Written Answers Nos. 1576-1600
1576. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding a State pension (contributory) application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [54480/17]
View answerThe person concerned was awarded the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) from their 66th birthday.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing on 30 November 2017. Due arrears of pension issued to the person concerned on 5 January 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 1577 withdrawn.
1578. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a State pension (non-contributory) by a person (details supplied). [54487/17]
View answerThe customer was awarded a reduced rate of State pension contributory from 14th February, 2014 and also an allowance was awarded for his wife as a qualified adult which is a means tested component of the award. He subsequently applied for the means tested State pension non-contributory in his own right on 6 September 2017 and following investigation of the claim this was awarded with effect from 10th January, 2018. At the time of the award of the reduced rate of pension the customer was advised that he could apply for the non-contributory pension.
The prescribed time for making a claim for State pension non-contributory is three months prior to the applicant reaching age 66. In the case of a late claim, where there is good cause shown for a delay in making the claim, consideration can be given to backdating an award for up to six months. Further backdating may be considered where the delay in applying for pension was due to incorrect information having been given by the Department or where (medically evidenced) incapacity of the applicant was such that it prevented them from claiming at the due time. While the specific reason for the delayed application in this case has not been established, a Deciding Officer has to consider the possibility that such delays can be due to means factors that no longer exist or a condition of entitlement that was not possible for the customer to fulfil at the time of an earlier application.
In this case the Deciding Officer using their discretion, backdated the award of the State pension non-contributory to 7th July 2017 in line with the award date of the person’s spouse’s claim for State pension non-contributory and they were notified of this decision and their right of appeal.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1579. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the review of a State pension (contributory) for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54530/17]
View answerThe person’s state pension (contributory) entitlement was reviewed and the person concerned was notified in writing of the outcome on 19 December 2017. The inclusion of additional low- rate voluntary contributions paid for the tax year 1973/74 did not alter the person’s state pension (contributory) weekly rate of entitlement.
The person’s entitlement to a mixed insurance pro-rata state pension (contributory) was also re-examined. The person concerned was informed that they are financially better off to remain on their current rate of standard state pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1580. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the annual cost for the community employment drug rehab projects under the social inclusion framework, excluding all participant allowances but including supervisor and assistant supervisor grants, materials grants, training grants and so on. [54531/17]
View answerThe focus of the Community Employment (CE) drug schemes is on rehabilitation, personal/social development and training for progression and re-integration into community and working life. The delivery of the dedicated drug rehabilitation programme framework requires an integrated approach involving multi-agency co-operation with the HSE; Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs); community; voluntary and Task Force engagement. This framework is essential for the achievement of successful outcomes of participants.
At the end of December 2016, the cost to the DEASP of the Community Employment Drug Rehabilitation projects, excluding all participant allowances but including Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor grants, materials grants and training grants was €5.785 m. The 2017 statistics are currently being finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1581. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54544/17]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, one of the eligibility requirements to participate on Community Employment (CE) is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment from my Department for a minimum period of 12 months. People who do not qualify for a social welfare payment but are signing for credited PRSI contributions (credits), do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on CE. However, such people may be eligible for other programmes or support to help them return to work, for example VTOS courses provided by ETBs, Skillnet courses funded through the Department of Education and Skills or Momentum courses provided by SOLAS. It is also possible to participate in voluntary work, once this has been agreed with your local Department Intreo office.
My Department also provides other services to people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment such as advice on job-search activities and the use of online job search tools. These services are available to people who are registered with my Department’s Intreo offices. Any person in need of help or support is advised to contact their local Intreo Centre where a case officer will be available to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.
The Government is committed to supporting as many people as possible to participate more fully in employment and to become more self-sufficient by providing supports that address barriers they may encounter in finding and sustaining employment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1582. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54549/17]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that in appeals for State Pension (Contributory), where it appears that the reason for the Deciding Officer’s decision may not have been fully understood, the letter of appeal is referred to the State Pension (Contributory) Section requesting that the decision be clarified to the person concerned.
