Written Answers Nos. 21 - 39
21. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive notice of the outcome of an appeal under the invalidity pension scheme. [7299/16]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 21 March 2016, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral 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.
22. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused a carer's allowance; if this claim was appealed to the independent appeals office; if so, the outcome of this appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7304/16]
View answerFirstly, I would like to convey my sympathy and that of the Department to the person concerned for their bereavement.
The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on the grounds that he failed to co-operate with a social welfare inspector (SWI) and, as a consequence, the SWI was not able to complete his report nor to establish means. The person concerned was notified on 4 November 2014 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned appealed this decision and the case was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals office for determination. An Appeals Officer (AO), having fully considered all of the available evidence, disallowed the appeal.
The person concerned was notified on the 25 September 2015 of the AO’s decision and was provided at that time with an explanation of the basis for this decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an AO is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.
23. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an application under the carer's allowance scheme and the household package scheme will be approved for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [7310/16]
View answerThe person concerned was notified on 8 March 2016 that his application for a TV Licence had been approved with effect from the expiry date of his current licence.
The application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned was awarded on 8 April 2016 and the first payment issued to the person’s nominated post office on 14 April 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 26 November 2015 were issued by cheque on 12 April 2016. The person concerned was notified of these details on 8 April 2016.
An application for an Electricity Allowance (EA) was received in this office on 4 April 2016 from the person concerned and their entitlement to it is currently being examined. When a decision has been made the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay.
24. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite and approve an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the carer's allowance scheme made in November 2015. [7317/16]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 4 December 2015. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 9 April 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
25. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if payment under the disability allowance scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be made to the person's parent; and if the application will be expedited. [7320/16]
View answerThere is already an agency arrangement in existence in relation to the person in question. There is a procedure to be followed in order to vary this arrangement. In the first instance, the person applying to be the new agent must complete and return the form that the Department has issued to her. There is also a section which must be completed and signed by the treating physician of the person in question. On receipt of this completed form, the Department will examine it and make any further enquiries necessary in order to make a decision regarding approval of an agent. Once the decision is made, all relevant parties will be notified.
26. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Meath under the invalidity pension scheme; and when the person can expect a decision on the case. [7330/16]
View answerThe person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 26 November 2015. Payment will issue to his nominated post office on the 21 April 2016. Any arrears due from 26 November 2015 to 20 April 2016 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on 11 April 2016.
27. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the waiting time for applications for carer's allowance to be decided upon; the number of applications currently awaiting a decision by a deciding officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7332/16]
View answerThe Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
The average waiting time for carer's allowance (CA) applications at the end of March is 19 weeks. At the end of March there were 5,851 CA applications awaiting decision. The current average time to process a CA application is mainly as a consequence of continued strong claim intake. However, delays in processing are frequently caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.
The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for CA in light of the current waiting times, including the assignment of temporary and full-time staff and the facility to assign overtime working where appropriate.
These measures will, over time, lead to a reduction in the average waiting time. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
28. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to employ additional staff to deal with the lengthy delays in assessing carer's allowance application forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7333/16]
View answerMy Department, like all Government Departments and agencies, is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which for this Department involved a significant reduction in staff numbers for 2015 and a further reduction for 2016.
Within these constraints, the Department is focusing on prioritising the filling of critical posts. The staffing needs for all areas within the Department, including the Carer's Allowance area, are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new Carer's Allowance application is running at nineteen weeks. Additional resources have recently been provided to the section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications.
29. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision under the carer's allowance scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7338/16]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 27 January 2016. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new application is running at19 weeks. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.
This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, both the person concerned and his spouse are in receipt of a weekly social welfare support.
30. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if bank charges for community employment schemes are to be paid for by her Department or by the sub-schemes involved. [7345/16]
View answerThe Department provides funding to Community Employment (CE) scheme sponsors with which it has a contract under four sub-headings - participant allowances, supervision, training/development, and materials.
