Written Answers Nos. 31-55
31. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking, diplomatic or otherwise, to advocate at the European Foreign Affairs Council level for a ban on the import of goods to the European Union from illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45468/15]
View answerThe European Union has taken a number of steps to differentiate between its treatment of imports from Israel and goods coming from illegal Israeli settlements. Settlement goods are not entitled to the lower tariffs that are the norm in the EU, and meat from settlements may not be certified by Israeli veterinary authorities. EU research funding may not be spent in settlements. Most recently, the European Commission last month clarified that goods from settlements may not be misleadingly labelled as being produce of Israel. Ireland has supported all of these measures.
This is part of a general approach, in line with the conclusions of the Council in December 2012, to differentiate the EU's relationship with Israel from the relationship with the settlements.
There is no prospect whatever at present of obtaining agreement at EU level on a ban on the import of goods from the settlements. And while that remains the case, it would be futile and counterproductive for Ireland to try to push such an approach. The reasons for this have been explained on a number of occasions in more detail with Oireachtas Committees.
32. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a detailed breakdown of recent consultation and engagement his Department has had with the authorities in India following the tragic and sudden death of a person (details supplied) in 2014; if he will provide an update into the investigation in relation to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death; if he will further provide details on whether any additional toxicological reports were made available and the efforts made by his Department to obtain additional toxicological reporting; his Department's efforts to keep the family of the deceased informed of ongoing developments in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45387/15]
View answerI am keenly aware that the first anniversary of the tragic death of this Irish citizen has been marked in recent days, and understand the frustrations of the family with the delays in determining the cause of death.
In the course of the past year, my Department has provided extensive consular assistance to the family of the Irish citizen through our Embassy in New Delhi, our Honorary Consul in Mumbai and our Consular Assistance section in Dublin, and my officials continue to be in ongoing direct contact with the family.
The new Director of Consular Services met with the family of the Irish citizen on 30 November 2015 to discuss the case in-depth and to update the family on developments.
In India, our Honorary Consul in Mumbai met with the local police in mid-October, and spoke again to the police at the end of November, to emphasis our pressing interest in this case and to seek updates on the investigation.
In addition to the toxicological report that was forwarded to the family, in mid-October the Embassy wrote to the relevant hospital's Pathology Department requesting that any additional toxicological reporting that may be forthcoming be expedited. Earlier this month, the Consulate met with the relevant hospital doctor to underline the importance of receiving an urgent response to the earlier written request.
Let me assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family and will continue to keep them updated on developments, while also remaining engaged with the relevant Indian authorities on this case.
33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and his colleagues at European Union and United Nations level continue to focus on the activities of ISIS and Boko Haram, with particular reference to the degree to which the principles of democracy continue to be ignored and the extent to which arbitrary executions, persecution of Christians, kidnapping, trafficking and abuse of women and girls continues unabated; if the international community has taken any action to address these issues in an effective way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45389/15]
View answerThe Government fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by DA'ESH, consistent with international law. DA'ESH's horrific crimes in Paris and Beirut, as well as their systematic crimes against the rights and the existence of ethnic, religious and LGBTI minorities, women and children across the Middle East must be prevented by all legal means possible.
At the UN Human Rights Council in September 2015, Ireland made a number of statements in which we condemned DA'ESH'S barbarous treatment of civilians, their campaign of violence against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq, and their treatment of women and girls, including their being subjected to harrowing acts of sexual and physical violence and to sexual slavery. We have urged the Security Council to uphold international law and ensure full accountability for crimes committed in Syria by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
UNSCR 2249 grants authority for States to take all necessary measure to suppress and eradicate terrorist acts by DA'ESH in territory under its control within Syria and Iraq and to eradicate the safe haven they have established inside Syria and Iraq. Any action undertaken under this resolution must be in compliance with international law, in particular the UN Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
Defeating DA'ESH cannot be separated from ending the Syrian conflict. It is the Syrian conflict, and above all the actions and policies of the Assad regime, which has created this terrorist threat. The attack in Paris underlines the critical importance of bringing the Syrian conflict to a close.
I welcome the statement of the International Syria Support Group on 14 November in Vienna on the launching of negotiations, the holding of elections and supporting unimpeded humanitarian access across Syria.
The conflict in Syria has had immense humanitarian consequences and Ireland is playing its part in alleviating the suffering of those affected. By the end of 2015, we have pledged that our support for the Syrian people will reach €42 million. Funding is spent on priority needs which include food aid, water and sanitation, shelter, education and protection, including child protection and prevention of gender-based violence.
The brutal activities of Boko Haram continue to represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, but also the wider region. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and a direct threat to education and education facilities.
There has been some success this year in pushing Boko Haram back from major towns in north-eastern Nigeria. A Multinational Joint Taskforce involving troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin has been operationalised.
