Written Answers Nos. 167 - 191
167. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. David Cameron, since the talks began in Northern Ireland on 21 September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34058/15]
View answerPrime Minister Cameron and I spoke by telephone on 2nd September to review the situation at that time with regard to the political impasse in Northern Ireland. Following that conversation, the Prime Minister and I jointly invited the parties in Northern Ireland to talks under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The roundtable talks which recommenced on 21 September have been relatively positive and they are continuing in a constructive atmosphere with a view to developing concrete proposals on how best to address the challenges that have arisen. I have not spoken directly to Prime Minister Cameron since the talks commenced but Ministers Flanagan and Sherlock are in direct daily contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as are officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and my own Department with their counterparts in London and Belfast.
168. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the numbers of supernumerary positions in his Department, and those agencies, organisations or bodies funded by his Department; the maximum period in each case that supernumerary positions have existed; the total cost in maintaining supernumerary positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/15]
View answerThere are no supernumerary positions in my Department or in the National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of my Department.
169. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Taoiseach the level of employment in Tuam in County Galway and the surrounding region for the years 2011 to 2014 and to date in 2015; the number of persons on the live register in each of these years; the level of part-time employment versus full-time employment in the region; the level of youth unemployment or under-employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33733/15]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q2 2015.
Estimates of employment are produced by NUTS3 Regions. The NUTS3 West region includes Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Galway City. Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable Tuam town estimates from the QNHS.
Table 1 shows the number of persons aged 15 years and over classified by NUTS3 West region and ILO Economic Status in Q2 of each year from 2011 to 2015.
Table 2 shows the number of persons aged 15 to 24 years classified by NUTS3 West region and ILO Economic Status in Q2 of each year from 2011 to 2015.
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.
The most recent Live Register figures available are for September 2015.
Table 3 contains the numbers signing on in Tuam and County Galway, each September from 2011 to 2015.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.
Table 1 Persons aged 15 years and over classified by NUTS3 West region and ILO Economic Status, Q2 2011 - Q2 2015
|
- |
Q2 11 |
Q2 12 |
Q2 13 |
Q2 14 |
Q2 15 |
|
In labour force |
215.8 |
214.3 |
212.7 |
205.3 |
204.6 |
|
In employment |
179.0 |
179.5 |
183.7 |
178.3 |
183.3 |
|
full-time |
134.2 |
136.2 |
137.2 |
135.6 |
144.3 |
|
part-time |
44.9 |
43.3 |
46.5 |
42.7 |
39.0 |
|
of which part-time, not underemployed |
27.8 |
24.8 |
25.6 |
28.4 |
24.9 |
|
part-time, underemployed |
17.1 |
18.5 |
20.8 |
14.3 |
14.1 |
|
Unemployed |
36.7 |
34.8 |
29.0 |
27.0 |
21.3 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q2=Apr-Jun.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
Table 2 Persons aged 15-24 years classified by ILO Economic Status and NUTS3 West region, Q2 2011 - Q2 2015
|
- |
Q2 11 |
Q2 12 |
Q2 13 |
Q2 14 |
Q2 15 |
|
In labour force |
26.3 |
24.6 |
22.3 |
16.8 |
15.4 |
|
In employment |
16.7 |
15.4 |
15.5 |
11.0 |
11.7 |
|
full-time |
9.2 |
9.0 |
8.6 |
5.7 |
8.0 |
|
part-time |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.8 |
5.3 |
[3.7] |
|
of which part-time, not underemployed |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
part-time, underemployed |
[3.5] |
[2.8] |
[3.7] |
[2.7] |
* |
|
Unemployed |
9.6 |
9.1 |
6.8 |
5.8 |
[3.8] |
* Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.
Parentheses [ ] indicate where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: q2=Apr-Jun.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
Table 3 Persons on the Live Register in Tuam and County Galway, September 2011 - September 2015
|
Total persons |
September 2011 |
September 2012 |
September 2013 |
September 2014 |
September 2015 |
|
Tuam |
3,413 |
3,262 |
3,184 |
2,860 |
2,453 |
|
County Galway |
23,081 |
22,290 |
21,055 |
18,595 |
16,311 |
Source: CSO Live Register
170. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet committee on justice reform has met. [34224/15]
View answerThe Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform has met on nine occasions to date.
171. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will lay the reports received under section 100 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 before the Houses of the Oireachtas since he took office, as required by the legislation. [34225/15]
View answerSince I took office I have not received any reports under section 100 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
172. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Taoiseach if the Cabinet handbook protocol requires Ministers to consult him in advance of international visits as to whether a spouse may accompany them; if a Minister of State (details supplied) did so for recent travel to Brussels in Belgium; the response received to the request; the number of such requests made during each year since 2011; and the number of those requests acceded to. [34311/15]
View answerSection 1.17 of the Cabinet Handbook provides that I should be consulted in advance where the nature of a visit abroad requires that a Minister be accompanied by his/her spouse/partner.
On the occasion referred to by the Deputy, the Minister of State's spouse travelled in a private capacity so it was not necessary that I be consulted.
Since 2011 my office has received no requests from Ministers' offices that the Minister be accompanied by his/her spouse/partner when travelling abroad on official business.
173. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number in receipt of the back to education allowance for the academic year 2014-2015 and the academic year 2015-2016; the total spend by the Government on the back to education allowance during both of these academic years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34348/15]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments that pursue courses of education at second or third level. The objective of the scheme is to raise the educational and skill levels to enable jobseekers better access to the emerging needs of the labour market in line with Government activation strategy .
The number of person in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance for the academic year 2014-2015 was 23,366. For the academic year 2015-2016; the total number approved to the end of September for the BTEA is 13,239 with applications still being processed. It will be some weeks before the final data for the 2015/16 academic year is processed but I expect the number of persons to broadly similar to the previous year at around 23,000. Total spend on BTEA in 2014 was some €165 million. The provision for 2015 is just over €150 million.
174. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans for paternity benefit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34245/15]
View answerThere has been no Government decision on the introduction of a paternity benefit scheme. I am not therefore in a position to give any details of how such a scheme might operate.
However, it should be noted that paternity benefit could only be introduced in conjunction with a paternity leave scheme. Responsibility for any proposed paternity leave scheme would in the first instance be the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
175. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive arrears of a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33996/15]
View answerThe person concerned was awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 16 April 2015. The first payment issued by her chosen payment method on 13 May 2015.
The person in question was in receipt of another social welfare payment during the period 16 April 2015 to 12 May 2015. Consequently, the amount of social welfare already paid was deducted from any DA payments for the same period. DA arrears were calculated and the balance issued to the person concerned on 17 June 2015.
176. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when arrears of a disability allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34021/15]
View answerDisability allowance arrears has issued to the person concerned on 1 October 2015.
177. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the average waiting times from the point of application to a decision being made in respect of each social welfare payment. [34045/15]
View answerA breakdown of the average time, where available, to award claims during August 2015 is detailed in the following tabular statement.
Processing times vary by scheme reflecting their differing legal eligibility requirements such as income/means limits and medical status. The processing times provided in the table also incorporate the impact of overall processing times of the appeals process.
|
- |
Average Time to Award Claims August 2015 |
|
Scheme |
Average Time to Award Claims (Weeks) |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
3 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
3 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
9 |
|
State Pension Contributory (Domestic) |
4 |
|
Widow, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension |
2 |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
20 |
|
Household Benefits |
3 |
|
Free Travel |
3 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
1 |
|
Family Income Supplement (New Claims) |
3 |
|
Child Benefit (Domestic and FRA) |
2 |
|
Child Benefit (EU regulation) |
29 |
|
Carer's Allowance* |
35 |
|
Disability Allowance* |
32 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
15 |
|
Invalidity Pension* |
21 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1 |
* The average time to award state pension non-contributory, disability allowance, carers' allowance and invalidity pension applications at the end of August was 20, 32, 35 and 21 weeks respectively. New applications for state pension non-contributory are currently decided upon inside 14.5 weeks, disability allowance are currently decided upon inside 9.7 weeks, carer’s allowance are currently decided upon inside 16.5 weeks on average and invalidity pension claims are currently decided upon within 3.8 weeks of receipt. The overall average processing times reflect appeals in the system.
178. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a review of an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34047/15]
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.
The department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 10 April 2015. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that a deciding officer has decided that the medical conditions for the scheme are not satisfied. She was notified on the 30 April 2015 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her request. Following a review by a deciding officer of all the information available it has been decided that there is no grounds to change the original decision. The person concerned was notified on 30 September 2015 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
179. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views that the rural social scheme is an income support scheme for rural dwellers, that it is not a job activation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34070/15]
View answerThe rural social scheme provides income support for farmers and those engaged in fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments on the basis of low means. Key criteria for participation and continued eligibility for the scheme is that the participant is underemployed in their primary activity, i.e. either farming or fishing, and that earnings are insufficient. Participants are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.
The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. The funds allocated for rural social scheme in 2015 amount to €45m. This level of funding will allow the scheme to continue along the same lines as in previous years but does not allow for the recruitment above the numbers stated above.
181. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and reinstate a disability allowance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34097/15]
View answerThe person concerned failed to reply to correspondence issued to her. Consequentially her payment of disability allowance (DA) stopped on 27th August 2014.
In order to assess her entitlement, we have issued a form to the person in question. This is to obtain information relating to her current circumstances. On receipt of this information a deciding officer will complete a review and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned directly in writing.
182. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to deal with employers who, having deducted pay related social Insurance from an employee, do not pay this over to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34106/15]
View answerEmployers are obliged to deduct PRSI at the appropriate rate from the earnings of an employee. This PRSI must be paid by the employer to the Revenue Commissioners, normally on a monthly basis, through the Revenue On-Line Service (ROS). If PRSI is not remitted on time then penalties may be incurred. This is within the remit of the Revenue Commissioners.
It is a function of Department inspectors to ensure that employer PRSI compliance is in order. Social Welfare inspectors have statutory powers to collect arrears of PRSI due. They cannot collect PRSI which refers to employment in a current year. Technically this PRSI does not become due until after the end of the tax year within which the employment has taken place.
If an employer fails to pay the full amount of PRSI arrears due to the Revenue Commissioners this issue is remedied either by the Department billing the employer and collecting the PRSI due, or in some instances, notifying Revenue of the situation, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
183. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection for an update on the new personal microcredit scheme currently being developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34126/15]
View answerA proposal for a Personal Micro Credit scheme in Ireland is currently being developed under the auspices of Citizens Information Board and the Social Finance Foundation.
A preliminary outline of the scheme envisages a microloan facility, operated by Credit Unions, providing small loan amounts (circa €500), over an average term of 12 months, at an interest rate of approximately 12%, with an estimated annual value of €20 million.
There has been extensive engagement in recent months with a number of stakeholders including my Department, Department of Finance, Central Bank of Ireland, Irish League of Credit Unions, Credit Unions Development Association, Credit Union Managers Association, An Post, Money Advice and Budgeting Service and charity organisations, to progress the development of a Personal Micro Credit Scheme.
An Implementation Group, comprising key stakeholders has been established (chaired by Department of Social Protection) to oversee the implementation of the Personal Micro Credit Scheme in a number of pilot sites initially, and, if successful, to national rollout.
To date, 33 Credit Unions throughout the country have indicated agreement to participate in the pilot scheme which is intended to be in place towards the end of this year. The outcomes and learning from the pilot will inform the development of any final model prior to full roll-out.
184. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to expedite an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Longford which was initially made in May 2015, and which is relevant for the months of May, June and July 2015, whilst the person was caring for his mother; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/15]
View answerThe carer’s allowance application of the person concerned was awarded on 1 October 2015 by arrears only, for the period from 7 May 2015 to 29 July 2015, when the person concerned ceased to provide full-time care and attention.
Payment of the arrears is due to issue to the nominated bank account on 8 October 2015. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 1 October 2015.
185. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the numbers of supernumerary positions in her Department, and those agencies, organisations or bodies funded by her Department; the maximum period in each case that supernumerary positions have existed; the total cost in maintaining supernumerary positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34148/15]
View answerThere are no supernumerary positions in the Department, or in the agencies under the Departments remit.
186. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in paying child dependency to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34156/15]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for an increase of qualified child from the person concerned on 31 July 2015. On 20 August 2015, the person in question returned a completed questionnaire regarding this application. The deciding officer required some more information in order to ascertain eligibility to the allowance and subsequently referred the application to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for further investigation. Once the SWI has submitted his/her report, a decision will be made on the application and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
187. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that where a family on one local authority housing list, for example South Dublin County Council, has been served a notice to quit from a private landlord, is unable to source alternative rent supplement accommodation in that local authority area, and is therefore at risk of homelessness, that family can apply for rent supplement accommodation in another local authority area, while remaining on the housing list in its original local authority area. [34193/15]
View answer233. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the monthly expenditure on the rent allowance scheme over the past three years; and if she will provide details of where any savings have been re-assigned. [34650/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 233 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals with the scheme supporting approximately 65,000 people at a cost of €298 million in 2015. The provision for 2015 represents a transfer of funding in excess of €20 million to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to support the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Details of rent supplement recipients and expenditure each year since 2012 is provided in the attached tabular statement. This information is not available on a monthly basis. Rent supplement is a demand led scheme and the expenditure on the scheme has reduced each year since 2012 in line with the reduction in recipient numbers and changes to the scheme.
The two local authority sponsored schemes; the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) have contributed to the gradual decline in rent supplement numbers. The improvement in the economy and the reduction in the live register are also key factors in the reduction in numbers on the scheme.