All consumable services and materials necessary for the effective operation of the project will normally be considered for approval, including such items as employers and public liability insurances, tools, stationery, audit fees, bank charges (excluding bank interest), postage, protective clothing, hire of equipment, etc.
31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be increased in line with market trends in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7353/16]
View answerThe Department has not, to date, received an application for Rent Supplement from the client concerned. The client should forward an application to be assessed for entitlement to the Mid-Leinster Rent Unit, PO Box 11758, Dublin 24.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance will be reinstated as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose one-parent family payment has been restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7366/16]
View answerThe client concerned was requested to provide verification of her current income from employment on 12/4/16. This documentation has not, to date, been received by the Department. On receipt of same, the client's entitlement can be re-assessed and claim re-instated accordingly.
33. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the progress of a family income supplement appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7379/16]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the file was recalled from the Department of Social Protection. On receipt of the file, the case will be referred back to the Appeals Officer to review and the person concerned will be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised.
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.
34. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application under the carer's allowance scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7394/16]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 25 January 2016. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new application is running at 19 weeks. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.
This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, both the person concerned and his spouse are in receipt of a weekly social welfare support.
35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application under the carer's allowance scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be processed; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7406/16]
View answerThe person concerned has been in receipt of a carer's allowance (CA) since 14/10/2014.
When an applicant is getting CA, they are entitled to an increase for a qualified child (IQC) up to 22 years of age, if the child is in full-time day education and not in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own right.
As the 18 year old child of the person concerned is in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own right, they cannot be considered to be a qualified child on their parent’s CA.
36. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin under the invalidity pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7409/16]
View answerThe person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 31 March 2016. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 28 April 2016. Any arrears due from 31 March 2016 to 27 April 2016 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on 18 April 2016.
37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare appears to not qualify for participation in the part-time incentive scheme; if their eligibility can be reviewed with a view to them taking part; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7422/16]
View answerThe person concerned made an application in March 2016 for Part Time Job Initiative (PTJI). One of the qualifying conditions of this scheme is that the person making the application must be in receipt of a jobseekers payment that exceeds the rate of payment of the PTJI scheme. The PTJI rate payable is €119.00 and the jobseekers rate the person concerned qualifies for is €100. Subsequently the application for Part Time Job Initiative was disallowed on the 31st March, 2016
38. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was refused entry to a Level 5 certificate in health care support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7464/16]
View answerThe aim of the Healthcare Support Program is to enable the learner to develop the knowledge, skill and competencies to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the provision of effective and appropriate healthcare supports to clients in a variety of settings. On successful completion of the programme, learners may progress to further education and training or to employment.
Potential participants must satisfy a number of qualifying criteria including having reached a minimum of a FETAC Level 4 Major Award or its equivalent. The person concerned has not reached the FETAC level of qualification required. The Case Officer in the Department’s INTREO office in Letterkenny discussed a number of possible training options with the person concerned. These options would enable her to achieve a FETAC level that would subsequently enable her to participate in the Healthcare Support Programme. However the person concerned did not wish to avail of these opportunities.
39. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the regional breakdown of all members appointed by the Government or her to State boards, agencies and bodies in 2015 and to date in 2016 broken down by agency and by regions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7484/16]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council, the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a Board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
Details relating to appointments to State Boards, as requested by the Deputy, are outlined in the following tables.
Citizens Information Board
|
Year |
Dublin |
Rest of Leinster |
Munster |
Connacht |
Ulster (9 counties) |
|
2015 |
4 |
Nil |
Nil |
2 |
Nil |
|
2016 (to date) |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Pensions Authority
|
Year |
Dublin |
Rest of Leinster |
Munster |
Connacht |
Ulster (9 counties) |
|
2015 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2016 (to date) |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Pensions Council
|
Year |
Dublin |
Rest of Leinster |
Munster |
Connacht |
Ulster (9 counties) |
|
2015 |
12 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2016 (to date) |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Social Welfare Tribunal
|
Year |
Dublin |
Rest of Leinster |
Munster |
Connacht |
Ulster (9 counties) |
|
2015 |
5 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2016 (to date) |
0 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