EU Foreign Ministers adopted detailed Conclusions in February, condemning the appalling atrocities committed by Boko Haram and confirming the EU's readiness to provide support to the region. Since then, an EU Political Framework for Crisis Approach (PFCA) for Boko Haram has been developed, and EU support of up to €50 million for the Multinational Joint Taskforce has been approved.
The EU has also pledged to continue providing immediate humanitarian relief to those affected by Boko Haram activities and to increase its efforts at a regional level - mobilising €21 million of humanitarian funding last June for the four countries concerned. Ireland is also providing direct support of nearly €1.4 million this year to address humanitarian needs.
The situation concerning Boko Haram was discussed at a meeting convened by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 30 June and at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in April. At these meetings, Ireland highlighted the terrible human rights and humanitarian impact of the terrorist violence.
More generally on human rights, Ireland and the EU consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora. Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. I highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on Christians when I addressed the UN General Assembly in October and the UN Human Rights Council in March.
Ireland works within and alongside the EU to address persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably through the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013 and the EU-led General Assembly resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief which was adopted by the Third Committee last month.
34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues continue to examine and evaluate the consequences of a possible British exit from the European Union, with particular reference to the potential impact for this country, Northern Ireland, the EU and Britain itself; if adequate consideration is being given to the full economic and political consequences in the event of an exit of a major power from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45388/15]
View answerI would direct the Deputy to my previous replies today to Questions Nos. 10, 11 and 28, which address the same subject matter.
35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the efforts being made by the Government to secure the release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45307/15]
View answerThis is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 16 today.
As has been previously stated to this House, my Department has two clear objectives in this case: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. In furtherance of those clear objectives, our Embassy in Cairo has made numerous consular visits to the citizen in detention, and has attended all trial hearings so far. The high level of consular visitation is an important practical tool in our approach, and it means that the Embassy is well-placed to raise any concerns with the Egyptian authorities. Indeed, numerous effective interventions have already been made on this citizen's behalf by the Embassy and by this Government.
The most recent hearing of this citizen's case occurred on Tuesday 15 December. At this hearing the presiding Judge declared that there would be a further adjournment until Saturday 19 December, due to the non-appearance of one defendant. At this hearing the Government was represented by our Ambassador to Egypt, who spoke directly with members of the citizen's family, and with his Egyptian legal representation regarding aspects of his welfare. Embassy officials intend to make another visit to the citizen in the near future as part of its overall strategy to care for his welfare while he remains in detention.
36. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount Ireland will donate to the European Commission's trust fund for Africa; how this money will be spent; and if it will be taken from our annual overseas development assistance expenditure. [45394/15]
View answerIreland has committed to providing €3 million to the new EU Trust Fund to address the root causes of the migration crisis in Africa. The funding will be provided over the coming five years. Ireland will therefore provide €600,000 annually from 2016 to 2020. This contribution is being earmarked for the Horn of Africa regional window of the Trust Fund which includes three of Ireland's Key Partner Countries under the Government's development programme.
The Trust Fund is an important element of a comprehensive package of initiatives which the European Commission and the EU External Action Service are putting together to support stability in the North, East and West African Regions, to help tackle the root causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration. Ireland has consistently taken the position that, in addition to saving lives and dealing in a spirit of fairness and solidarity with those migrants and refugees who have reached Europe, the current humanitarian crisis requires comprehensive solutions that address the causes of irregular migration in countries of origin.
Given the nature of its activities, our contribution to the Trust Fund will come from our annual Official Development Assistance budget. This contribution will allow Ireland to have a voice in the governance of the Trust Fund. Ireland holds a position of Vice-Chair on the Fund's Board and is also a member of its Operational Committee.
37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when his last meeting took place with Minister Ford of the Northern Executive and with Secretary of State Villiers, respectively; when it is hoped to have his next meeting with each person named; if he raised the issue of prison conditions for separated prisoners in HMP Maghaberry with each at his last meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45034/15]
View answerThis is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 19.
I met last Friday with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA. Among the issues we discussed was the situation in Maghaberry prison, including the regime for separated prisoners.
My last meeting with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers was on 17 November, as we concluded the negotiation of the 'Fresh Start' Agreement. We will meet again before the end of the month, when I will again raise the situation in Maghaberry with her.
At our recent meeting, Minister Ford updated me on progress in implementing the recommendations of the recent report by Criminal Justice Inspector, Brendan McGuigan, into conditions in the prison. The Criminal Justice Inspector will return to Maghaberry in January to monitor progress. I expressed my concerns at the deficiencies identified in the prison, which affect the entire prison population and, also, prison staff, and not just those in the separated regime.
