Written Answers Nos. 137-148
137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 26 years of age on jobseeker's allowance, jobseeker's benefit and signing for credits for 12 months or more. [21260/17]
View answer138. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 26 years of age on jobseeker's allowance, jobseeker's benefit and signing for credits for 36 months or more. [21261/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in a tabular statement.
|
Recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit and signing for Jobseeker’s Credits by age and specified durations at the end of March 2017 |
|||
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
|||
|
Age |
> 12 months |
> 36 Months |
Totals |
|
18 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
19 |
967 |
1 |
968 |
|
20 |
1,502 |
0 |
1,502 |
|
21 |
1,570 |
350 |
1,920 |
|
22 |
1,630 |
583 |
2,213 |
|
23 |
1,795 |
700 |
2,495 |
|
24 |
1,888 |
851 |
2,739 |
|
25 |
2,272 |
1,192 |
3,464 |
|
Total |
11,624 |
3,677 |
15,301 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
|||
|
Age |
> 12 months |
> 36 Months |
Totals |
|
18 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
20 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
21 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
22 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
23 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
24 |
18 |
0 |
18 |
|
25 |
20 |
0 |
20 |
|
Total |
46 |
0 |
46 |
|
Jobseeker’s Credits |
|||
|
Age |
> 12 months |
> 36 Months |
Totals |
|
18 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
20 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
21 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
22 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
23 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
24 |
10 |
1 |
11 |
|
25 |
15 |
5 |
20 |
|
Total |
41 |
6 |
47 |
139. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to rectify the anomaly in the State contributory pension that means women who have long gaps in their contributions due to taking time out for family purposes are unfairly discriminated against; when this anomaly will be rectified; if those persons who have been in receipt of the reduced pension as a result of the total contributions approach will eventually receive a back payment to compensate for the shortfall in their contributory State pensions received up to the time of rectification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21316/17]
View answerSince 1961, when the State Pension Contributory (SPC) was introduced, the average contributions test has been used in calculating the rate of pension entitlement. Entitlement is banded, with the maximum rate payable to those with a yearly average of 48-52 contributions, and the minimum rate payable to those with a yearly average in the range of 10-14 contributions per year. Although the rate payable would vary depending on their circumstances, pensioners may claim the State Pension Non-Contributory (currently at 95% of the SPC) if it is more advantageous to them, and they qualify through the means test.
The homemaker’s scheme was introduced in 1994 to make qualification for State pension contributory (SPC) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age, or incapacitated people, to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being calculated for pension purposes. The effect of this is to reduce the number of years by which the person’s contributions are divided, thereby increasing their yearly average, making it easier for them to qualify for a maximum rate SPC. It does not involve the award of credits.
My Department is working on the details relating to the introduction of a “Total Contributions Approach” as outlined in the National Pensions Framework (2010). This is a very significant reform with considerable legal, administrative, and technical elements in its implementation. An important element in the final design of the scheme will be the position of people who have gaps in their contribution records for various reasons, and this factor is being considered very carefully in developing this reform
Eligibility rules and rates of the State Pension Contributory are varied from time to time by legislation, and changes, including increases or decreases in rates, are generally not applied retrospectively.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21317/17]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th April 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.
141. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are planned changes to the terms of the disability allowance payment; and if there is a change planned to the amount of disregard allowed on this payment (details supplied). [21333/17]
View answerThe recently published Make Work Pay report included a number of recommendations in relation to the disability allowance payment. The Government has decided to implement some of these, while others will require further reflection or a consultation process with disability groups.
In launching the report, the Government announced that people with a long-term disability payment who move off the payment to get a job will retain their free travel pass for a period of five years. This measure goes beyond the recommendation of three years contained within the report and comes into effect from the launch date of 6th April 2017. The Government has also decided to accept the report’s recommendation to dispense with the requirement that work be of a ‘rehabilitative nature’ for the disability allowance earnings disregard. This means that a report from a doctor is no longer required before commencing work and that the focus is on capacity rather than incapacity.
