Written Answers Nos. 286-303
286. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 199 and 200 of 3 May 2017, the way in which savings of €77 million were made in 2016 from welfare fraud in respect of one-parent family payments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23230/17]
View answer287. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 199 and 200 of 3 May 2017, if the €506 million in control savings made in 2016 were as a result of fraud alone, that is, that all of the €506 million savings were made as a result of persons deliberately trying to deceive his Department for financial gain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23231/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
The savings of €506 million result from control and anti-fraud actions and measures implemented by the Department during 2016. Of this, some €41 million was attributable to fraud by the person claiming a benefit or assistance payment. Reviews and investigations of entitlements are conducted by social welfare staff and represent a combination of desk-based assessment of entitlements, direct enquiries with recipients of social welfare payments, and face to face interviews and investigations by members of the Special Investigations Unit.
Of the total control savings of €506 million, €77 million arose in the case of payments under the one parent family scheme in 2016. In 937 cases, a determination of fraud was made with an overpayment value of €3.2 million or just over €3,400 per claimant. The average value of overpayments in 2016 as a result of fraud was of the order of €2,500.
The Deputy should note that the control savings of €506 million exclude any element where there was voluntarily disclosure of means or changed circumstances which resulted in a reduction in the rate of payment or termination of the claim. Departmental error cases are also excluded from the savings figure.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
288. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will clarify if, following the Social Welfare Act 1974, secular clergy can legally be classed as self-employed; his views on whether the inability of the group to qualify for a contributory State pension is in line with the Social Welfare Act 1974 and in particular section 3; and his views on whether this Act has resulted in equal treatment, in terms of pension qualifications for all religious groups. [23256/17]
View answerIt has not been possible to fully investigate, in the limited time available for this reply, the relevant legislative changes in 1974 and subsequently as to their impact on the group in question. I will respond directly to the Deputy providing full details, once my Department’s investigations are complete.
289. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons recruited to jobpass in the years 2015 and 2016 (details supplied); the number of persons initially signed up each year; the number of persons who completed year one and went on to complete year two; the number of persons who gained employment in Gort, Loughrea, Athenry, Tuam and Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23271/17]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to JobPath as the Department does not administer a scheme called JobPass.
As the Deputy will be aware, the state’s Public Employment Service is managed by my Department and delivered directly by its own Intreo service as well as by contracted private companies, such as JobPath, Local Employment Service (LES) and Job Club providers. These services have been designed by the department to augment and complement one another. The Department has some 68 contracts in place for the provision of these services.
JobPath is being delivered by two companies/contractors, Turas Nua and Seetec. This element of the service was rolled out on a phased basis over the period mid-2015 to July 2016. The numbers referred initially were low but this has increased with circa 94,000 Jobseekers having commenced with the service by May 2017. Of these, some 71,000 had started their engagement with the service by the end of 2016. In the case of the areas specifically mentioned by the deputy, some 1,400 people have commenced their engagement period with the service to date. These clients were referred to the service from the Intreo Centre in Loughrea, and the Social Welfare Branch Offices in Ballinasloe, Gort and Tuam.
It is important to note that jobseekers may be supported through the service for up to 30 months - under the service jobseekers have access to a personal adviser (PA) who works with them over two phases. During the first phase, of 12 months duration, the PA provides practical assistance in searching, preparing for, securing and sustaining employment. The second phase starts if the jobseeker is successful in finding work. During this phase the PA continues to work with the jobseeker for a further period of at least three months, and up to 12 months. In addition to the two phases Jobseekers may also undertake training while with the service and this may extend the period the jobseeker is supported through the service for up to a further 6 months.
It will therefore take time to accumulate a sufficient number of clients (who have completed their engagement period with the service) for complete and robust outcome data to be available. With this in mind, it is intended that a full econometric evaluation of the service will commence later this year.
However for 2017, my Department’s aim is to publish a cohort based report on the performance of the service on a quarterly basis. The first report was published on the 17th January (this report is available on the department’s website) with the second report due for publication (also on the department’s website) shortly. Given that only a small number of people have completed their full engagement period with the service these reports can only be treated as indicative, nevertheless the performance levels detailed in same are encouraging.
In relation to ensuring that the outcomes of the service are suitable to the person, the Department was careful in designing the service to ensure that payments to contractors are conditional on Jobseekers not just finding a job but finding and sustaining their employment. The companies are, for example, only paid a job outcome fee for each 13 week period of sustained employment of at least 30 hours per week. The suitability of employment is therefore a key factor in ensuring that jobs are sustainable. If people are placed into unsuitable jobs they are less likely to remain in employment and as a consequence the provider’s fees will be reduced. In addition the department has built in a number of controls related to the service, for example should one of the companies fall below the standards expected by the department in terms of performance, customer satisfaction or quality of service delivery the department can apply a sanction to the company concerned. The department conducts audits and inspections and monitors customer satisfaction and performance of the companies on an ongoing basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
290. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a person’s (details supplied) application for disability allowance; and when they can expect a decision on their case. [23275/17]
View answerFollowing a successful review this person has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 1 February 2017. The first payment will be made by her chosen payment method on 17 May 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.
292. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) regarding an application for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23347/17]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 5 April 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. The Deputy should not hesitate to contact my office for further assistance with this query.
293. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe within which illness benefit is paid once his Department has received an application; the waiting times for receipt of this payment; if there is a delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23351/17]
View answerIllness Benefit is a payment for persons who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. At present claims are decided, on average, within six days of their receipt in my Department.
Under the regulations governing the scheme, entitlement to payment of illness benefit is from the seventh day of illness so that, in practice, payment is not normally made until a second medical certificate has been received. Payment of illness benefit is made in arrears.
It is crucial that persons claiming Illness Benefit send in regular medical certificates promptly while they are unable to work due to illness to ensure continued payment of benefit.
294. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Taiwan's continued participation in the World Health Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22777/17]
View answerThe World Health Assembly (WHA) is attended by Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO). All countries which are Members of the United Nations may become members of WHO by accepting its Constitution. Taiwan is not a Member State of the United Nations and consequently is not a member of UN subsidiary bodies such as WHO. However, in previous years it has attended the WHA in an observer capacity. Ireland is supportive of attendance by non-members to facilitate co-operation on health matters, where there is agreement amongst all WHO Member States.
Ireland, along with our EU partners, adheres to the One China policy and, as a result, does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The European External Action Service and the European Commission Joint Communication entitled "Elements for a new EU Strategy on China", together with the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 18 July 2016, provides the policy framework for EU engagement with China over the coming years. As stipulated in the Joint Communication, practical solutions should be promoted regarding Taiwan's participation in international frameworks, whenever this is consistent with the EU's One China policy and the EU's policy objectives.
295. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has a policy of asking for a report on the way human rights, including the rights of women, are being improved in Saudi Arabia when visiting the country; if not, if this will be policy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22852/17]
View answer301. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on recent meetings he has had with his Saudi Arabian counterpart; the dates and times of meetings; the issues discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 301 together.
I met my Saudi Arabian counterpart, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, at the EU-GCC Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting last July. As we met in a multilateral context, we did not have any substantive discussions outside the parameters of the Meeting. However, the issue of human rights in the Gulf was raised during the Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting discussions. It was noted that although human rights is an area where the EU and the GCC do not always agree, the dialogue must continue, even if this means tackling difficult issues.
I travelled to Saudi Arabia last November, on what was my first visit to the Kingdom as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In advance of my trip to the Kingdom and during the visit, I was briefed on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia by my Department and by our Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. I did not meet with my counterpart, Minister Al-Jubeir, during the visit as he was not in the country at the time. However, I did meet with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nizar Madani, and we discussed human rights, including the death penalty and the position of women in Saudi society.
As I have stated on numerous occasions, there are many human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, including, but not limited to, women’s rights, that are of great concern to me and to my Department. I would always raise human rights issues on a visit to Saudi Arabia but, as noted above, have only been on one such visit to date. My officials also raise these issues with their Saudi counterparts, here in Dublin, in Riyadh and in multilateral fora. It is Ireland’s policy to promote human rights whenever possible and appropriate, and my Department strives to maintain this principled position in all of its bilateral relations, including with Saudi Arabia.
296. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he was last briefed by the Irish ambassador to the UN regarding women's rights in Saudi Arabia; if these briefings are organised regularly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22851/17]
View answer297. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials were contacted by countries that did not want to support Saudi Arabia being appointed to the UN Commission on the Status of Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22850/17]
View answer298. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there was contact between Saudi Arabian officials and Irish officials prior to the vote on Saudi Arabia's membership on the UN Commission on the Status of Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/17]
View answer299. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if information on Saudi Arabia's human rights record was requested by the State, in particular its human rights record relating to women, prior to the vote on its membership of the UN Commission on the Status of Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22848/17]
View answer300. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions that he or his officials had with the permanent representative of Ireland to the UN prior to the vote on Saudi Arabia's membership of the UN Commission on the Status of Women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22847/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 to 300, inclusive, together.
Ireland has a very strong record on promoting the rights of women and girls at the United Nations. We are a leading voice in this field. Given the centrality of promoting and protecting human rights in Ireland’s foreign policy, my Department closely monitors human rights concerns and issues.
