Written Answers Nos. 72-88
72. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the number of persons categorised as not in employment, education or training who are resident in the areas covered by the Clondalkin and Tallaght social protection offices. [45340/15]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment and unemployment in the State and the data also provides information on persons Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). Due to methodology and sample size it is not possible to produce reliable estimates below NUTS3 region from the QNHS. The NUTS 3 Dublin region includes Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire- Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin. The Q3 2015 estimates are the most recent QNHS figures available.
The following table shows the number of persons aged 16-24 years who are classified as being Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) by NUTS3 Dublin region in Quarter 3 2015.
Persons aged 16-24 years classified by NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and NUTS3 Dublin region, Quarter 3 2015
|
'000 Dublin |
|
|
All persons aged 16-24 |
121.9 |
|
of which: |
|
|
Not in Employment, Education or Training |
18.2 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision
Reference period: q3=Jul-Sep
Note: The indicator on people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) corresponds to the population of the age group who is not employed and not involved in further education or training, i.e. persons who meet the following two conditions: (a) they are not employed (i.e. unemployed or inactive according to the International Labour Organisation definition) and (b) they have not received any education or training in the four weeks preceding the survey.
73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the value of imported fossil fuels in each of the past ten years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45366/15]
View answerThe data requested are set out for the Deputy in the following table. It should be noted that the 2015 data include imports only up to and including September 2015.
The CSO provides trade data based on statistical returns received from enterprises within the economy and does not provide future trade projections or make economic forecasts.
Table: Imports of fossil fuels 2005 to September 2015
|
Year |
Coal, coke and briquettes (€million) |
Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials (€million) |
Gas, natural and manufactured (€million) |
Total (€million) |
|
2005 |
173 |
3,315 |
493 |
3,981 |
|
2006 |
170 |
3,842 |
652 |
4,664 |
|
2007 |
159 |
4,479 |
1,039 |
5,677 |
|
2008 |
220 |
4,913 |
1,378 |
6,511 |
|
2009 |
199 |
3,299 |
911 |
4,409 |
|
2010 |
154 |
4,285 |
1,135 |
5,574 |
|
2011 |
231 |
5,324 |
1,354 |
6,910 |
|
2012 |
206 |
5,475 |
1,450 |
7,131 |
|
2013 |
219 |
5,022 |
1,576 |
6,817 |
|
2014 |
166 |
4,951 |
1,282 |
6,399 |
|
2015 |
143 |
2,956 |
881 |
3,980 |
Source: Goods Exports and Imports
74. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of applications for reinstatement following retirement on grounds of ill health, with prior notice, granted since 2004; the legislation and rules or procedures under which they were granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44565/15]
View answerMy Department has not received or granted any applications for reinstatement following retirement on grounds of ill health from former members of staff since 2004.
75. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken recently to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. John Key; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44711/15]
View answerI had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand in the margins of COP21 in Paris. The meeting was extremely warm and positive, covering a wide range of bilateral relations, the migrant crisis, New Zealand's wish to see progress in trade talks with the EU, as well as discussions on climate change.
Prime Minister Key updated me on the rebuilding of Christchurch, noting the role played by Irish construction workers.
Our discussions also touched on Ireland's 2020 United Nations Security Council candidacy, and Ireland's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Commenting on the strength of relations, I offered my support for the opening of an embassy in Wellington.
76. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach the number of unemployed persons who are not in receipt of a payment under the jobseeker's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44340/15]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of unemployment in the State. The primary classification used for the QNHS results is the ILO (International Labour Office) labour force classification. The classification for unemployed persons includes those persons aged 15-74 years who, in the week before the survey, were without work and available for work within the next two weeks, and had taken specific steps, in the preceding four weeks, to find work. The QNHS does not capture a respondent's status as measured by the Live Register.
The latest published results from the QNHS indicate that the seasonally adjusted number of persons (aged 15-74) unemployed as of the third quarter of 2015 was 197,100. While the QNHS provides quarterly benchmark estimates of unemployment, the CSO also publishes seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment estimates. The latest monthly unemployment figures for November 2015 indicate that the seasonally adjusted number of unemployed persons aged 15-74 years in that month was estimated to have been 191,700.
