Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
288. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of claims made for health and safety benefit in 2014, 2015 and 2016; the sectors of employment involved and the number of applicants from each employment sector, in tabular form; if he will increase the weekly payment involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2631/17]
View answerThe number of claims for health and safety benefit (HSB) received and awarded in each of the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 are as set out in the following table:
|
Health and Safety Benefit (HSB) |
||
|
- |
Claims Received |
Claims Awarded |
|
2014 |
321 |
244 |
|
2015 |
314 |
229 |
|
2016 |
295 |
189 |
The Department does not record information regarding the sectors of employment involved or the number of applicants from each employment sector, as it is not relevant to qualification for health and safety benefit.
Benefit rates are graduated according to an applicant’s earnings in the relevant tax year and reduced rates of HSB are payable where the average reckonable weekly earnings are less than the prescribed amount. Currently, a person with earnings of less than €300 per week in the relevant tax year receives a personal rate ranging from €84.50 to €147.30, while reduced rates for qualified adults may also apply. HSB recipients with average earnings over €300 per week in the relevant tax year receive the full personal rate of €188 per week.
HSB recipients will receive a €5 per week increase in the weekly headline rate and a 2.6% increase in the graduated rates of payment from 13th March 2017, as part of the measures announced in Budget 2017.
