Written Answers Nos. 199-219
199. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of capital allocated to his Department for 2017 at its creation; the amount of this spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40019/17]
View answerThe 2017 capital allocations and corresponding spend to the end of August 2017 for my Department are displayed in the following table.
|
Subhead Title |
2017 REV Allocation€’000s |
Spend to end of August 2017€’000s |
|
Dormant Accounts Fund |
2,006 |
1,602 |
|
Western Development Commission |
1,000 |
0 |
|
National Rural Development Schemes (incl CLAR & Rural Recreation) |
11,853 |
238 |
|
LEADER |
40,000 |
7,985 |
|
Town & Village Renewal |
12,000 |
0 |
|
Rural Broadband, Regional Development |
1,000 |
14 |
|
RAPID |
5,000 |
8 |
|
Programme for Peace and Reconciliation |
700 |
0 |
|
Libraries Development and Archive Service |
2,750 |
579 |
|
Community Facilities Scheme |
2,000 |
2,000 |
Typically, the bulk of expenditure on capital programmes occurs in the latter half of the year. In 2017, the majority of expenditure on these programmes was profiled to occur in the latter half of the year. For example, successful projects under the CLÁR and Rural Recreation programmes were announced between May and June of this year, and payments will be drawn-down as these projects are delivered.
Since June, the number of project approvals under LEADER has increased significantly, with well over 200 projects fully approved for grant aid of over €6 million. This compares to approvals with a grant aid of less than €1 million in the previous 6 months. This funding will be drawn down as projects start to incur expenditure and submit payment claims.
It is expected that the allocations in relation to the Rapid and Libraries Development Programmes will be fully expended by year end, while successful projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will be announced shortly.
200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expenditure on projects under the LEADER programme in each of the years 2014 to 2020 as of 31 August 2017; the approvals for projects to the same day, by LAG; the steps being taken to expedite expenditure under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40020/17]
View answerLEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme over the period 2014-2020, including both national and EU funding. The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been produced for each LAG area.
Funding Agreements for the current LEADER programme were, for the most part, signed with the LAGs in the second half of 2016 and the programme effectively became operational from that date. There was no project expenditure on the new LEADER programme prior to 2017, although funding was provided to the LAGs to develop their Local Development Strategies and to prepare for the implementation phase of the programme.
In excess of 5,000 expressions of interest have been received to date by the LAGs from potential project promoters under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme and the LAGs are currently working with project promoters to develop and finalise project applications.
As of 31st August 2017, 265 projects with a value of over €6.7 million had been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. The number and value of projects at final approval stage in each Local Action Group as of 31st August 2017 is provided on Table 1 below. This funding will be drawn down as projects start to incur expenditure and submit payment claims. As of 31st August 2017, project expenditure amounting to €132,681 had been drawn down.
Since June, the number of project approvals under LEADER has increased significantly, with well over 200 projects fully approved since then for LEADER grant aid of over €6 million. This compares to approvals with a grant aid of less than €1 million in the previous 6 months.
I am confident that progress now being made by the LAGs, along with administrative improvements which have been introduced by my Department following consultation with the LAGs, will result in a significant increase in project approvals and payments under the LEADER programme over the coming months.
Table 1 – Projects at Final Approved stage in each LAG
|
LAG Area |
Number of Projects |
Leader Grant Amount (€) |
|
Carlow |
9 |
608,336.16 |
|
Cavan |
6 |
139,719.27 |
|
Clare |
22 |
417,295.46 |
|
Cork North |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Cork South |
1 |
15,496.70 |
|
Cork West |
1 |
10,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
32 |
1,025,173.46 |
|
Dublin |
4 |
57,585.98 |
|
Galway East |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Galway West |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Kerry |
61 |
993,113.89 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
18 |
357,378.80 |
|
Laois |
5 |
63,319.50 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
0.00 |
|
Longford |
5 |
20,476.57 |
|
Louth |
6 |
43,561.54 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
145,650.12 |
|
Meath |
5 |
44,206.66 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
136,508.11 |
|
Offaly |
23 |
266,720.53 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
6,000.00 |
|
Sligo |
21 |
503,081.26 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
206,059.88 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
1,260,172.65 |
|
Westmeath |
6 |
52,384.97 |
|
Wexford |
11 |
377,738.10 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0.00 |
|
TOTAL |
265 |
6,749,979.61 |
201. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expenditure that had been incurred under the LEADER programme in each of the years 2007 to 2013 and as of 31 August 2010; the value of projects that had been approved under this programme at this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40021/17]
View answerLEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland had an allocation of approximately €400 million for the 2007-2013 LEADER programme, including both national and EU funding. The 2007-2013 programme was succeeded by a further LEADER programme which covers the period 2014-2020.
