Written Answers Nos. 81-108
81. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the projected increase, due to changing demographics, in the number of persons availing of the free travel scheme over the next five years; the cost of maintaining the scheme at current levels, taking account of the projected increase in users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46135/15]
View answerThe free travel scheme provides free travel for those with eligibility on the main public and private transport services which includes road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. Persons resident in Ireland who are over 66 and persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments are eligible for the scheme. There are currently approximately 839,000 customers with direct eligibility with an annual allocation of €77 million. This number is currently increasing at a rate of approximately 3.5% per annum.
Funding requirements of the free travel scheme are dependent on a number of factors, including the number of people in receipt of qualifying benefits, the number of participating companies and routes, and fare levels, not all of which can be predicted 5 years in advance.
While changing demographics are expected to result in increased numbers of people qualifying for the travel pass, the payments to operators who accept the free travel pass are calculated on the basis of fares foregone (at a reduced rate to take account of travel generated by the free travel scheme), and not simply by the numbers who are entitled to a free travel pass. Other factors that can affect the overall cost include the number of operators who participate in the scheme and potential future fare increases by those operators.
Consequently, the funding for the subsequent 12 months is agreed in the context of the Budget process each year.
In order to maintain service at existing levels, an additional funding of €3 million was provided for in Budget 2016, increasing the annual allocation to €80 million.
82. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will list the probability of exit, by Intreo office, for each of the categories of high, medium and low; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46137/15]
View answerThe “PEX” Jobseeker profile model used by the Department predicts, with a high level of accuracy, the likelihood of those who are recently unemployed, exiting the Live Register (LR) to employment within 12 months. The model uses a set of characteristics, combined with coefficients reflecting their relative importance, to statistically calculate the probability of an unemployed person exiting to employment. The result is referred to as the Probability of Exit, or PEX score. The calculation of these scores facilitates segmentation of those who join the LR into Low, Medium and High risk cohorts and more intensive engagement with those who need most employment service type supports as early as possible.
The distribution of the scores is Low - 1 to 39, Medium - 40 to 79 and High - 80 to 100.
On average, across the network of Intreo Centres, the percentages of those jobseekers with these scores are as follows: High - 20%; Medium - 60%; and Low - 20%.
The distribution of scores by Intreo Centre is not available.
83. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an appeal under the jobseeker's allowance scheme will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46146/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 4th January 2016. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the 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.
85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why she has not accepted an invitation from the Workplace Relations Commission to participate in talks with the Irish Local Development Network and the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union on resolving employment issues pertaining to the rural social scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46197/15]
View answer86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if officials from her Department are engaging with the Irish Local Development Network in relation to employment issues pertaining to the rural social scheme; why worker representatives of the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union are not included in these talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46198/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
The rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and those engaged in fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments on the basis of low means. Key criteria for participation and continued eligibility for the scheme is that the participant is underemployed in their primary activity i.e. either farming or fishing, and that earnings are insufficient. Participants are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. The funds allocated for the RSS in 2015 is €45m and this level of funding will allow the scheme to continue along the same lines as in previous years but does not allow for the recruitment above the numbers stated above.
The Department has no role with respect to industrial or employment-related matters that SIPTU has asked the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to consider. The Department has written to the LRC, the forerunner to the WRC, to set out and clarify its position. Issues of the nature referred to by the Deputy are for determination between the employers (the local development companies engaged by the Department to deliver the scheme) and their employees.
The Department engages with local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta (collectively referred to as implementing bodies within the programmes) with respect to the management and co-ordination of delivery of the rural social scheme and Tús – the community work placement initiative. The Department meets with the implementing bodies at frequent intervals throughout the year to monitor implementation, discuss matters arising with implementation and agree common responses to matters impacting on the delivery of the schemes. Given the respective roles of the Department and implementing bodies, the position of workers is represented by the latter.
89. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the full-year cost of replacing the 38-hour threshold for family income supplement qualification with a sliding scale system that would reflect the fact that many persons may be working, or wish to work, fewer than 19 hours per week and may be in just as much need as current recipients of this supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46212/15]
View answerThe family income supplement (FIS) is an in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. FIS is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependants and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment. There are over 54,000 families in receipt of FIS, an increase of over 70 per cent since 2011. The estimated spend on FIS this year is approximately €349.2 million, an increase of €50 million on last year.
