Terence Flanagan
Question:21. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update regarding his Department's role in the 1916 commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34260/15]
View answerCommemorative Events
Questions (21)
Written answers
Whilst responsibility for the Decade of Centenaries Programme rests with my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, both my Department and the Defence Forces will nevertheless play a significant role in many of the events planned for 2016. My Department is currently working very closely with the Ireland 2016 Project Office in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and with officials in the Department of the Taoiseach, in relation to planning for appropriate levels of involvement by the Defence Forces in many of the events that are planned for the year ahead as part of the State Centenary Programme.
There are two existing 1916 commemoration events which have significant Department of Defence and Defence Forces involvement annually. These are the 1916 Commemoration ceremonies that take place at the GPO every Easter Sunday and at Arbour Hill in early May each year. The Commemoration at the GPO on Easter Sunday 2016 will be followed by a parade with significant Defence Forces input, and planning is now underway for this very significant element of the State Commemoration Programme.
In 2016, the Arbour Hill 1916 Commemoration will be held on Sunday 24 April, the centenary day of the 1916 Rising. The Commemoration will take the form of Requiem Mass for all those who died in the 1916 Rising and will be followed by a graveside ceremony, including inter-faith prayers, in the adjoining cemetery where 14 of the leaders of the Rising are buried.
My Department is also the lead Government Department for organising events to mark the execution of 15 of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and, in this regard, events are being planned for both Kilmainham Gaol and Cork on dates between the 3rd and the 12th of May next.
In addition to this, my Department is also acting as custodian of the register of relatives of those who participated in the Easter Rising.
There are a number of other events with significant Department of Defence involvement, such as a comprehensive programme of events relating to the National Flag including flag raising ceremonies in Dublin and elsewhere, and the presentation by members of the Defence Forces of the National Flag to all of the Primary schools in the State. This element of the Programme has already commenced and will continue up until March 2016.
Other events that my Department is involved in include preparations for wreath laying ceremonies at Glasnevin cemetery on Easter Sunday, and in various locations on Easter Monday 2016.
Finally, my Department and the Defence Forces will also be arranging for the official opening of the refurbished and extended Military Archives Building at Cathal Brugha Barracks scheduled for April 2016.
Overall, it is clear that my Department and the Defence Forces will play a very central and important role in many of the historic Commemoration events that will take place during 2016.
Naval Service Operations
Questions (22)
Dara Calleary
Question:22. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence given recent events in County Mayo (details supplied), if he will ensure that in future there will be an automatic Navy response following a request from An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/15]
View answerWritten answers
In the case of the events referred to, the position is that on the afternoon of Tuesday, 15 September last the Naval Service received an Aid to the Civil Power request from An Garda Síochána for assistance in the search for the missing person in question. The Naval Service was unable to respond immediately due to the unavailability of divers at the time of the request. However, An Garda Síochána was advised that the Naval Service would keep the matter under review and on the morning of Thursday, 17 September, a diving team was dispatched to the area. The team supported the search from the afternoon of 17 September until it was stood down on 22 September in consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Coast Guard. In terms of providing an automatic Naval Service response, it is important to note that primary responsibility for search and rescue rests with the Irish Coast Guard and not the Naval Service. The primary role of the Naval Service Diving Section is to support Naval and other Defence Forces operations. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that the Naval Service makes every effort, and will continue to make every effort, to deploy as quickly as possible to assist in maritime search operations following a request for support from An Garda Síochána or the Irish Coast Guard.
Finally, on my own behalf and on behalf of my Government colleagues, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased in these most tragic circumstances.
Defence Forces Strength
Questions (23)
Bernard Durkan
Question:23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of training, equipment, supply, and transport and communications throughout the Defence Forces in the Army, Navy and Air Corps, with particular reference to their ability to respond in any emergency situation or natural disaster requiring heavy lifting equipment, air ambulance services, and sea and air surveillance and rescue; the extent to which the command structure has been adequately identified to deal with such situations in consort with the civil authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34520/15]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2015) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
In these circumstances a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
The Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and natural disasters. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment for military purposes. All such plant and equipment suitable for use in emergency situations is made available as the need arises.
In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.
The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. The Air Corps also has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.
