Micheál Martin
Question:106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he agreed any of the requests from Britain in relation to staying in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40027/15]
View answerEU Membership
Questions (106, 107)
Micheál Martin
Question:107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has reservations regarding any of the terms that Britain is requesting from the European Union so that it will stay in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40028/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government believes that the UK's continued membership of the EU is of strategic importance for Ireland. This is in the best interests of our bilateral relationship, and of the Union as a whole. As shown by a number of independent studies, a British departure from the EU would have serious implications for Ireland.
In his letter to the President of the European Council on 10 November, Prime Minister Cameron outlined the areas in which he is seeking to negotiate change in the EU/UK relationship. However, no specific textual proposals are yet on the table. Bilateral consultations between EU Member States and the EU institutions will commence shortly, with a view to clarifying the detail of the proposals and examining the possible technical and legal implications.
While the European Council is due to return to the issue at its meeting on 17/18 December, it is not yet clear when and how collective negotiation will be organised. Nor is it clear when the negotiations might conclude.
While the Departments concerned are, with my Department, of course analysing the UK proposals, it is too early therefore to be definitive on particular issues. However, given our overall starting point, although we might not fully agree in all areas, we will be as helpful and constructive in the negotiations as possible.
In the area of competitiveness we would in general very much agree with the UK. We would wish to see their concerns on the other broad areas, including the relationship between members and non-members of the euro area and questions of subsidiarity and sovereignty, appropriately accommodated. Initial reactions from partners would seem to confirm that some, though not all, aspects of what they are proposing on addressing abuses of free movement and welfare reform could be very difficult for others, but the Prime Minister has indicated an openness to alternative approaches.
I outlined our general approach again in my speech to the CBI conference in London on 9 November and also discussed the issue with Prime Minister Cameron at our meeting the same day.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 103.
Commissions of Investigation
Questions (109)
Pearse Doherty
Question:109. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the costs to date of the Commission of Investigation into Irish Bank Resolution Corporation; and the overall anticipated budget and cost to complete its work and to report. [40040/15]
View answerWritten answers
Expenditure in respect of the IBRC Commission from the time of its establishment until the end of October was €244,769.
It is not possible to provide an estimated cost for completion of the Commission's work until decisions have been made on a range of issues arising from the Interim Report which has now been received from the Commission.
Tourism Employment Data
Questions (110)
Bernard Durkan
Question:110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the extent to which the number of jobs in the tourism sector has improved in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39736/15]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. In line with EU requirements the QNHS collects sector of employment according to the standard EU classification (NACE Rev.2).
The tourism sector requested by the Deputy is spread across different sectors within the classification and therefore no direct estimates can be provided.
The most recent figures available are for Quarter 3 2015.
Table 1a shows the number of persons employed (ILO) in Quarter 3 of each year from 2011 to 2015 classified by each detailed NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector as published by the CSO.
Table 1b shows the annual change in the number of persons employed (ILO) in Quarter 3 of each year from 2012 to 2015 classified by each detailed NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector as published by the CSO.
Table 1a Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, Q3 2011-Q3 2015 (all figures in '000s)
|
- |
Q3 11 |
Q3 12 |
Q3 13 |
Q3 14 |
Q3 15 |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
82.4 |
85.6 |
110.6 |
109.7 |
112.7 |
|
Industry |
238.9 |
231.1 |
242.0 |
238.8 |
252.3 |
|
Construction |
108.5 |
101.1 |
105.4 |
112.4 |
127.4 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
276.5 |
272.7 |
273.3 |
275.3 |
273.8 |
|
Transportation and storage |
96.7 |
90.3 |
88.2 |
87.5 |
90.0 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities |
121.1 |
123.1 |
137.7 |
139.8 |
139.9 |
|
Information and communication |
77.1 |
78.2 |
82.0 |
79.3 |
83.7 |
|
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
99.1 |
102.3 |
101.5 |
103.1 |
99.8 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
96.6 |
100.4 |
111.3 |
116.9 |
122.6 |
|
Administrative and support service activities |
69.4 |
66.6 |
64.7 |
65.2 |
68.0 |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