To qualify for FIS, a person must be engaged in full-time insurable employment which is expected to last for at least 3 months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria. The applicant must also have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is supported by them. Furthermore, the average family income must be below a specified amount which varies according to the number of qualified children in the family.
The 'hours worked' eligibility criterion has been set at 38 hours per fortnight/19 hours per week since 1996. It is not possible to estimate the costs associated with replacing the current thresholds for FIS qualification without specifying a) a new hours threshold and b) the 'sliding scale'.
Reducing the “hours worked” requirement would have implications for existing working age schemes. Under jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance a person may, subject to scheme criteria, work for up to three days and continue to receive support under the schemes. The proposal set out by the Deputy would be significantly more complex than the present scheme and could require additional resources to administer.
90. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons receiving a social protection payment, and the type of payment, in County Westmeath, in tabular form. [46227/15]
View answer91. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons receiving a social protection payment, and the type of payment, in County Longford, in tabular form. [46228/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
The information requested by the Deputy (where available) is detailed in the following table.
Recipients of a Social Welfare payment in Counties Westmeath and Longford at the end of November 2015
|
Type of Payment |
Westmeath |
Longford |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
1,746 |
1,321 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
5,825 |
2,721 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
0 |
0 |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
2,290 |
1,040 |
|
Death Benefit (OIB Widows) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
6,519 |
2,833 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
841 |
393 |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non-Contributory Pension |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Farm Assist |
132 |
174 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
11 |
15 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
939 |
265 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Maternity Benefit |
396 |
154 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
0 |
0 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
1 |
4 |
|
Community Employment Programme |
635 |
351 |
|
Rural Social Scheme |
N/A |
N/A |
|
TUS - Community Work Placement |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Job Initiative |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Back To Work Allowance Employee |
0 |
0 |
|
Back To Work Enterprise Allowance |
229 |
149 |
|
JobBridge National Internship Scheme |
103 |
50 |
|
Back To Education Allowance(3) |
461 |
201 |
|
Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme |
10 |
4 |
|
Gateway |
N/A |
N/A |
|
JobsPlus |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Other Employment Supports(6) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
18 |
20 |
|
Disability Allowance |
2,388 |
1,370 |
|
Blind Pension |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Carer's Allowance |
1,350 |
853 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1,025 |
534 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
9 |
6 |
|
Injury Benefit |
20 |
5 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,214 |
581 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Carer's Benefit |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
623 |
230 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Child Benefit Families |
12,440 |
5,590 |
|
Child Benefit Children |
24,115 |
11,280 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
623 |
230 |
|
Rent Allowance |
N/A |
N/A |
92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) who is providing full-time care to an extremely high-dependency person. [46234/15]
View answerCarer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care and who satisfy a means test.
This application was refused on the grounds that the carer was not providing full-time care and attention as required, as the person in respect of whom the application was made was a hospital in-patient.
The person concerned was notified on 24 September 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application.
An information request issued on 15 December 2015 and once the information is provided, the review will be completed and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
93. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of appointments to State boards under the aegis of her Department and the number of appointments that were advertised on her Department's website since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46260/15]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority (established in March 2014 and formerly known as the Pensions Board), the Pensions Council (established in February 2015), the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
Details relating to these boards, as requested by the Deputy, are outlined in the following table.
|
Name of Statutory Body |
Number of appointments since March 2011 |
Number of appointments advertised on the Department's website |
|
Citizens Information Board |
12 (of which 2 were re-appointments) |
Nil |
|
The Pensions Authority (formerly the Pensions Board) – since March 2014 |
3 |
Nil |
|
The Pensions Board (up to March 2014) |
Nil |
Nil |
|
The Pensions Council |
12 |
Nil |
|
Social Welfare Tribunal |
11 |
Nil |
One of the appointments to the Citizens Information Board and seven of the appointments to the Pensions Council were advertised via the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
94. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of her Department who have appeared before the relevant joint Oireachtas committee since March 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46275/15]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority (established in March 2014 and formerly known as the Pensions Board), the Pensions Council (established in February 2015), the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
I appointed Ms Ita Mangan as chairperson of the Citizens Information Board in June 2015. Ms Mangan appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection on 10th June 2015.
In the period since March 2011 the chairpersons of the Pensions Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council or the Social Welfare Tribunal have not appeared before the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee.
95. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the details of the Acts currently in force for which she has lead responsibility and which have Parts or sections yet to be formally commenced, including the purpose of same, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46290/15]
View answerA number of provisions of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, have still to be commenced. In addition, some provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004, as amended, and the Pensions Act 1990, as amended, have still to be commenced.
Details of these provisions, and their current status, are set out in the following tables.
Uncommenced Provisions of Enactments for which Minister for Social Protection has responsibility
Amendments to Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (SWCA 2005)
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 Section 196 Section 265(1) Schedule 5 |
Deduction from SW payments due to LA tenants. s.54 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 amended sections 196, 198 and 290A. Definition of 'relevant purpose'. S.8 and Part 9 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 amended the definition of 'relevant purpose' by substituting subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (b). Reference to Irish Water. S.11 of the Water Services Act provides for the deletion of 'Irish Water' in Schedule 5 of the SWCA 2005 and the repeal of section 20 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 |
Section 54, other than subsection (1) commenced by S.I. No. 404 of 2014. Subsection (1) amends section 196 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. Commencement of provision is responsibility of Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. Commencement of provision is responsibility of Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. Order to be made by Minister for Social Protection after consultation with Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 Section 21(a) Section 27 |
Amends section 149 of the SWCA in relation to entitlement to the Pre-Retirement Allowance where a person had previously been in receipt of Carer's Allowance. Amends section 220 of the SWCA 2005 to enable payment of Child Benefit to be split between the child's parents. |
The necessity for this provision is currently being examined and a decision on how best to proceed will be taken following the completion of this examination. This amendment is being reviewed in the light of more recent developments in this area and a decision will be taken on its continued necessity in the light of this review. |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008 Sections 12 to 14 Section 17(5) |
Inserts new Chapter 5A in Part 3 of the SWCA 2005 and makes consequential amendments to the provisions of that Act to provide for the transfer of the Blind Welfare Allowance from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection. Makes provision for the treatment of outstanding claims for Domiciliary Care Allowance held by the HSE on the transfer of administrative responsibility for that scheme to the Department of Social Protection. |
This provision will be commenced as soon as the necessary administrative arrangements have been agreed with the HSE and Department of Health. The necessity for this provision is currently being examined and a decision on how best to proceed will be taken following this review. |
|
Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010 Section 3 Section 6 Section 14 |
Inserts new section 296A into the SWCA 2005 and makes consequential amendments to the provisions of that Act to clarify the rules relating to which parent a child will normally be regarded as residing with for social welfare payment purposes. Amends section 40 of the SWCA 2005 to enable claims for Illness Benefit to be processed in the event of the outbreak of a flu pandemic. Amends section 220 of the SWCA 2005 to clarify the rules relating to which parent a child will normally be regarded as residing with for Child Benefit purposes. |
This amendment is being reviewed in the light of more recent developments in this area and a decision will be taken on its continued necessity in the light of this review. This provision will be commenced if the need arises. This amendment is being reviewed in the light of more recent developments in this area and a decision will be taken on its continued necessity in the light of this review. |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 Section 7(1) Section 7(3) |
Provides for an increase in pensionable age for State pension purposes from 66 to 67 years Provides for an increase in pensionable age for State pension purposes from 67 to 68 years |
Comes into operation on 1 January 2021 Comes into operation on 1 January 2028 |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 Section 9 Section 10 |
Clarifies the provisions contained in Part 6 of the SWCA 2005 in relation to entitlement to family income supplement (FIS) in cases where the claimant is living apart from his or her spouse or civil partner and children. Clarifies the provisions contained in Part 6 of the SWCA 2005 relating to the impact of a change of circumstances on continuing entitlement to FIS during the 52 week entitlement period and on the weekly rate of FIS payable during that period. |
It is expected that the provisions of sections 9 and 10 will be commenced in due course. |
Amendments to Pensions Act 1990
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002 Section 3 Section 39 |
Inserts new Part X (sections 91 to 125) into the Pensions Act 1990, which provides for the establishment of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs). Part X has been commenced with the exception of section 122, which provides for the replacement of buy-out bonds with PRSAs. A buy-out-bond is a pension bond into which persons can transfer the value of their fund if they leave their employment/pension scheme. Inserts new section 56A into the Pensions Act 1990 to provide for the consideration of index-linked increases in the rates payable in Defined Benefit pension schemes |
Originally, the intention was that new buy-out bonds would cease when PRSAs became available. However, it is considered that buy-out bonds will be required in the short to medium term. The situation will be kept under review in consultation with the Pensions Authority. This provision does not require that indexation be introduced, only that it be examined. The situation will be kept under review in consultation with the Pensions Authority. |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2015 |