The 2007-2013 programme was administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) who delivered funding in accordance with local strategies for each LEADER area. I understand that Funding Agreements for the 2007-2013 programme were signed with the LAGs early in 2009 and the programme effectively became operational from that date.
Total expenditure on the LEADER programme over the period 2007 to 2013 was approximately €247 million, as shown on Table 1 below, with a break down provided between project expenditure and administration costs. Further payments in respect of the 2007-2013 LEADER programme were made in subsequent years as projects were finalised and claims submitted. Total expenditure to date under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme amounts to approximately €375 million.
As of 31st August 2010, 2,778 projects with a value of €48,290,816.50 had been approved for funding under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme. A total of €38.479 million had been issued on foot of payment claims at that date - €19.918 million (52%) on LAG administration costs and €18.560 million (48%) on LEADER projects.
Table 1: LEADER Programme Expenditure, 2007-2013
|
Year |
Project costs (€) |
Administration costs (€) |
Total (€) |
|
2007 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2008 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
2009 |
8,201,445.25 |
11,464,519.05 |
19,665,964.30 |
|
2010 |
30,596,158.16 |
13,659,684.89 |
44,255,843.05 |
|
2011 |
35,452,081.68 |
12,009,677.00 |
47,461,758.68 |
|
2012 |
39,681,861.45 |
13,335,298.42 |
53,017,159.87 |
|
2013 |
69,146,989.39 |
13,451,003.70 |
82,597,993.09 |
|
Totals |
183,078,535.93 |
63,920,183.06 |
246,998,718.99 |
202. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation of funding for 2017 under the CLÁR scheme, the REDZ scheme and the town and village renewal scheme respectively; the amount spent under each scheme to date in 2017; the value of the approved projects on which no funding has been claimed to date, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40022/17]
View answerThe 2017 CLÁR programme was launched on 31st March last, with a closing date of 5th May. More than 500 applications were received under the programme and a total of just under €7 million was allocated to 231 successful projects.
Table 1 shows the allocation of CLÁR funding on a county basis, along with the amount of funds drawn down to date. It should be noted that the deadline for receipt of initial draw down requests is 31st October 2017; therefore the amount which has been paid out to date is not necessarily an indication of the extent of progress being made in delivering projects on the ground.
The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched on 13th April this year, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. It is envisaged that up to €20 million in funding will be invested in supporting projects in up to 300 towns and villages over the next 12 to 15 months. The assessment of applications is nearing completion and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects and allocations shortly. There has been no expenditure on this scheme to date in 2017.
In relation to the REDZ scheme, there is no allocation for this programme in 2017.