In this respect, the Department seeks to be fully informed on an ongoing basis on current developments regarding human rights in individual countries and regions. It is briefed as a matter of course on developments at the UN by the staff of our Permanent Representations in New York and Geneva, and by relevant Embassies and Consulates across Ireland’s network of missions, among them our Embassy in Saudi Arabia which follows and reports on relevant developments including recent announcements by the authorities in Riyadh on reform of the guardianship system for women.
My Department is therefore very aware of the challenges facing women and girls globally and works at the United Nations and elsewhere to progress gender equality and the empowerment of women. Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN and his staff remain in regular contact with my Department on the wide range of issues that arise at the UN in which Ireland has an interest, including our national priorities across the three pillars of the UN’s work, namely peace and security, development, and human rights.
There are numerous elections across a range of bodies at the UN. Most of the 193 Member States of the United Nations present candidatures for election - some more frequently than others – and, in this context, there are multiple and routine interactions between the member states. There were no representations made to my Department which sought to oppose the candidature of Saudi Arabia prior to the election on membership of the Commission on the Status of Women last month.
In that election, the 55 States in the Asia-Pacific grouping agreed five candidate countries - Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Japan and the Republic of Korea - for the five seats available to their grouping.
302. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) was recently here; and if he will contact his Brazilian counterpart to indicate his concern at the violent attacks on the Guarani-Kaiowá and his disappointment at the failure of the Brazilian Government to demarcate the Guarani-Kaiowá's ancestral territory. [22929/17]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges faced by indigenous populations in parts of Latin America and regularly raises our concerns in this area in contacts with relevant Governments. I unreservedly condemn any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous people and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Brazil or elsewhere.
As the Deputy will be aware, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples visited Brazil in March of last year to identify and assess the main issues facing indigenous peoples there. On that occasion, the Special Rapporteur visited the Guarani-Kaiowá people in Mato Grosso Do Sul. The Special Rapporteur’s report of August 2016 recognised that Brazil has in the past been a leader in the area of indigenous peoples’ rights and has made significant achievements in this area, including in constitutional provisions protecting the rights of its indigenous people. However, the report also noted a worrying regression in the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights in recent years.
Consequently, on 5 May 2017 Ireland used the occasion of the 27th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva to express our concern at this regression in the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights in Brazil. Ireland recommended that Brazil take further steps to protect human rights defenders, including those working in relation to the rights of indigenous peoples, by ensuring impartial, thorough and effective investigations into all cases of attacks, harassment and intimidation and the prosecution of all alleged perpetrators of such offences.
In relation to the individual referred to by the Deputy, I am aware of their recent visit to Dublin. While, for scheduling reasons, it was not possible to arrange a meeting on this occasion, Departmental officials at home and abroad engage regularly with human rights activists and civil society leaders in Latin America, including those working on indigenous rights. In addition, the issue of the rights of indigenous peoples is the subject of ongoing attention by European Union Ambassadors in Brazil. In this regard, Ireland and other EU Member States strongly support the mandate of FUNAI, the government agency responsible for enforcing the rights of indigenous peoples. Together with our EU partners, we have urged the Government of Brazil to ensure that FUNAI is adequately resourced to carry out its important work.
Officials of my Department, including those in our Embassy in Brasilia, will continue to actively engage with issues surrounding human rights and the situation of indigenous peoples in Brazil such as the Guarani-Kaiowá.
303. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person (details supplied) who has been living here for over 50 years needs to apply for citizenship and pay the costs associated with the citizenship application process in order to get a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23348/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is authorised to issue passports to Irish citizens only. This is set out in the Passports Act, 2008. Entitlement to Irish citizenship is in turn subject to the terms of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.
Accordingly, the Passport Service is obliged to seek documentary evidence of Irish citizenship by birth, parentage/descent, or naturalisation before a passport application can be processed. The Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade does not have the authority to declare an individual a citizen or recognise him/her as such in the absence of such evidence.
The Passport Service has advised that previous correspondence with the person concerned indicates that he may qualify for Irish citizenship through a grandparent who was born on the island of Ireland. It should be noted, however, that the relevant legislation states that the Irish citizenship of individuals in this category commences only after inclusion on the Foreign Births’ Register (FBR). The Passport Service can therefore only proceed with a passport application from this person once it includes an FBR certificate as evidence of Irish citizenship.
The fee for registering a foreign birth is €270 for applicants over 18 and €145 for applicants under 18. These fees are set out in the Foreign Birth Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 47 of 2013). There is no provision for waiving the fee in the legislation and currently there are no proposals to amend the fee. Full details regarding FBR may be consulted on my Department’s website at https://www.dfa.ie/passports-citizenship/citizenship/born-abroad/ .