The Live Register is compiled from returns made for each local office to the Central Statistics Office by the Department of Social Protection. It comprises persons under 65 years of age in the following classes:
- All Claimants for Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) excluding systematic short-time workers.
- Applicants for Jobseeker's Allowance (JA) excluding smallholders/farm assists and other self-employed persons.
- Other registrants including applicants for credited Social Welfare contributions but excluding those directly involved in an industrial dispute.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment as per the ILO unemployment classification used by the QNHS.
It includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.
77. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Taoiseach the number of persons aged over 80 years in 2015; and the forecast annual increase in that number to 2021. [45009/15]
View answerThe Central Statistics Office publishes annual population estimates in August with a mid-April reference period. The latest results were published on August 26 2015 and estimated that in mid-April 2015 there were approximately 142,900 persons aged 80 years and over usually resident in the State.
The Central Statistics Office also publishes population projections for the State after each Census, the most recent set of projections were published in April 2013 and cover the years 2016-2046. The projections are based on assumptions relating to future trends in fertility, mortality and migration. Two sets of assumptions were chosen for fertility, one for mortality and three for migration.
The base year used was 2011, using the Census of Population results.
For the purpose of the tables provided, only the assumptions relating to mortality and migration are relevant. The fertility assumptions are not relevant as all persons that will be aged 80 years or over in the years 2016-2021 were already born in 2011.
Mortality Assumption
The long-term rate of improvement in life expectancy is assumed to be 1.5 per cent over the period 2016-2046.
Migration Assumptions
M1: Net migration returning to positive (net inflow of persons) by 2016 and rising steadily thereafter to plus 30,000 persons annually by 2021.
M2: Net migration returning to positive by 2018 and rising thereafter to plus 10,000 persons annually by 2021.
M3: Net migration remaining negative for the whole period.
Table 1 shows the estimated population for those aged 80 years and over for 2015.
Table 2 shows the projected population for those aged 80 years and over for the years 2016-2021.
Table 3 shows the projected population change for 2015-2021. The population change was calculated using estimated population data for the year 2015 and projected population data for the years 2016-2021.
Table 1 Estimated Population aged 80 years and over for 2015
|
Year |
Number |
|
2015 |
142,900 |
Source: Central Statistics Office
Table 2 Projected Population for those aged 80 years and over by Criteria for Projection and Year
|
Year |
M1 |
M2 |
M3 |
|
2016 |
148,600 |
148,500 |
148,400 |
|
2017 |
153,500 |
153,400 |
153,300 |
|
2018 |
158,200 |
158,100 |
157,900 |
|
2019 |
163,800 |
163,600 |
163,300 |
|
2020 |
169,900 |
169,500 |
169,100 |
|
2021 |
175,600 |
175,100 |
174,700 |
Source: Central Statistics Office
Table 3 Projected Population change for those aged 80 years and over by Criteria for Projection, 2015 1 -2021
|
Population Change |
M1 |
M2 |
M3 |
|
Total |
32,700 |
32,200 |
31,800 |
|
Annual Average |
5,450 |
5,367 |
5,300 |
1 2015 data is sourced from the current annual population estimates.
Source: Central Statistics Office
78. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the ground rents payable by his Department or agencies under his remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in 2015 and in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45061/15]
View answerThe properties occupied by my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office are provided and managed by the Office of Public Works.
79. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide compensation measures for home owners in County Donegal to assist with the financial impact of recent flood damage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44682/15]
View answer80. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure emergency funds are put in place following the flooding in Athlone, County Westmeath to support those who have had damage caused to their properties. [44744/15]
View answer81. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection in the context of the severe flooding that has caused huge damage to dwelling houses in the Athlone area of County Westmeath, and especially in Parnell Square, Deerpark and the Strand and Clonbonny areas, the level of assistance that can be provided to those persons who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the severe flooding as a result of the rising levels of the River Shannon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45403/15]
View answer138. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the level of assistance she provides under the emergency flood relief scheme; if she will provide a helpline to enable speedy access to the financial assistance that is urgently required, given that residents in these flood-prone areas are losing all their possessions, including their dwelling houses and accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45402/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 to 81, inclusive, and 138 together.