Table 1 – 2017 CLÁR allocations and payments
|
County |
2017 CLÁR funding approved |
CLÁR payments made to date |
|
Carlow |
€178,760 |
€0.00 |
|
Cavan |
€310,182 |
€0.00 |
|
Clare |
€351,733 |
€0.00 |
|
Cork |
€260,916 |
€0.00 |
|
Donegal |
€245,482 |
€7,550.00 |
|
Galway |
€611,539 |
€0.00 |
|
Kerry |
€261,173 |
€0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€161,932 |
€0.00 |
|
Laois |
€51,395 |
€0.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€486,153 |
€0.00 |
|
Limerick |
€180,533 |
€0.00 |
|
Longford |
€283,467 |
€0.00 |
|
Louth |
€245,869 |
€0.00 |
|
Mayo |
€879,882 |
€60,500.00 |
|
Meath |
€104,000 |
€0.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€594,338 |
€0.00 |
|
Offaly |
€186,954 |
€0.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€372,441 |
€0.00 |
|
Sligo |
€351,216 |
€10,115.17 |
|
Tipperary |
€250,714 |
€0.00 |
|
Waterford |
€329,549 |
€0.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€81,097 |
€0.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€133,025 |
€0.00 |
|
Grand total |
€6,912,350 |
€78,165.17 |
203. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount prepaid to local authorities at the end of 2016 for rural development purposes; the schemes under which it was allocated, by local authority; the amount of the funding which has been spent by each local authority on each scheme to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40026/17]
View answerThe following tables outline the funding provided to Local Authorities by scheme, and the most up to date expenditure information available in respect of the 2016 Rural Development Programmes. Responsibility for the administration of these programmes transferred to my Department recently from the Department of Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
My Department is continuing to work closely with all relevant Local Authorities to ensure that any remaining funding allocated to them is spent promptly and in accordance with the original project proposals.
|
2016 Rural Development Programmes |
||||
|
|
Town and Village Renewal |
Town and Village Renewal |
CLÁR |
CLÁR |
|
Local Authority |
Allocation |
Expenditure to 31/8/2017 |
Allocation |
Expenditure to 31/8/2017 |
|
Carlow |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 378,205.96 |
€ 80,000.00 |
€ 80,000.00 |
|
Cavan |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 57,000.00 |
€ 498,184.00 |
€ 109,082.02 |
|
Clare |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 244,566.10 |
€ 284,000.00 |
€ 93,719.00 |
|
Cork |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 55,878.00 |
€ 562,222.00 |
€ 133,834.83 |
|
Donegal |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 0.00 |
€ 878,632.00 |
€ 159,837.00 |
|
Dublin (Fingal) |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 270,254.15 |
€ 0.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Galway |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 254,656.37 |
€ 392,000.00 |
€ 327,656.00 |
|
Kerry |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 368,221.00 |
€ 744,964.00 |
€ 529,572.37 |
|
Kildare * |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 119,730.00 |
€ 0.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 232,795.00 |
€ 223,000.00 |
€ 99,973.00 |
|
Laois |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 143,940.27 |
€ 148,900.00 |
€ 134,500.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 374,909.64 |
€ 274,800.00 |
€ 208,800.00 |
|
Limerick |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 297,840.00 |
€ 235,000.00 |
€ 214,000.00 |
|
Longford |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 237,560.00 |
€ 124,551.44 |
|
Louth |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 366,844.50 |
€ 173,520.00 |
€ 111,131.00 |
|
Mayo |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 375,250.00 |
€ 976,869.00 |
€ 464,332.32 |
|
Meath |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 298,260.00 |
€ 127,600.00 |
€ 122,546.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 347,122.00 |
€ 356,440.00 |
€ 317,958.00 |
|
Offaly |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 37,521.32 |
€ 123,398.00 |
€ 84,357.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 263,446.00 |
€ 406,497.40 |
€ 394,348.85 |
|
Sligo |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 598,400.00 |
€ 384,512.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 265,820.00 |
€ 371,000.00 |
€ 268,098.60 |
|
Waterford |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 261,600.00 |
€ 233,809.02 |
|
Westmeath |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 304,900.00 |
€ 214,280.00 |
€ 57,527.00 |
|
Wexford |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 300,113.71 |
€ 0.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€ 380,000.00 |
€ 202,083.00 |
€ 70,000.00 |
€ 5,675.00 |
|
Total |
€9,880,000.00 |
€6,699,357.02 |
€8,238,866.40 |
€4,659,820.45 |
* The latest information available in respect of Kildare is to 31/5/17
204. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will review the SICAP funding to deal with the shortcomings in the present system regarding the way in which funds are allocated (details supplied). [40044/17]
View answer206. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to increase the amount of funding available to Fingal to reflect population growth. [40046/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 206 together.
