Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:192. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 was refused a fuel allowance. [34285/15]
View answerFuel Allowance Applications
Questions (192)
Written answers
There is no trace in the Department of an application for fuel allowance from the person concerned for this year. On foot of the Deputy’s question staff at the Cork Street Intreo Centre have sent an application form to the person concerned today. Eligibility for payment of fuel allowance will be assessed upon receipt of the completed application form.
Invalidity Pension Payments
Questions (193)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:193. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a claim for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is not being backdated to the date at which the person applied for it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34289/15]
View answerWritten answers
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 department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on the 25 August 2014. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that, based on the information supplied, she was engaged in self-employment. The person in question was notified on 14 May 2015 of the decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person in question requested an appeal of the decision and submitted documentation confirming she had ceased self- employment from 30 April 2015. Following review based on this information, the person concerned was notified that her IP claim was awarded with effect from 30 April 2015 only and was notified of this decision on 20 August 2015, the reasons for it and of her right to review and appeal. If the person in question believes that she should be entitled to IP between the date of her original claim in August 2014 and the date of cessation of her self-employment in April 2015, it is open to her to appeal the matter to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals
Questions (194)
John McGuinness
Question:194. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for a payment of jobseeker's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [34291/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned together with the relevant Departmental papers were received and registered in that office on 28 September 2015. The appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing to determine the appeal.
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.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (195)
Colm Keaveney
Question:195. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department is refusing a carer's allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Galway, given the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34310/15]
View answerWritten answers
It is a condition for receipt of a carer’s allowance that the person being cared for must be so incapacitated as to require continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and be so incapacitated as to be likely to require full-time care and attention for a period of at least twelve months.
I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 23 July 2015. The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that the evidence submitted did not indicate that the care recipient requires continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions nor that such a requirement would continue for at least 12 months.
The person concerned was notified on 14 September 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review by a deciding officer (with or without the provision of additional supporting evidence) and/or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
Jobseeker's Allowance
Questions (196)
John McGuinness
Question:196. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the issues raised by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in correspondence sent to her regarding that person's means test, property tax, water charges and other taxes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34313/15]
View answerWritten answers
In a written reply on 10 October 2014, the person concerned was advised that, based on the contributions paid, he did not hold an entitlement to an insurance-based benefit payment. He was also advised that the alternative to an insurance-based payment is a means-tested payment and that any income he or his wife had would be taken into consideration under the means test. He was also advised that the current maximum rate of payment for a couple was €312.80 per week and if their joint income was below this rate he should make an application for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
In a written reply to further correspondence on 17 June 2015, the person concerned was advised that any income that his wife had would be assessable in relation to any means-tested claim that he might make, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Disability Allowance. He was also advised of his right to appeal any decision in relation to such a claim to The Chief Appeals Officer.
Child Benefit Applications
Questions (197)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:197. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the process involved when an application is made for State benefits such as child benefit by non-Irish citizens (details supplied); the way this differs from applications made by Irish citizens born here; and if this process differs from that which pertains for Irish citizens returning from abroad. [34333/15]
View answerWritten answers
The application process for child benefit is the same for all applicants.
Since May 2004, all applicants for child benefit must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition. This is decided taking into account the following five factors;
1) Length and continuity of residence in Ireland or in any other particular country
2) Length and purpose of any absence from Ireland
3) Nature and pattern of employment
4) Applicant's main centre of interest
5) Future intentions of applicant concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.
In order to enable a decision to be made on their Habitual Residence, a person should ensure that forms CB1 and HRC1 are fully completed when submitting their claim.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (198, 199)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:198. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection for a breakdown of the total spend of her Department for each year from 2010 to 2014, the projected spend by her Department for the year 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34351/15]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:199. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection for a breakdown for each year from 2010 to 2014 of the amount paid in direct payments to social welfare recipients, including various schemes, etc; the projected figure for the total amount of direct payments for the year 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34352/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
The following table details the information requested by the Deputy:
|
- |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
- |
outturn |
outturn |
outturn |
outturn |
outturn |
estimate |
|
- |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Administration |
527 |
580 |
575 |
564 |
563 |
617 |
|
Direct payments to Social Welfare recipients on schemes and services |
20,271 |
20,338 |
20,154 |
19,673 |
19,202 |
18,761 |
|
Total expenditure |
20,798 |
20,918 |
20,729 |
20,237 |
19,765 |
19,378 |
Data on expenditure on individual social protection schemes is published annually in the Department’s Annual Statistical Report. These reports are available at www.welfare.ie
Unemployment Benefits Data
Questions (200)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:200. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance in 2014; the total amount paid out by her Department in jobseeker's benefit and jobseekers allowance in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34353/15]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is collated by the Department annually for inclusion in the Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services report.
The 2014 report was laid before the Dáil in September 2015, with copies lodged in the Oireachtas library. The report is published on the Department’s website at http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Annual-SWS-Statistical-Information-Report-2014.aspx
Unemployment Benefits Data
Questions (201, 203)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:201. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of those who are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance who are claiming for themselves alone, and not for any dependants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34354/15]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:203. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance who are also claiming for dependants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34356/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 203 together.
