Written Answers Nos. 292-316
292. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit by gender and age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8251/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following tabular statement.
Recipients of Jobseeker’s allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit by age and sex at the end of January 2017
|
- |
Jobseeker's Allowance |
- |
Jobseeker's Benefit |
- |
|
Age |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
18 |
1,256 |
990 |
0 |
1 |
|
19 |
2,084 |
1,585 |
5 |
7 |
|
20 |
2,270 |
1,615 |
21 |
16 |
|
21 |
2,207 |
1,478 |
80 |
77 |
|
22 |
2,307 |
1,494 |
146 |
166 |
|
23 |
2,428 |
1,440 |
262 |
241 |
|
24 |
2,358 |
1,562 |
333 |
350 |
|
25 |
2,947 |
1,882 |
379 |
381 |
|
26 |
3,453 |
2,253 |
329 |
358 |
|
27 |
3,442 |
2,375 |
360 |
372 |
|
28 |
3,419 |
2,402 |
363 |
431 |
|
29 |
3,410 |
2,498 |
364 |
446 |
|
30 |
3,503 |
2,491 |
452 |
531 |
|
31 |
3,320 |
2,455 |
434 |
566 |
|
32 |
3,404 |
2,448 |
445 |
599 |
|
33 |
3,349 |
2,431 |
561 |
649 |
|
34 |
3,415 |
2,429 |
537 |
628 |
|
35 |
3,404 |
2,358 |
515 |
623 |
|
36 |
3,412 |
2,403 |
537 |
624 |
|
37 |
3,190 |
2,339 |
524 |
639 |
|
38 |
3,158 |
2,218 |
525 |
577 |
|
39 |
3,039 |
2,112 |
519 |
545 |
|
40 |
3,114 |
2,044 |
474 |
500 |
|
41 |
3,003 |
2,084 |
505 |
495 |
|
42 |
2,971 |
2,165 |
495 |
455 |
|
43 |
3,077 |
2,101 |
443 |
436 |
|
44 |
3,066 |
2,121 |
467 |
406 |
|
45 |
2,967 |
2,056 |
463 |
392 |
|
46 |
3,046 |
2,048 |
412 |
407 |
|
47 |
2,886 |
1,924 |
416 |
382 |
|
48 |
2,827 |
1,829 |
421 |
362 |
|
49 |
2,749 |
1,763 |
390 |
397 |
|
50 |
2,714 |
1,673 |
351 |
381 |
|
51 |
2,656 |
1,570 |
372 |
366 |
|
52 |
2,682 |
1,553 |
361 |
373 |
|
53 |
2,552 |
1,480 |
363 |
389 |
|
54 |
2,477 |
1,345 |
354 |
399 |
|
55 |
2,379 |
1,216 |
315 |
364 |
|
56 |
2,182 |
1,264 |
339 |
383 |
|
57 |
2,080 |
1,115 |
317 |
345 |
|
58 |
2,073 |
1,022 |
383 |
352 |
|
59 |
1,964 |
1,021 |
331 |
330 |
|
60 |
1,951 |
948 |
345 |
382 |
|
61 |
1,875 |
886 |
338 |
326 |
|
62 |
2,048 |
867 |
330 |
306 |
|
63 |
2,208 |
915 |
281 |
280 |
|
64 |
2,139 |
902 |
252 |
285 |
|
65 |
1,918 |
732 |
1,217 |
1,372 |
|
66 |
29 |
7 |
22 |
30 |
|
Totals by sex |
130,408 |
83,909 |
18,448 |
19,722 |
|
Scheme totals |
214,317 |
38,170 |
293. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a disability allowance application will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8257/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this gentleman on 16 December 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.
294. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if the referral of persons on jobseeker's allowance to An Turas Nua is automatic or if a selection process is undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8321/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. The service is delivered by two companies, Seetec Ltd and Turas Nua Ltd.
For the purposes of the JobPath service all long-term unemployed jobseekers on the Live Register are categorised into groups based on their duration of unemployment (e.g. 1-2 years, 2-3 years etc.). Selection for referral to receive employment activation services from a JobPath provider is by means of stratified random sampling using these groupings; the objective being to ensure equity in selection and also that people referred to JobPath are a representative of the long term cohort on the Live Register.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
295. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the latest CSO survey on income and living conditions, SILC, data which showed a rise in the rates of deprivation and consistent poverty for those persons not at work due to an illness or a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8364/17]
View answerThe latest CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) results for 2015 show that the consistent poverty rate, for people in households headed by a person who was unable to work due to illness or a disability, was 22.4% in 2015. This compared to 14.4% the year before. The at-risk-of-poverty rate increased from 25.2% to 34.8% and basic deprivation rose from 51.3% to 53.2% for this group in 2015. However, these figures (like other statistics for very small groups in the survey) have been volatile in recent years. This is due to smaller sample sizes. It is not possible to say with certainty whether the changes over the year are statistically significant and indicative of a sustained trend.