||
|
Part 3 |
Amends Part 11 of the Pension Act 1990 is to allow the holder of the office of the Financial Services Ombudsman to also hold the office of the Pensions Ombudsman |
To be commenced in Q2 of 2016. |
Uncommenced provisions of Civil Registration Act 2004
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Section 4 and the Second Schedule Sections 13(1)(f) and (g) Part 7 (section 59) Section 73 |
Repeal various enactments dealing with civil registration matters prior to the enactment of the Civil Registration Act 2004 Provide for the establishment and maintenance of a register of all decrees of divorce and all decrees of nullity of marriage Provides for the registration of decrees of divorce and decrees of nullity of marriage Provides for the compilation and publication of statistics relating to events registered under the Act. |
Section 4 and the Second Schedule have been commenced, except in so far as they relate to the repeal of the Vital Statistics and Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1952. The repeal of the 1952 Act has been examined in the context of the commencement of section 73 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 – see section 73 below. Commencement of these provisions is not currently being proposed for financial and operational reasons. Commencement of this Part is not currently being proposed for financial and operational reasons. Section 73 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 mirrors the provisions contained in the Vital Statistics and Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1952. Section 73 and section 4, in so far as it relates to the repeal of the Vital Statistics and Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1952, will be commenced following examination of the effects of repealing the Act of 1952. |
Uncommenced provisions of Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 |
Provides that a person who is a qualified informant must produce to the registrar any evidence, including documentary evidence relating to a birth as requested by the registrar. The section also provides that a Superintendent Registrar may complete the registration of a birth where, in exceptional circumstances, a qualified informant has not signed the register to allow completion of the registration. Under this section a child who has attained the age of 18 years may be considered as a qualified informant in relation to the registration or re-registration of their own birth entry. This section amends section 22 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 and contains a number of amendments relating to the registration of the father's name where the parents are not married. Provides for the re-registration of a birth and contains a number of amendments to section 23 of the 2004 Act. Amends the 2004 Act by the insertion of a new section which provides for the re-registration of a birth of a child, where the parents were not married on the date of the birth, on foot of a court order. |
The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. |
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Section 9 Section 11 Section 12 Section 13 Section 15(a) |
Provides for the amendment of the 2004 Act by insertion of a new section 25A which provides that where the parents of the child cannot agree on a surname that the registrar may complete the registration by leaving the surname blank or in cases where a surname is already registered, that the existing surname shall remain Amends section 37 of the 2004 Act to extend the definition of a qualified informant of a death. Provides that early neonatal deaths are notified to the Superintendent Registrar of the area where the death occurred. Provides for a record of deaths of Irish citizens who die abroad who were ordinarily resident within the state within 5 years prior to their death. Amends section 46 of the 2004 Act. |
The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. |
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Section 19 Section 21(a) Section 22 Section 26 Section 28 Section 29(a) Section 29(c) Section 30 |
Provides for the recognition of certain marriages carried out at foreign embassies in the State. Amends section 59B of the 2004 Act. Amends section 59C of the 2004 Act Provides for the recognition of certain civil partnership ceremonies carried out at foreign embassies in the State. Amends section 64 of the 2004 Act providing for the cancellation of entries in the registers. Deletes reference to consultation with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs in section 66 of the 2004 Act. Provides for sharing of information with the Road Safety Authority. Provides that the Minister may make Regulations prescribing a lesser fee for life event certificates where required for official purposes. |
To be commenced in March 2016 Superseded by the enactment of the Marriage Act 2015. Superseded by the enactment of the Marriage Act 2015. To be commenced in March 2016 The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. Not being commenced. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. |
|
Uncommenced Provision |
Description |
Status |
|
Section 31 Section 32 Section 33 Section 34 |
Amends section 68 of the 2004 Act consequential to sections 5,6,7,8 and 11 of the 2014 Act Adds to the list of offences consequential to amendments made by the 2014 Act. Adds to the list of penalties consequential to amendments made by the 2014 Act. Amends the First Schedule of the 2004 Act. |
Will be commenced when relevant sections are commenced. Will be commenced when relevant sections are commenced. Will be commenced when relevant sections are commenced. The provisions of the Act are being commenced on a step by step basis dependent on factors including software development and training of registrars. This work is being progressed as quickly as possible. |
96. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of restoring farm assist means-testing rules to pre-budget 2012 levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46300/15]
View answerThe farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseeker's allowance. Farm assist recipients retain the advantages of the jobseeker's allowance scheme such as the retention of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes. The 2015 Revised Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure of almost €89 million on the farm assist scheme.
