Written Answers Nos. 272-294
272. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39388/16]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance from this man on 12 October 2016. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
273. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will prioritise the case of a person (details supplied) in order that they will receive payment in time for Christmas. [39393/16]
View answerThis lady has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 13 April 2016. The first payment will be made by her chosen payment method on 4 January 2017.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
274. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39397/16]
View answerI confirm my department received a request for a review from this man on 13 February 2016 regarding his Disability Allowance (DA) application. In order to determine the circumstances of the person concerned, his file was forwarded to his local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI). The SWI will arrange to meet with the person in question as soon as possible.
A decision on his entitlement to DA will be made on receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector’s report. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
275. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review a family income supplement payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39407/16]
View answerThe person concerned was awarded Family Income Supplement (FIS) from 11 February 2016 to 8 February 2017.
The rules governing the payment of FIS state that once granted, it is payable at the same rate for a 52 week period as long as the underlying employment conditions are satisfied regardless of a change in circumstances.
There are only two exceptions to this rule which are set out in legislation. The exceptions are:
(i) Where there is an additional qualified child through birth/fostering/adoption
(ii) Where One Parent Family (OFP) ceases due to the youngest child reaching the age threshold for that scheme.
As the change in circumstances in this case is not one of the specified changes that may trigger a review of FIS rate, FIS will remain in payment to her at the present rate until her renewal date in February 2017, provided the underlying employment conditions remain satisfied. She then may apply for a renewal of FIS based upon her circumstances at that time.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
276. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39427/16]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance from this man on 11 October 2016. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
277. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on concerns by the IFA regarding changes made to the rural social scheme in budget 2017, including the three-year time limit and the minimum age set at 25 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39428/16]
View answerThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for farmers and fishermen and women who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. While communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen, participants also have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. Since it was introduced in 2004, community groups have benefited from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer. It has also played an important role in sustaining rural communities.
As part of the social welfare budget package for 2017, I announced an increase of €5 a week in the personal rate of payment for RSS participants from March 2017. I also announced an additional 500 places on the scheme to be rolled out in 2017 which will increase the overall number to 3,100. My Department intends allocating these places as early as possible in 2017, taking into account a number of factors. These include the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available and the numbers of farmers and fishermen and women in receipt of income support. In allocating the additional places, the Government recognises the valuable contribution the RSS is making to the provision of services to communities across Ireland.
Eligibility for participation on the scheme will continue to be limited to those in receipt of certain specified social welfare payments and all participants must be also actively engaged in farming or fishing. In future, all new entrants to the RSS will have to be over 25 years of age. I believe this is appropriate as it will give younger people an opportunity to explore other training or education options before entering a long-term work programme.
In addition, a 6 year overall participation limit will be introduced on the scheme. This will ensure that there will be a throughput of places available. In this context, the Deputy should note that almost 50% of the current participants have been on the RSS for over 10 years so opportunities for new people to go on the scheme are limited. It should also be remembered that income support will still be available to eligible farmers and fishermen in the form of Farm or Fish Assist.
Existing RSS participants will remain on the scheme as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions of the scheme. The new conditions outlined above will only apply to new RSS entrants.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
278. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39429/16]
View answerThe application for disability allowance, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and this lady was notified in writing of this decision on 11 July 2016.
The person in question requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional evidence for consideration. The review has now been concluded by a DO but the outcome is that the decision to refuse on medical grounds has been confirmed. The person in question is being notified directly of the outcome of this review. They will also be advised of their right to appeal this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
279. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39433/16]
View answerThe gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 13 October 2016. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 05 January 2017. Any arrears due from 13 October 2016 to 04 January 2017 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. He was notified of this decision on the 08 December 2016.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
280. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for a jobseeker's allowance will be prioritised for a person (detail supplied); and if a decision will issue before Christmas 2016. [39445/16]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 22 November 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
281. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a review of a carer's allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/16]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 2 June 2016 in respect of two care recipients. 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 in respect of both of the care recipients concerned. The person concerned was notified on 29 September 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
Subsequently, the person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application in respect of both care recipients. The review now has been completed and the outcome is that CA is awarded to the person concerned in respect of one of the care recipients but, in the case of the second care recipient, the original decision to disallow has been confirmed. The person concerned has been notified of these decisions and of her right of appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office.