Naval Service Strength
Questions (24)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:24. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence given the single force concept, his views regarding the way in which the Naval Service Reserve underwent such a drastic drop of 76% in sea-going days between 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34445/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Naval Service Reserve (NSR) trains its members to supplement and aid the work of the Naval Service in carrying out its wide variety of roles. As part of their training, Naval reservists receive instruction in motorboat handling, sail training, navigation, marine communications, weapons training, fire fighting and sea survival. Subject to the availability of seagoing berths, Naval reservists also receive annual training on board Naval Service ships when on patrol.
The availability of seagoing berths was however significantly restricted in 2014 for a number of reasons, including the non-availability of LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara due to the necessity to carry out urgent remedial works on both vessels. In addition there was a requirement to carry out unforeseen maintenance arising from a serious engine problem encountered by LÉ Eithne. Furthermore, the priority requirement for new Naval Service recruits to be rotated to sea duty on completion of their professional training further limited the availability of sea berths for members of the NSR.
With the Naval Service fleet having returned to its full complement of eight ships, it is envisaged that there will be scope for an increase in the number of seagoing days for NSR personnel in the future. For this reason, I anticipate that there will be an increase in 2016.
I wish to place on record my admiration for the members of the Naval Service Reserve who provide valuable support to the Naval Service at sea and on land. They also provide support for a range of ceremonial events, most recently at Dún Laoghaire for the Naming and Commissioning Ceremonies for the newest Naval vessel LÉ James Joyce.
Airport Security
Questions (25)
Mick Wallace
Question:25. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the current system for the provision of aid-to-the-civil-power duties at Shannon Airport; if he has had discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality with a view to changing the current system and command structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34521/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. This role was affirmed by the Government in the recently published new White Paper on Defence.
The process that led to the new White Paper included consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders and Government Departments, including the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. This consultation process did not result in any impetus to make changes to the arrangements that have been in place since 2003 when the Defence Forces were first deployed to Shannon Airport at the request of An Garda Síochána.
In these circumstances, I am satisfied with the arrangements in place for this and other ATCP roles played by the Defence Forces.
Military Aircraft Landings
Questions (26)
Clare Daly
Question:26. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the records maintained by the Air Corps on the numbers and types of United States of America military aircraft that were given permission to land at Casement Aerodrome from 2001 and in 2015 to date; and the reason for these permissions. [34261/15]
View answerWritten answers
The number of US military aircraft that were given permission to land at Casement Aerodrome in each year from 2001 to 2015 (to date) is contained in the following table:
|
Year |
Landings |
|
2015 (to date) |
2 |
|
2014 |
4 |
|
2013 |
17 |
|
2012 |
31 |
|
2011 |
17 |
|
2010 |
7 |
|
2009 |
14 |
|
2008 |
5 |
|
2007 |
1 |
|
2006 |
4 |
|
2005 |
14 |
|
2004 |
21 |
|
2003 |
3 |
|
2002 |
12 |
|
2001 |
10 |
Permission was granted for the purpose of transporting dignitaries or high-level officials participating in visits to Ireland, aircraft refuelling, crew training and airport familiarisation.
Defence Forces Reorganisation
Questions (27)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:27. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views that the disestablishment of the 4th Western Brigade in 2012 has had a negative social impact on rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34448/15]
View answerWritten answers
The re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force in 2012 consolidated under-strength Units into a smaller number of full strength Units, within a revised two Brigade Structure. This has ensured that the Permanent Defence Force can continue to deliver the required operational outputs, within the available resources. The White Paper on Defence has confirmed the Government’s commitment to retain a PDF strength of at least 9,500 personnel and the continued retention of the Army’s two Brigade structure.
The re-organisation did not reduce the numbers of PDF personnel that were serving in locations within the former 4th Western Brigade area and I do not believe that it negatively impacted on rural Ireland. I look forward to further developing the capabilities of the Defence Forces and to ensuring that it remains an organisation that reflects the rich diversity of Irish society.
Military Neutrality
Questions (28)
Seán Crowe
Question:28. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence his views that the new White Paper on Defence contradicts itself, as it has a pledge to maintain military neutrality, which it characterises as non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements, while also stating another pledge to deepen Ireland’s relationships with the European Union on Common Security and Defence Policy and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. [34517/15]
View answerWritten answers
The maintenance of Ireland's policy of military neutrality while deepening Ireland’s relationships with the European Union on Common Security and Defence Policy, and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is not in any way contradictory.