Changes introduced in Budgets 2012 and 2013 have brought farm assist into closer alignment with the jobseeker's allowance scheme's treatment of self-employed persons. Farm families with the lowest income were least affected by these changes as the headline rates of farm assist were maintained. The changes introduced over these respective Budgets reduced the cost of farm assist by just over €10 million per annum.
The assessment of means for the farm assist scheme is designed to reflect the actual net income from farming. Income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. However, farm assist is a flexible payment. Account is taken of any exceptional circumstances so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation. Any farmer experiencing lower levels of income or cash-flow issues can ask their local Intreo office to review the level of means applying to their claim.
Last year, the Christmas Bonus was re-introduced, payable at 25% of the weekly rate. This year I was in a position to provide a 75% Christmas Bonus payment for all long term welfare recipients, including recipients of farm assist. All recipients of farm assist with children are benefiting from the increase in child benefit rates of €5 per month per child announced in Budget 2015. In addition, farm assist recipients eligible for the fuel allowance will gain from the increase in January of €2.50 per week, from €20 to €22.50 per week over the fuel season.
There are no plans to change the current criteria of the farm assist scheme.
97. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of changing farm assist means-testing rules so that irrespective of the source of farm income, the first €3,000 will be disregarded and the balance will be means tested at 50%. [46301/15]
View answerThe farm assist scheme provides support for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseeker's allowance. Farm assist recipients retain the advantages of the jobseeker's allowance scheme such as the retention of secondary benefits and access to activation programmes. The 2015 Revised Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure of almost €89 million on the farm assist scheme.
Under the existing Farm Assist scheme rules, a claimant can receive a €60 weekly disregard in relation to any off farm income they may earn. This equates to €3,120 per annum. The balance of any earnings is assessed as means at a rate of 60%. Similarly, a qualified adult dependent of a Farm Assist claimant, who has earnings from employment, can also avail of their own weekly earnings disregard of €60.
The assessment of means for the farm assist scheme is designed to reflect the actual net income from farming. Income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. However, farm assist is a flexible payment. Account is taken of any exceptional circumstances so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation. Any farmer experiencing lower levels of income or cash-flow issues can ask their local Intreo office to review the level of means applying to their claim.
It is not possible in the time available to produce a costing of the introduction of a new earnings disregard of €3,000, which would apply to income irrespective of source. Such a costing would have to differentiate between earned income and farm income and would also have to replace the existing earnings disregards, which apply to earned income. This process would require a detailed reassessment of all Farm Assist claims and would be a significant undertaking across all Intreo offices.
98. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of restoring the rural social scheme to 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000, 5,500, 6,000, 6,500 and 7,000 places, respectively. [46302/15]
View answerThe rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and fishermen who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. One of the key criteria for participation and continued eligibility for the scheme is that the participant must be underemployed in their primary activity i.e. either farming or fishing, and that their earnings are insufficient to support their family circumstance. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The funds allocated for the Scheme for 2016 is €44.3m.
Overall, the Deputy should note that funding and the number of available places for the RSS have been maintained by the Government at the same level for the last five years. Therefore, as there has been no reduction in places during that time, any additional places would represent an increase not a restoration.
Assuming that the existing participants supported by the RSS remain at the current payment rate, the estimated cost of an additional 500 places for a full year is €8.5m. This costing consists of wages paid to participants, fuel allowance, supervisory costs, fees to implementing bodies, fees to the payroll provider, provision of materials, insurance and input costs of implementing bodies. Estimates are also dependant on how quickly the additional places are rolled out.
