Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Written Answers Nos. 87-109

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (87)

James Bannon

Question:

87. Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a disability allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17500/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that the department was notified by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 14 April 2015 that the appeal for the person in question was upheld and was deemed to be medically suitable for the scheme.

His file has been passed to a deciding officer to implement the appeals officers’ decision and the person concerned will be notified in writing once full entitlement has been established.

Community Services Programme

Questions (88)

Dara Calleary

Question:

88. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to reopening the community service programme, in view of its positive impact; the other options that are available for groups providing an essential service which cannot access community employment scheme places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17549/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

The community services programme (CSP) is designed to address gaps in the delivery of key local services, to tackle disadvantage and to ensure that community facilities are utilised. Approximately 400 not-for-profit companies and co-operatives are being supported under the CSP with some 2,800 workers being supported in these organisations.

Funding of €46m has been provided for the programme in 2015. This will maintain the current level of activity but does not allow the Department to make an open call for new applications. However, the Department will accept expressions of interest from any organisation that wishes to be considered for the programme, as resources allow. To be eligible, service providers must operate on the basis of a community business or social enterprise, deliver tangible services not otherwise provided and have a record or capacity of generating non-public revenues from their operations.

The Deputy should note that the programme does not provide full funding for any operation and, therefore, is not suitable for all community activity.

Any not-for-profit company wishing to express an interest to be considered for the programme can send an expression of interest and its proposals to the Department by email to [e-mail].

Community Employment Schemes Places

Questions (89)

Dara Calleary

Question:

89. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the total number of community employment places, by county, and in the case of Dublin, on a local authority basis, in each year since 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17550/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

The following tables detail the breakdown by county (Dublin breakdown by postcode) of the Community Employment (CE) programme at year-end since 2010. The figure for 2015 reflects the number of CE places as at the end of April. The Department does not use the Dublin Local Authority boundaries to categorise CE projects.

-	2010	2010	2011	2011	2012	2012
County	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor
Kildare	586	36	278	11	285	11
Meath	416	22	627	37	579	36
Wicklow	649	39	449	23	391	20
Cavan	214	13	684	42	593	36
Louth	755	43	212	13	205	11
Monaghan	346	22	772	45	735	41
Carlow	299	24	322	19	320	20
Kilkenny	383	23	311	24	297	23
Waterford	580	38	977	70	879	61
Wexford	791	48	247	16	264	17
Laois	291	17	804	47	812	47
Longford	286	17	290	17	279	17
Offaly	356	21	287	17	274	17
Roscommon	328	22	350	22	335	22
Westmeath	511	32	327	22	335	21
Cork	2006	114	1684	97	1528	96
Kerry	915	55	902	45	995	47
Clare	532	35	914	52	921	52
Limerick	1277	80	1250	81	1111	78
Tipperary	978	74	955	60	875	58
Galway	1389	86	732	46	668	47
Mayo	685	48	1084	65	1086	66
Donegal	1085	67	744	50	718	49
Leitrim	161	10	1090	67	1059	65
Sligo	375	27	160	10	172	10

-	2013	2013	2014	2014	Apr-15	Apr-15
County	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor
Kildare	777	40	316	11	798	42
Meath	464	24	841	45	473	25
Wicklow	591	31	513	26	616	32
Cavan	271	13	634	34	283	16
Louth	803	42	322	17	791	38
Monaghan	338	20	814	43	376	21
Carlow	376	23	401	20	384	23
Kilkenny	419	24	377	24	405	24
Waterford	719	47	982	67	775	48
Wexford	885	48	369	22	890	49
Laois	266	16	901	52	284	16
Longford	290	15	291	17	294	18
Offaly	351	21	314	18	373	20
Roscommon	302	18	363	22	313	19
Westmeath	556	34	329	20	582	34
Cork	2091	107	1668	96	2098	107
Kerry	961	53	966	43	964	52
Clare	570	35	966	51	559	35
Limerick	1125	71	1200	76	1141	71
Tipperary	923	69	921	58	925	68
Galway	1447	91	770	49	1469	89
Mayo	745	51	1094	65	757	51
Donegal	1108	61	742	49	1143	61
Leitrim	163	9	1124	61	175	9
Sligo	416	26	146	8	427	26