Do not hesitate to contact for further assistance.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
282. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39447/16]
View answerThis man is currently being reviewed for continued eligibility for disability allowance (DA). I confirm receipt of his medical diagnostic report and this report is being considered by a deciding officer. In the meantime, the person in question will continue to receive payment of DA. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 283 withdrawn.
284. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the medical circumstances of the person. [39452/16]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received in respect of this child on the 10th November 2016. The application will be consider by a Deciding Officer and the decision notified to the applicant as soon as possible. Applications are processed in date of receipt order and it can currently take up to 14 weeks from date of receipt to process an application for DCA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
285. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the total photography costs for his Department per annum since March 2011 inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39476/16]
View answerSince taking office as Minister for Social Protection there has only been two occasions organised by the Department whereby photography services were used at an event that I attended as Minister.
Photography services are used on occasion, in conjunction with some press releases and conferences, to communicate the Department’s initiatives, schemes and services to customers and to the regional and national media. I do not use my ministerial allowance for this purpose. The costs for photography for 2011 to 2016 are as follows:
|
Date of Invoice |
Company |
Event |
Cost € |
|
29/07/2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of JobBridge |
1,035.16 |
|
07/11/2011 |
Ark Photography |
Mortgage Arrears Seminar |
254.10 |
|
09/11/2011 |
Ark Photography |
Social Inclusion Forum |
254.10 |
|
21/11/2011 |
Ark Photography |
2 Social Inclusion Projects |
326.70 |
|
|
2011 Total |
1,870.06 |
|
Date of Invoice |
Company |
Event |
Cost € |
|
13/02/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of "Partial Capacity" and "EmployAbility" |
338.25 |
|
23/02/2012 |
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of Pathways to Work |
536.28 |
|
27/04/2012 |
Lensmen Photography Agency |
Opening of Community Campus in Phibblestown |
280.44 |
|
06/09/2012 |
Ark Photography |
Launch of Mortgage Information Helpline |
258.30 |
|
13/09/2012 |
Ark Photography |
Launch of Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs |
184.50 |
|
17/09/2012 |
Ark Photography |
Presentation of Report of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund |
184.50 |
|
15/10/2012 |
Joe Travers |
Launch of Intreo, Sligo |
300.00 |
|
19/10/2012 |
Picsure Ltd - Kieran Clancy |
Intreo roadshow in Limerick |
233.70 |
|
26/10/2012 |
Joe Travers |
Employer roadshow in Galway |
125.00 |
|
01/11/2012 |
Tony O'Connell Photography |
Employer roadshow in Cork |
227.00 |
|
16/11/2012 |
Ark Photography |
Employer Roadshow in Dublin |
258.30 |
|
|
2012 Total |
2,926.27 |
|
Date of Invoice |
Company |
Event |
Cost € |
|
22/03/13 |
Lensmen Photographic Agency |
Launch of Intreo in Tallaght by Minister Burton on 22/03/13 |
323.48 |
|
16/04/13 |
MacMonagle Photography |
Launch of JobBridge Arts in Killarney |
338.25 |
|
19/04/13 |
Lensmen Photographic Agency |
Launch of Intreo in Blanchardstown on 19/04/13 |
851.25 |
|
01/05/13 |
Lensmen Photographic Agency |
Publication of Indecon Report on JobBridge on 01/05/13 |
589.79 |
|
23/07/13 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Launch of Pathways to Work 2013 on 18/07/13 |
482.16 |
|
30/09/13 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Labour Market Advisory Council Meeting on 25/09/13 |
424.35 |
|
22/11/13 |
Joe Travers |
Launch of Intreo in Loughrea by Minister Burton and An Taoiseach on 22/11/13 |
225.00 |
|
|
2013 Total |
3,234.28 |
|
|
15/01/14 |
Ark Photography |
Launch of Benefit of Work ready reckoner and official opening of Ballyfermot Intreo Office |
322.88 |
|
20/01/14 |
Kieran Clancy |
Official Opening of Limerick Intreo Office |
221.40 |
|
21/02/14 |
Joe Travers |
Official Opening of Castlebar Intreo Office and Castlebar Employer Briefing |
300.00 |
|
03/06/14 |
Ark Photography |
Launch of Interim Report of Labour Market Council |
258.30 |
|
10/10/14 |
Ark Photography |
Launch of Pathways to Work 2015 |
387.45 |
|
|
2014 Total |
1,490.03 |
|
Date of Invoice |
Company |
Event |
Cost € |
|
29/12/14 |
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Official Launch of secondment of 20 Gardai to SIU |
378.84 |
|
30/04/15 |
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Photography: Meeting of Tánaiste with French PM Manuel Valls |
246.32 |
|
30/09/15 |
Maxwell Photography Limited |