The detailed information requested by the Deputy is collated by the Department annually for inclusion in the Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services report. The 2014 report was laid before the Dáil in September 2015, with copies lodged in the Oireachtas library. The report is published on the Department’s website at http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Annual-SWS-Statistical-Information-Report-2014.aspx
Please also see the following table which shows the numbers of recipients and associated beneficiaries of Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Assistance at end-August 2015.
|
- |
- |
- |
Qualified Children |
Qualified Children |
- |
|
Scheme |
Recipients |
Qualified Adults |
Full Rate |
Half Rate |
Total Beneficiaries |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
276,724 |
62,577 |
143,153 |
37,778 |
520,232 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
44,563 |
4,010 |
5,735 |
5,053 |
59,361 |
Unemployment Benefits Payments
Questions (202, 204)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:202. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the average weekly payment to persons in receipt of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance who are claiming for themselves alone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34355/15]
View answerMichael Fitzmaurice
Question:204. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the average weekly payment being made to recipients of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance who are claiming for dependants in addition to claiming for themselves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34357/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 204 together.
The average weekly payment to all recipients of Jobseeker’s Benefit from January to August 2015 is €184.92. The corresponding average for Jobseeker’s Allowance is €196.45. These average values reflect reduced rates of jobseekers payment which can arise for various reasons including, for example, jobseekers who have means assessed or who are working for three days a week or less.
It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the average payment values by family size.
Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 201.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 202.
Family Income Supplement
Questions (205)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:205. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of families projected to receive family income supplement in 2015; the projected cost of the supplement for 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34360/15]
View answerWritten answers
The 2015 REV Estimate for Family Income Supplement is €349.2m. Expenditure on Family Income Support up to end of August 2015 is €230m. and it is expected that the outcome for this year will not be less than that provided for in the REV. There was an average 53,250 families receiving a payment during August 2015.
Community Employment Schemes Data
Questions (206)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:206. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons participating in community employment schemes in each of the years 2010 to 2015 to date; the total amount paid to these participants in these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34361/15]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.
The Deputy should note that for 2010 – 2011, Table 1 figures are based on accrual accounting while for the period 2012- September 2015, they are based on cash accounting.
Table 1: Community Employment Expenditure 2010 – Sept 2015
|
Year |
Participant Allowances €m |
|
Actual |
|
|
2010 |
276.606 |
|
2011 |
264.640 |
|
2012 |
260.890 |
|
2013 |
267.334 |
|
2014 |
281.347 |
|
Sep 2015 |
211.516 |
Source: CSM (Excludes CE Supervisors)
Table 2: Community Employment Places 2010 – Sept 2015
|
Year |
Participants |
|
2010 |
21,777 |
|
2011 |
22,589 |
|
2012 |
21,081 |
|
2013 |
22,575 |
|
2014 |
23,249 |
|
Sep 2015 |
22,692 |
Source: MIS 2010-2015 (Excludes CE Supervisors)
Questions Nos. 207 to 210, inclusive, withdrawn.
Farm Assist Scheme
Questions (211)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:211. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the farm assist payment who are claiming for themselves alone; for themselves and for dependants; the average payment to those claiming, for themselves alone; for themselves and for dependents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34366/15]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of persons in receipt of the Farm Assist payment, the number who are claiming for themselves alone without any dependants, and the number of those who are claiming for themselves and also for dependants is detailed in the following table.
The current average payment being made to recipients of Farm Assist is €179.40. Unfortunately the breakdown of this figure between the average payment to those claiming for themselves alone without dependants, and the average payment to those who are claiming for themselves and also for dependants is not available in my Department.
Farm Assist Recipients at the end of August 2015
|
Scheme |
Personal Rate Only |
With Dependant Allowance |
Total |
|
Farm Assist |
6,711 |
2,250 |
8,961 |
Invalidity Pension Appeals
Questions (212)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:212. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal made for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the time frame as to when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34369/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 17 September 2015, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. I am advised that every effort will be made to determine the appeal as quickly as possible however it is not possible to give a specific timeframe for the completion of the appeals process at this stage.
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.
Rural Social Scheme Administration
Questions (213)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to amalgamate the rural social scheme and the Tús work placement initiative; if there will be a time-limit within which participants must spend on the new scheme; if there will be public consultation on this change before it is introduced; the expected date of introduction of the new scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34400/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Social Protection operates a number of programmes and initiatives including Tús – the community work placement initiative, and the rural social scheme. These schemes are delivered locally by local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in Gaeltacht areas. Various community services and activities are also directly and indirect supported by participants.
Tús was introduced and numbers on other schemes expanded as a direct response to the growth in the level of unemployment during the financial crisis. As the economic recovery takes hold and the overall level of unemployment falls, the Department recognises the need to adapt these schemes to the changing circumstances, opportunities and needs of jobseekers and others. While the Department has no plans at present for a single scheme, it must however reflect the changing circumstances and underlying rationale and resource commitments for the number of interventions now being delivered. The Department will continue to work with stakeholders in planning the longer term needs of jobseekers and other customers. I remain committed to ensuring the ongoing recognition and support of the strong social inclusion and community benefits that accrue from these schemes.
Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals
Questions (214)
Tom Fleming
Question:214. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an appeal in respect of a jobseeker's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34402/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a Jobseeker’s Allowance appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 29 September 2015, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. I understand that the appeals office has no record of any Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeal from the person concerned.
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.
Disability Allowance Applications
Questions (215)
Tom Fleming
Question:215. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, as all relevant information has been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34420/15]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 27 May 2015. The first payment will be made by his selected payment method on 30 September 2015.
Arrears of payment due issued on 28 September 2015.
Disability Allowance Applications
Questions (216)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:216. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a refund for a disability allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, given the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34424/15]
View answerWritten answers
A review of the disability allowance (DA) application for the person concerned has been complete by a deciding officer. They have been awarded DA with effect from 20 May 2015. The first payment will be made by her selected payment method on 21 October 2015.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).