Minister Ford and I also discussed follow-up on the recommendations of the Independent Assessment Team report on the conditions in the prison's separated wing. Minister Ford noted that while there had been some progress, full implementation had been affected by trust issues arising, in part, from the sense of threat to staff. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has said that it remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the stocktake report but only in “an environment where staff are free from threat and intimidation”.
Among the challenges we discussed were the obstacles to the operation of the Prison Forum, which since July 2015 has been chaired by a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A functioning forum would make an important contribution to reducing tensions in Maghaberry.
My officials maintain regular contact with the Chair of the Prison Forum and also with the members of the Independent Assessment Team. Regrettably, due to the intensity of the political talks in Belfast, I had to postpone a meeting with the Chair scheduled for 29 October, who instead briefed my officials.
38. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the implementation of the stock-take report and the work of the independent chairperson of the Maghaberry Prison forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45385/15]
View answerIn November 2014, the 'stocktake' report of the Independent Assessment Team, which reviewed progress in implementing the Roe House Agreement of 2010, was published. Its recommendations were accepted by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice. Two recommendations concerned areas under the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office.
Progress in implementing the recommendations has been slow.
A key recommendation was the restoration of the prison forum, where prisoners meet with prison management. The first person proposed to chair the forum was not acceptable to republican prisoners. Following a process, a Representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross agreed in July 2015 to act as independent chair.
The ICRC's proposals for an agenda for the prison forum were developed over a number of months and were presented in November. The proposed agenda was not accepted.
Republican prisoners have blamed the prison authorities, saying that the authorities had refused to accept “minimalist” proposals put forward by the independent chair.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service has said that it remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the stocktake report but only in “an environment where staff are free from threat and intimidation.”
The issue of threats to prison staff was raised with me when I discussed the situation in Maghaberry, including the state of play regarding the prison forum and other issues arising from the stocktake report, with Minister Ford on 11 December.
Members of the Independent Assessment Team remain engaged in the prison. My officials are in regular contact with members of the Independent Assessment Team and with the chair of the prison forum.
39. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of discussions with relevant authorities in relation to ongoing prisoner issues in Maghaberry Prison; if he is confident that all is being done to ensure a conflict-free environment in the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45029/15]
View answerThis is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 19.
I met last Friday with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA. Among the issues we discussed was the situation in Maghaberry prison, including the regime for separated prisoners.
My last meeting with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers was on 17 November, as we concluded the negotiation of the 'Fresh Start' Agreement. We will meet again before the end of the month, when I will again raise the situation in Maghaberry with her.
At our recent meeting, Minister Ford updated me on progress in implementing the recommendations of the recent report by Criminal Justice Inspector, Brendan McGuigan, into conditions in the prison. The Criminal Justice Inspector will return to Maghaberry in January to monitor progress. I expressed my concerns at the deficiencies identified in the prison, which affect the entire prison population and, also, prison staff, and not just those in the separated regime.
Minister Ford and I also discussed follow-up on the recommendations of the Independent Assessment Team report on the conditions in the prison's separated wing. Minister Ford noted that while there had been some progress, full implementation had been affected by trust issues arising, in part, from the sense of threat to staff. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has said that it remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the stocktake report but only in “an environment where staff are free from threat and intimidation”.
Among the challenges we discussed were the obstacles to the operation of the Prison Forum, which since July 2015 has been chaired by a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A functioning forum would make an important contribution to reducing tensions in Maghaberry.
My officials maintain regular contact with the Chair of the Prison Forum and also with the members of the Independent Assessment Team. Regrettably, due to the intensity of the political talks in Belfast, I had to postpone a meeting with the Chair scheduled for 29 October, who instead briefed my officials.
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Government's plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45309/15]
View answerThe Government works consistently to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I continue to consider carefully whether the recognition by Ireland now of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The motions passed in the Seanad on 22 October and the Dáil on 10 December are very important factors in that consideration. Other factors are its symbolic importance for the Palestinian people, its likely impact on the prospects for advancing the peace process, and its effect on Ireland's ability to exercise influence on developments. Ultimately this is a matter for assessment and decision by the Government.
I have made clear that I will recommend early recognition by Ireland if I conclude that it can be helpful.
41. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, in relation to British military action in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44827/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Deputy Micheál Martin earlier this week concerning these issues.
I discussed the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in Syria to the peoples and States of the Middle East region and the European Union and the need for coordinated international action with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in London on 23 November.
Ireland fully supports the removal of the threat to international peace and security posed by the Da'esh group, consistent with international law. The recent attacks in Paris, Tunisia, Lebanon and elsewhere, including those in which Irish citizens have been murdered and wounded, show that Da'esh's terrorist crimes are an international and indiscriminate phenomenon which does not respect borders or nationality.