99.3 |
99.8 |
96.1 |
98.1 |
101.3 |
|
Education |
137.2 |
140.6 |
140.8 |
144.1 |
146.6 |
|
Human health and social work activities |
243.5 |
245.0 |
243.6 |
249.5 |
253.4 |
|
Other NACE activities |
95.5 |
101.9 |
99.9 |
101.6 |
104.8 |
|
Not Stated |
3.8 |
2.8 |
2.1 |
5.8 |
6.7 |
|
Total persons |
1,845.6 |
1,841.3 |
1,899.3 |
1,926.9 |
1,983.0 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
*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.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
Table 1b Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, Q3 2012-Q3 2015- Annual change (all figures in '000s)
|
- |
Q3 12 |
Q3 13 |
Q3 14 |
Q3 15 |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
3.2 |
25.1 |
-1.0 |
3.1 |
|
Industry |
-7.9 |
10.9 |
-3.2 |
13.6 |
|
Construction |
-7.4 |
4.3 |
7.0 |
15.0 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
-3.8 |
0.6 |
1.9 |
-1.5 |
|
Transportation and storage |
-6.3 |
-2.1 |
-0.8 |
2.5 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities |
2.0 |
14.7 |
2.1 |
0.1 |
|
Information and communication |
1.1 |
3.8 |
-2.7 |
4.4 |
|
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
3.1 |
-0.7 |
1.6 |
-3.3 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
3.8 |
10.9 |
5.6 |
5.7 |
|
Administrative and support service activities |
-2.9 |
-1.9 |
0.5 |
2.8 |
|
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
0.5 |
-3.7 |
2.0 |
3.2 |
|
Education |
3.4 |
0.2 |
3.4 |
2.5 |
|
Human health and social work activities |
1.5 |
-1.4 |
5.9 |
3.9 |
|
Other NACE activities |
6.4 |
-1.9 |
1.7 |
3.2 |
|
Not Stated |
-0.9 |
-0.7 |
3.7 |
0.9 |
|
Total persons |
-4.3 |
58.0 |
27.7 |
56.0 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
*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.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
Unemployment Levels
Questions (111)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:111. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who have left the labour force in the past four quarters, and how this has affected unemployment rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39934/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of persons in the labour force and unemployment rates in the State.
The most recent figures available are for Q3 2015.
Table 1a shows the seasonally adjusted series of persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and the unemployment rates (persons aged 15-74) in the quarters Q3 2014 to Q3 2015.
Table 1b shows the seasonally adjusted quarterly change in the number of persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and the unemployment rates (persons aged 15-74) between Q4 2014 and Q3 2015.
The unemployment rate is calculated as the number of persons unemployed (aged 15 to 74) expressed as a percentage of the total labour force which is the sum of persons employed and unemployed (aged 15 to 74). The impact on the unemployment rate of persons leaving the labour force would therefore be dependent on whether those persons leaving were employed or unemployed and measures of flows are not currently produced by the CSO.
Table 1a Seasonally adjusted series of persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and unemployment rate (persons aged 15-74), Q3 2014- Q3 2015
|
- |
Q3 14 |
Q4 14 |
Q1 15 |
Q2 15 |
Q3 15 |
|
In labour force '000 |
2,154.0 |
2,158.5 |
2,158.2 |
2,167.0 |
2,166.7 |
|
Unemployment Rate % (persons aged 15-74) |
11.1 |
10.4 |
10.0 |
9.6 |
9.1 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
Table 1b Seasonally adjusted series of persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force and unemployment rate (persons aged 15-74), Q4 2014 - Q3 2015 -Quarterly change
|
- |
Q4 14 |
Q1 15 |
Q2 15 |
Q3 15 |
|
In labour force '000 |
4.5 |
-0.3 |
8.8 |
-0.3 |
|
Unemployment Rate % (persons aged 15-74) |
-0.7 |
-0.4 |
-0.4 |
-0.4 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
EU Membership
Questions (112)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:112. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if he has asked the Departments of Finance, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare an analysis of any future Irish step-back or exit from fuller European Union integration, or the movement of Ireland into a slower lane, or outer group of European Union states, outside of full integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40710/15]
View answerWritten answers
I have not asked the Departments of Finance, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, or Foreign Affairs and Trade to prepare an analysis of that nature.
Ireland has always been a committed member of the European Union and the Government intends that we remain at the heart of Europe.
Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum in the UK on its membership of the EU, this Government has made clear that the question of Ireland's continued membership of the EU, and indeed of the Eurozone, simply does not arise.
Social Welfare Schemes
Questions (113)
Clare Daly
Question:113. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person, who is certified sick on a Gateway scheme for a week, has their income deducted by €80; and the lawful basis for same. [40246/15]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently making inquiries regarding this matter and I will get back to the Deputy directly regarding this.