Photography: Launch of Jobs Week 2015 |
413.28 |
|
11/11/15 |
Joe Travers |
Photography: Official Opening of Intreo Centre Galway |
175.00 |
|
|
2015 Total |
1,213.44 |
|
|
02/11/15 |
Robbie Reynolds Photography Ltd |
Official Opening of Clondalkin Intreo Centre |
553.50 |
|
22/01/16 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Launch of Pathways to Work 2016-2020 |
645.75 |
|
29/11/16 |
Photocall Ireland |
Official opening of Elizabeth O'Farrell House |
92.25 |
|
06/09/16 |
Jason Clarke Photography |
Intreo Careers Fair in Dublin Castle |
492.00 |
|
22/11/16 |
Fennel Photography |
DSP/National College of Ireland education initiative. |
504.00 |
|
|
2016 Total |
2,287.50 |
286. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum, in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [39492/16]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
Reports commissioned by Department of Social Protection since March 2011 (PQ 39492/16)
|
Report |
Name of Consultants |
Commissioned |
Publication Date |
Cost € |
|
2011 |
||||
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office – Research on Insurability Issues & Access to Legal Resources |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
2011 |
2011 |
€7,744 |
|
Report on electronic access to GRO Records for genealogy research |
John Grenham |
Apr-2011 |
Internal Management Report |
€3,557 |
|
Investigation of odour/smells, Belmullet Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Apr-2011 |
Internal Management Report |
€1,699 |
|
Investigation of odour/smells, DSP Cobh |
Employment Health Advisors Ltd |
May-2011 |
Internal Management Report |
€2,023 |
|
Development & implementation of the National Employment & Entitlements Service |
Accenture |
June-2011 |
Aug-2011 |
€186,563 |
|
Report on Pension Charges in Ireland |
PWC |
Oct-2011 |
Oct-2012 |
€61,500 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
Nov-2011 |
Aug-2012 |
€1,500 |
|
2012 |
||||
|
FÁS IS Applications Systems Review |
Accenture |
Jan-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€44,772 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Deprivation 2012: 1.Work & Poverty in Ireland: An Analysis of CSO Survey on Income & Living Conditions 2004-2010 (2012 annual report) 2. Technical Paper on Poverty Indicators – [Appendix C of Report of the Review of the National Poverty Target] 3. Implications of Income Pooling & Household Decision-Making for Poverty & Deprivation (2012 technical paper) |
ESRI |
Jan-2012 |
1. Dec-2012 2. Oct-2012 3. Oct- 2013 |
€81,230 |
|
Review of Irish Pensions Policy |
OECD |
Jan-2012 |
Apr-2013 |
€130,000 |
|
Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund |
KPMG |
Feb-2012 |
Jun-2012 |
€153,750 |
|
Evaluation of JobBridge (National Internship Scheme) |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Apr-2012 |
Apr-2013 |
€59,555 |
|
Developing system architecture for the National Employment & Entitlements Service |
Compass Point |
June-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€4,600 |
|
Risk assessments regarding reception areas [Arklow, Tallaght, & Kings Inn, Dublin Local Offices] |
Nifast |
June-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€1,845 |
|
Air Quality Investigation, Ballymun Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Aug-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€3,644 |
|
Air Quality Investigation, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada |
Wright Environmental Services |
Aug-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€3,383 |
|
Report on Pension Priority Order |
Mercer |
Sep-2012 |
Feb-2013 |
€18,450 |
|
Contracted Employment Service Model |
Centre for Economic & Social Inclusion |
Nov-2012 |
Internal Management Report |
€140,989 |
|
2013 |
||||
|
Mobile ApplicationsOpportunity Exploration |
Accenture |
Feb-2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€33,388 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
Mar-2013 |
Sep-2013 |
€1,500 |
|
Health & Safety Review of DSP premises, Upper Gardiner St, Dublin 1 |
CPL Training Ltd, trading as Nifast Health & Safety Training |
Apr-2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€1,100 |
|
Diet Supplement Diet Costings Update |
Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute |
Apr-2013 |
Sep-2013 |
€4,000 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion (AMPSE) 2013 programme: 1. Social Transfers & Poverty in Boom & Recession (for 2013 annual report) 2. Indicators of Economic Strain in the Great Recession (for 2013 technical paper) |
ESRI
|
June-2013 |
1. Dec-2013 2. Apr-2014 |
€67,979 |
|
Auto Enrolment & Applicability to Ireland (Pensions) |
TOR Financial Consulting Ltd. |
Mid-2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€9,900 |
|
A Review of In-work Supports for the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
July-2013 |
€10,000 |
|
|
Delivery of Administrative Profiling Models to Identify those at Risk of Labour Market Disadvantage |