Other recommendations related to extending the principle of “early intervention” to disability allowance and other disability payments as well as reconfiguring the system of payment for young persons. The Government has promised a period of consultation with persons with disabilities on these recommendations in particular. The Department of Social Protection has started this process of consultation with the disability sector.
The means disregard for disability allowance (DA) is important in the context of ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in work while retaining a proportion of their social welfare payment. The current disregard provides that people with disabilities can earn up to €120 per week (after deduction of PRSI, any pension contributions and union dues) from employment or self-employment of a rehabilitative nature, without their payment being affected. The Make Work Pay report recommends that the earnings disregard should be reviewed at regular intervals taking into account developments in the wider economy. It is envisaged that this review could take place in the context of budgetary developments generally and the consultation process referred to above.
142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken by his Department in the case of a person (details supplied); the specific efforts that have been taken to date to assist this person; the steps that are currently being taken to expedite an appeal, particularly in view of grave medical concerns, both physical and psychological; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/17]
View answerI am very aware of the extremely difficult circumstances in which this individual and his family find themselves. I have personally raised my concerns about the case, and about the health and wellbeing of the individual concerned, with my Philippines counterpart, most recently at the UN in New York last September. My Department officials in Dublin, at and our Embassy in Singapore and at our Honorary Consulate in the Philippines have provided practical advice and support in a range of different ways since the individual was first arrested. The Government has consistently emphasised to the Philippines authorities our serious concerns for the rights and welfare of our Irish citizen, explaining and underlining the humanitarian considerations in the case. It is important to remember that this is an ongoing legal case and that it is for the citizen’s legal representatives to advise him and to act on his behalf in matters before the courts.
Our Embassy in Singapore received a notice in April from the Supreme Court ordering the elevation of the records to the Supreme Court from the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court’s letter noted that the Embassy of Ireland in Singapore had submitted a request that the appeal hearing be expedited on humanitarian grounds.
Let me assure you that my Department continues to prioritise this case and that Department officials in Dublin, our Embassy in Singapore and our Honorary Consulate in the Philippines will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to this individual and to his family.
143. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the interdepartmental committee on the Irish abroad met as planned on 30 March 2017; if the barriers and disproportionate burdens facing persons wishing to return home was discussed; and the solutions the committee come up with to resolve these issues. [21302/17]
View answerI can confirm that the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad met on 30 March 2017 as planned. There was good discussion on the ongoing work of the Committee to address the various barriers that have been reported as facing citizens when returning to live in Ireland. Useful discussions took place on updates provided by relevant Departments on specific issues that have been raised, and this work continues at official level. In addition, at the request of the Taoiseach an additional meeting of the Inter-departmental Committee was convened on 27 April 2017. Attendance included the Ministers for Housing, Education and Health. The Taoiseach was updated on the activities of the Committee and in particular on actions relevant Departments are taking to address any disproportionate barriers affecting returning emigrants.
As decided at the Inter-departmental Committee on the 30 March, in the coming weeks I will prepare a report for the Government on the work of the Committee, with specific focus on returning emigrants.
144. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the way the Passport Office implements its customer service charter, which states that the office is committed to providing effective assistance based on each individual's circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21361/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Passport Service provides a range of application channels designed to accommodate individual applicants’ circumstances. These channels include online, postal and in-person options. In order for the Passport Service to provide the most effective assistance possible, applicants are advised to select at the outset the channel that best suits their particular needs. The online passport application service, which I launched on 30 March, offers a convenient, fast and secure way for adult citizens resident anywhere in the world to renew their passports through their computer, tablet or smartphone. The turnaround time for this service, provided applications are in order, is just ten working days plus postage time. Passport Express offers a further convenient means for applicants throughout the island of Ireland to submit applications through local post offices and have their passports delivered by express post. The turnaround time for this service is currently 16/17 working days for standard passport renewal. As advised on my Department’s website and on Passport Express receipts, first-time applications and applications for renewal of lost/stolen passports take longer due to the more extensive checks on entitlement and identity involved.
Current average turnaround times for online and Passport Express applications are updated weekly on the website of the Passport Service, www.dfa.ie/passport , and applicants are advised on notes accompanying the application form to consult these before submitting an application.