-	2010	2010	2011	2011	2012	2012
Dublin (Postcode)	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor
Dublin 1	464	42	462	38	526	53
Dublin 2	381	24	394	23	377	24
Dublin 3	188	14	187	14	158	13
Dublin 4	58	3	102	7	46	4
Dublin 5	234	16	248	16	174	12
Dublin 6	10	1	33	2	11	1
Dublin 7	185	15	172	11	147	12
Dublin 8	675	58	741	61	549	42
Dublin 9	157	9	127	7	222	14
Dublin 10	212	22	232	19	227	21
Dublin 11	478	28	507	30	356	22
Dublin 12	348	32	342	33	288	27
Dublin 13	66	4	106	5	47	3
Dublin 15	331	21	30	1	0	0
Dublin 16	31	2	344	20	315	21
Dublin 17	436	23	58	3	51	3
Dublin 18	50	2	462	22	369	20
Dublin 20	55	4	72	5	14	1
Dublin 22	289	24	65	4	31	3
Dublin 24	467	37	279	21	279	24
Dublin West	18	1	480	35	434	32
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown	182	11	31	3	0	0
Dublin North County/Fingal	268	11	258	9	370	19

-	2013	2013	2014	2014	Apr-15	Apr-15
Dublin (Postcode)	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor	Participant	Supervisor
Dublin 1	434	37	405	34	405	30
Dublin 2	394	23	287	15	296	17
Dublin 3	193	15	215	17	215	17
Dublin 4	71	5	82	5	78	5
Dublin 5	219	13	224	14	233	13
Dublin 6	35	2	37	2	41	1
Dublin 7	138	8	198	14	173	11
Dublin 8	693	57	776	61	764	59
Dublin 9	193	11	288	14	226	12
Dublin 10	221	20	214	21	199	20
Dublin 11	411	25	349	22	387	24
Dublin 12	294	29	266	29	288	29
Dublin 13	50	2	61	3	59	3
Dublin 15	339	20	49	2	353	20
Dublin 16	58	3	363	21	58	3
Dublin 17	410	21	62	3	419	22
Dublin 18	18	1	409	22	17	1
Dublin 20	36	4	20	1	39	4
Dublin 22	249	22	46	4	246	22
Dublin 24	474	33	293	21	475	33
Dublin West	120	4	486	34	117	6
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown	256	13	20	2	264	14
Dublin North County/Fingal	312	11	265	14	314	11

Pension Provisions

Questions (90)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

90. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding social protection pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17557/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

State pensions account for the single largest block of social welfare expenditure, and while expenditure on pensions is increasing because of demographic pressures, this is being managed within the overall welfare budget. This year, the Department of Social Protection will spend an estimated €6.675 billion on pensions, i.e., 34.4% of all welfare expenditure, and an increase of €168 million over 2014. The overall concern of the Government in recent budgets has been to protect the primary weekly social welfare rates where possible. Maintaining the rate of the State pension and other core payments is critical in protecting people from poverty.

The most recent change in the core rate of State pensions was in Budget 2009, when the State pension contributory was increased by 3.1% to €230.30, and the non-contributory pension by 3.3% to €219.00. Both of these are the maximum personal rates, and there are increases for dependant adults which attracted similar increases at that time.

Core pension rates were not reduced in the period since then, despite significant pressures on Exchequer spending, and a period of significant deflation which has protected those increases in real terms from erosion by inflation. This has had the effect of protecting older people from poverty, and all CSO figures show that those over 65 are significantly less likely to be at risk of poverty or deprivation than those aged under 65.