It is a condition of rent supplement that a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out and the person is deemed by a housing authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the housing authority. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement. There is no entitlement to rent supplement pending the completion of this assessment.
It is the Department’s policy that an assessment of eligibility for social housing support should generally be carried out by the relevant local housing authority in the area where a claim to rent supplement is made and the person intends to reside. This ensures that the relevant local authorities are made aware of and can take responsibility for the long-term housing needs of rent supplement tenants living within their administrative area. This reflects both the responsibility of local authorities in providing long-term housing supports and the temporary income support nature of rent supplement. Without this measure rent supplement recipients would be unknown to their respective local authority, where they currently reside, with the potential that they may lose out on an offer for social housing.
In view of the reduction in supply in the private rented market the Department has put measures in place to provide for increased flexibility under the rent supplement scheme where there is a threat of homelessness or loss of a tenancy. If the Deputy has details of a particular case where a person’s ongoing entitlement to rent supplement was delayed due to a change of address across a local authority area in the Dublin area, the details should be provided to the Department for review.
It should also be noted that the conditions for rent supplement have changed following the introduction of HAP which is in place in South Dublin County Council. In local authority areas where HAP is in place, new applicants assessed as requiring social housing support will be considered for HAP rather than rent supplement.
Policy in relation to persons remaining on housing lists is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
Tabular Statement
Table 1: Rent Supplement: Recipient Numbers & Expenditure: 2012 to Present
|
Year |
Recipients |
Cost €000 |
|
2012 |
87,684 |
422,536 |
|
2013 |
79,788 |
372,909 |
|
2014 |
71,533 |
338,347 |
|
2015 |
67,016 |
298,415 1 |
1 Approved Expenditure provision for 2015
188. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) who her Department has informed that the person is no longer entitled to the guardian's payment; if her Department will provide the person with a copy of the full file; and if she will ensure the matter is investigated fully. [34231/15]
View answerBased on the evidence available, the Deciding Officer decided that the person concerned was not entitled to guardian’s payment (non- contributory) in respect of her granddaughter, who was over 18 years of age and not certified as having been in full time education at a recognised school or college for the period from 5th June 2009 to 9th June 2011, resulting in an overpayment.
It was also decided that the person concerned was not entitled to the rate of guardian’s payment (non- contributory) in payment during the period 2005 to 2008 as her granddaughter was in employment during that time, resulting in a further overpayment. The total sum overpaid to the person concerned amounts to €18,959.00.
The person concerned appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Appeals Officer, in a decision dated the 30th November 2012, upheld the decision of the Deciding Officer. Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final.
If the person concerned has new facts or evidence, that was not previously available to the Deciding Officer or the Appeals Officer, they should forward it without delay to the Deciding Officer and the person’s entitlement will be reviewed.
Weekly debt repayments of €29.00 have recently re-commenced from the person’s invalidity pension payment, in respect of the overpayment of guardian’s payment (non-contributory). When determining a rate of debt repayment, the Department gives due consideration to the ability of the debtor to repay the debt in the shortest timeframe at a rate that does not cause undue financial hardship. If the person concerned wishes to have their debt repayment plan reviewed on financial hardship grounds it is open to them to submit documentary evidence to that effect for consideration by a Recovery Officer. A request seeking a review of a debt repayment plan, together with relevant supporting documentation, should be sent to Debt Management Unit, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo.
A copy of the person’s guardian’s (non- contributory) file is currently being prepared and will be sent to her home address.
189. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can be assisted with training expenses for a new job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34234/15]
View answerThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, or anyone who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment, may qualify for SWA.
A number of client categories are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving assistance under the SWA scheme. These include people in full-time work and people in full-time education. Where a person has commenced employment and is awaiting wages, basic SWA can be paid up to a maximum period of 30 days. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to a payment under the SWA scheme should contact the Department’s Community Welfare Service in order that their circumstances can be fully investigated.
Policy in relation to payments made to trainee Gardaí is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality.
190. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite a payment of illness benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34241/15]
View answerThe person concerned applied for illness benefit and initially instructed on their application that payment be made to their employer. The person concerned subsequently wanted the payment to be made directly to them.
There is no record of the cheque having been returned to the Department. In such cases the procedures are that a form of indemnity must be completed by the customer and returned to the Department. A form has been issued for completion. On its return the cheque will be re-issued to the person concerned.
191. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry which has been ongoing for a long period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34249/15]
View answerThe application for disability allowance, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 19 August 2015.
The person in question requested an appeal, which was forwarded to the social welfare appeals office(SWAO) on 1 October 2015.