Individuals whose travel plans do not allow sufficient time for a passport to issue via these channels are catered for by the passport appointments service available at the Passport Offices in Cork and Dublin. The Passport Service also assists those with extremely urgent travel plans through the Rapid Renewal Service, which allows for passports to be issued (subject to certain terms and conditions) within just one working day regardless of the reason for travel.
It should be noted that in a documented case of immediate family bereavement or medical emergency abroad, the Passport Service will (subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008) accommodate an individual who needs a passport by taking an application without appointment at the public office in either Cork or Dublin or by expediting an application that is already in the system.
There are currently in excess of 80,000 applications in the system, and the Passport Service endeavours to issue passports as swiftly as possible in a way that is fair and equitable to all citizens. In the interests of both fairness and operational efficiency, applications are processed in order of receipt according to the channel through which they were submitted. Genuine emergency cases are, as outlined, given priority. I am satisfied that this approach, which allows flexibility in the most urgent cases, is the most effective and equitable way for the Passport Service to assist all citizens.
I am grateful for Deputies’ assistance in encouraging applicants to familiarise themselves with current average turnaround times at www.dfa.ie/passport, to allow plenty of time for processing, and to avail of the appropriate application channel at the outset.
145. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the environmental consequences that are expected now that boat permits have been increased from two to 15 for landings on Skellig Michael; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21224/17]
View answerThe number of boats plying for the business to bring visitors to Skellig Michael has varied considerably over the years. At peak and prior to the OPW’s intervention in the early 1990’s when it moved to regulate the activity, there were up to 25 boats operating. This was considered to be unsustainable on conservation grounds and a system of restrictions on permits was introduced in 1995. With the agreement of the Boatmen at that time, the number of permits was fixed at the number then plying (19) on the understanding that this would be allowed to reduce over time through natural wastage to 15, which, it was judged, is a sustainable level. This limit has been determined by a professional Carrying Capacity Study carried out in 2012 / 13 which validated the approach and confirmed that its appropriateness, subject to close management of the regime of visitor flows on the island. This level of boat permits (which equates to a maximum of 180 visitors per day) is not considered an unsustainable load on the island, particularly when it is considered that typically, 30 / 40% of sail days are lost through bad weather off the south-west coast.
In the years after 1994, the number of permits issued each year reduced to a point where, at the end of the 2015 season, there were 13 boats regularly operating. Following open competitions held in 2016 and again this year, a total of 15 permits will be in place for the coming 2017 season, restoring the number of permitted boats to the optimum level.
146. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the areas along the River Shannon identified by the Office of Public Works in 2009 as being in need of serious and immediate flood prevention measures and works; the number of these areas that have undergone the necessary flood prevention measures and works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21240/17]
View answer147. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details and location of works that have been completed to address flooding along the River Shannon in County Leitrim since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21241/17]
View answer148. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of domestic properties in the Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district that were impacted by flooding in each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21242/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delivering a multi-annual programme of capital investment in flood defence measures, with €430 million provided for in the Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021. Since 2009, a number of major flood defence schemes have been completed in the Shannon catchment area including Ennis Upper and Derrymullen, Ballinasloe. Further schemes are currently underway at Kings Island in Limerick, Foynes, Athlone, Ennis Lower and Ennis South.
The OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme in 2009, following the flood events experienced in many parts of the country. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
The following Table 1 sets out the number of projects approved each year since 2009 for each Local Authority, including Leitrim County Council, for whom part of their administrative area lies within the Shannon Catchment area.
The OPW publishes on its website, www.opw.ie, the annual lists of all projects approved under the Scheme since 2009, showing the location and details of each project approved. The commencement and progression of any works, for which funding is approved, is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.
While the OPW does not have the detailed flood information sought in relation to Carrick on Shannon municipal district, the Deputy may be able to access this data from Leitrim County Council in terms of their emergency response role.
The core strategy for addressing the significant flood risks along the River Shannon is the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Of the 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) nationwide, there are 66 in the Shannon River Basin District that have been assessed within the Shannon CFRAM study. These include Carrick on Shannon and are listed in Table 2.