Given the continuing economic recovery throughout 2016 and measures introduced in Budgets 2016 and 2017, it is reasonable to expect future figures to show improvements. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the economic recovery is experienced in all regions and by all families, households and individuals.
The Government’s strategy for addressing poverty and social exclusion is set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The Plan identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty. The Department will review the Plan this year, as it reaches the end of its current term, with a view to developing an updated plan for future periods. The Department will also review the national social target for poverty reduction. This review will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The Government is committed to increasing the employment opportunities for people with a disability. The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities adopts a cross-government approach that brings together various measures, to be taken by different Departments and State agencies, in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on the employment of people with disabilities. The six strategic priorities are to: build skills, capacity and independence; provide bridges and supports into work; make work pay; promote job retention and re-entry into work; provide co-ordinated and seamless support; and engage employers. These priorities are incorporated into the Pathways to Work Strategy and this ensures that there is an integrated focus on supports that enable people with disabilities to participate in employment where they have the capacity to do so.
My Department provides a range of specific income, activation and employment supports for people with a disability. For instance, the partial capacity benefit scheme enables recipients of invalidity pension and illness benefit to take-up employment, on a voluntary basis, while continuing to receive income support. The Department manages a supported employment service (EmployAbility) which provides a dedicated job-coaching service for people with disabilities. Intreo services are also available to provide employment support services for people with disabilities who wish to engage with the service on a voluntary basis. There is also a focus on supports available to employers who employ people with disabilities such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Workplace Equipment Adaption Grant Scheme.
296. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the latest CSO survey on income and living conditions, SILC, report which shows that over 390,000 children are living in households experiencing deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7023/17]
View answerI welcome the latest CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions results for 2015, showing improvements in living conditions and at tackling poverty. The CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) for 2015 shows that 31.4 per cent of children experienced deprivation. While this is higher than the national rate, this is a reduction on the 2014 figure of 36.1 per cent or 51,000 children. The full impact of the recovery is not yet reflected in these figures. Ireland has returned to strong economic and employment growth.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The national policy framework for children and young people, published by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2014, includes a target to reduce child poverty by two-thirds by 2020. Under this Framework, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in collaboration with my Department and other relevant Departments is taking a whole-of-government approach to tackling child poverty.
A key driver in preventing poverty among children is social transfers, such as welfare payments and child benefit. Using Eurostat data, social transfers (excluding pensions) reduced the at-risk-of-poverty rate for children from 42% to 18%, a poverty reduction effect of 58%. Ireland is among the best in the EU for reducing poverty through social transfers; well above the EU average of 39%, ranking 2nd of the 28 member states.
The monthly unemployment rate in January 2017 announced by the CSO was 7.1%, down from a peak of 15% in 2012. As unemployment is strongly linked to poverty, we can expect further decreases in poverty as the figures for 2016 and 2017 become available. The Government continues to focus helping people back into the workforce.
Budget 2017 increased the weekly rates of payment for working age schemes and also raised the income disregard for one-parent family payment and jobseeker’s transition payment recipients. These measures will help to tackle child poverty.
Continued economic recovery, together with Government action to sustain and develop the social welfare system, will support further reductions in poverty over the coming years.
However, reducing child poverty is not just about income supports and welfare. Rather it is also about supporting parents to make the transition into employment and assisting families through the provision of quality and affordable services in areas such as childcare, education and health.
That is why one of the most important measures contained in Budget 2017 for tackling child poverty was the announcement that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will implement next year the new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme. This scheme is a step change in State support for childcare in Ireland. It is an important scheme as it will significantly reduce the cost of childcare for low income parents and will provide further substantial support for families to lift themselves out of poverty by taking up employment.
297. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the levels of constant poverty of children living in households headed by one parent, in the recent EU survey on income and living conditions, SILC, report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/17]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the consistent poverty rate of children living in households headed by one parent.
The latest CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) for 2015 shows that the consistent poverty rate for lone parent households is 26.2%, up from 25% in 2014. The deprivation rate for lone parent households fell from 58.7 per cent in 2014 to 57.9% in 2015. The at-risk-of-poverty rate for lone parent households is largely unchanged in 2015 at 36.2%, compared to 36.5% in 2014. The data also shows that the consistent poverty rate for children fell from 12.7% in 2014 to 11.5% in 2015.