Rent Supplement Scheme Data
Questions (114, 152, 153, 171, 172)
Willie O'Dea
Question:114. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of requests for payments of additional rent supplement, over and above the standard rate approved in each local authority, under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme; the number approved, refused, in 2015 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40041/15]
View answer
Ruth Coppinger
Question:152. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of increased rental payments under the protocol with Threshold and the national tenancy sustainment framework in each of the four local authorities in Dublin. [40421/15]
View answerRuth Coppinger
Question:153. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of increased rental payments under the protocol with Threshold and the national tenancy sustainment framework in each of the Dublin postal districts. [40422/15]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she will be in a position to continue to offer adequate rent support to occupants of privately rented accommodation who are on the local authority housing lists, unemployed, or in low-wage employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40583/15]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of rent support, by county or by local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40584/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 152, 153, 171 and 172 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 63,000 people at a cost of over €298 million in 2015. Properties are being secured under the scheme with over 17,200 rent supplement tenancies in payment awarded this year.
Rent supplement policy continues to allow for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the limits for both existing customers and new applicants to the scheme. Under this approach each tenant’s circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis, and rents are being increased above prescribed limits as appropriate. Community Welfare Service staff have a statutory discretionary power to award or increase a supplement for rental purposes, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy or in danger of homelessness. In addition the Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special Protocol in the Dublin and Cork areas where the supply issues are particularly acute, with plans underway to extend this protocol to Galway City.
I would encourage people in difficulties with their rent to make contact with the Community Welfare Service administering their claim or the Tenancy Protection Service provided by Threshold in Dublin/Cork city on 1800 454 454.
This flexible approach has already assisted approximately 4,700 rent supplement households throughout the country to retain their rented accommodation. A county breakdown of this information and current rent supplement recipients is provided in the tabular statements, however a breakdown by local authority or postal area is not maintained. Statistics are not maintained on the number of applications requested and refused rent supplement increases. However, I can assure the Deputies that where Departmental staff are notified of a threat of tenancy loss these preventative measures are implemented as appropriate.
I believe that these measures - and the reforms to the private rental sector announced last week - will continue to provide adequate rent support to rent supplement customers and will provide increased certainty for both tenants and landlords in the current market.
Tabular Statements:
Rent Supplement Recipients by County, End October 2015
|
County |
Recipients |
|
CARLOW |
1,014 |
|
CAVAN |
387 |
|
CLARE |
1,110 |
|
CORK |
7,013 |
|
DONEGAL |
1,409 |
|
DUBLIN |
24,097 |
|
GALWAY |
3,339 |
|
KERRY |
1,631 |
|
KILDARE |
3,489 |
|
KILKENNY |
590 |
|
LAOIS |
971 |
|
LEITRIM |
326 |
|
LIMERICK |
1,651 |
|
LONGFORD |
405 |
|
LOUTH |
1,571 |
|
MAYO |
1,546 |
|
MEATH |
1,538 |
|
MONAGHAN |
272 |
|
OFFALY |
871 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
624 |
|
SLIGO |
484 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1,763 |
|
WATERFORD |
1,008 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1,429 |
|
WEXFORD |
2,321 |
|
WICKLOW |
2,017 |
|
Total |
62,876 |
Total Increased Rental Payments by County at 09/11/2015
|
County |
Awards under National Tenancy Sustainment Framework |
Awards under protocol with Threshold |
Total no. of increased payments by County |
|
CARLOW |
12 |
12 |
|
|
CAVAN |
12 |
12 |
|
|
CLARE |
60 |
60 |
|
|
CORK |
169 |
58 |
227 |
|
DONEGAL |
- |
- |
|
|
DUBLIN |
1,797 |
1,417 |
3,214 |
|
GALWAY |
85 |
85 |
|
|
KERRY |
10 |
10 |
|
|
KILDARE |
92 |
92 |
|
|
KILKENNY |
107 |
107 |
|
|
LAOIS |
90 |
90 |
|
|
LEITRIM |
40 |
40 |
|
|
LIMERICK |
7 |
7 |
|
|
LONGFORD |
79 |
79 |
|
|
LOUTH |
55 |
55 |
|
|
MAYO |
2 |
2 |
|
|
MEATH |
207 |
207 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
- |
- |
|
|
OFFALY |
47 |
47 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON |
12 |
12 |
|
|
SLIGO |
- |
- |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
165 |
165 |
|
|
WATERFORD |
20 |
20 |
|
|
WESTMEATH |
83 |
83 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
7 |
7 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
50 |
50 |
|
|
Overall Total |
3,208 |
1,475 |
4,683 |
Treatment Benefit Scheme Applications
Questions (115)
Robert Troy
Question:115. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review an application for a medical appliance benefit by a person (details supplied), given the person's considerable medical conditions and costs. [40043/15]
View answerWritten answers
The medical appliance benefit available under the Department’s treatment benefit scheme is based on a person’s PRSI contribution record. PRSI paid at classes A,E,H, or P counts towards eligibility.