The threat posed by international terrorism requires a coordinated response from the international community. An effective response also requires a comprehensive approach which addresses root causes and contributory factors, promotes a counter-narrative, prevents radicalisation, deters and disrupts terrorist travel, addresses terrorist financing and brings perpetrators to justice.
Ireland, in common with all other UN Member States has a duty to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and we have taken steps to do so. These Resolutions include UNSCR 2161 on freezing the funds and other assets of terrorist groupings and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State in order to perpetrate, plan or participate in terrorist acts or training.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Da'esh.
It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by DA'ESH and other UN-designated terrorist groups. Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to “take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Da'esh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Da'esh as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria".
42. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the projected number and percentage of income earners who will be below the pay-related social insurance exemption threshold in 2016. [46046/15]
View answerBased on macro-economic indicators for 2016 the number of employees who will be below the €38 Pay Related Social Insurance (Class A) threshold is 9,750. This represents under 0.5% of the projected total Class A contributors for the year.
43. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for a decision on appeal for social protection payments paid on a weekly basis, in cases where there is no oral hearing and in cases where there is an oral hearing, in 2015, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45666/15]
View answer56. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for a decision on appeal for all social protection payments paid on a weekly basis, where there is no oral hearing and where there is an oral hearing, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter [45933/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 56 together.
The average appeal processing times for 2014 and to date in 2015 broken down by all social welfare scheme types are outlined in the following tables.
Appeal processing times generally peaked in 2011 when the overall average time for an oral hearing was 52.5 weeks and 25.1 weeks for a summary decision. In 2014 average appeal processing times for an oral hearing had almost halved to 28.6 weeks and the average time taken to process appeals involving summary decisions had also significantly reduced to 21.1 weeks. This downward trend in overall appeal processing times has continued to date in 2015 to 25.7 weeks for an oral hearing and 18.2 weeks for a summary decision.
The reduction in processing times reflects the significant resources which have been invested in the Social Welfare Appeals Office over the last number of years.
In addition the Department has undertaken a process of reform in many of its scheme areas aimed at reducing the time taken to respond to requests for submissions in relation to appeals. Appeal processing times are kept under continual review in the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In addition to the improvement in processing times, these measures have also led to a significant reduction in the number of appeals on hand from 20,414 at 1 January 2013 to 9,057 at 14 December 2015.
Appeal processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation. They include all activities during this period including time spent awaiting any clarification from the appellant, time in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. The system is flexible and accessible and allows multiple reviews and submissions of fresh evidence at all stages. For logistical reasons the process takes longer when an oral hearing is required.
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.
Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01-2014-31/12/2014
|
Average processing times (weeks) - Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) - Oral Hearings |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
17.1 |
- |
|
Blind Pension |
20.5 |
24.9 |
|
Carers Allowance |
30.1 |
34.4 |
|
Carers Benefit |
22.9 |
23.1 |
|
Child Benefit |
23.8 |
32.9 |
|
Disability Allowance |
20.8 |
26.7 |
|
Illness Benefit |
29.5 |
34.8 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
22.6 |
29.1 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
- |
64.7 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
- |
41.8 |
|
Farm Assist |
23.2 |
28.3 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
25.6 |
31.9 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
26.0 |
32.6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
25.9 |
31.2 |
|
Liable Relatives |
21.5 |
33.2 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
24.4 |
33.5 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
22.4 |
44.7 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
48.5 |
48.5 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
25.2 |
41.9 |
|
State Pension (Non-Cont) |
20.3 |
29.4 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
27.0 |
35.1 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
33.6 |
33.7 |
|
Disablement Pension |
23.6 |
30.6 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical) |
- |
53.9 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
21.5 |
59.6 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
25.9 |
24.9 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-con) |
19.7 |
30.3 |
|
Pre Retirement Allowance |
17.3 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
18.1 |
27.5 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
16.2 |
21.1 |
|
JA/JB Fraud Control |
12.1 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
16.7 |
21.1 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
20.8 |
- |
|
Respite Care Grant |
24.9 |
27.1 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
45.0 |
62.3 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
14.4 |
22.1 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
20.2 |
32.5 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-Con) |