Within the constraints of the prevailing budgetary situation, I am particularly conscious of the need to prioritise funding for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and for its successor, SICAP 2018-2022, from January next.
In 2017, the SICAP programme has a budget of €37.5m, distributed across Ireland’s 51 geographic SICAP Lots. My aim is to ensure that resources are allocated in the fairest way possible and to make the maximum contribution to tackling disadvantage, enabling job creation and economic recovery.
My Department’s intention is, over time, to use the available knowledge of population levels and disadvantage to ensure that resources are targeted at areas of greatest need. As a tool to assist with this, a Resource Allocation Model, or RAM, has been developed which allows relative disadvantage to be measured across all census areas. In order to achieve the objective of moving towards allocating resources according to this model, my Department has in recent years worked to ensure that funding is protected for those areas which the RAM shows have greatest needs. This principle was used in deciding on funding allocations for SICAP and I am satisfied that the funding allocated to Fingal under SICAP is a fair allocation of resources for the area concerned. Details of the model are available at the following link http://trutzhaase.eu/deprivation-index/qas/
205. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the index traditionally being used to allocate SICAP funding remains weighted by the presence of local authority housing in view of the fact that since the early 1990s housing for persons in need has generally been provided through the private sector creating a deep anomaly for areas for example which have seen large population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40045/17]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the Pobal HP Deprivation index employed for the allocation of funding to areas, through my Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
In 2017, the SICAP programme has a budget of €37.5m, to be distributed across Ireland’s 51 geographic SICAP Lots. The geographic distribution and allocation of resources for the SICAP programme uses the Pobal HP Deprivation index (or SICAP RAM- Resource Allocation Model).
The Index - SICAP RAM- takes into account the HP deprivation score as well as the population of each Lot area, and identifies an allocation of the national budget determined by these two figures. The model is a widely used social gradient metric, used across Government Departments and state agencies for the targeting of services as well as the allocation of resources. The index is recognised as a robust and reliable tool for the identification of relative levels of affluence or disadvantage across geographic areas, by utilising existing data from the national census. In the model, social deprivation / affluence is conceptualised as being driven by three key concepts; demographic profile, social class composition and labour market situation, each of which is measured through a set of observable indicators taken from the census. These include demographic profile, social class composition and labour market profile.
It is recognised that the issue of housing, and in particular, social housing is an area of particular importance. However, the inclusion of the percentage of individuals living in social housing, or in schemes such as Housing Assistance Payment, HAP, (which is not measured in the Census), is not specifically included in the RAM to ensure an equity of funding allocations and to avoid double counting within the index. The model itself has been designed to avoid the double counting of predictive deprivation indicators. That is to say, the personal attributes of individuals within an area are already factored into the index. The inclusion of, for example, the percentage of individuals living in social housing, would serve only to double count disadvantage in certain areas where social housing is more prevalent.
I am satisfied that the current application of the RAM is a fair and equitable approach to allocating funds.
It is important to recognise that the current SICAP, while targeting areas where there is clear evidence of high levels of deprivation, is by no means confined to those areas. The Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) and Programme Implementers, in each area, have significant opportunity to look to members of the target groups that do not live in an area classed as disadvantaged. The next iteration of the Programme sees no significant change in that regard.
Further information on the construction of the index and the rationale for inclusion or exclusion of certain variables can be found on the Questions and Answers page on Trutz Haase’s website http://trutzhaase.eu/deprivation-index/qas
207. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he has given consideration to a system whereby if the contract for delivery of SICAP funding is again assigned to the Blanchardstown area partnership, that the Fingal leader partnership would work as a subcontractor (details supplied). [40047/17]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The Programme was rolled out in April 2015, and will run until 31 December 2017. Its aim is to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations, public sector agencies and other stakeholders. SICAP is a key intervention for the harder to reach cohort of the population, with delivery in each area (or Lot) overseen and managed by the relevant LCDC in the local authority area.