ESRI |
July-2013 |
June-2014 |
€33,745 |
|
Report on Organisation Development |
Axiom Consultants |
Sept- 2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€122,692 |
|
Advisory report on implementation of European Youth Guarantee in Irish circumstances |
Organisation for Economic co-operation & Development (OECD) |
Sept- 2013 |
Jan-2014 |
€50,000 |
|
Evaluation of the Youth Guarantee Pilot |
Franklin Research Ltd |
Oct- 2013 |
Jan 2015 |
€20,000* |
|
Evaluation Research (Back to Education Allowance) |
ESRI |
Nov-2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€24,809 |
|
Survey Air quality in Nutgrove Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Nov-2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€2,900 |
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office – Research into Revising Decisions |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
Dec -2013 |
Internal Management Report |
€2,400 |
|
2014 |
||||
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
Mar-2014 |
Dec-2014 |
€1,650 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion 2014 programme: 1. Transitions into and out of household joblessness using CSO SILC data 2. Measuring Irish joblessness: The SILC and LFS data sources |
ESRI |
Q1-2014 |
1. Sept-2015 2. May-2015 |
€80,000 |
|
Security Partner Services - IT Forensics |
Deloitte |
Mar-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€2,398 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Apr-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€2,340 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Apr-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€4,201 |
|
Identification & containment of malicious software |
Deloitte |
Apr-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€15,699 |
|
Assessment for Application Lifecycle Management |
Microsoft Ireland |
May-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€22,586 |
|
Ex-ante Evaluation to support the preparation of the Operational Programme for the European Fund for the Most Deprived 2014-2020 |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
July-2014 |
Internal report required by EU Regulation (EU) No 223/2014 |
€16,000 |
|
Microfilm Condition Report |
Martin Bradley, Archives and Records Management Consultant |
Nov -2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€1,691 |
|
Report on the effectiveness & efficiency of the guidance model used during Youth Guarantee Pilot |
NUI Maynooth |
Nov-2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€14,145* |
|
Survey Air quality in Waterford Intreo |
Wright Environmental Services |
Dec- 2014 |
Internal Management Report |
€6,863 |
|
2015 |
||||
|
Review of the EmployAbility (Supported Employment) Service |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Jan-2015 |
Review complete December; Publication date to be decided |
€59,280 |
|
Policy and practice report: Key lessons learned from the Ballymun Youth Guarantee Project |
NUI Maynooth |
Jan-2015 |
March 2015 |
€11,135* |
|
Evaluation of the Disability Activation Project |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Feb-2015 |
November 2015 |
€29,520 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Mar-2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€11,480 |
|
Windows Tablet PC Hardening Review (Limited Scope) Windows Laptop PC Hardening Review (Limited Scope) Windows Phone Device Hardening Review (Limited Scope) |
Deloitte |
Mar-2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€4,151 |
|
Project coordination of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Work Positive Framework |
Sharon Gallagher |
Mar- 2015 |
To be determined following completion of the review |
€3,000 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
Mar-2015 |
Q3 2016 |
€1,650 |
|
Confidential Information Security Report |
Deloitte |
July-2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€7,749 |
|
Technical review of rent supplement under the Equal Status Acts. |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
July -2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€18,000 |
|
Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd |
Aug-2015 |
Q1 2016 |
€71,463 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion 2015 Programme: 1. Changes in social risks by life-cycle group 2. Developing a multi-dimensional quality of life indicator |
ESRI |
Q3 2015 Q3 2015 |
Q3 2016 Q4 2016 |
€80,000 |
|
Evaluation of the Suitability, Effectiveness and Relevance of the JobBridge Activation Programme |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Sept - 2015 |
Published October 2016 |
€134,895 |
|
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Activation Reforms |
ESRI |
Oct - 2015 |
Q1 2017 |
€118,315 |
|
External quality assessment of DSP Internal Audit under the D/PER Internal Audit standards 2012 |
EisnerAmper Ireland |
Nov-2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€5,535 |
|
Information Security Reports |
