Written Answers Nos. 114-122
114. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the level of demand to date for amortising bonds used to underwrite sovereign annuities; her views on the operation of sovereign annuities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14647/14]
View answerI am very aware that many defined benefit pension schemes are coming from a deficit position and this is a difficult problem which requires careful management. The Government’s introduction of the sovereign annuity initiative provided an option which enables the trustees of a pension scheme to reduce pension scheme liabilities and benefit from the premium available through sovereign annuities over traditional annuities. I am pleased to see the uptake of sovereign annuities has been strong. Data from industry indicates that the vast majority of annuities purchased in 2013 were sovereign annuities. The total premium amount in 2013 was over €400 million which enabled the purchase of approximately €30 million in pensions per annum. These pensions were in respect of over 1,700 scheme members. This development is to be welcomed as it facilitates the release of extra funds for scheme members.
Irish pension schemes have the majority of their assets invested outside of Ireland. As well as providing a mechanism for more prudent investment and a better outcome for scheme members, sovereign annuities deliver a win-win benefit as they ensure the retention of funds within the domestic economy. This initiative by Government has attracted significant pension fund investment into the economy, with feedback from the NTMA indicating a continuous demand, amounting to €1.377 billion to date, for the amortising bonds used to underwrite sovereign annuities.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for contributory old age pension in their own right on foot of their partnership in their spouse's enterprise as opposed to their current position as an adult dependant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14666/14]
View answerAccording to the records of the Department, the person concerned reached the age of eligibility for State pension (contributory) in March 2004. As there is no record of an application for State pension having been received from the person concerned to date, a form has been issued to her. On receipt of her completed application, her entitlement to pension will be fully examined, and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in respect of determination of entitlement to invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14668/14]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions. A claim for IP was received for the person concerned on 22 November 2013. In order to establish medical eligibility, a diagnostic report issued to the applicant on 16 December 2013 to be completed by his general practitioner or other treating physician. A second diagnostic report issued to the applicant 24 February 2014. To date, a completed diagnostic report has not been returned. The person concerned is currently in receipt of disability allowance (DA) and also continues to submit medical certificates in respect of illness benefit (IB), to which his entitlement to payment has expired. The person concerned attended an in-person medical assessment on 24 March 2014, the results of which will be available shortly. The outcome of this assessment will be examined by a deciding officer in order to determine the person's continuing medical eligibility for IB. The outcome will also be examined by deciding officers in relation to his IP claim and his continuing medical eligibility for DA. If further information is required in order to make a decision on his claim for IP, the Department will request it from the person directly. The Department will also be in touch with the person regarding his IB and DA claims if there is any change in either.
120. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14683/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 4 March 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.
121. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all the grant aid supplied to a company (details supplied) over the past five years; the purpose and the amount of each grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14591/14]
View answer122. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to intervene with a company (details supplied) to attempt to retain jobs in County Donegal after the announcement that the plant intends to move its manufacturing operation from Gweedore to Ashbourne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14593/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
At the outset, I wish to reiterate that I am very disappointed at the announcement made by the company referred to by the Deputy on 14 March 2014. I regret the company's decision to enter into a period of consultation with its employees in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, with a view to relocating its manufacturing operation from Gaoth Dobhair to the company's main plant in Ashbourne, County Meath. I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta is working closely with the company to minimise the effects of the decision on the workforce in Gaoth Dobhair. As a result of the proposed relocation, I understand that 70 employees in Gaoth Dobhair will be offered the opportunity by the company to transfer to positions in Ashbourne. Údarás na Gaeltachta has established a working group with key stakeholders, including my Department, Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority, in order to identify alternative employment opportunities for those concerned.
With regard to the question of grant aid, I have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that it has paid a total of €1.032m to the company in question over the past 5 years, comprising the following: €410,000 for research and development; €550,000 for capital investment; and €72,000 for training.