This SILC data for 2015 also shows that being at work reduces the consistent poverty rate for lone parents by three-quarters, highlighting that the best way to tackle poverty among lone parents is to assist them into employment.
The full impact of the recovery is not reflected in these 2015 figures. Macro-economic and labour market indicators have shown continued economic and employment growth since then. Unemployment has fallen from 9.5% in mid-2015 to 7.1% in January 2017. The number of people in receipt of working-age income and employment supports continues to fall. The full impact of the reforms to the one-parent family payment (OFP) and the positive impact of recent Budgets on lone parents are also not reflected in these figures.
In Budget 2016 lone parents benefitted from a number of measures including increases in child benefit, changes to the means test on the jobseeker’s transitional payment to align it with the more generous means test on the one-parent family payment, and increases in the family income supplement thresholds. In Budget 2017 all lone parents on OFP, the jobseeker’s transitional payment (JST) and jobseeker’s allowance (JA) will benefit from the €5 increase in the weekly rates of payment from March. A new €500 annual Cost of Education Allowance will be made available to Back to Education Allowance participants with children from the next academic year in September. In addition, the income disregards for OFP and JST have risen by €20 from January this year, from €90 to €110 per week, reversing in part previous reductions, to encourage one parent families to stay in, and return to, work. During that time the national minimum wage was increased from €8.65 to €9.25 per hour.
The Department of Social Protection’s social impact assessment of Budget 2017 showed that average household incomes increase by 1%. Non-earning lone parents were the biggest beneficiary of Budget 2017 with gains of 4.5%. Working lone parents also experienced above average gains at almost 1.2%. This represents a cumulative increase across Budgets 2015, 2016 and 2017 almost €27 per week for working lone parents and of over €24 per week for lone parents who are not working.
One of the most important measures contained in Budget 2017 for tackling child poverty was the announcement that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will implement next year the new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme. This scheme is a step change in State support for childcare in Ireland. It is an important scheme as it will significantly reduce the cost of childcare for low income parents and will provide further substantial support for families to lift themselves out of poverty by taking up employment.
Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the national policy framework for children and young people, published by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2014, includes a target to reduce child poverty by two-thirds by 2020. Meeting this target means lifting 102,000 children out of poverty. Under this Framework, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection and other relevant Departments is taking a whole-of-government approach to tackling child poverty.
Eurostat data shows that social transfers (excluding pensions) reduced the at-risk-of-poverty rate from 34.9% to 16.9%, an absolute reduction of 18 percentage points. In relative terms, this represents a poverty reduction effect of 52%. Ireland continues to be consistently among the best performing EU countries in reducing poverty through social transfers. But we also know that, reducing poverty for lone parents is not just about income support. It is also about supporting lone parents to make the transition into employment and assisting these families through the provision of quality services in areas such as activation including education, training and employment supports, and childcare.
As part of the OFP reforms the Department has begun engaging with lone parents whose youngest child is seven years and older, on a proactive and supported basis. To date over 9,000 lone parents, of the 14,500 lone parents who are on the jobseeker’s transitional payment, have been selected for engagement. It will take time to see the full impact of these activation engagements as it will take time for lone parents to complete the education, training or employment support programmes.
Data from the latest Quarterly National Household Survey also shows that there has been a significant increase in the percentage of lone parents in employment in the year since the end of June 2016. This increase relates to all lone parents in the State and reflects the increase in economic and employment growth generally. The magnitude of the increase for lone parents specifically, however, is clearly significant.
Continued economic recovery, together with the actions outlined above will support further reductions in poverty over the coming years. The independent review of the one-parent family payment reforms, once completed, will also assist with discussions in my Department on measures for lone parents in Budget 2018.
298. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when access to the treatment benefit scheme will be extended to the self-employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8475/17]
View answerAs announced in Budget 2017, the treatment benefit scheme is being extended to cover self-employed contributors for the first time from March 2017. Department officials are involved in a consultative process with the relevant representative bodies at present. This consultative process should be finalised shortly. When the process is completed, it is intended to set and announce a commencement date for the extended scheme. If you require any further information on this please do not hesitate to contact my office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be facilitated in respect of an appeal against alleged overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8534/17]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 13th February 2017, 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.
300. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Social Protection the social protections that are available to a person (details supplied); if the action the person has been requested to take is correct; the social protections that are available generally for persons who are unemployed, divorced, not in receipt of maintenance payments and who do not qualify for the one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8563/17]
View answerAll jobseekers claiming a jobseekers payment are required to be available and genuinely seeking work. They are also required to engage with the department’s activation service and this obligation applies irrespective of whether the service is provided by the department’s own case officers or those employed by the Local Employment Service or by JobPath companies.