Grant Thornton |
Dec- 2015 |
Internal Management Report |
€10,332 |
|
2016 |
||||
|
Review of the Local Employment Services and Job Club services |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Nov-2016 |
To be determined following completion of the review. |
Est. €87,232 |
|
Review of the Predictive Analytic Modelling Solutions for the Dept. of Social Protection. |
The Analytics Store Ltd. |
Jul-2016 |
Internal Management Report |
€9,471 |
|
Back to Education Allowance Qualitative Study |
BMG Research |
Oct-2016 |
Q1 2017 |
€50,670 |
|
Jobseeker and JobPath Customer Satisfaction Survey 2016 – (this is the next annual round of Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey which was originally commissioned in Aug 2015.) |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd |
Jun-2016 |
Q1 2017 |
€124,549.80 (includes €71,463 expenditure on report commissioned Aug 2015 and published Q1 2016) |
* EU Funded Reports
287. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum since March 2011 in tabular form; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal departmental policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39508/16]
View answerSince my appointment as Minister for Social Protection on 6 May this year, my Department has not employed any external public relations firms.
It is the policy of the Department of Social Protection that its Press Office deals with all media queries and public relations matters. My Department’s policy is to use in-house resources as much as possible and to restrict the use of external public relations firms to a minimum.
During the period referred to by the Deputy, prior to my appointment to this office, the Department has used the services of one external public relations firm for training purposes, details of which are outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
Company Function |
|
2012 |
Carr Communications, 5 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Communications training for senior management. |
|
2014 |
Carr Communications, 5 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Media Skills one-day training for a group of officials. |
|
2015 |
Carr Communications, 5 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Interview training for a group of managers |
288. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many useful community and socio-economic functions have lost community employment workers that have not been replaced; if important civic roles carried out by these workers will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39514/16]
View answerMy Department is conscious of the valuable contribution employment schemes, such as Community Employment (CE), are making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland. As the Deputy is aware, these schemes provide a very important and valued contribution to social employment, training and progression to employment and further education for unemployed people. Furthermore, many CE schemes provide vital community services across the country.
CE is a demand-led scheme. With the Live Register numbers falling, some schemes may have issues filling available places. In this regard, my Department’s Intreo staff can assist CE sponsors in ensuring maximum utilisation of CE places and if any scheme is experiencing particular difficulties filling vacancies, they should contact their local Intreo office as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
289. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment places provided in each of the years from 2013 to date in 2016; the number of these that were unfilled for periods during each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39515/16]
View answerThe aim of the community employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. My Department is also very conscious of the valuable contribution the schemes are making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland.
The number of people on CE fluctuates on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise and are filled on schemes. With reducing numbers on the Live Register, which is the main target cohort for CE, demand for places may also vary.
The numbers of people employed on CE at the end of December 2013 to 2015 and at end November 2016 are in the following table:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2013 |
23,943 |
|
2014 |
24,645 |
|
2015 |
24,218 |
|
2016 |
23,590 |
The Deputy should note that the Live Register for the same period fell from 12.4% (December 2013) to 7.3% (November 2016). I hope this clarifies the matter for him.
290. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for the community employment scheme for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39516/16]
View answerMy Department provides a range of activation supports and programmes catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These include programmes such as Community Employment (CE) and Tús.
