in client companies of the Enterprise Development Agencies under the aegis of my Department. Table 1, accompanying this reply, provides details of jobs created, since 2008 in companies in Co. Kerry that were supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and IDA Ireland and, from 2010 onwards, in the case of companies supported by Kerry County Enterprise Board.
It should be noted that the data in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey, which is the active time series and the source for the data relating to EI and IDA-supported companies, can change year-on-year. For example, companies that enter the population or have transferred agency, have the opportunity to revisit numbers for the previous year when they are completing the Survey. As these figures are compiled on an annualised basis, the figures for 2013 will be available in the early part of 2014.
It should also be noted that prior to 2010, the CEBs could only report on the number of jobs existing in CEB-supported companies. In 2010, the CEBs’ data recording system was changed, thereby enabling them to produce figures for jobs existing, job gains and job losses for the years from 2010 onwards.
Table 1: Jobs created in companies based in Co. Kerry and supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Kerry County Enterprise Board
|
Agency |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
260 |
172 |
142 |
232 |
194 |
|
IDA Ireland |
86 |
25 |
50 |
163 |
75 |
|
Kerry County Enterprise Board |
N/A |
N/A |
287 |
348 |
316 |
|
Total |
346 |
197 |
479 |
743 |
585 |
276. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 270 and 295 of 4 February 2014, if he will set out the names, membership numbers and the organisations represented on the working groups established to examine the workings of Ireland's participation in the unified patent court. [6907/14]
View answerThe membership of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Unified Patent Court and the Enterprise Agencies Forum on the Unified Patent Court is as follows:
Interdepartmental Committee on the Unified Patent Court
Anne Coleman-Dunne, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Chair)
Julia O’Malley, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Niall Ó Muircheartaigh, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Noel Rubotham, Courts Service
Joyce Duffy, Department of Justice and Equality
Christopher Doyle, Office of the Attorney General
Richard Scannell, Department of An Taoiseach
Enterprise Agency group on the Unified Patent Court
Anne Coleman-Dunne, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Chair)
Julia O’Malley, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Niall Ó Muircheartaigh, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
John Dooley, Forfás
Stephen Flinter, Science Foundation Ireland
Joe Doyle, Enterprise Ireland
Niamh Roddy, Industrial Development Authority
277. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if a funding scheme is available specifically for persons affected by recent flooding who have not been able to get house insurance since previous floods; the other schemes for which persons without insurance may apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6794/14]
View answer298. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a location (details supplied) in County Limerick will be included in any humanitarian relief fund made available to flood victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6405/14]
View answer310. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection how emergency payments for flooding victims are calculated; the valuations used for items destroyed such as fixtures, fittings and furniture, structural components, flooring and carpets, and consumable goods such as food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6490/14]
View answer322. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the schemes available in her Department to assist households affected by flooding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6785/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277, 298, 310 and 322 together.
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. However, the Department of Social Protection has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events such as the recent severe weather conditions under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA).
Under the SWA scheme, the Department can make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. ENPs are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
In addition to the payment of ENPs, SWA legislation also provides for assistance in the form of an urgent needs payment (UNP) which can be made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA. The person may be required to pay the money back in respect of a UNP at a later date, for example, if the person had significant capital or income or was later compensated by an insurance company.
A humanitarian assistance scheme was approved by Government in November 2009. The scheme, which is means tested, is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. Levels of payment under the scheme depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted. Humanitarian assistance does not cover risks that are covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses.
In dealing with events of this nature the DSP generally adopts a three stage approach as follows:
-Stage 1 is to provide emergency income support payments for food, clothing, personal items and temporary accommodation in the immediate aftermath of the event. A relatively small amount of financial assistance is generally provided initially but this will increase as the extent of the problems become clearer.
-Stage 2 generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items. It is not until the flood water abates and houses dry out that the full extent of the damage to homes will become known.
- Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support or works are required. It could take several months before this stage of response commences and this involves a cross Departmental/Agency response. Work carried out can include plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring, painting etc.