The recovery has also allowed some leeway to increase spending in targeted areas, which is why I was able to restore a partial Christmas bonus last month, benefitting over 575,000 pensioners and 1.23 million welfare recipients in total. I also increased payments for certain pensioners by increasing the rate of the Living Alone Allowance in Budget 2015 to €9.00. This increases the maximum personal rate of the State non-contributory pension for a qualified person living alone to €228 per week, and the maximum rate for the State contributory pension to €239.30, when both the basic pension and the allowance are taken into account.

I have no plans at this time to increase the rate of pensions. Any decision to increase the rates would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.

Occupational Injuries Benefit Applications

Questions (91)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

91. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the exceptional circumstances that would be considered appropriate grounds for considering an application for occupational injuries benefit by a person who applied for the benefit more than six months from the date of the injury. [17599/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The exceptional circumstances that would be considered appropriate grounds for considering an application for occupational injuries benefit by a person who applied more than six months from the date of the injury are set out in regulations - where it is shown to the satisfaction of a deciding officer or an appeals officer that the delay was due to information provided by an officer of the Minister or that the delay was due to a person being so incapacitated that he or she was unable to make a claim or appoint a person to act on his or her behalf.

Mortgage Repayments

Questions (92)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the difficulty created for borrowers (details supplied) in County Kildare when their mortgage support was suspended while they were awaiting information from the bank which was never supplied; that, as a result, they now find themselves in an increasingly serious position in regard to mortgage arrears, but nevertheless continue to make payments to the best of their ability; if consideration will be given to restoration in the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17619/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

As detailed to the Deputy in reply to Parliamentary Question 3255-14 of 23 January 2014 and Question 37562-14 of 2 October 2014 certain documents were outstanding in relation to the application for mortgage interest supplement from this client and the claim was closed as it could not be processed. The claim was closed in April 2014 following a final reminder, as despite numerous written requests from the Department over a sustained period, which were also followed up with phone calls to the client, none of the requested documentation was submitted. Subsequent to the closure of the claim, some correspondence but not all requested documents was received in May 2014. There has been no further contact from the client and the claim remains closed.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications

Questions (93)

Tom Fleming

Question:

93. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17642/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of her child on the 20th January 2015. The application was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to the customer on the 29th April 2015 advising of the decision.

In the case of an application which is refused the applicant may submit additional information and ask for the decision to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned has been advised of the options available to her in the decision letter.

Jobseeker's Allowance Data

Questions (94)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

94. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age in receipt of a reduced jobseeker's allowance social welfare payment in each year 2012, 2013, 2014 and to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17660/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

At the end of December in each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014 there were 33,476, 38,174 and 32,691 while at the end of April there were 31,067 persons under 25 years of age in receipt of a reduced Jobseeker's Allowance social welfare payment.

These figures do not include persons under the age of 25 to whom penalty rates were applied to their rate of payment at these dates.

Pension Provisions

Questions (95)

Finian McGrath

Question:

95. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17667/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The issue of engagement with the industrial relations machinery of the State falls within the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. It is acknowledged that the industrial relations system in Ireland is voluntary in nature both as regards access to the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Any change to that principle which would put in place a mandated right to be part of the process would alter fundamentally the conduct of industrial relations.

Earlier this year, I approved measures to facilitate engagement between the trustees of a pension scheme and groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members. I signed the Occupational Pensions Schemes (Section 50 and 50B) (Amendments) Regulations, 2015 and approved Pensions Authority guidance to facilitate this change.

The change to regulations will require the Pensions Authority to notify groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members in situations where the Pensions Authority is proposing to issue a unilateral direction under section 50 of the Pensions Act to restructure scheme benefits or to wind up a pension scheme under section 50B. This requirement will afford the representative group an opportunity to make a submission to the Pensions Authority in relation to such proposals. The Regulations also give the representative group the right to appeal such a direction by the Pensions Authority to the High Court on a point of law.