The SICAP funding allocation for 2017 nationally is €37.5m, which includes an allocation of €3m under the European Social Fund (ESF) Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.
The next iteration of the programme, SICAP 2018-2022 is due to supersede the current programme with effect from 1 January 2018. As with the current programme, and in accordance with the Public Spending Code, legal advice and good practice internationally, and also in order to ensure the optimum delivery of services to clients, SICAP 2018-2022 is subject to a public procurement process which is currently underway. The public procurement process is a competitive process that is open to Local Development Companies, other not-for-profit community groups, commercial firms and national organisations that can provide the services to deliver the new Programme. The matter of sub-contracting is dealt with in the Request for Tender (RFT) which issued in July last. Given the deliberative process, currently underway, I am not in a position to comment further.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39922/17]
View answerI confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 4 August 2017. 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 hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39923/17]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 8 August 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.
211. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on queries raised by a person (details attached) about pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39932/17]
View answerExpenditure on pensions, at approximately €7.3 billion, is the largest block of expenditure in my Department. Demographic change alone will increase this by over €220 million this year.
The ‘marriage bar’ describes a rule that existed in most of the public service and some private sector employments, where women were required to leave their employment upon marriage. This practice was abolished in 1973 when Ireland joined the EEC. As employees in the public service generally paid a reduced rate of PRSI, which provided no cover for the State pension (contributory), the marriage bar would not generally have reduced State pension entitlement, as such pensioners would not have qualified for that payment in the first place had they remained in public sector employment, and instead would have qualified for a Public Service pension. Any questions regarding that issue should be referred to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The homemaker’s scheme, which was introduced in 1994 and provides for periods since then, makes qualification easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. It does this by allowing gaps of 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 averaged for pension purposes. It is estimated that extending the period covered by this scheme to periods prior to its introduction would cost some €290 million per year.
Where people do not qualify for a maximum-rate contributory pension in their own right, the social protection system provides alternative methods of supporting such pensioners in old age. Where their spouse has a contributory pension, they may qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult amounting up to 90% of a full rate pension, which by default is paid directly to them, and is subject to a personal means-test. Alternatively, they may qualify for a State Pension (non-contributory), based on their household means, amounting up to 95% of the maximum contributory pension rate. There are very significant income and capital disregards in the means tests for these payments, which result in the large majority of payees – most of whom are women – being paid at the maximum rate.
It should be noted the most recent CSO figures (from 2015) show that the rate of Consistent Poverty among women aged over 65 is 2.6%, compared to 2.9% for men in the same age group. Both of these figures (which are so close as to effectively be at parity) are very substantially lower than the rates of consistent poverty among the working age population, and attest to the role of the state pension system in keeping older people out of Consistent Poverty, and its success in doing so for men and women equally.
The gap between average State pension payments to men and women over 66 made by my Department is 2% (to the benefit of men), an average difference of some €4 a week, and this reflects the different dynamics of 4 payments – 3 of which benefit women more than men, and one (the State pension contributory) which benefits men more than women. Changing patterns in working lives over the decades are expected to continue to see the outcomes for male and female retirees converge over time.
I understand that the gender pension gap referred to in the material provided by the Deputy relates to an EU Commission statistic, used to calculate the difference in all pension income, including occupational pensions and personal investment pensions. While I understand this figure was approximately 37% in 2012, I am informed that when the Commission most recently calculated this figure for Ireland (earlier this year, in respect of 2014), the figure was 32.0%, compared to 39.1% across the EU. While the Irish figure is higher than I would like, and reflective of higher occupational and private pensions among male pensioners than among their wives who would have spent years out of the workforce in the family home, raising their children, it is notable that the gap is higher in many other, larger EU countries such as Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands, where female labour market participation was higher than here during the decades that our current pensioners worked, and I would hope that the increased female participation in the workforce in recent decades will continue to close this gap as much as is possible.
