Written Answers Nos. 44-68
44. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on changing the qualifying criteria for the carer's allowance to allow those who care for high-dependency children with rare illnesses to qualify regardless of means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22701/15]
View answerI should point out that the means test for carer's allowance (CA) has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system - the income disregard is €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple
I am satisfied that the means test as it presently applies in respect of CA helps to ensure that the allowance is targeted appropriately, in supporting carers most in need – those who are on low incomes - and I have no plans to make any changes in this area.
46. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) whose payment was cut off and who is now relying on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for financial assistance; and the reason the deciding officer has advised the community welfare officers to refuse the person any payment or exceptional needs payments. [22708/15]
View answerThe person in question was requested by a Social Welfare Inspector to submit documentation in relation to her ongoing entitlement to her one parent family payment; she was also advised that failure to submit this information would affect her ongoing entitlement to a payment. The documentation was not submitted and her payment was terminated.
Her entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme was then considered by another officer of the Department having regard to all of the facts of the case and on the basis of legislation for this scheme. She was refused a basic supplementary welfare allowance payment as she had failed to supply information to the Department thus depriving herself of an income. While no claim for an exceptional needs payment was made the person in question was advised that the purpose of such payments was to meet essential, once-off, unforeseen exceptional spending that a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
47. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for an appeal in respect of a disablement pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22717/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 2nd June 2015, 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.
48. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding cuts to payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22737/15]
View answerState Pensions account for the single largest block of welfare expenditure, and while expenditure on pensions is increasing because of demographic pressures, this is being successfully managed within the overall welfare budget, which continues to fall. This year, the Department of Social Protection will spend an estimated €6.675 billion on pensions – 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 Government has no plans to change this policy. In fact, the Government 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 contributory pension to €239.30, when both the basic pension and the allowance are taken into account.
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 also payments for dependant adults which attracted similar increases at that time.
Core pension rates have not been reduced in the life of this Government, despite significant pressures on Exchequer spending. The same period has seen considerable deflation which has protected core pension rates in real terms from erosion by inflation. This has had the effect of protecting older people from poverty. 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 us some leeway to increase spending in targeted areas, which is why I was able to restore a partial Christmas Bonus benefitting over 575,000 pensioners and 1.23 million welfare recipients in total.
Any decision to increase pension rates would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.
50. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the assistance she will provide in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which faces homelessness due to rent supplement limits being lower than the market rates. [22782/15]
View answerOfficials from the Department have been engaging with the person concerned to resolve the situation that he and his family find themselves in. The focus of current efforts is on finding a solution that involves him and his family remaining at current residence. This involves negotiations with third parties but a satisfactory outcome is hoped for at this point.
51. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a disability allowance payment for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22798/15]
View answerThe person in question has been awarded a disability allowance payment with effect from 15 October 2014. First payment was on 11 March 2015 and any arrears due will follow shortly.
52. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a permanent replacement for the post of community welfare officer will be appointed to deal with the Newmarket and Millstreet area in County Cork; and if she will provide an assurance that the person will be based in this area. [22805/15]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection, like all Government departments and agencies, is required to operate with an Employment Control Framework (ECF) figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Department is focusing on prioritising the filling of critical posts, in order to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. To ensure that an efficient service continues to be provided, staff numbers are monitored on a monthly basis, to ensure that we operate within budget and only posts that have been deemed absolutely critical will be filled.
Approval has been given to fill the post in question. In this regard, the Department's Human Resources Division has commenced the process to identify an officer to be assigned to Newmarket.
53. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to have the file in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a carer's allowance to be sent for appeal immediately, given that the person has forwarded all information verifying the total full-time care he provides for his incapacitated spouse; if she will expedite the process and approve the entitlement to this allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22807/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd April 2015. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 02nd June 2015 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.
54. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22809/15]
View answerThe application for carer's allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 24th March 2015 and the first payment was issued to the post office on 26th March 2015. Arrears of allowance due from 13th November 2014 to 18th March 2015 were issued by cheque on the 13th April 2015. The person in question was notified of this decision on the 24th of March 2015.
55. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal against the refusal of disability allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if it will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22814/15]
View answerThe application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 14 May 2015.
The department received a request from the person concerned on 9 June 2015 to open an appeal in this case. This request has been forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
56. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will take the initiative in accelerating an appeal in respect of an application for carer's allowance given that the existing timeframe is prolonged and unacceptable, with an undue waiting time for applicants and for carers who unselfishly give complete dedication to the persons they care for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22815/15]
View answerAppeal processing times peaked in 2011 when the average processing time for an appeal of carer's allowance was 38.8 weeks. In 2012 the average processing time reduced to 33.8 weeks. Further improvements were achieved in 2013, when the average appeal processing time reduced to 28.5 weeks. As at the end of May 2015, the average time taken to process a carer's allowance appeal has reduced further to 21.7 weeks, a reduction of 17.1 weeks since 2011.
The reduction in processing time 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. The response time to requests for submissions to the Department for appeals of carer's allowance has reduced from an average of 17.9 weeks in 2011 to 14 weeks at end May 2015.
Processing times are calculated from the registration date to the date of finalisation and include time spent awaiting clarification from the appellant and time in the Department for review and preparation of its appeal submission, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. While this process carries an inherent delay in terms of finalising an appeal, it also crystalises the flexibility and accessibility of the appeals system. By its nature and because it is a quasi-judicial function, the processing of appeals takes time and reflects the fact that, by definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one.
Appeal processing times are kept under continual review in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and every effort is made to reduce processing times.
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.
57. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will implement a Youth Guarantee scheme in Darndale in Dublin 17, similar to that in Ballymun in Dublin 11 but where lone parents and those not on the live register can also benefit. [22835/15]
View answerUnder the European Commission's call for proposals for preparatory actions under the 'Youth Guarantee', the Department of Social Protection obtained EU funding to pilot a Youth Guarantee Scheme in Ballymun. This was a once-off call for pilot projects. The purpose of the Ballymun Youth Guarantee (BYG) pilot project was to test key elements to inform the national roll-out of the Youth Guarantee. The project officially finished on the 31st December 2014.
The Youth Guarantee sets a medium-term objective of ensuring that young people receive an offer of employment, education or training within four months of becoming unemployed. The main plank of the guarantee is assistance to young people, who become unemployed, in finding and securing sustainable jobs. For those who do not find employment, additional offers are provided for. Most such offers (over 70%) are in further education or training. Others are in community-based employment programmes such as CE, Gateway and Tús, or through the JobsPlus employment subsidy for private employment. There are additional planned measures that have not yet been fully implemented. Those under 18 are offered second chance education, e.g., through Youthreach.
The Youth Guarantee national roll-out will progress throughout 2015. There will be flexibility to tailor approaches to meet local conditions. The specific approach to be followed in each area will be a matter for local DSP management working together with relevant stakeholders, including employer groups, community groups and training providers. It is expected that this approach will be informed by the lessons learned from the Ballymun Youth Guarantee project, rather than requiring further pilot exercises.
The Youth Guarantee is focused in the first instance on the young unemployed in receipt of jobseekers payments, and involves the conditionality related to such payments in respect of jobsearch, availability for work, and willingness to take up appropriate offers of employment or opportunities on training and temporary employment programmes.
Young people in receipt of non-Live Register payments (for example lone parents and people with disabilities) are entitle to benefit from the full range of services and programmes that are available to those on job-seekers' payments. They are not however subject to the same conditionality in terms of willingness to engage with those services.
58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22891/15]
View answerThe client concerned should provide the Department with an up to date lease agreement and Rent Supplement application form confirming any increase in monthly rent. On receipt of this documentation the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be assessed.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the full entitlement in respect of invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the person's position has been determined on medical grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22894/15]
View answerInvalidity 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.
To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim.
The department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 19 November 2014. The person concerned was ineligible for IP under national legislation on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. EU Regulations provide that insurance contributions made in any other EU Member State may be aggregated with Irish contributions in order to satisfy the contribution conditions for payment of a pro rata IP. A request was sent to the Slovakian social security authorities requesting his Slovakian insurance record. Receipt of this information confirms that the person in question satisfies the contribution criteria under EU Regulations.
As well as satisfying the contribution criteria, a person must satisfy the medical conditions for the scheme. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on the 9 June 2015 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose application for an enterprise allowance has been refused; if cognisance will be taken of the person's particular case, with a view to approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22897/15]
View answerThe person concerned applied for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme (BTWEA) in order to commence business as a sub-contractor. The application was refused as persons engaged as sub-contractors are not eligible under the conditions of the BTWEA scheme. The application was subsequently reviewed and this decision was upheld. The person concerned was advised that he could apply for a Jobseeker's Allowance as a self- employed person and have any means from self- employment arising assessed. To date according to the records of this Department's no such application has been made.
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if rent support will be increased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22898/15]
View answerThe Department has not been informed of any change in circumstance for the client concerned. The client is in receipt of his full entitlement to Rent Supplement based on monthly rent, weekly income and family composition. The client should advise the Department of any changes in their circumstances which might alter this entitlement.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if partial rent support will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22899/15]
View answerThe client concerned was found ineligible for Rent Supplement on 19/5/15 as her spouse is in full time employment. If there has been any change in the client's circumstances, they should provide documentary evidence to the Department confirming same, in order for their entitlement to Rent Supplement to be reassessed.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which rent support will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22900/15]
View answerThere is no record in the Department of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned at this address and it is not possible to answer the question without relevant details being appropriately supplied and investigated. According to the Department's records, the person concerned is currently living at an address in Leixlip, County Kildare and is currently receiving payments of jobseeker’s allowance at that address. If her circumstances change she should notify the Department immediately.
64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will authorise an increase in rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22901/15]
View answerThe client concerned should provide the Department with an up to date lease agreement and Rent Supplement application form confirming any increase in monthly rent. On receipt of this documentation the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be assessed.
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason rent support has been suspended in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; if it will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22902/15]
View answerThe rent supplement claim for the person concerned is not suspended and she is currently receiving rent supplement payments from this Department. An exception under Article 38 has also been extended to facilitate payment in excess of the cap for her particular family size. All payments including any arrears due to the person concerned have been issued and are up to date.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support or an exceptional needs payment will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22904/15]
View answerThe client concerned provided the documentation requested by the Department confirming an increase in her monthly rent on 21/5/15. Subsequently, the client's rate of Rent Supplement was reassessed and entitlement increased accordingly.
67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if that person's entitlement to a Foras Áiseanna Saothair – the Irish National Training and Employment Authority training scheme will be restored on foot of her social welfare status; if the person is eligible for the back to work enterprise payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22906/15]
View answerThe jobseeker’s allowance claim of the person concerned is currently suspended as bank statements requested by the Social Welfare Inspector on the 23rd and 24th March, 2015 have not yet been received. On receipt of this information a means assessment can be completed. The required documentation should be provided to the department by 19th June, 2015.
68. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive disability allowance payment arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22933/15]
View answerDisability allowance arrears will issue by cheque to the person in question in the next few days.