I also approved an amendment to guidance issued by the Pensions Authority on this matter. This change to guidance will require the trustees of a pension scheme to notify groups representing the interest of scheme members of proposals by the trustees of a defined benefit pension scheme to issue a direction under section 50 of the Pensions Act to restructure scheme benefits. This requirement will afford the representative group an opportunity to make a submission to the trustees of a pension scheme in relation to proposals to restructure scheme benefits.

These changes will facilitate engagement between groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members and the Pension Authority and the trustees of a pension scheme.

I would expect that any group that is recognised for the purposes of collective representation with the trustees of a pension scheme could seek to engage voluntarily with the enterprise involved in talks or trade dispute with employees.

Widow's Pension Eligibility

Questions (96)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress, to date, in determining an application for a widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension, in conjunction with an established entitlement to payment from the United Kingdom, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17672/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

An application for widow’s contributory pension was received from the person concerned on the 10th of April 2015. A Deciding Officer has noted that there is no record of the person’s marriage held by the General Register Office and has requested the person concerned to furnish a copy of their marriage certificate. On receipt, a Deciding Officer will make a decision on the person’s entitlement to widow’s contributory pension and the person will be notified of the outcome without delay.

Pension Provisions

Questions (97)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

97. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a EUP65 form has no post office payment option on it (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17678/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

EU social security legislation provides that a resident of Ireland who has been insurably employed in another EU Member State(s) or a European Economic Area State (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein), and who is approaching state pension age in that country(ies), should make their application for pension through the Department of Social Protection. The Department will set out the claim details and the necessary supporting information in the required EU format, and will convey the pension claim to the pensions authority of the other country (ies), liaising as necessary with that authority, on the applicant’s behalf.

The EUP65 form is an application form designed specifically for the above purpose. It is not an application form for an Irish state pension. It is only for use by residents of Ireland who have not yet reached state pension age in Ireland, but who have attained the lower state pension age in another country they have worked in. If the person is awarded a pension by that country, the method of payment is a matter for that authority. Generally, foreign institution pension payments are not facilitated through the Irish Post Office network.

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Questions (98)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

98. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of social welfare payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the dependent family members the person is receiving payment for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17701/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The person in question is in receipt of the half-rate carer's allowance in respect of one care recipient. The weekly carer's allowance payment he receives is €102.00 per week. In addition, his spouse is in receipt of a DSP payment in her own right including an increase for a qualified adult in respect of the person concerned amounting to €124.80 per week plus increases for their qualified children.

The person in question is also in receipt of annual respite care grant and household benefits package.

The person in question should contact his local Intreo Office or the Citizens Information Centre if they believe they may qualify for additional payments.

Personal Public Service Numbers Data

Questions (99)

Joe Costello

Question:

99. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason European Union citizens are refused personal public service numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17706/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is an individual’s unique reference number for all dealings with Government Departments and public bodies. Before a PPS Number can be allocated, the person making the application must provide evidence of identity and demonstrate a valid reason for the application. PPS Numbers are issued by the Department following checks on an individual’s identity. In addition, acceptable evidence of address must be provided. The process of allocating a PPS Number includes the capture of a photograph and signature. Photographs captured are compared with other photographs previously captured in order to detect any possible duplicates. The requirements are the same for all persons regardless of nationality, i.e., whether EU citizens or not.

When a person is refused the allocation of a PPS Number, it is because s/he failed to provide acceptable evidence of identity or address, and/or to demonstrate a valid reason for seeking the Number.

I understand the Department has contacted the Deputy’s office and requested details of the specific cases that have led to this question. These can then be investigated and the Deputy advised directly of the outcome in each instance.