Feasible flood relief structural measures have been identified to provide protection to almost all properties at significant risk from flooding within at risk communities.
Following a public consultation process, the Flood Risk Management Plans are now being finalised taking on board the comments received and will include a prioritised list of feasible structural measures, to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner.
In January 2016, the Government took decisive action to support the existing plans in place to address flooding on the Shannon and established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group to enhance ongoing co-operation of all State agencies involved with the River Shannon and to add value to the CFRAM Programme.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group has taken the decision to develop a plan for strategic maintenance works on the River Shannon that will complement the Group’s Work Programme and the specific measures that are identified for the areas at risk in the CFRAM Draft Shannon Flood Risk Management Plan. The Group has established a sub-committee to address all of the necessary legal, environmental, technical and other considerations that arise in bringing forward both short term and long term proposals. The Group has now agreed to the delivery of targeted maintenance activities to be carried out in a range of locations this year in accordance with the permitted seasonal windows for such activities.
Since last October, the Group has also been piloting the lowering of the lake levels in Lough Allen to help mitigate potential flood risk during Winter months and has also endorsed the commencement of a specific project, led by the Office of Public Works, to identify viable flood risk reduction measures in the Shannon Callows.
Table 1
Approved Projects under Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme in the Shannon Catchment
2009 to 2017 (Year to Date)
|
Local Authority |
Approved Projects 2009-2017 |
|||||||||
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
YTD 2017 |
Total |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
6 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
23 |
|
Cork County Council |
2 |
9 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
25 |
|
Donegal County Council |
0 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
Galway County Council |
1 |
66 |
18 |
24 |
7 |
7 |
19 |
14 |
9 |
165 |
|
Kerry County Council |
8 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
27 |
|
Laois County Council |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
0 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
19 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
0 |
17 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
27 |
|
Longford County Council |
0 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
16 |
|
Mayo County Council |
8 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
28 |
|
Meath Council County |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
9 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
5 |
14 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
43 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
||
|
Tipperary County Council |
2 |
15 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
45 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
Totals |
32 |
162 |
59 |
61 |
21 |
21 |
41 |
56 |
20 |
473 |
Further details on all projects approved under the Scheme can be found on the OPW website:
http://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/
Table 2
Areas of Further Assessment (AFAs) in the Shannon CFRAM Study
|
Co Kerry |
Tralee |
Banna |
Moneycashen |
Tarbert Power Station |
|
Listowel |
Abbeydorney |
Ballylongford |
||
|
Co Cork |
Charleville |
Milford |
||
|
Co Limerick |
Athea |
Limerick City |
Castleconnell |
Dromcolliher |
|
Adare |
Clarina |
Croom |
Kilmallock |
|
|
Rathkeale |
Askeaton |
Newcastle West |
Cappamore |
|
|
Abbeyfeale |
Foynes |
|||
|
Co Clare |
Kilkee |
Kilrush |
Springfield |
Killaloe/Ballina |
|
Quin |
Bunratty |
Sixmilebridge |
Shannon |
|
|
Ennis |
Shannon Airport (IRR3) |
O’Briens Bridge |
||
|
Co Tipperary |
Roscrea |
Borrisokane |
Nenagh |
Newport |
|
Co Galway |
Portumna |
Ahascragh |
Ballinalsoe |
|
|
Co Offaly |
Clara |
Pollagh |
Rahan |
Birr |
|
Shannon Harbour |
Shannon Bridge Power Station (IRR2) |
|||
|
Co Laois |
Clonaslee |
|||
|
Co Longford |
Longford |
Clondara |
Edgeworthstown |
Abbeyshrule |
|
Lanesborough Power Station (IRR1) |
Ballymahon |
|||
|
Co Roscommon |
Boyle |
Roscommon |
Castlerea |
Athleague |
|
Co Westmeath |
Athlone |
Mullingar |
Kilbeggan |
|
|
Co Leitrim |
Drumshambo |
Leitrim |
Mohill |
Dromod |
|
Carrick-on- Shannon |