In general the department’s activation services provide jobseekers with assistance to find employment in their chosen area of work and if this is not possible, in other areas of employment. When with the JobPath service, which is typically for one year, the person will receive intensive individual support to find a full time sustainable job. This support includes CV preparation, interview skills, motivation training as well as other appropriate skills and training which is deemed necessary for the individual to be placed into employment. If the person is successful in finding a suitable job the JobPath company will provide in work support for at least 13 weeks and up to one year when the person remains in employment.
Customers whose circumstances are similar to those outlined by the Deputy are entitled to apply for a Jobseekers payment and, subject to them meeting the eligibility criteria, may qualify to receive a payment. The person concerned has applied for and is currently in receipt of a Jobseekers payment and is also working on a part time basis. A condition for the continued receipt of this payment is that a person must be seeking, and be available for, full-time work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
301. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on recent reports in the media that his Department is considering ending the labour activation schemes, including Tús and Gateway; if his attention has been drawn to the detrimental effect this would have on these fundamental schemes which provide an excellent gateway into the workforce for unemployed persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8581/17]
View answerAs Deputy may be aware, my colleague Paschal Donohoe T.D. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, recently announced a new approach that will be taken to reviewing current Departmental expenditure in advance of Budget 2018. The purpose of this review is to ensure the best value for money for the taxpayer. It is quite distinct from the ‘savings’ reviews in Departmental funding levels that took place during the economic crisis.
It is recognised by Government that activation schemes are positive initiatives that enable people who are long-term unemployed to make a contribution to their communities whilst upskilling themselves for prospective future employment. It is also recognised that long-term unemployment and joblessness remain critical issues. The removal of barriers to employment for those furthest from the labour market continues to be a challenge, even in periods of economic growth.
With the ongoing welcome reductions in the live register and the growth in job opportunities, it is necessary to ensure that the number and nature of activation schemes, as well as the conditions governing participation on these schemes, continues to be appropriate. I will be bringing a Memorandum to Government on the operation of these programmes in the coming weeks. If there are changes to be made, consultations with stakeholders will be facilitated.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8587/17]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
As well as satisfying the relevant medical conditions, to qualify for IP a claimant must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.
The department received a claim for IP for the lady concerned on 10 January 2017. She was refused IP on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme are not satisfied. Specifically, she does not have any contributions paid or credited in the reckonable years 2013 to date. She was notified on 21 February 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
303. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the qualifying criteria and eligibility conditions for a person who wishes to participate in a community employment scheme and who is over 50 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8595/17]
View answerThe aim of Community Employment (CE) is to enhance the employability and mobility of disadvantaged and unemployed persons by providing work experience and training opportunities within their communities. CE participants are required to work 19.5 hours on a weekly basis.
Current eligibility to participate on CE is linked to a person’s social welfare status (duration of payment) and age. The standard minimum entry age for CE is 25 years of age.
The CE Programme has two options:
- Part Time Integration Option (PTI) provides for 1 year on CE for those who have been in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments for 12 months or more; and
- Part Time Job Option (PTJ) for persons age 35 years and over provides for up to 3 years on CE for those who have been in receipt of qualifying social welfare payments for 3 years or more.
In addition, the current criteria for participants aged 55 and over allows for a maximum cumulative duration on CE of 6 years (7 years if they were in receipt of a disability payment, inclusive of any time spent on CE while aged under 55).
If the person calls to their local Intreo office, they can clarify their eligibility.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
304. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Kildare who are in receipt of rent support; the number of those persons that have received an uplift in their rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8596/17]
View answer309. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the housing supports available to persons engaged in seasonal work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8728/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 309 together.
The rent supplement scheme, for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017, plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme currently supporting approximately 47,000 tenants, of which c. 2,500 are in Co. Kildare.
In view of the on-going rental market difficulties, my Department implements a targeted case-by-case policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the rent limits. In addition, the Protocol arrangement in place with Threshold is operational in the areas where supply issues are particularly acute covering Kildare, Dublin, Cork, Meath, Wicklow and Galway City.
Since the introduction of this flexible approach, in excess of 11,100 persons at imminent risk of homelessness have been supported through increased rent supplement payments, of which some 550 households have been supported in Co. Kildare. A county breakdown of the number of uplift payments made under the scheme is provided in the following tabular statement. These measures in tandem with the increased rent limits introduced in July 2016 are supporting rent supplement tenants to remain in their homes.