Invalidity Pension Payments

Questions (100)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17720/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The person concerned was awarded IP from 11th August 2011 at the maximum weekly personal rate of €193.50. If there has been a change in circumstances and the person concerned wishes to apply for additional allowances, e.g. an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) or fuel allowance, entitlement can be determined on receipt of the completed claim forms. Claim forms for both allowances have issued to the person concerned today.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance Payments

Questions (101)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

101. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will consider restoring the diet supplement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17751/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

Diet supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, is payable to qualifying persons, in receipt of the supplement prior to February 2014, who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition.

During 2013, the Department commissioned the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) to update their previous research published in 2006 and updated in 2007 on the costs of healthy eating and specialised diets. Pricing for a selection of foods based on branded and own label foods was surveyed in a sample of retail outlets for each diet. These outlets included large stores, large low cost stores, medium sized stores and convenience stores.

The research showed that the average costs across all of the retail outlets of the diets supplemented under the scheme can be met from within one third of the minimum personal rate of social welfare payment, i.e. the SWA rate of €186 per week. The scheme was discontinued on the basis of this evidence and I have no plans to reverse this decision.

Payment of the supplement will continue to be made to the existing 4,600 recipients for as long as they continue to be entitled to the payment. In cases of particular hardship that may present, officials have the legislative power to award a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in cases of exceptional need.

Rent Supplement Scheme Eligibility

Questions (102)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

102. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason the rent allowance and one-parent family payment was suspended for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [17764/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned was claiming one parent family payment from October 2007 until October 2013, when her claim was disallowed following an investigation which determined that her means were in excess of the statutory limit for receipt of the payment. This decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO); however her appeal was disallowed by that office in April 2014.

A subsequent jobseeker’s allowance claim was also disallowed on the same basis in October 2014; this was also appealed to the SWAO and again her appeal was disallowed by that office.

In November 2014 she made a claim for supplementary welfare allowance which was also disallowed because her means were also in excess of the statutory limit for that scheme. There was no subsequent appeal in respect of this decision.

The person concerned has been receiving rent allowance for her current accommodation since October 2013. She is receiving the correct entitlement rate in line with current legislation as it relates to means assessments for that scheme. Any arrears due have been paid to her and her claim has been paid up to date.

Social Welfare Code

Questions (103)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

103. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a trust fund for a child, that can only be accessed when the child reaches 18 years of age, has to be declared by the parent, when the parent is applying for a social welfare payment. [17765/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The means test for social assistance schemes takes account of all cash income which income the claimant has as well as the yearly value of property (other than the home) and capital which a claimant owns.

The key issue, for means testing purposes, in the case of trust funds is the ownership of such funds. Trust funds which are owned by a child of a claimant are not assessable in order to determine the means of any parent who is a welfare claimant. In this regard, it sometimes may not be clear as to who is the actual owner of a trust fund is and such funds should be declared by the parent in order to enable the Department to determine whether it is assessable or otherwise.

National Internship Scheme Administration

Questions (104)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

104. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the money and resources spent promoting the JobBridge scheme, including events, advertising and materials. [17770/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

I include a table showing expenditure on the promotion of JobBridge from 2012 to 2014 inclusive. I have included expenditure on software maintenance as the website has a promotional aspect within its broader role.

There was no expenditure on promotion of the scheme in 2011 or 2015.

Expenditure on the promotion of JobBridge from 2012 to 2014

Item	2012	2013	2014
Advertising - Magazine Ad	-	-	2,761.35
Advertising - Other	344.40		1,476.00
Job Bridge Conference	-	-	1,968.00
Printed Forms	22,591.34	47.97	4,473.44
Website Software Maintenance	81,610.93	-	-
Total	104,546.67	47.97	10,678.79

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (105, 106)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

105. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, by month, a breakdown indicating the 2015 Revised Estimate for total expenditure by her Department; and the actual total expenditure to date. [17771/15]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

106. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, by month, a breakdown indicating the 2015 Revised Estimate for expenditure on jobseeker's benefit and on jobseeker's allowance; and the actual expenditure on those schemes to date. [17772/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table:

-	-	Actual expenditure	Actual expenditure	Actual expenditure	Actual expenditure
-	2015 Revised Estimate	Jan 2015	Feb 2015	Mar 2015	Year to date end of Mar 2015
-	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
Overall Department of Social Protection expenditure	19,378,333	1,751,868	1,502,532	1,557,525	4,811,925
Jobseekers
Jobseekers Allowance	2,607,900	227,453	212,021	236,963	676,437
Jobseekers Benefit	406,600	35,859	33,079	31,583	100,521
Total expenditure on jobseekers	3,014,500	263,312	245,100	268,546	776,958

Expenditure data for April is still being finalised. It should be noted that expenditure can and does vary considerably from month to month as a consequence of varying numbers of payment days by scheme. For example, most pensions are paid on a Friday and, accordingly, expenditure in a month with five Fridays will be greater than a month with 4.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (107)

Dan Neville

Question:

107. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to monitor the timeframe to process appeals for various means-tested payments or claims based on medical entitlement; the timeframe currently in place for dealing with appeals; and the average processing time currently for appeals. [17821/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Average appeal processing times for 2014 and 2015 broken down by all social welfare scheme types are outlined in the tables.

Appeal processing times peaked in 2011 when the average time for an oral hearing was 52.5 weeks and for a summary decision was 25.1 weeks. In 2012 the average processing time for an oral hearing dropped to 39.5 weeks and the time for a summary decision increased slightly to 27.8 weeks. Further improvements were achieved in 2013, when the average appeal processing time reduced to 33.9 weeks for an oral hearing and 25.8 weeks for a summary decision. In 2014 the average appeal processing time reduced to 28.6 weeks for an oral hearing and 21.1 weeks for a summary decision. Processing times continue to improve in 2015 as the current average processing time for an oral hearing is now 25.6 weeks and 18.2 weeks for a summary decision.

The reduction in processing times reflects the significant resources which have been invested in the Social Welfare Appeals Office over the last number of years.

In addition the Department has undertaken a process of reform in many of its scheme areas aimed at reducing the time taken to respond to requests for submissions in relation to appeals. Appeal processing times are kept under continual review in the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

In addition to the improvement in processing times, these measures have also led to a significant reduction in the number of appeals on hand from 20,414 at 1 January 2013 to 9,537 at 1st May 2015.

Appeal processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period including time spent awaiting any clarification from the appellant, time in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department’s Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. The system is flexible and accessible and allows multiple reviews and submissions of fresh evidence at all stages. For logistical reasons the process takes longer when an oral hearing is required.

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.

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2014 – 31/12/14

-	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Adoptive Benefit	17.1	-
Blind Pension	20.5	24.9
Carers Allowance	30.1	34.4
Carers Benefit	22.9	23.1
Child Benefit	23.8	32.9
Disability Allowance	20.8	26.7
Illness Benefit	29.5	34.8
Domiciliary Care Allowance	22.6	29.1
Deserted Wives Benefit	-	64.7
Deserted Wives Allowance	-	41.8
Farm Assist	23.2	28.3
Bereavement Grant	25.6	31.9
Family Income Supplement	26.0	32.6
Invalidity Pension	25.9	31.2
Liable Relatives	21.5	33.2
One Parent Family Payment	24.4	33.5
Maternity Benefit	22.4	44.7
Partial Capacity Benefit	48.5	48.5
State Pension (Contributory)	25.2	41.9
State Pension (Non-Cont)	20.3	29.4
State Pension (Transition)	27.0	35.1
Occupational Injury Benefit	33.6	33.7
Disablement Pension	23.6	30.6
Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical)	-	53.9
Incapacity Supplement	21.5	59.6
Guardian's Payment (Con)	25.9	24.9
Guardian's Payment (Non-con)	19.7	30.3
Pre Retirement Allowance	17.3	-
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	18.1	27.5
Jobseeker's Allowance	16.2	21.1
JA/JB Fraud Control	12.1	-
Jobseeker's Benefit	16.7	21.1
Treatment Benefit	20.8	-
Respite Care Grant	24.9	27.1
Insurability of Employment	45.0	62.3
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	14.4	22.1
Survivor's Pension (Con)	20.2	32.5
Survivor's Pension (Non-Con)	24.7	24.6
Widowed Parent Grant	22.2	-
All Appeals	21.1	28.6