As the White Paper notes, the threats to international peace and national security are complex, multi-dimensional, interrelated and transnational in nature. A feature of Ireland’s policy response to these security challenges is continued strong support for the multilateral system of collective security represented by the UN and of the primary role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. In recent years, the UN has increasingly mandated regional organisations such as the EU, the African Union and NATO to manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.
Ireland’s traditional policy on military neutrality remains completely unaffected by deepening our relationship with the EU or by our support of, or participation in, CSDP operations with military elements. In keeping with our support for the multilateral system of collective security, Ireland will continue to play a full and active part in all facets of the EU’s CSDP in accordance with nationally determined values and principles. A key objective in the continued development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy is the ability to respond rapidly to emerging crises. The EU, quite rightly, now engages in a wide range of crisis management operations, invariably in support of or in partnership with the UN. These actions, referred to as the Petersberg tasks, are humanitarian and rescue tasks, peace-keeping tasks and the tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking, joint disarmament operations, military advice and assistance tasks in supporting the reform and restructuring of security services and legal institutions in fragile States, conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation. Ireland will continue to play a full and active role in this regard.
Similarly, close cooperation between NATO and the UN and its agencies is an other important element in the development of an international “Comprehensive Approach” to crisis management and operations. Ireland’s participation in NATO-led operations such as the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the NATO-led KFOR Mission in Kosovo in no way infringes upon our traditional policy of military neutrality. These are operations authorised by successive UN Security Council resolutions, undertaken at the UN's behest and very often working congruently with a UN mission.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland’s cooperation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) which we joined in 1999 following approval by Dáil Éireann of the Presentation Document. Our purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve our military capabilities so as to ensure that our Defence Forces have the necessary interoperable capabilities to participate effectively and safely with other like minded nations in UN mandated operations.
As the White Paper notes, this will include engagement with the Connected Forces Initiative (CFI), the Planning and Review Process (PARP), and the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC).
In joining PfP, Ireland, in common with other PfP nations, reaffirmed its commitment to fulfil in good faith the obligations of the United Nations Charter, and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Equally, Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to the Helsinki Final Act and all subsequent documents of the OSCE. Ireland’s decision to participate in PfP is in full accordance with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality and it is worth noting that many other like-minded States, in particular Austria, Switzerland, Malta, Sweden and Finland also participate in PfP.
Ireland will continue to engage proactively with the UN, the EU, the OSCE and NATO/PfP and other States with a view to developing and deepening relationships in the development of an international approach to crisis management and operations, without prejudice to our policy of military neutrality.
Overseas Missions
Questions (29)
Seán Kyne
Question:29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the role the Defence Forces are playing in the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean; and his future plans for this role. [34385/15]
View answerWritten answers
Following a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, an Irish Naval Vessel, L.É. Eithne, was deployed to the Mediterranean on 16 May, 2015, to assist the Italian Authorities with the collective effort to save lives in the Mediterranean. L.É. Niamh replaced L.É. Eithne in July 2015 on completion of her deployment. L.É. Niamh has since been replaced by L.É. Samuel Beckett which commenced operations in the Mediterranean on 01 October.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved through close co-operation with the relevant Italian authorities.
L.É. Samuel Beckett, which is currently deployed, commenced patrolling duties on the waters between Libya and Sicily on 01 October 2015. To date L.É. Samuel Beckett has rescued 242 migrants. L.É. Eithne and L.E. Niamh rescued 3,377 and 4,020 migrants respectively during their deployments. Tragically, 39 bodies were also recovered by L.É. Niamh.
While the duration of the deployment of L.É. Samuel Beckett is subject to ongoing assessment of the crisis, it is intended that this rotation, up to the end of November 2015, will complete the Naval Service’s participation in the mission.
The question of a further deployment at some stage in the future will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources.
The success of the operations carried out to date by L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett involving the rescue of 7, 639 migrants demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important humanitarian response.
Army Personnel
Questions (30)
Robert Troy
Question:30. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his priorities for Columb Barracks in Mullingar in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34450/15]
View answerWritten answers
Following the closure of Columb Barracks, my Department invited Government Departments and other Public Bodies to express any interest in the property, with a view to its disposal by the Department. No such interest was expressed at that time. As the Deputy is aware, my Department was approached by the Westmeath GAA County Board for the use of the Barracks as a training centre. The barracks in Mullingar is currently used by the County Board under a short term lease an extension of which is currently under negotiation. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and it is intended that these arrangements will remain in place. A number of other local groups including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Order of Malta and the Midland Youth Services have also been allocated units in the Barracks. Leases with these and other local community groups are currently being progressed by Property Management Branch in my Department.