The Deputies will be aware that the strategic policy direction of the Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support with the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. HAP is currently available in 28 out of 31 local authorities, including Kildare and Kerry with some 900 and 50 HAP tenancies in place respectively. HAP contributes to a more integrated and streamlined system of social housing supports and has been designed, unlike rent supplement, to allow households with a long term housing need that finds full-time employment to remain in the scheme. It is considered that people who may have a long term housing need should engage with the local authority in that regard.
My Department will continue to provide rental support, under the rent supplement scheme, to those with a short term need, generally because of a temporary loss of employment where they satisfy the other conditions of the scheme. People who find themselves temporarily unable to meet their rental costs should contact my Department’s Community Welfare Service who may be able to offer assistance.
I trust this clarifies the matters raised by the Deputies.
Tabular Statement
Increased Rental Payments by County, as of 20th February 2017
|
County |
Cumulative Awards under National Tenancy Sustainment Framework |
Cumulative Awards under protocol with Threshold |
Total no. of increased payments by County |
|
CARLOW |
74 |
74 |
|
|
CAVAN |
66 |
66 |
|
|
CLARE |
60 |
60 |
|
|
CORK |
454 |
103 |
557 |
|
DONEGAL |
- |
- |
|
|
DUBLIN |
4,305 |
2,552 |
6,857 |
|
GALWAY |
206 |
3 |
209 |
|
KERRY |
206 |
206 |
|
|
KILDARE |
549 |
3 |
552 |
|
KILKENNY |
136 |
136 |
|
|
LAOIS |
119 |
119 |
|
|
LEITRIM |
101 |
101 |
|
|
LIMERICK |
17 |
17 |
|
|
LONGFORD |
313 |
313 |
|
|
LOUTH |
160 |
160 |
|
|
MAYO |
3 |
3 |
|
|
MEATH |
441 |
441 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
1 |
1 |
|
|
OFFALY |
66 |
66 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON |
57 |
57 |
|
|
SLIGO |
1 |
1 |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
283 |
283 |
|
|
WATERFORD |
62 |
62 |
|
|
WESTMEATH |
379 |
379 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
23 |
23 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
389 |
3 |
392 |
|
Overall Total |
8,471 |
2,664 |
11,135 |
305. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Social Protection the precise legal basis on which persons applying for a gender recognition certificate and wishing to use a name different from that on their original birth certificate are required to provide evidence of use and repute in respect of a name or to produce a deed poll that has been enrolled in the High Court; the reason such additional documentation is necessary in view of the fact that section 10(1)(b) of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 simply requires the applicant to furnish the preferred forename and surname; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8607/17]
View answerSection 10 of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 provides that an applicant for a gender recognition certificate shall furnish among other items, the forename and surname by which he or she wishes to be known and proof of his or her identity.
Where a person notifies my Department of a change of name they are required to provide proof of the new name through either, evidence of "use and repute" or, a deed poll enrolled in the High Court. This information is required to authenticate and maintain the person’s public service identity and applies to all name changes including where a person applies for a gender recognition certificate.
Acceptable evidence of use and repute is satisfied by the provision of two documents that shows the person is using the new name, such as a driver's licence, college identification card, school report, pay slip, utility bills, bank statements or official correspondence from a public or private sector organisation for at least 2 years prior to applying for a name change.
As an alternative the person may provide a deed poll in the new name, which has been enrolled in the High Court. Enrolling the deed poll in the High Court ensures that a record of the change of name is preserved for future identification and a certified copy of the original enrolled deed poll can be obtained, if required.
Should the customer not wish to enrol the deed poll, my Department will require evidence of use and repute over two years.
306. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an application for carer's allowance for a person (details supplied). [8620/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 6 January 2017.
CA is a means tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
As part of the application process, the care recipient’s doctor must complete a medical report.
When this application was submitted, the medical report was omitted.
Accordingly the application could not be processed. My Department contacted the applicant on 27 January 2017 to request the missing report. That information was provided on 15 February 2017.
The application will now be processed and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
307. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of upgrading information technology systems and or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode; if the use of Eircode is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8638/17]
View answerMy Department undertook a business study in 2015 to ascertain what the ICT implications of introducing the Eircode would be and this cost €5,701.56 (excluding VAT).
The cost of the contract for the ICT work to implement Eircodes was €298,890 inclusive of VAT. The project was completed on time and within budget.