24.7 |
24.6 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
22.2 |
- |
|
All Appeals |
21.1 |
28.6 |
Appeals processing time by scheme 01/01/2015-30/11/2015
|
Average processing times (weeks) - Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) - Oral Hearings |
|
|
Blind Pension |
21.1 |
35.2 |
|
Carers Allowance |
20.7 |
26.3 |
|
Carers Benefit |
19.8 |
22.2 |
|
Child Benefit |
24.8 |
35.1 |
|
Disability Allowance |
15.9 |
21.6 |
|
Illness Benefit |
26.3 |
33.0 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
27.0 |
43.4 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
21.5 |
28.4 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
19.7 |
24.7 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
- |
16.2 |
|
Farm Assist |
21.2 |
29.2 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
65.7 |
26.0 |
|
Death Benefit (Pension) |
- |
22.6 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
20.3 |
27.4 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
26.3 |
28.8 |
|
Liable Relatives |
22.8 |
31.2 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
22.6 |
17.5 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
23.3 |
34.5 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
26.0 |
48.2 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
20.8 |
30.6 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
80.1 |
53.4 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
20.0 |
38.8 |
|
Disablement Pension |
24.0 |
34.7 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
37.7 |
51.5 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
18.7 |
27.5 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
18.7 |
31.0 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
16.1 |
26.1 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
15.4 |
21.5 |
|
JA/JB Fraud Control |
- |
46.1 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
14.1 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
10.7 |
21.3 |
|
Recoverable Benefits and Assistance |
17.4 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
14.5 |
21.5 |
|
Pre Retirement Allowance |
15.0 |
- |
|
Treatment Benefit |
17.9 |
- |
|
Respite Care Grant |
21.2 |
24.8 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
44.8 |
69.0 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
13.0 |
24.2 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
26.3 |
25.9 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
23.7 |
38.3 |
|
Widows Parent Grant |
20.4 |
34.0 |
|
All Appeals |
18.2 |
25.7 |
44. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons classified as not in education, training or employment; the percentage of youth unemployment; the way this number compares with the European Union area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45667/15]
View answer57. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons categorised as not in education, training or employment; the percentage of youth unemployment; the way this number compares with the European Union area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45934/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 57 together.
Trends in the data on young persons not in education, training or employment indicate that there was a significant worsening in labour market conditions for young people between 2007 and 2010, and that there has subsequently been a substantial improvement that began in 2012. The post-2012 period has seen improvement both in absolute terms and relative to the EU average. Early indications are that this improvement – both absolute and relative to the EU – is continuing in 2015 and will continue in 2016.
The data requested, as published by EUROSTAT, are set out in tabular form for recent years for Ireland and for the EU overall. In all cases, the data are expressed as a percentage of the population aged 15-24, and are averages of the four quarters in the relevant year.
|
All young persons not in education, training or employment (NEET) |
Of whom |
|||||||
|
Unemployed |
Others who would like to work (seeking employment or not) |
All who would like to work |
||||||
|
EU 28 |
IRL |
EU 28 |
IRL |
EU 28 |
IRL |
EU 28 |
IRL |
|
|
Percentage of Population aged 15-24 in years |
||||||||
|
2007 |
10.9 |
10.8 |
4.9 |
4.3 |
2.6 |
1.2 |
7.5 |
5.5 |
|
2008 |
10.9 |
15.0 |
5.0 |
6.7 |
2.4 |
1.4 |
7.4 |
8.1 |
|
2009 |
12.4 |
18.6 |
6.3 |
9.7 |
2.6 |
2.1 |
8.9 |
11.8 |
|
2010 |
12.8 |
19.2 |
6.5 |
10.1 |
2.7 |
2.2 |
9.2 |
12.3 |
|
2011 |
12.9 |
18.8 |
6.6 |
10.0 |
2.8 |
2.1 |
9.4 |
12.1 |
|
2012 |
13.2 |
18.7 |
6.9 |
10.1 |
2.8 |
2.1 |
9.7 |
12.2 |
|
2013 |
13.0 |
16.1 |
6.9 |
8.3 |
2.7 |
2.1 |
9.6 |
10.4 |
|
2014 |
12.5 |
15.2 |
6.4 |
7.1 |
2.7 |
1.7 |
9.1 |
8.8 |
The proportion of young people aged 15-24 who are NEET rose from just under 11% in 2007 (close to the then EU average) to over 19% in 2010 (some 6.4 percentage points above the EU average in that year. The proportion NEET has been falling since 2012, reaching 15.2% in 2014; this was 2.7 percentage points above the EU average for 2014.
The overall NEET figure includes some, but not all of the young unemployed (some of whom may be engaged in education or training). As shown in the table, the group who are both NEET and unemployed represented approximately 4% of the young adult population in 2007, 10% in 2010-2012, and 7% in 2014. This figure, again, rose from below the EU level in 2007 to well above the EU average in 2010, but had fallen back towards the EU average in 2014.
The NEET figure also includes a number of inactive groups (i.e. persons who are not seeking work) – primarily full-time students on short breaks from education, people with caring responsibilities, and people with disabilities. Some of these young people, while not currently seeking work, indicate that they would nevertheless like to work. As shown in the table, this group has averaged between 1.2% and 2.1% of the young adult population in recent years – generally somewhat below the EU average.
Taking together the unemployed and inactive people who would like to work, the share of the young adult population accounted for by people who are NEET and are either seeking or would like to work rose from 5.5% in 2007 (when the EU average was 7.5%) to 12.3% in 2010 (EU average 9.2%) and had fallen back to 8.8% in 2014 as compared with the EU average of 9.1% in that year.