The National Pensions Framework (2010) announced that the Yearly Average system for calculating SPC entitlements will be replaced with a Total Contributions Approach. The Framework noted that had this reform been introduced at that time, it would have disadvantaged certain pensioners who would have difficulty acquiring sufficient contributions to qualify for a full pension at that time. This includes farmers and other self-employed people, who have only had coverage since 1988, and so the Framework proposed 2020 as the start date. Bringing the date forward to 2018, even if administratively feasible, would not be to the advantage of farmers, who generally qualify for a full rate of pension if they have been either paying Class S contributions for each year since 1988.
The position of homemakers is being carefully considered in developing this new system of calculating the State Pension (contributory). This is a very significant reform with considerable legal, administrative, and technical elements in its implementation. Following completion of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund this year, my Department will conduct a period of consultation with relevant stakeholders. Following the consultation period, I will submit a proposal to Government seeking approval for the new approach, and subsequently introduce legislation to give effect to the model decided upon.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
212. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the rate of PRSI for the self-employed (details supplied) has changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39952/17]
View answerSelf-employed people who earn €5,000 or more in a contribution year are liable for PRSI at the class S rate of 4%, subject to a minimum annual payment of €500. This provides them with access to a range of social insurance benefits including state pension (contributory) and widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension (contributory), guardian’s payment (contributory), maternity benefit, adoptive benefit and paternity benefit.
Since March 2017, self-employed contributors have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental exams, and contributions towards the cost of hearings aids. From October 2017, for all workers including the self-employed, treatment benefit entitlements will also be extended to provide further dental and optical benefits.
In December of this year, self-employed contributors will be eligible for invalidity pension, which, for the first time, will provide access to income support if they have a serious illness or injury that prevents them from working, without having to go through a means test.
The requirement to pay a minimum annual class S charge is based on the need to maintain a relationship between contributions paid and the level of entitlements to which those contributions give access. For example, entitlement to State pension (contributory) at the rate of €238.30 per week can be generated on the basis of the single annual €500 class S contribution.
The minimum annual class S charge was increased from €253 to €500 in January 2013, in line with increases in other minimum annual charges. The €253 class S charge had remained unchanged since 2002, even though the class S rate of contribution had increased from 3% to 4% in January 2011.
213. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's benefit application by a person (details supplied) can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39953/17]
View answerI confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s benefit from the person concerned on 8 August 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.
214. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the living alone allowance; the number of persons in receipt of this payment, by gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39958/17]
View answerThe information requested (where available) by the Deputy is detailed in the following table
Recipients of Living Alone Allowances by Scheme and Gender 31 August 2017
|
Scheme |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Disability Allowance |
17,735 |
10,828 |
28,563 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
4,971 |
4,692 |
9,663 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) Pension |
13,174 |
19,922 |
33,096 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
38,166 |
34,291 |
72,457 |
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
5,308 |
47,599 |
52,907 |
|
Totals |
79,354 |
117,332 |
196,686 |
215. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of social welfare payments in which a qualified child increase payment is also paid in respect of children in the household; the number of children to whom this payment is paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39959/17]
View answerAt the end of July there were a total of almost 2 million recipients of a payment from my Department benefitting over 1.7 million children. A detailed breakdown by scheme (where available) is attached for the Deputy’s information.