Furthermore, my Department has the Eircode Address Database (ECAD) service to provide ongoing validation of postcodes with addresses. The ECAD provides access to geocodes as it is correlated directly with GeoDirectory X Y co-ordinates. My Department expects this to be particularly useful for future ICT projects.
The use of Eircodes is not mandatory in my Department, although they are collected for consistent and accurate recording of address details.
308. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans his Department has to incentivise expectant fathers to apply for paid paternity leave; if he will consider a mandatory system of paid paternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8717/17]
View answerThe commencement of the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 created an entitlement to two weeks’ paternity leave from employment in relation to children born or adopted on or after 1 September 2016. The commencement of the Act also created a new associated social welfare scheme of paternity benefit from 1 September 2016. Paternity Benefit is paid at the same rate as maternity benefit which is €230 per week.
Paternity Benefit is a social insurance payment with the same qualifying PRSI conditionality as maternity benefit. It is only payable to employees and self-employed who have the required number of PRSI contributions. With the introduction of two weeks of paid paternity leave in addition to twenty-six weeks of paid maternity leave the State is offering parents potentially twenty-eight weeks of paid support.
It is important to note that the legislation ensures no statutory obligation on an employer to continue to pay the normal salary during paternity leave. Employers have the option of providing a further top-up to the father’s regular salary if they so choose. In drafting the legislation we had to be conscious, in this regard, of limiting the potential additional costs for business. However, a number of employers do top up their employees paternity benefit in much the same way as they offer to top up maternity benefit.
There are a number of factors that determine the take up of any new scheme including, parental choice, whether the father or relevant parent has sufficient PRSI contributions, whether they are self-employed and can afford to take the time off from their business and if an employee, whether or not their employer would top up their wages.
Where fathers have the required number of PRSI contributions they have flexibility to determine according to their own circumstances whether they wish to avail of paid paternity leave or not. I have no plans to introduce a mandatory system of paid paternity leave.
310. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual figures since 2005 for appeals lodged with the social welfare appeals office querying a refusal based on the habitual residence condition, broken down by Irish citizens and non-Irish nationals. [8738/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy relating to appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2005 on the question of Habitual Residence is set out in the following table. I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures between Irish citizens and non-Irish nationals as this information is not captured on the Appeals Office information system.
Over the 12 year period from 2005 to 2016 a total of 18,202 appeals were finalised on the question of the Habitual Residence Condition HRC. 6569 (36.1%) of those appeals were allowed or partially allowed, 11600 (63.7%) were disallowed and 33(0.2%) were withdrawn.
HRC APPEALS FINALISED 2005 - 2016
|
Year |
Total |
Allowed |
Part allowed |
Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
2005 |
535 |
216 |
4 |
315 |
0 |
|
2006 |
705 |
255 |
21 |
427 |
2 |
|
2007 |
699 |
182 |
8 |
507 |
2 |
|
2008 |
889 |
162 |
16 |
710 |
1 |
|
2009 |
1,219 |
254 |
39 |
923 |
3 |
|
2010 |
3,817 |
625 |
77 |
3,111 |
4 |
|
2011 |
4,551 |
1,799 |
279 |
2,470 |
3 |
|
2012 |
1,827 |
846 |
127 |
844 |
10 |
|
2013 |
1,191 |
441 |
64 |
683 |
3 |
|
2014 |
1,171 |
448 |
56 |
665 |
2 |
|
2015 |
886 |
342 |
31 |
510 |
3 |
|
2016 |
712 |
251 |
26 |
435 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
18,202 |
5,821 |
748 |
11,600 |
33 |
311. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8748/17]
View answerAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from this lady on the 10th February 2017. An opinion on the child’s eligibility for the scheme has been requested from one of the Departments Medical Assessors. The application will then be considered by a Deciding Officer and the decision notified as soon as possible. Applications are processed in date of receipt order; it can currently take 14 weeks to process an application for DCA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
312. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8749/17]
View answerMy department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 14 April 2016.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that where the care recipient is younger than 16 years of age, domiciliary care allowance (DCA) must be in payment in respect of them.
As DCA was not in payment in respect of the carer recipient on this application for CA, the application was refused. The person concerned was notified on 26 July 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
My department informs me that there is no more recent application for carer’s allowance registered. If she wishes to make an application, the person concerned should complete and return the application form (CR1) that I have arranged to issue to her. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need any further assistance with this query.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
313. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8751/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 7th December 2016. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
314. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8753/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 12 December 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.
315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for one-parent family payment refused on whatever grounds, on a monthly basis over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8786/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following tabular statement.