As the Deputy will be aware, CE schemes provide part-time temporary work in their local communities, including opportunities for training and development as a stepping-stone back to employment, for people in receipt of a range of social welfare payments, including those on a long-term jobseeker’s payment.
CE schemes help to break the cycle of unemployment and improve a person’s chances of returning to the labour market. My Department is also very conscious of the valuable contribution the schemes are making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland.
With the ongoing welcome reductions in the Live Register, issues such as the appropriate level of expenditure, the number of places and the criteria for participation on employment schemes, including CE, are all being considered. I hope to be in a position to bring a Memorandum to Government on these matters in the coming weeks. If there are any changes to be made, consultations with stakeholders will be facilitated.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
291. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of defined benefit pension schemes being administered here; the number of these that are in deficit; the total of the combined deficit; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39528/16]
View answerThe latest figures from the Pensions Authority show that the number of Defined Benefit schemes subject to the funding standard is 681. Within this group there are 184 schemes in deficit that are subject to the funding standard. The total combined deficit of these schemes is €3.049 billion.
It is the responsibility of the trustees of a pension scheme to ensure compliance with the funding standard and other obligations set out in the Pensions Act 1990, as amended. The purpose of the funding standard is to give an indication as to whether a scheme is properly funded and to highlight issues that may need addressing either by the trustees or the employer or, failing that, intervention by the regulatory authority established to oversee the pension sector, the Pension Authority.
Once a scheme fails to comply with the funding standard, pensions legislation sets out the necessary steps to be taken by the scheme. The Authority both advises on and supervises the process but ultimately it is up to the scheme to take all steps to put in place the supports or changes to once again enable the scheme comply with the funding standard. Should the scheme fail to take all actions required to comply with the funding standard, the Authority has the necessary statutory powers to require the scheme to do so.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
292. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in 2016 to date that have been subject to sanctions by his Department; the savings made by his Department in 2016 to date due to sanctions; the administrative cost to his Department of applying sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39536/16]
View answerIn order to qualify for a jobseeker payment, a person must meet certain conditions, including that they are unemployed and are available for, capable of and genuinely seeking full-time work.
In addition to providing this income support the Department also provides employment services and supports to unemployed jobseekers and expects jobseekers who are in receipt of a payment to engage with these services in order to improve their prospects of securing employment and achieving financial self-sufficiency.
This approach is in line with the principle of ‘rights and responsibilities’ whereby an unemployed jobseeker has a right to receive income and employment supports from the State but also has a responsibility to engage with those State services if requested to do so. All jobseekers acknowledge this responsibility in writing when they claim a jobseeker payment.
Failure of a jobseeker to engage, without good cause, with the Department’s employment services can have consequences for the jobseeker’s payments. Legislation provides that a Department deciding officer can apply a reduced payment in such circumstances.
The process of applying a penalty rate includes written and verbal warnings and an opportunity for the jobseeker to re-engage with the services prior to the application of a reduced payment rate.
The number of penalty rates applied from 1 January 2016 to 4 December 2016 was 10,428. Reductions in payments due to penalty rates are not recorded or considered as control savings. Therefore, a savings figure is not available.
However, on the basis that there are 1,100 – 1,300 penalty rates of payment in force at any one time, the weekly reduction in payments is estimated at circa €48,000 - €57,000 or approximately €2.5m - €3m per annum. It should be noted that the application of penalty rates of payment can be appealed and payments reinstated with refunds.
The length of time involved in the application of each penalty rate varies from case to case, depending on individual circumstances. The average administrative cost of the application of a penalty rate has been estimated at €19.73.
This calculation is based on the assumption that the decisions are made at Executive Officer level and that the process takes an hour on average, including the meeting at which a verbal warning is given, the decision to apply and the application of the penalty rate.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if debt can be deferred in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39544/16]
View answerMy department is in contact with the person concerned with proposals for the recovery of the debt. The debt recovery officer is still awaiting a response to the recovery proposal sent to the person concerned on 16 November 2016.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
294. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has used any private unsecured e-mail accounts for official business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39590/16]
View answerI want to advise the Deputy that I have a private e-mail account for personal and party business. I do not use it for Departmental business. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