Number of Recipients and Children benefitting from a Social Welfare payment at 31 July 2017
|
Scheme |
Recipients |
Full Rate Qualified Child Increase |
Half Rate Qualified Child Increase |
Other Children |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
94,842 |
431 |
113 |
|
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
388,377 |
1,146 |
686 |
|
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
121,085 |
10,579 |
||
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
204,645 |
109,575 |
25,385 |
|
|
One Parent Family Payment |
39,651 |
72,072 |
||
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
17,754 |
8,657 |
||
|
Farm Assist |
7,380 |
4,389 |
1,399 |
|
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
278 |
2 |
||
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
42,338 |
4,716 |
3,484 |
|
|
Maternity Benefit |
19,360 |
735 |
143 |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
13 |
2 |
||
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
46 |
7 |
7 |
|
|
Rural Social Scheme |
2,656 |
1,355 |
504 |
|
|
TUS - Community Work Placement |
6,649 |
2,338 |
2,110 |
|
|
Back To Work Enterprise Allowance |
10,457 |
7,093 |
1,982 |
|
|
JobBridge National Internship Scheme |
267 |
54 |
14 |
|
|
Back To Education Allowance |
1,152 |
801 |
80 |
|
|
Gateway |
183 |
55 |
33 |
|
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
2,093 |
365 |
353 |
|
|
Disability Allowance |
131,133 |
27,552 |
10,585 |
|
|
Carer's Allowance |
73,935 |
3,726 |
39,170 |
|
|
Domiciliary Care |
33,228 |
36,085 |
||
|
Illness Benefit |
55,240 |
8,071 |
6,860 |
|
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
395 |
76 |
36 |
|
|
Injury Benefit |
1,107 |
167 |
108 |
|
|
Invalidity Pension |
56,935 |
5,216 |
7,635 |
|
|
Family Income Supplement |
56,975 |
126,818 |
||
|
Child Benefit |
619,880 |
1,184,240 |
||
|
Grand Total |
1,988,054 |
269,180 |
100,687 |
1,347,143 |
216. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance, carers benefit, full rate and half rate, carers allowance, illness benefit, blind pension and invalidity pension, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39960/17]
View answerThe number of persons in receipt of each of the schemes at the end of August 2017 are outlined in the following table:
|
Scheme |
Total Recipients |
Full Rate |
Half Rate |
|
Disability Allowance |
131,790 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Carers Benefit |
2,708 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Carers Allowance |
74,219 |
41,340 |
32,880 |
|
Illness Benefit |
54,425 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Blind Pension |
1,242 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Invalidity Pension |
57,021 |
n/a |
n/a |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
217. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review and rectify the anomaly whereby persons in receipt of one parent family payment who are in employment when their child reaches seven, that then receive family back to work dividends, are not eligible for fuel allowance in view of the fact the family dividend payment is not one of the qualifying social welfare payments for receipt of fuel allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39969/17]
View answerThe fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 26 weeks from October to April, to low income households, at an estimated cost of €229 million in 2017. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household. My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance as part of the household benefits package to approximately 429,000 customers, at an estimated cost of €232 million in 2017.
The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to the Department in as targeted a manner as possible. Back to work family dividend (BTWFD) is not a means-tested payment and therefore is not a qualifying payment for fuel allowance. BTWFD gives financial support to people with qualified children who are in or take up employment or self-employment and stop claiming any primary social welfare payment. Family Income Supplement (FIS) can be paid with BTWFD and the amount received from the BTWFD is not taken into account in the means test for FIS.
Persons in receipt of one parent family payment that are in employment when their child reaches the age of seven can apply for jobseekers transition payment (JST). This is a means tested scheme that aims to support lone parents into the work force while they have young children. Fuel Allowance is payable with JST.
There are no plans to extend the eligibility criteria for fuel allowance to include BTWFD as a qualifying payment. Any decision to do so would have to be considered in the overall budgetary negotiations.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme a recipient of a social welfare or health service executive payment who has exceptional essential heating costs due to ill health or infirmity and who cannot provide for such costs from within his or her own resources may qualify for a heating supplement. There is no standard rate for a heating supplement. Each case is examined on its merits and the Community Welfare Officer determines the amount to be paid taking account of the level of the expenses in question and the ability of the applicant to contribute towards his or her exceptional heating costs.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of invalidity pension and/or disability allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39997/17]
View answerI can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of disability allowance (DA) at the maximum personal rate payable to a single person. If the gentleman’s circumstances have changed and he wishes to have his claim reviewed, he may apply in writing to the disability allowance section, Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Ballinalee Road, Longford.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