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2015 – 30/04/2015

	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Blind Pension	10.3	34.5
Carers Allowance	22.1	28.0
Carers Benefit	24.0	25.4
Child Benefit	21.3	34.4
Disability Allowance	15.9	21.7
Illness Benefit	22.4	31.7
Domiciliary Care Allowance	19.6	24.4
Deserted Wives Benefit	-	25.1
Deserted Wives Allowance	-	16.2
Farm Assist	15.9	21.8
Bereavement Grant	61.1	26.0
Family Income Supplement	19.9	24.0
Invalidity Pension	25.4	31.1
Liable Relatives	15.9	-
One Parent Family Payment	25.4	37.1
Maternity Benefit	25.3	16.8
Partial Capacity Benefit	23.5	16.6
State Pension (Contributory)	20.4	43.6
State Pension (Non-Cont)	20.0	29.7
State Pension (Transition)	50.4	41.6
Occupational Injury Benefit	36.6	36.3
Disablement Pension	22.6	30.7
Incapacity Supplement	-	59.1
Guardian's Payment (Con)	21.7	29.5
Guardian's Payment (Non-con)	15.2	21.8
Pre Retirement Allowance	15.0	-
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	15.7	25.9
Jobseeker's Allowance	14.5	20.3
Jobseeker's Benefit	14.0	15.3
Recoverable Benefits and Assistance	8.0	-
Respite Care Grant	19.4	21.7
Insurability of Employment	27.3	69.9
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	15.1	22.9
Survivor's Pension (Con)	22.5	33.8
Survivor's Pension (Non-Con)	59.0	43.7
Widowed Parent Grant	13.2	-
All Appeals	18.2	25.6

Pension Provisions

Questions (108)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

108. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding State pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17829/15]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The State pension (contributory) is a very valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. This is particularly important given the challenge that increased longevity is posing for the future sustainability of the State pension. Consequently, when assessing whether an individual is entitled to a State pension, and to ensure that they can maximise such entitlement, all contributions (paid or credited) from when they first enter insurable employment until pension age are taken into account.

The State assists those with caring roles to qualify for a State pension (contributory). The homemaker’s scheme makes qualification for State pension (contributory) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme, which was introduced in 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age or incapacitated people to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. Given the valuable nature of the State pension (contributory), those who qualify under the homemaker’s scheme still need to fulfil the eligibility requirements for that scheme, and have at least 520 paid contributions over the course of their working lives.

However, for those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), the State pension system provides alternative methods of support. If someone has been a carer for nearly all of their adult life and has paid little or no PRSI, they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €219, which amounts to just over 95% of the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse or civil partner is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) they may instead qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult of up to €206.30, which is just under 90% of the maximum personal rate of the State pension (contributory).

Exceptional Needs Payment Data

Questions (109)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for exceptional needs payments received by her Department in each of the past 12 months, to date; the number approved; the number refused, those pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17842/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Government has provided €27.9 million for the ENP scheme in 2015.

There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made 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 in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

Statistics are maintained relating to payments under the ENP scheme, however they are not maintained on the number of applications or the outcome of those applications. The number of ENP payments made in each of the past 12 months is contained in the tabular statement.

Number of ENP Payments in each of the past 12 months:

Month	Number of Payments
April 2014	8,176
May 2014	8,995
June 2014	7,907
July 2014	8,819
August 2014	7,965
September 2014	8,882
October 2014	9,664
November 2014	9,578
December 2014	10,506
January 2015	8,281
February 2015	8,533
March 2015	8,896
Total	106,202