The Department of Justice and Equality, who are the lead Department for the refugee accommodation programme, are also working with my Department to establish whether any of the buildings falling within the remit of my Department are suitable for the purposes of temporary accommodation.
Naval Service Operations
Questions (31)
Dara Calleary
Question:31. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances surrounding the delay in involvement by the Naval Service in a recent search in County Mayo which had been requested by An Garda Síochána (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34500/15]
View answerWritten answers
On the afternoon of Tuesday, 15 September last the Naval Service received an Aid to the Civil Power request from An Garda Síochána for assistance in the search for the missing person in question. The Naval Service was unable to respond immediately due to the unavailability of divers at the time of the request. However, An Garda Síochána was advised that the Naval Service would keep the matter under review and on the morning of Thursday, 17 September, a diving team was dispatched to the area. The team supported the search from the afternoon of 17 September until it was stood down on 22 September in consultation with An Garda Síochána and the Irish Coast Guard.
I should clarify that the primary responder for search and rescue in the State is the Irish Coast Guard. The primary role of the Naval Service Diving Section is to support Naval and other Defence Forces operations. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that the Naval Service makes every effort to deploy to assist in maritime search operations following a request from the Irish Coast Guard or from An Garda Síochána.
Finally, on my own behalf and on behalf of my Government colleagues, I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased in these most tragic circumstances.
Military Neutrality
Questions (32)
Clare Daly
Question:32. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views on the consideration given to the contradiction between Ireland's traditional position of neutrality and the new Defence Forces strategy as outlined in the White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34264/15]
View answerWritten answers
European Union on Common Security and Defence Policy, and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which is not in any way contradictory with Ireland's traditional position of neutrality.
As the White Paper notes, the threats to international peace and national security are complex, multi-dimensional, interrelated and transnational in nature. A feature of Ireland’s policy response to these security challenges is continued strong support for the multilateral system of collective security represented by the UN and of the primary role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. In recent years, the UN has increasingly mandated regional organisations such as the EU, the African Union and NATO to manage operations on its behalf and under its authority.
Ireland’s traditional policy on military neutrality remains completely unaffected by deepening our relationship with the EU or by our support of, or participation in, CSDP operations with military elements. In keeping with our support for the multilateral system of collective security, Ireland will continue to play a full and active part in all facets of the EU’s CSDP in accordance with nationally determined values and principles. A key objective in the continued development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy is the ability to respond rapidly to emerging crises. The EU, quite rightly, now engages in a wide range of crisis management operations, invariably in support of or in partnership with the UN. These actions, referred to as the Petersberg tasks, are humanitarian and rescue tasks, peace-keeping tasks and the tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking, joint disarmament operations, military advice and assistance tasks in supporting the reform and restructuring of security services and legal institutions in fragile States, conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation. Ireland will continue to play a full and active role in this regard.
Similarly, close cooperation between NATO and the UN and its agencies is another important element in the development of an international “Comprehensive Approach” to crisis management and operations. Ireland’s participation in NATO-led operations such as the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the NATO-led KFOR Mission in Kosovo in no way infringes upon our traditional policy of military neutrality. These are operations authorised by successive UN Security Council resolutions, undertaken at the UN's behest and very often working congruently with a UN mission.
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland’s cooperation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) which we joined in 1999 following approval by Dáil Éireann of the Presentation Document. Our purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve our military capabilities so as to ensure that our Defence Forces have the necessary interoperable capabilities to participate effectively and safely with other like minded nations in UN mandated operations.
As the White Paper notes, this will include engagement with the Connected Forces Initiative (CFI), the Planning and Review Process (PARP), and the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC).
In joining PfP, Ireland, in common with other PfP nations, reaffirmed its commitment to fulfil in good faith the obligations of the United Nations Charter, and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Equally, Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to the Helsinki Final Act and all subsequent documents of the OSCE. Ireland’s decision to participate in PfP is in full accordance with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality and it is worth noting that many other like-minded States, in particular Austria, Switzerland, Malta, Sweden and Finland also participate in PfP.
Ireland will continue to engage proactively with the UN, the EU, the OSCE and NATO/PfP and other states with a view to developing and deepening relationships in the development of an international approach to crisis management and operations, without prejudice to our policy of military neutrality.