In the case of the person concerned I understand that a letter clarifying the Deciding Officer’s decision was issued on 09th January 2018. If, following receipt of the clarification the person concerned is still not satisfied with the Department’s decision, they should confirm this in writing to the Social Welfare Appeals Office stating clearly their complete and up to date grounds of appeal. On receipt of this an appeal will be formally registered and processed.
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 on social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1583. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons by county who have availed of the back to work enterprise allowance in each of the years 2015 to 2017. [54613/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statement.
Recipients of the back to work enterprise allowance at 31 December in each of the years 2015 to 2017
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Carlow |
185 |
204 |
165 |
|
Cavan |
280 |
250 |
245 |
|
Clare |
420 |
424 |
339 |
|
Cork |
795 |
755 |
747 |
|
Donegal |
421 |
410 |
390 |
|
Dublin |
2,926 |
2,501 |
2,212 |
|
Galway |
664 |
580 |
486 |
|
Kerry |
392 |
374 |
316 |
|
Kildare |
471 |
405 |
337 |
|
Kilkenny |
317 |
259 |
238 |
|
Laois |
230 |
225 |
210 |
|
Leitrim |
123 |
163 |
164 |
|
Limerick |
418 |
390 |
307 |
|
Longford |
153 |
179 |
173 |
|
Louth |
524 |
485 |
400 |
|
Mayo |
385 |
375 |
327 |
|
Meath |
513 |
427 |
353 |
|
Monaghan |
167 |
177 |
140 |
|
Offaly |
207 |
206 |
201 |
|
Roscommon |
153 |
154 |
151 |
|
Sligo |
216 |
156 |
124 |
|
Tipperary |
389 |
394 |
338 |
|
Waterford |
386 |
386 |
366 |
|
Westmeath |
228 |
243 |
228 |
|
Wexford |
353 |
364 |
310 |
|
Wicklow |
565 |
492 |
388 |
|
Total |
11,881 |
10,978 |
9,655 |
1584. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54645/17]
View answerThe gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 14 December 2017. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 25 January 2018. Any arrears due from 14 December 2017 to 24 January 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 10 January 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1585. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 12 December 2017, the documentation requested on 6 September 2017 in the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of their rent supplement claim; the basis upon which it was requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54709/17]
View answerOn 6/9/17 the person concerned was requested to provide the Department with a SWA 3A Rent Supplement Review Form. This was requested as part of a review of their Rent Supplement entitlement. According to the records of the Department this form has not, to-date, been received. On receipt of outstanding documentation, entitlement will be re-assessed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1586. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the name and number of organisations here that are in receipt of funding from her Department that have expended resources seeking the repeal of the eighth amendment; the amount of funding these organisations have received from the State in the past five years; the amount of money that they have spent on this particular campaign during that time; the number of organisations here that are in receipt of funding from her Department that have expended resources seeking the retention of the eighth amendment; the amount of funding these organisations have received from the State in the past five years; and the amount of money that they have spent on this particular campaign during that time. [54765/17]
View answerMy Department provides funding to organisations for the undertaking of specific tasks. No funding has been provided by my Department to organisations in relation to the repeal or retention of the Eight Amendment.
Funding provided by my Department is paid in accordance with public financial procedures.
1587. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the timeframe for changes to the social welfare system which would allow self-employed persons to apply for an invalidity or disability payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54796/17]
View answerSelf-employed workers are eligible to apply for invalidity pension from December 2017. This is a major reform as, for the first time; self-employed people will have access to the safety-net of State income supports, without having to go through a means test, if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability. Self-employed workers who do not satisfy the medical or social insurance conditionality for invalidity pension may apply for the means tested disability allowance.
Furthermore, since March 2017, self-employed people have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental exams, and contributions towards the cost of hearings aids. It is estimated that some 450,000 self-employed contributors including their dependant spouses will be eligible for treatment benefit for the first time as a result of this change.