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works has responsibility for capital flood relief activities.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by the current weather conditions. The situation in all affected areas, including Athlone and Donegal, is being monitored and CWS staff are engaging with the local authorities and other agencies to ensure supports are being provided to those affected as swiftly as possible. Staff are assessing and meeting the demand for assistance by the public as the needs arise and are visiting the homes of persons affected.
In dealing with emergency events of this nature, the DSP generally adopts a three stage approach as follows:
- Stage 1 is to provide emergency income support payments (food, clothing and personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event. A relatively small amount of financial assistance is generally provided initially with payments around the country ranging from €100 to €500 depending on family size;
- Stage 2 generally involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items. It is not until the flood water abates and houses dry out that the full extent of the damage to homes will become known; and
- Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support or works are required. It could take several months before this stage of response commences and this involves a cross Departmental/Agency response. Works carried out can include plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
The humanitarian assistance scheme, which is means tested, is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The means assessment for Humanitarian Assistance is more generous than that applied under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in general. For example, a family consisting of a couple and two children with a gross household income of €70,000 or less will receive 100% of the amount allowable in respect of their application. For each whole €1,000 of household income above the €70,000 the couple will be required to make a personal contribution of 1% toward the amount allowable. The amount allowable in any particular case refers to the amount the officer administering the scheme determines is required to replace essential losses and to make any essential repairs.
The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid to an individual household under this scheme. Levels of payment depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household's ability to meet these costs.
The current situation in Athlone is being reviewed and assessed by local CWS officials on an ongoing basis. The Department's input is being co-ordinated with the other emergency services at a local level including Westmeath County Council in ensuring that those who require assistance as a result of the flooding can access CWS services as required. Emergency CWS clinics have been established in Grace Park Road Athlone, operating mornings and afternoons.
Similarly, officials in County Donegal have been in contact with individuals who have suffered damages following flooding and a small number of claims have been made.
People seeking assistance under the scheme should contact their local DSP Intreo Centre or CWS office who will be able to offer assistance. Department contact phone numbers for persons in affected areas are available on the Department's website, as follows:
http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Humanitarian-Assistance-Scheme.aspx.
82. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in receipt of jobseeker's allowance does not qualify for the Christmas bonus payment. [44678/15]
View answerA bonus of 75% of the normal weekly payment was paid in December 2015 to people getting a long-term social welfare payment. For clients in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance (JA), long term is defined as over 15 months or over 390 days of unemployment. Periods spent on JobBridge internships are not reckonable for this purpose.
The current JA claim for the person concerned commenced on 28 September 2013. In the meantime, he has had two internship periods of nine months. As the person concerned had not been in receipt of a JA payment for the required number of days of unemployment, he was not eligible for the bonus payment.
83. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44679/15]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on the 13 October 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
84. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will urgently examine an appeal under the carer's allowance scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, as all medical evidence has been submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44689/15]
View answerI confirm that the person concerned has been in receipt of Carer's Benefit for the maximum period of 104 weeks from 5 December 2013 to 2 December 2015.
An application for carer's allowance from the person concerned was received on 14 October 2015. The application is currently being processed and, once complete, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
85. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an appeal under the jobseeker's allowance scheme will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44705/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 November 2015. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
86. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44738/15]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on the 7 September 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
87. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal under the disability allowance scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44745/15]
View answerI confirm that an application from the person concerned for disability allowance (DA) was received by the department on 04 August 2015. The claim was disallowed on 29 September 2015 and the person in question was notified of the decision and the reason(s) for it and of her rights of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision. This review is ongoing and the application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person's means and circumstances. Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the review and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
88. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused a fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44752/15]
View answerThe administrative guidelines in respect of employment schemes stipulate that scheme participants can only be paid Fuel Allowance where they had applied for or were awarded Fuel Allowance prior to commencing on the scheme and where they satisfy or continue to satisfy the conditions.
The person concerned has been a participant on the Kildare Centre for the Unemployed Community Employment Scheme since 5 November 2012. At the date of commencement on the scheme, she had been in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance from 15 October 2009 but was not in receipt of and had not made a claim for Fuel Allowance during that period. Accordingly, Fuel Allowance is not payable in this case.