One-Parent Family Payment claims rejected 1 February 2016 to 31 January 2017
|
February |
299 |
|
March |
237 |
|
April |
251 |
|
May |
206 |
|
June |
202 |
|
July |
225 |
|
August |
217 |
|
September |
214 |
|
October |
219 |
|
November |
309 |
|
December |
143 |
|
January |
186 |
|
Total |
2,708 |
316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the applications for various social protection payments which are most commonly refused on application and referred to appeal or oral hearing; the number of cases subsequently rejected or approved on appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8787/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy was previously supplied on 24th January 2017 in a reply to Question No. 316. The text of that reply is set out below.
The following tables provide the details which have been requested by the Deputy in respect of 2015 and 2016.
The schemes with the highest number of appeals to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2015 and 2016 were - disability allowance (6,435 in 2015/4,912 in 2016), carer’s allowance (3,188 in 2015/3,887 in 2016), jobseeker’s allowance - means (2,174 in 2015/2,050 in 2016), jobseeker’s allowance - payments (2,058 in 2015/2,031 in 2016), supplementary welfare allowance (2,125 in 2015/1,970 in 2016), invalidity pension (1,857 in 2015/1,362 in 2016) and domiciliary care allowance (1,258 in 2015/1,198 in 2016).
Details of appeal outcomes for the above schemes are set out in the following tables. Overall, 58.8% of the 25,406 appeals which were finalised in 2015 had a favourable outcome for the appellant, i.e. were either allowed in full or in part, or resolved by way of a revised decision by a Deciding Officer/Designated Person. 59.2% of the 23,220 appeals finalised in 2016 had a favourable outcome for the appellant.
Of the 18,913 appeals which were finalised by Appeals Officers in 2015, 6,886 (36.4%) were determined following an oral hearing. 4,444 (64.5%) of these had a favourable outcome for the appellant. Of the 16,990 appeals finalised by Appeals Officers in 2016, 6,527 (38.4%) were determined following an oral hearing. 4,251 (65.1%) of these had a favourable outcome for the appellant.
There are a number of reasons why a decision which was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was wrong.
Where new evidence is provided with an appeal, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer or Designated Person. This was the case in some 35% of favourable appeal outcomes in 2015 and some 37% of favourable appeal outcomes in 2016. Where the decision is not revised in the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds. In addition, the Appeals Officer may gain insights when they meet the appellant in person at oral hearing which may also influence the outcome of the appeal.
Social Welfare legislation provides that an Appeals Officer may determine an appeal without an oral hearing where s/he is of the opinion that it can be determined fairly on the basis of the documentary evidence provided. In general, where there is a conflict in the documentary evidence presented, an Appeals Officer will convene an oral hearing in order to explore the evidence and seek to resolve any conflict.
In addition, where an appellant requests an oral hearing, the request is generally granted unless the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the appeal can be allowed on a summary basis, or where there is clearly nothing to be gained by granting an oral hearing. An example of this would be where the appeal question relates to PRSI contribution conditions or means and the underlying PRSI contribution figures or means are not disputed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Appeal Receipts 2015 – 2016
|
2015 |
2016 |
|
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
22 |
13 |
|
Carers Allowance |
3,188 |
3,887 |
|
Carers Benefit |
93 |
95 |
|
Child Benefit |
552 |
595 |
|
Disability Allowance |
6,435 |
4,912 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1,204 |
819 |
|
Death Benefit |
1 |
1 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
42 |
42 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
1,258 |
1,198 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
19 |
7 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
1 |
- |
|
Farm Assist |
201 |
196 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
6 |
3 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
447 |
510 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,857 |
1,362 |
|
Liable Relatives |
26 |
23 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
71 |
87 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
- |
1 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
368 |
313 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
264 |
366 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
348 |
397 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
3 |
2 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
65 |
56 |
|
Disablement Pension |
347 |
298 |
|
Occupational Injury-Medical Care |
4 |
4 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
12 |
9 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
49 |
38 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
18 |
17 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
2,174 |
2,050 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
2,058 |
2,031 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
64 |
52 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
34 |
43 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
26 |
24 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
735 |
637 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
3 |
5 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant * |
124 |
164 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
156 |
151 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
2,125 |