The trend in the NEET data and in the data for the sub-groups identified in the table reflects the significant worsening in labour market conditions for young people between 2007 and 2010, and the subsequent improvement in the situation that began in 2012.
45. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has analysed the impact of the increase in the national minimum wage from January 2016 on income disregards pertaining to schemes and payments under the auspices of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45668/15]
View answerI am pleased that this Government will be increasing the National Minimum Wage for the second time from January 2016, up from €8.65 to €9.15 per hour.
I am also introducing the tapered PRSI Credit as part of Budget 2016, to address a significant issue with the manner in which charging PRSI impacts those on lower weekly earnings. This will also benefit many of those gaining from the increase in the minimum wage.
Currently Class A employees become liable to pay PRSI on all earnings, once weekly earnings exceed €352.01. This creates a “step effect” as net income reduces immediately by the full 4% PRSI charge applied to all earnings. This means that a €0.01 increase in weekly earnings of €352 attracts a weekly PRSI charge of €14.08. The introduction of the PRSI Credit will address the “step effect” by reducing the actual amount of PRSI charged, for those earning between €352.01 and €424 in a week. At weekly earnings of €352.01 the maximum PRSI Credit of €12 will reduce the PRSI charge payable from €14.08 to €2.08.
The Family Income Supplement (FIS) income thresholds will also increase by €5 for families with one child and €10 for families with two or more children thereby benefitting lower income households.
The income disregards for means tested schemes are being fully maintained for all schemes. In the case of Jobseeker's Transition, the income disregards for earnings from employment will increase from €60 to €90 and the taper will reduce from 60% to 50%.
46. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the name, position and annual salary awarded to her special advisers; the details of requests for increases above the special adviser pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45670/15]
View answerThere are four special advisers employed in the Department of Social Protection. The details sought by the Deputy in respect of these Special Advisers are show in the following table.
|
Name |
Position |
Annual Salary |
|
Edward Brophy |
Chief of Staff to the Tánaiste |
€144,550 |
|
Terry Quinn* |
Economic Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€114,424 |
|
Claire Power |
Special Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€79,401 |
|
Karen O Connell |
Special Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€78,670 |
* Secondment from the Central Bank on existing terms and conditions
With regard to salaries awarded above the maximum of the special adviser scale, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned a single salary point of €144,550 in respect of Mr. Edward Brophy effective from his appointment to his current role on 4 July 2014. The salary sanctioned is significantly lower than that which he was earning in the private sector before taking up his appointment in the Department.
47. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection why a school (details supplied) in County Donegal did not qualify for the full grant applied for under the school meal (local projects) scheme for 2015-2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45741/15]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,700 schools and organisations which benefits approximately 217,000 children at a total cost of €39 million. An additional €3 million was allocated to the programme as part of Budget 2016, bringing the total allocation to €42 million in 2016.
There are two schemes operated under the school meals programme. The first scheme is the urban school meals scheme which is operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects. There were over 1,390 schools, preschools and other groups participating in the school meals local projects scheme in the academic year 2014/2015.
The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated funding of €800 under the school meals local projects scheme in the 2014/15 academic year in respect of lunch for 12 pupils. The school applied for a significant increase in funding for the current academic year, 2015/16, requesting an allocation of €4,095 for 15 pupils. An increase of some 20% was provided in respect of the current academic year bringing the total allocation to €960 for 2015/16.
The Principal of the school has requested that the funding is re-examined and the matter is currently being reviewed by the Department. The Department will be in contact with the Principal directly regarding this matter.
48. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the appeal process under the school meal (local projects) scheme for 2015-2016. [45742/15]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,700 schools and organisations which benefits approximately 217,000 children at a total cost of €39 million. An additional €3 million was allocated to the programme as part of Budget 2016, bringing the total allocation to €42 million in 2016.
There are two schemes operated under the school meals programme. The first scheme is the urban school meals scheme which is operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects. There were over 1,390 schools, preschools and other groups participating in the school meals local projects scheme in the academic year 2014/2015.
The school meals (local projects) scheme is a non-statutory scheme and is not covered under social welfare legislation. It is one of a number of social welfare schemes which operates on an administrative basis. Administrative schemes are not appealable under social welfare legislation.
However, where a person is dissatisfied with a decision on school meals funding they can request to have it reviewed by another officer. This review will be carried out by an officer not involved in the original decision.
49. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has been informed of non-entitlement to the Christmas bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45743/15]
View answerThe Department has reviewed this matter. Any person who has been in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance and then transfers to jobseeker's allowance is entitled to the Christmas bonus payment if they have a combined duration of over 390 days in payment from the two schemes. Payment of the Christmas bonus has been authorised in respect of the person concerned.
50. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of political staff working in her Department, including the role and salary of each staff member. [45792/15]
View answerThere are 12 political staff working in my Department. Details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
Political Appointments in the Department of Social Protection
|
Name |
Position held |
Annual salary |
|
Edward Brophy * |
Chief of Staff to the Tánaiste |
€144,550 |
|
Terry Quinn ** |
Economic Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€114,424 |
|
Claire Power |
Special Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€79,401 |
|
Karen O Connell |
Special Advisor to the Tánaiste |
€78,670 |
|
Laura Bambrick |
Personal Assistant to the Tánaiste |
€49,794 |
|
Elaine Dooley |
Personal Secretary to the Tánaiste |
€38,945 |
|
Paul Deane |
Communications Executive |
€47,458 |
|
Colm Lawless |
Correspondence Co-ordinator |
€38,945 |
|
Mary O Reilly |
Personal Secretary to the Minister of State |
€49,405 |
|
Cathal McCann |
Personal Assistant to the Minister of State |
€52,411 |
|
Vincent Cahill |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State |
€32,964 |
|
Paul Neville |
Civilian Driver to the Minister of State |
€32,964 |
* The salary sanctioned is significantly lower than that which he was earning in the private sector before taking up his appointment in the Department.
** On secondment from the Central Bank
51. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure payment due to a person (details supplied) who is now deceased is paid to that person's spouse without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45795/15]
View answerAn application for illness benefit from the person concerned was made from 24 Nov 2015. From 6 January 2014 no illness benefit payment is made for the first 6 days of illness. This means that a person concerned would not have been entitled to illness benefit for the first 6 days of their claim. The person concerned passed away on 29 November 2015, illness benefit is therefore not payable for this claim.
There is no record in my department of an application for widower's contributory pension (WCP) having been received from the spouse of the person concerned. Therefore, I have arranged for an application form to issue to them. On receipt of the completed application, entitlement to WCP will be examined and the spouse of the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
52. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of Bills her Department has published since 9 March 2011; the number and Title of those Bills in respect of which a regulatory impact assessment was done in advance of publication; the regulatory impact assessments published; the number of promised Bills for publication; the Bills that will include a regulatory impact assessment; the regulatory impact assessments that will be published before publication of the relevant Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45814/15]
View answerI have published fourteen Bills since taking office, all of which have been enacted. Details of these Bills are set out in the following table.
Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIAs) are undertaken by the Department of Social Protection in accordance with the relevant guidelines published by the Department of the Taoiseach relating to significant legislative, policy and other changes.
A Regulatory Impact Analysis is not ordinarily undertaken on the package of tax, welfare and other measures announced in the annual Budget Day Statements. As most of the Social Welfare Bills which have been published since March 2011 have provided for the implementation of various budgetary measures, RIAs have not been considered necessary in relation to these measures. Social Welfare Bills also provide for a range of other miscellaneous and technical amendments to the social welfare code and these types of amendments are not considered amenable to the undertaking of an RIA.
Regulatory Impact Analyses have been undertaken in relation to significant non-budgetary matters reflected in certain Bills. Two such RIAs have been published since March 2011. One of these RIAs relates to amendments to the funding standard applying to defined benefit pension schemes, which were provided for in Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012. This RIA is available at http://www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/riapension.pdf.
The other RIA relates to the measures to provide for the transposition of certain aspects of Directive 2010/41/EU on the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity, in so far as they relate to ensuring that the spouse or civil partner of a self-employed worker can benefit from social protection in accordance with national law. The amendments necessary to transpose these provisions are contained in section 19 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014. This RIA is available at http://www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/RIADirective2010-41-EU.pdf.
In addition, Part 4 of the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 implemented the recommendations of the Critical Review of the Pensions Board. This review, which involved a public consultation process, was carried out under the Public Service Reform plan. This review is available at http://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/pdf/Report-of-the-Critical-Review-23-April-2013.pdf.
Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2013 provided for changes in the manner in which the resources of a defined benefit pension scheme are distributed on the wind up of a pension scheme. On the publication of this Bill, the Department of Social Protection also published a report by Mercer on the changes to occupational pensions. This report undertook a detailed modelling exercise of different approaches to the changes to the order of priority given to the disbursement of assets when a defined benefit pension scheme winds up. This is available at http://www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/Mercer-Review-of-Pension-Scheme-Wind-Up-Priority.pdf.
In the period since March 2011 I have also published three Bills relating to civil registration matters which were subsequently enacted. The Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2012 provided for an extension of the list of bodies authorised to solemnise marriages. The Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 provided for various matters relating to the registration of life events in the State. The Gender Recognition Act 2015 provided for the formal legal recognition of a person's preferred gender. These pieces of legislation were the subject of significant consultation and engagement and, therefore, RIAs were not considered necessary.