The person concerned is self-employed and is paying class S contributions. This is a reduced-rate contribution which does not count towards treatment benefit; as a result he is not qualified under the scheme.
However if he has a Medical Card he should contact his local HSE office, who will be able to advise of entitlements under their scheme.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (116)
Jack Wall
Question:116. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40077/15]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 31 July 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals
Questions (117)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:117. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused a domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40083/15]
View answerWritten answers
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is paid in respect of children who have a severe disability requiring constant care and attention substantially in excess of that needed by a child of the same age without the disability. The need for the additional care and attention must be likely to last for at least 12 months. Eligibility for DCA is not based on the type of disability, but on the resulting care needs. Each application for DCA is assessed on its individual merits and on the basis of the medical evidence and detail on the child’s care needs, as provided with the application.
The application from the person concerned was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on 20 October 2015 advising of this decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal was registered in this case on the 9 November. The person concerned will be informed of developments in due course.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (118)
Bernard Durkan
Question:118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a carer's allowance was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40090/15]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person in question on 28 October 2014.
The person concerned was refused CA on the grounds that her means exceeded the statutory limit. She was notified on 4 June 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the necessary papers have been submitted to the SWAO for determination. The SWAO will be in touch with the person concerned directly in relation to the progress of the appeal.
JobPath Implementation
Questions (119)
Clare Daly
Question:119. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 5 November 2015, if employees of Turas Nua Limited and Seetec Limited will have any role in the sanctioning of persons on JobPath, whether by way of a recommendation to her Department that a person be sanctioned, by way of sanctions imposed by those companies themselves or by any other mechanism. [40091/15]
View answerWritten answers
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. All decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements while on JobPath will be taken only by Departmental officials and not by the JobPath companies. The JobPath companies may neither recommend nor apply a sanction to a jobseeker. They are entitled to submit cases, duly evidenced, for consideration of a sanction by the Department. The process for sanctioning clients, who do not engage with the JobPath activation process, is exactly the same as the process for clients who fail to engage with the Department’s own activation service.
Job Initiatives
Questions (120)
Clare Daly
Question:120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if persons on the JobPath scheme are prohibited from working part-time up to three days a week and claiming jobseeker's allowance for the other days; and, if so, the reason for this. [40092/15]
View answerWritten answers
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment. Participants on JobPath retain their social welfare entitlements. JobPath has no impact on the eligibility criteria for jobseeker’s allowance. If a client is in part-time or casual work (up to and including 3 days per week), the client may still be paid jobseeker's allowance for the other days of unemployment during that week. However, the client must be available for full-time employment. The client must also satisfy the other criteria to qualify for a jobseeker’s allowance payment, namely –
1. be capable of work.
2. be available for and genuinely seeking work.
3. satisfy the means test.
4. meet the habitual residence condition.
Job Initiatives
Questions (121)
Clare Daly
Question:121. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if persons on the JobPath scheme are permitted to take up employment on community employment schemes; and if not, the reason why. [40093/15]
View answerWritten answers
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment.
JobPath is one of the range of activation supports, including schemes such as CE and Tús, catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers. In general, and JobPath is not an exception, it is not possible for clients to participate in two separate schemes at the same time. In addition, given the need to manage the allocation of places effectively, the Department does not facilitate or encourage jobseekers to leave one scheme early in order to take up a place on another scheme. This approach is particularly relevant in the case of JobPath whereby providers are paid on the basis of outcomes; it is important that the service providers have the opportunity and the time to achieve the outcome – which is to help the jobseeker secure and sustain full-time employment.
Participants on JobPath will receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal advisor who will assess a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. A personal progression plan will be drawn up that will include a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. They may also be referred for further education and training opportunities. They will spend a year on JobPath and if they are placed into a job they will continue to receive support for at least three months and up to twelve months while in employment.
It should be noted however that jobseekers can in fact be referred to relevant, employment focused, further education and training opportunities provided by ETBs and others while on JobPath. In such cases the engagement period with JobPath will be adjusted.
Finally, participation in other schemes and programmes remains an option that will be assessed by case officers once the client’s participation on JobPath is completed.
Departmental Funding
Questions (122)
Pat Deering
Question:122. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the financial or other assistance available to a community group (details supplied) in County Carlow which provides meals for persons who are less privileged in society. [40116/15]
View answerWritten answers
Support to community organisations for the provision of meals is available from a range of sources. Funds for meals-on-wheels type operations are generally a matter for the Health Service Executive.