The following table provides an estimate of the costs for the various participant numbers outlined in the Deputy's question.
|
Number of participants |
Estimated full year programme cost € million |
|
3,000 |
€51.0m |
|
3,500 |
€59.5m |
|
4,000 |
€68.0m |
|
4,500 |
€76.5m |
|
5,000 |
€85.0m |
|
5,500 |
€93.5m |
|
6,000 |
€102.0m |
|
6,500 |
€110.5m |
|
7,000 |
€119.0m |
100. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of households eligible for the water conservation grant in 2015; the number that received the grant in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46323/15]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection is administering the Water Conservation Grant on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community, and Local Government. The regulations governing the Water Conservation Grant are set out in the Water Services Act 2014 (Water Conservation Grant) Regulations 2015. In order to be eligible to apply for the Water Conservation Grant, householders must first have registered their principle private residence with Irish Water by the 30 June 2015 deadline. To date, Irish Water has transferred details of over 1.312 million such registered householders to this Department. These householders were then invited to apply for the grant.
As of 15th December 2015, some 886,065 grant applications have been submitted by householders and processed.
101. 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. [46338/15]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on 26 November 2015. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce a free water allowance as part of the household benefits package to help persons struggling with water charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46360/15]
View answerThe household benefits package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The package is generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. It is a universal payment from the age of 70. The Department will spend approximately €227 million this year on the household benefits package for approximately 416,000 customers.
In Budget 2015 an initiative was announced to assist those in receipt of the Household Benefits Package and the Fuel Allowance Scheme from my Department with water costs. This would have involved a payment of €25 per quarter to approx. 660,000 customers at an estimated cost of €66 million in 2015. Subsequently, on 18 November 2014 and following a review, the Government announced changes to the domestic water charging regime, and also provided for the new water conservation grant. These changes were designed to promote affordability for households and assist with water conservation measures. The grant replaces the tax rebate and social protection measures previously announced, as it provides a more straightforward means of addressing water issues for all households on equal terms and will help reduce households' outlay on water services.
Accordingly, I have no plans to introduce a free water allowance to the household benefits package. Any decision to so do would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.
106. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed by her Department or in agencies funded by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46412/15]
View answerMy Department has undertaken no costing of the initiative outlined by the Deputy as the introduction of any such scheme would necessarily have to take place on a cross Governmental basis and costs determined centrally as part of the estimates budgetary process. On a purely indicative basis it is not anticipated that the introduction of such a scheme in my own Department would incur significant cost as the majority of staff are on salary points above that mentioned by the Deputy.
108. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has examined a scheme that focuses on early-stage companies and rewards growth by offering exemptions from and reductions in employers' pay-related social insurance relative to the number of staff employed or the company's payroll bill, in 2016; the cost for the first additional employee taken on to be exempt from employers pay-related social insurance for a period of two years and for the next five employees, subject to a reduction of 50% on the first €50,000 of gross salary. [46423/15]
View answerAs my Department does not hold data on the stage of development of particular companies employing workers, it is not possible provide a cost for a scheme to exempt or reduce employer PRSI costs, to reward growth or additional employments in early stage companies.
The issue of supporting companies in the early stages of their development needs to be considered in the broader context of the multitude of expenditure and tax instruments which can assist these enterprises to succeed.
My Department does however provide financial support to companies engaging additional employees through the JobsPlus scheme. JobsPlus was introduced in July 2013 as one of a series of measures contained in the Action Plan for Jobs and replaced two existing schemes, namely the Employer PRSI Exemption scheme and the revenue job assist. The Employer PRSI Exemption scheme reduced the employer's PRSI liability where additional employees (who were formerly unemployed) were engaged.
JobsPlus is available to all employers in the private (including commercial semi-state), community, not-for-profit and voluntary sectors and is available to employers who offer any full-time work of over 30 hours per week and spanning at least a 4 day week. There is no limit on the number of new recruits per employer. Start-up employers may also avail of the scheme, on production of evidence that the business has commenced operations.
For jobseekers who are over 24 months out of the labour market, a subsidy of €10,000 is paid monthly to the employer over two years. A subsidy of €7,500 paid monthly over two years is available to employers who recruit a jobseeker who is between 12 and 24 months unemployed. In 2015 eligibility was broadened to include young jobseekers (under 25 year olds) unemployed for four months or more in the previous 6 months and jobseekers transitioning from a one parent family payment. A subsidy of €7,500 is payable in both instances.
The 2015 provision for JobsPlus is €25.5 million. In November 2015 the Department made payments totalling just under €2.1 million to 3,953 employers in respect of 5,364 employees.