State Pensions Payments
Questions (33)
Finian McGrath
Question:33. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider the pension calculation which was brought in during the austerity period where a person who has worked considerable amount of time with a short break is receiving the same contributions as one who has never worked in their lives (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35085/15]
View answerWritten answers
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. To ensure that the individual can maximise their entitlement to a State pension, all contributions paid or credited over their working life from when they first enter insurable employment until pension age are taken into account when assessing their entitlement and the level of that entitlement.
Since 1961, when contributory pensions were first introduced, the average contributions test has been used in calculating pension entitlement. Once over 16 years of age, the date a person enters into insurable employment is the date used for averaging purposes.
To qualify for a state pension (contributory) a person must –
have at least 520 paid contributions, and
satisfy a yearly average condition (a yearly average of 48 contributions paid or credited is required for a full rate State pension (contributory), and reduced rates of payment may be payable for pensioners with lower averages).
Working part-time would not generally reduce entitlement, as part-time workers also pay weekly PRSI contributions, however absences from the labour force - when contributions were neither deducted from pay nor credited in respect of a social welfare payment – may impact upon the rate of a person’s pension.
This can be mitigated by the homemaker’s scheme, which 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 and took effect from 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age (or caring for incapacitated people over that age) to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. It should be noted however that the scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions must also be satisfied.
As provided for in Budget 2012, from September 2012, new rate bands for State pension were introduced. These additional payment rate bands more accurately reflect the social insurance history of a person and ensure that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions.
Those with lower earnings and those with lesser contribution histories continue to obtain the best value for money from the Social Insurance Fund. Even for those with an average of only 20 contributions per year (i.e. 38% of the maximum), reduced rate State pensions of €196 are now paid, a higher rate than the full rate in 2007, so that those retiring after September 2012 who are being paid a reduced amount under the new bands are still receiving more, in real terms, than the maximum pension rates that applied during most of their working life.
For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), the State pension system provides alternative methods of support. Where someone over 66 does not qualify for a full rate contributory pension, they may apply for a non-contributory pension, which is based on need and is means tested. The maximum rate of this pension is €219 weekly, which is 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension.
Where it is more beneficial for the claimant, they may instead seek an Increase for Qualified Adult payment, on their spouse’s State pension contributory, the maximum rate of which is €206.30. This increase is, by default, paid directly to the Qualified Adult.
Work is underway to replace the ‘yearly average’ system with a ‘total contributions approach’. Under this approach, the number of contributions recorded over a working life will more closely reflect the rate of pension payment received. It is expected that the total contributions approach to pension qualification will replace the current average contributions test for State pension (contributory) for new pensioners from 2020, although that date is subject to change, as this is a very significant reform with considerable legal, administrative, and technical challenges to be overcome in its implementation. When proposals are agreed, legislation will be brought forward to underpin the necessary changes.
Wage Subsidy Scheme
Questions (34)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:34. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the issues raised in correspondence from a group (details supplied). [35174/15]
View answerWritten answers
The wage subsidy scheme (WSS) is an employment support to private sector employers, the purpose of which is to increase the numbers of people with disabilities participating in the open labour market. The scheme encourages employers by providing financial incentives to employ people with a disability for between 21 and 39 hours per week under a contract of employment. The rationale behind this approach is to increase the potential for people with disabilities, with the capacity to do so, to obtain employment in the open labour market and become more independent and therefore less reliant on social welfare payments. Any reduction of the hours worked threshold would dilute this policy intent.
With regard to the proposal to abolish PRSI contributions for a person with a disability, it should be noted that social insurance is based on the principle that there is a direct link between the PRSI contributions paid and entitlement to a range of social insurance benefits which are payable as a right, if and when particular contingencies arise. This contributory principle underpins both the operation and the funding of social insurance. Dispensing with the requirement to pay PRSI contributions while retaining an entitlement to social insurance benefits, for any particular category of worker, would negate this principle. Exempting one particular category of worker from the paying PRSI contributions without affecting their entitlement could also lead to other workers seeking a similar exemption which would have long term implications for funding the social insurance system.
Disability Allowance Applications
Questions (35)
Pat Breen
Question:35. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has been refused payment of a disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34960/15]
View answerWritten answers
The application for disability allowance (DA), based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 24 January 2014.
The person in question was also advised of their right to seek a review and/or appeal of this decision. Those options were not exercised.
It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application for DA.