I do not intend to publish any further Bills before the Dáil is dissolved in early 2016.
Bills Initiated by Minister for Social Protection since March 2011
|
Title of Bill |
Status |
RIA Undertaken |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2011 |
Enacted on 29th June 2011 as the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare Bill 2011 |
Enacted on 19th December 2011 as the Social Welfare Act 2011 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012 |
Enacted on 1st May 2012 as the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012 |
RIA undertaken on Part 3 of Act |
|
Social Welfare Bill 2012 |
Enacted on 21st December 2012 as the Social Welfare Act 2012 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012 |
Enacted on 26th December 2012 as the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2012 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 |
Enacted on 28th June 2013 as the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2013 |
Enacted on 9th November 2013 as the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2013 |
Enacted on 25th December 2013 as the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2013 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2014 |
Enacted on 17th July 2014 as the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2014 |
RIA undertaken on section 19 of Bill |
|
Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014 |
Enacted on 4th December 2014 as the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2014 |
Enacted on 25th December 2014 as the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2014 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 |
Enacted on 6th May 2015 as the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Gender Recognition Bill 2014 |
Enacted on 22nd of July 2015 as the Gender Recognition Act 2015 |
Not considered necessary |
|
Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015 |
Enacted on 16th December 2015 as the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2015 |
Not considered necessary |
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason payment of a United Kingdom widow's pension for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin ceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45844/15]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of the maximum rate of Irish widow's contributory pension, for a person aged under 66, from the Department. Additionally, the person concerned receives a weekly payment under the national fuel scheme.
If the person concerned has an enquiry about their UK pension, it should be directed to the authority with responsibility for United Kingdom pensions which is the Department of Work and Pensions, Overseas Benefits Directorate, Tyne View Park, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle-on-Tyne NE98 IBA, United Kingdom (Telephone 0044 191 217 7777).
54. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase current funding levels awarded to service providers under the community services programme as a result of the increases to the minimum wage, which is to come into effect from 1 January 2016; if she is aware of the need for additional funding to be made available under the programme in order for service providers to cover the cost of this increase in staff wages; if a failure to increase funding in line with increased staff payments will place additional financial pressures on already struggling service providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45898/15]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection supports service provision through a number of programmes and schemes. The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports community companies that operate on a community business or social enterprise model. Companies supported by the CSP generate and use income from the services they provide to pay staff, meet overhead costs and to contribute to future development. The CSP provides a contribution to the wage cost on the basis that the services are not fully self-financing or the cost of provision would be prohibitive on users.
Currently, there are 398 active contracts in place with community companies at a cost of €42 million per annum. The Programme directly supports 2,110 full-time positions. Of these positions, a financial contribution of €32,000 per annum is made to support the employment of managers, of which there are 312 currently. Funds are also provided as a contribution to the cost of employing people in some 1,800 full-time equivalent positions. The Department estimates that some 2,800 people are employed across these companies with direct CSP support. Another 1,100 people are employed in these companies without public funding support. Additionally, the companies provide some 1,500 work placements through CE, the Rural Social Scheme and Tús. These companies are valuable to the social fabric of the country and provide very good quality services, particularly in poorer urban areas and rural villages where services are not widely available.
Since the CSP became operational in 2006, it has helped companies to move from a situation where the minimum wage was paid to a position today where 60% of employees are paid above this level. The Department is committed to working with the remaining companies to work towards paying a reasonable wage. The resurgent economy will support this move. A core requirement of the Programme is that service providers generate non-public revenues from their operations by the sale of goods, charging fees for services delivered or fundraising.
Companies in contract with CSP must be not-for-profit, social enterprise or community business in nature. This does not mean that they should not aspire to make reasonable returns from their activities that allow for a good wage to be paid. The CSP operates very clearly on the basis that it provides a “contribution only” to offset the wage costs of service provision. However, it is entirely a matter for each service provider to set their own wage levels.
The Deputies should note that some 45% of non-management staff are paid the minimum wage in companies in contract to the CSP, contrary to the requirements of the programme to pay the local pay rate. Ten percent were paid above the proposed living wage of €11.50 per hour and the remaining 45% are paid between these ranges. The development of the Programme and the companies in recent years has ensured that the majority of companies do not continue to operate with a low pay model.
The Department is working with Pobal to put in place arrangements that will allow companies to apply in a structured manner to access short-term financial support, if that is needed to deal with the issues identified. The arrangements which are being prepared will be notified to companies early in the New Year.
55. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost of the dental treatment benefit scheme and the number of persons who will benefit in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45932/15]
View answerThe dental benefit scheme has been availed of by 312,659 people during 2015. The total amount paid out on the scheme in 2015 to date has been €10.3 million.