1,970 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
40 |
49 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
25 |
26 |
|
Widows Parent Grant |
10 |
8 |
|
All Appeals |
24,475 |
22,461 |
* Previously called Respite Care Grant
Outcome of Disability Allowance Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
6,435 |
1,443 |
3,384 |
85 |
1,751 |
77 |
|
2016 |
4,912 |
815 |
2,830 |
88 |
1,367 |
75 |
Outcome of Carer’s Allowance Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
3,188 |
579 |
1,352 |
155 |
1,355 |
50 |
|
2016 |
3,887 |
815 |
1,375 |
145 |
1,237 |
52 |
Outcome of Jobseeker’s Allowance (Means) Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
2,174 |
299 |
284 |
108 |
1,336 |
229 |
|
2016 |
2,050 |
338 |
287 |
120 |
1,216 |
198 |
Outcome of Jobseeker’s Allowance (Payments) Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
2,058 |
260 |
536 |
116 |
972 |
175 |
|
2016 |
2,031 |
324 |
525 |
98 |
945 |
141 |
Outcome of Invalidity Pension Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
1,857 |
511 |
1,135 |
17 |
421 |
37 |
|
2016 |
1,362 |
642 |
682 |
10 |
302 |
18 |
Outcome of Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals 2015– 2016
|
- |
- |
Favourable Decisions |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Appeal Receipts |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
Appeals Disallowed |
Withdrawn |
|
|
2015 |
1,258 |
313 |
571 |
40 |
226 |
8 |
|
2016 |
1,198 |
469 |
596 |
18 |
250 |
11 |
Number and Outcome of Appeals Determined following Oral Hearings 2015
|
Allowed |
Partially allowed |
Disallowed |
No. of Oral Hearings |
|
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
1 |
- |
3 |
4 |
|
Carers Allowance |
733 |
101 |
516 |
1,350 |
|
Carers Benefit |
10 |
5 |
18 |
33 |
|
Child Benefit |
29 |
12 |
37 |
78 |
|
Disability Allowance |
1,497 |
44 |
550 |
2,091 |
|
Illness Benefit |
109 |
6 |
88 |
203 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
3 |
- |
2 |
5 |
|
Death Benefit |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
242 |
7 |
82 |
331 |
|
Deserted Wives Allowance |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
5 |
4 |
2 |
11 |
|
Farm Assist |
23 |
14 |
30 |
67 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
1 |
- |
1 |
2 |
|
Liable Relatives |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
16 |
3 |
19 |
38 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
451 |
8 |
147 |
606 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
- |
- |
6 |
6 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
62 |
15 |
65 |
142 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
18 |
2 |
19 |
39 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
34 |
17 |
47 |
98 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
8 |
- |
9 |
17 |
|
Disablement Pension |
77 |
10 |
56 |
143 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
5 |
- |
- |
5 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
6 |
3 |
4 |
13 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
5 |
- |
- |
5 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
172 |
57 |
253 |
482 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
227 |
59 |
208 |
494 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
45 |
19 |
37 |
101 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant * |
18 |
2 |
13 |
33 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
17 |
- |
34 |
51 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
207 |
24 |
187 |
418 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
3 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
Widows Parent Grant |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
All Appeals |
4,030 |
414 |
2,442 |
6,886 |
* Previously called Respite Care Grant
Number and Outcome of Appeals Determined following Oral Hearings 2016
|
Allowed |
Partially allowed |
Disallowed |
No. of Oral Hearings |
|
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
3 |
- |
2 |
5 |
|
Carers Allowance |
844 |
85 |
550 |
1,479 |
|
Carers Benefit |
8 |
2 |
5 |
15 |
|
Child Benefit |
23 |
12 |
34 |
69 |
|
Disability Allowance |
1,305 |
51 |
487 |
1,843 |
|
Illness Benefit |
82 |
3 |
68 |
153 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
5 |
- |
5 |
10 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
263 |
7 |
109 |
379 |
|
Deserted Wives Benefit |
4 |
1 |
3 |
8 |
|
Farm Assist |
23 |
26 |
29 |
78 |
|
Liable Relatives |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
32 |
5 |
20 |
57 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
347 |
4 |
109 |
460 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
9 |
1 |
4 |
14 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
49 |
15 |
50 |
114 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
16 |
6 |
32 |
54 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
45 |
20 |
53 |
118 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
9 |
1 |
6 |
16 |
|
Disablement Pension |
101 |
10 |
63 |
174 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
9 |
1 |
5 |
15 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
8 |
1 |
2 |
11 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
136 |
56 |
182 |
374 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
225 |
59 |
221 |
505 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
3 |
1 |
8 |
12 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
1 |
- |
2 |
3 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
54 |
14 |
41 |
109 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant * |
20 |
2 |
11 |
33 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
17 |
2 |
28 |
47 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
178 |
25 |
133 |
336 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
9 |
5 |
6 |
20 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
|
Widows Parent Grant |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
All Appeals |
3,833 |
418 |
2,276 |
6.527 |
* Previously called Respite Care Grant