The Department of Social Protection can support such operations under a number of its work placements schemes, including Community Employment, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Services Programme. The company referred to by the Deputy made an application at the end of October 2015 for support to access food supplies under the new Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived. The closing date for applications for this new programme is 30 November 2015 and applications received are being assessed with a view to decisions issuing before the end of the year.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals
Questions (123)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:123. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is waiting for a decision on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40128/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision.
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 (124)
Jack Wall
Question:124. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40130/15]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that the department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on 3 September 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
Respite Care Grant Administration
Questions (125, 145)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:125. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will allow recipients of the respite care grant, which will be re-introduced from January 2016, to receive two separate payments, in June and December, rather than one payment in June in order to facilitate carers at Christmas time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40206/15]
View answer
Finian McGrath
Question:145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will improve the support service to all full-time carers, as a matter of priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40317/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 145 together.
The Department provides a range of income supports to carers including carer’s benefit, carer’s allowance, domiciliary care allowance and the annual carer’s support grant (formerly the respite care grant). The total expenditure on carers in 2015 is estimated at €822 million.
Carers receive significant income supports from the Department - among the highest rates of income support in Europe. The weekly payment rate for a person aged under 66, caring for 1 person is €204, while the rate for a person aged over 66 is €239. An increase of 50% is paid where a carer is caring for more than one person (€306 and €358.50 for carers under and over 66 respectively).
The income disregard and means test for carers is the most generous within the social welfare system and the amount of weekly earnings disregarded is €332.50 for a single person and €665 for a couple. A couple under 66 with two children, earning a joint annual income of up to €35,400 can qualify for maximum payment carer’s allowance while such a couple earning €59,300 will still qualify for the minimum rate.
If a person is getting certain qualifying social welfare payments and also providing full time care and attention to another person, they can keep their main social welfare payment and get the half-rate carer's allowance as well. They can also receive an extra half-rate carer’s allowance if they care for more than one person.
Carers receive additional support in the form of free travel and household benefits (for those who live with the person for whom they care) and the annual carer’s support grant in respect of each person for whom they care - there is no means test attaching to payment of the carer’s support grant and there is no equivalent payment anywhere else in Europe.
I am satisfied that Department provides a comprehensive range of income supports for carers as outlined above and I have no plans to make any changes in this regard – indeed in the recent Budget, I introduced further improvements in the income supports available to carers - by doubling the period in respect of which a carer can continue to receive weekly payments after the death of the person being cared for, to 12 weeks, and also by increasing the carer’s support grant by €325 to €1,700.
In relation to splitting the latter into two payments, there is a compelling argument that to do so would dilute the impact of the payment and I have no plans to change the current arrangements.
JobPath Implementation
Questions (126)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:126. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if persons who believe that they have been unfairly and-or unprofessionally treated by employees of companies, such as Seetac and Turas Nua, which companies are tasked with the privatisation of the job placement role of her Department, can request to deal solely with their local Intreo office or their local employment service rather than with a private for profit company. [40208/15]
View answerWritten answers
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. All participants on JobPath have a right to be treated fairly and in a professional manner. As part of the contractual arrangements with the providers they are required to honour a service guarantee and to provide each client with a copy of that guarantee. The minimum elements of the guarantee have been specified by the Department and include a fair and transparent complaints process. Clients can also complain or make representations directly to the Department and all such complaints will be investigated. Each case will be examined on its merits and appropriate action will be taken.
As part of the process of assuring service quality JobPath providers will be subject to regular on-site inspections and audits to ensure that JobPath is delivered in accordance with contractual obligations. In addition the Department will commission customer satisfaction surveys to independently assess if customers who are referred to JobPath are satisfied with the level, and quality, of service delivered by the contractors. Failure by the contractors to satisfy the Department’s inspectors or to achieve a satisfactory score in the independent survey will result in payment penalties being applied.
JobPath Implementation
Questions (127)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:127. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection who decides when a person's jobseeker's payment can be cut; on what criteria is this decision based; and if this is at the discretion of a private company, such as Seetac and Turas Nua, which have been tasked with the privatisation of the job placement role of her Department. [40209/15]
View answerWritten answers
All decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements are made by deciding officers of the Department. The application of a sanction to a jobseeker’s payment is governed by the provisions of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended by the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013. JobPath companies cannot make any decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements.
JobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. Each participant on JobPath is assigned to a personal advisor who assesses a person’s skills, experience and challenges. They draw up a “personal progression plan” that includes a schedule of activities, actions and job targets. Participants receive tailored individual supports and may avail of a range of activities including online modules, career advice, CV preparation, interview skills as well as further education and training opportunities. If they get a job they may continue to receive support for the first year of employment.