The income test for humanitarian assistance is fair and the means assessment is more generous than that applied under the SWA scheme in general. For example, a family consisting of a couple and two children with a gross household income of €70,000 or less will receive 100% of the amount allowable in respect of their application. For each whole €1,000 of household income above the €70,000 the couple will be required to make a personal contribution of 1% toward the amount allowable. The amount allowable in any particular case refers to the amount the officer administering the scheme determines is required to replace essential losses and to make any essential repairs. Further detail on the humanitarian assistance scheme and the income test for single persons and families is available on the Department’s website at http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Humanitarian-Assistance-Scheme.aspx.
Guidelines have been provided to officers responsible for administering the humanitarian assistance scheme as to what type of goods and appliances are generally covered by the scheme and what replacement value should typically be attributable to each item, as set out in the tabular statement below. This list is not exhaustive and is intended as a guide only.
Any person who is experiencing hardship as a result of the recent weather events, including those in the Foynes area of Limerick, should contact the Department’s local representative administering SWA who may be able to offer assistance.
Tabular Statement - Humanitarian Assistance Essential Goods Guideline
|
Household Item |
Recommended Amount Payable |
Household Item |
Recommended Amount Payable |
|
Kitchen |
- |
Miscellaneous Items |
- |
|
Cooker: Electric |
€310 |
Cutlery Set |
€25 |
|
Cooker: Gas |
€310 |
Crockery Set 4/Crockery Set 6 |
€25/€35 |
|
Fridge: Single |
€140 |
Electric Iron |
€25 |
|
Fridge/Freezer |
€250 |
Electric Kettle |
€25 |
|
Kitchen Chair |
€40 |
Frying Pan |
€13 |
|
Kitchen Table |
€120 |
Ironing Board |
€20 |
|
Microwave |
€80 |
Mop and Handle |
€15 |
|
Table & 4 Chairs |
€260 |
Saucepan Set |
€36 |
|
Table & 6 Chairs |
€360 |
Sweeping Brush |
€15 |
|
Tumble Drier |
€200 |
Tea Pot |
€11 |
|
Washing Machine |
€250 |
Tea Set |
€40 |
|
- |
- |
Toaster |
€20 |
|
- |
- |
Towels |
€22 |
|
Sitting Room |
- |
- |
- |
|
Coffee Table |
€60 |
Clothing |
- |
|
Rug |
€50 |
Coat/Jacket |
€40 |
|
Suite of Furniture |
€700 |
Dressing Gown (Adult/Child) |
€15 |
|
- |
- |
Jeans/Trousers/Skirt |
€20 |
|
Bedroom |
- |
Jumper |
€25 |
|
Beds (inc Mattress): Bunks |
€250 |
Night Dress (Adult/Child) |
€10 |
|
Beds (inc Mattress): Cots |
€100 |
Pyjamas (Adult) |
€12 |
|
Beds (inc Mattress): Double |
€180 |
Pyjamas (Child) |
€8 |
|
Beds (inc Mattress): Single |
€120 |
Runners /Shoes |
€30 |
|
Cot Bedding |
€30 |
Shirt |
€15 |
|
Drawer Chest (3) |
€90 |
Slippers (Adult) |
€8 |
|
Drawer Chest (6) |
€100 |
Slippers (Child) |
€5 |
|
Duvet - Double |
€30 |
Socks/Underwear (Adult) |
€20 |
|
Duvet - Single |
€25 |
Socks/Underwear (Child) |
€10 |
|
Duvet Cover - double inc. pc. |
€20 |
- |
- |
|
Duvet Cover - single inc. pc. |
€15 |
General House Items |
- |
|
Locker |
€50 |
Buggy (Double) |
€150 |
|
Mattress Cot |
€50 |
Buggy/Pram |
€100 |
|
Mattress Double |
€110 |
Curtain: Living Room |
€75 |
|
Mattress Single |
€60 |
Curtains: Bedroom |
€50 |
|
Pillows |
€5 |
Curtains : Sliding Doors |
€90 |
|
Sheets - double |
€15 |
Electric Oil Heater |
€80 |
|
Sheets - single |
€12 |
Fire Guard |
€40 |
|
Two pillow case |
€5 |
Floor Covering per m: Bedroom |
€10 |
|
Wardrobe 2 Door |
€150 |
Floor Covering per m : Kitchen Area |
€10 |
|
Wardrobe 3 Door |
€230 |
Floor Covering per m : Living Area |
€10 |
|
- |
- |
Hoover |
€100 |
|
- |
- |
Smoke Alarm |
€10 |
|
- |
- |
Stair Gate |
€40 |
278. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) can be expedited urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6212/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10 February 2014 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.
279. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact Ballytruckle post office in Waterford city was closed recently due to flooding; the options open to citizens requiring any payments they may be due to collect from the social welfare office while this disruption continues; if she will confirm when the post office will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6215/14]
View answerI am informed that Ballytruckle Post Office reopened at 11.15 a.m. on Tuesday 4 February 2014 and all social welfare payments are being processed as normal. The Post Office had been closed due to flooding on Monday 3 February 2014 and arrangements were put in place to make payments at Waterford Post Office - payments were available from approximately 12 noon on Monday 3 February 2014.
280. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a decision on an application for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6218/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 5 February 2014, 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.
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when refusal of an application for disability allowance can be reversed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6243/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10 February 2014 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.
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when the recent refusal of carer's allowance will be reversed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6245/14]
View answerCarer’s allowance was stopped on 20th November 2013 in respect of the person in question as, following a review, it was decided that the medical criteria were no longer satisfied.
In order for a child under 16 years to be deemed eligible for carer's allowance, domiciliary care allowance must be in payment for that child. In those circumstances, the child is deemed to be automatically medically eligible for carer’s allowance.
Once the child reaches 16 years of age and entitlement to domiciliary care allowance ceases, a review of the continuing entitlement to carer’s allowance is undertaken as medical eligibility is no longer automatically satisfied and must be confirmed.
The decision to disallow carer’s allowance was recently reviewed by a deciding officer, following submission of additional medical evidence by the person in question. However, the deciding officer was satisfied that the original decision to disallow the allowance was still valid. The person in question was notified of the outcome of this review on the 24th of January 2014 and of her right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6249/14]
View answerAccording to the records of this Department there are currently no applications pending for an exceptional needs payment in the case of the person concerned. The person concerned can make an application to her local Community Welfare Service so that entitlement to a payment can be assessed.
285. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any mechanism whereby those using Phoenix Project Ireland could be funded either directly or indirectly to increase the number of people to whom Phoenix Project Ireland or similar bodies can provide assistance in dealing with their mortgage arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6279/14]
View answerAs part of the Government’s response to assist borrowers in mortgage distress the Mortgage Arrears Information and Advice Service was established to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to assist people in mortgage arrears or pre-arrears in assessing their options. The service is funded by lenders in line with the recommendation of the Keane Report.
The service, which differentiates between mortgage information and mortgage advice, has three elements:
- The Mortgage Arrears Information Helpline (phone 0761 074050) provides general mortgage arrears information and signposting in relation to the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and other supports available for those in mortgage arrears or pre-arrears. The Helpline operates Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has had over 9,000 callers since July 2012.
- The redesign of the website: www.keepingyourhome.ie provided for the key online access for general mortgage arrears information and advice and has had over 192,000 visitors since June 2012.
- The third element of the service is the provision of independent financial advice to mortgage holders who are being presented with long term mortgage resolution proposals by their lenders. The advice is provided by a panel of accountants drawn from members of the main accountancy institutes in Ireland. A county by county panel with over 2,000 participating accountants is in place and their details are available on www.keepingyourhome.ie. Borrowers are free to choose their own advisor from this panel and the lender will pay €250 to the accountant of the borrower’s choice for the provision of this advice.
A full review of the independent financial advice element of the Mortgage Arrears Information and Advice Service was published in December 2013. The extension of the participating panel to experts beyond accountants was examined as part of the review and the report recommended that while at present there appears to be no problem regarding supply, the extension of the panel can be considered in the context of the establishment by the Central Bank of an authorisation and regulatory framework for debt management firms under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013. This will ensure that the service for borrowers is of a high quality, is regulated and has a redress mechanism.
A stakeholder seminar which was attended by representatives of the Phoenix Project was held in January 2014 to discuss the recommendations of the review. An implementation plan has been prepared and discussions have commenced with the relevant stakeholders to progress the recommendations including the extension of the participating panel to other experts. It is envisaged that the service will continue to be funded by the lenders.