Treatment benefit entitlements have also been extended from October 2017 to provide further dental and optical benefits for both the self-employed and employees. Over 3 million insured customers, including their adult dependants, will benefit from these additional benefits.
1588. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a disability allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54802/17]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this gentleman on 10 November 2017.
The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. A request for additional information was also sent to this gentleman on 1 December 2017. This information was received by this department on 12th December 2017.
Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the application and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1589. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to grant extra leave to rural social scheme supervisors who have worked as supervisors on the scheme for a long time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54809/17]
View answerThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is managed by 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) and by Údarás Na Gaeltachta. As the Deputy will be aware, many rural areas are benefitting from the services provided by the RSS and the scheme has a positive impact on the livelihoods of farming families and rural communities.
Supervisors are employed to support RSS participants and have a contract of employment with the LDC, in line with statutory entitlements. The particular terms and conditions of the supervisors’ employment are a matter for their employer, the LDC.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
1590. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the payments she expects to be covered by class S PRSI payments in the future; the expected timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54933/17]
View answerSelf-employed workers 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 the following benefits: State pension (contributory) and widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension (contributory), guardian’s payment (contributory), maternity benefit, adoptive benefit, paternity benefit, treatment benefit (from March 2017). Entitlement to invalidity pension was extended to the self-employed from December 2017.
This compares favourably with employees who, in general, are liable to the Class A rate of 4%. In addition their employers are liable to PRSI at the rate of 8.6% on weekly earnings up to and including €376 or at the rate of 10.85% where weekly earnings exceed €376. Accordingly the combined rate of PRSI rate paid in respect of Class A employees is 12.6% or 14.85%, depending on the level of weekly earnings. These Class A employees are entitled to the full range of social insurance benefits.
The issue of extending additional social insurance benefits to the self-employed paying Class S PRSI was considered in the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance fund (SIF) as at 31 December, 2015, which I published on the 18 October 2017. The review, required by legislation, was carried out by independent consultants, KPMG. It examines the projected income and expenditure of the SIF over the course of the 55 year period from 2016 to 2071.
The review found that the fund currently has a modest surplus of income over expenditure. In 2016 there was a surplus of €0.4 billion on expenditure of €8.8 billion and receipts of €9.2 billion. However, this will reduce over the next two years and will return to a small shortfall in 2020. The annual shortfalls are projected to increase from 2021 onwards as the ageing of the population impacts. Projections indicate that, in the absence of further action to tackle the shortfall, the excess of expenditure over income of the fund will increase significantly over the medium to long term. The shortfall in expenditure over income is projected to increase from €0.2 billion in 2020 to €3.3 billion by 2030 and to €22.2 billion by 2071. It should be noted that as self-employed workers were to be eligible to apply for invalidity pension from December 2017, the cost of this introduction has been factored into the actuarial review.
As part of the review the independent consultants were required to project the additional PRSI expenditure if invalidity pension and illness, jobseeker’s and carer’s benefits were extended to Class S self-employed workers and the PRSI contribution rates required to provide these benefits on a revenue neutral basis.
The review found that the combined cost of introducing the invalidity, illness, jobseeker’s and carer’s benefits for class S contributions is estimated to be €118 million in 2018, rising steadily to €223 million in 2020. By 2025 the projected cost is €413 million and, over the period of the review the cost would rise to €1.3 billion in 2071. These costs assume that the cost of extending invalidity pension to the self-employed builds up steeply for the first 10 years after introduction after which time the scheme is almost at maturity or a steady state.
For the shorter term schemes, illness and jobseeker’s benefits, it is estimated that they will reach maturity after 2 years. Projected expenditure on jobseeker’s benefit assumes the same incidence rate as prevail in the employed (PRSI Class A) population.
The review indicates that, where these benefits are extended to the self-employed, the class S rate of PRSI contribution would need to increase substantially in order to ensure that the benefits are delivered in a revenue neutral manner. It estimates that when expenditure on the additional benefits is considered over the entire projection period, PRSI rates would need to increase by 94% under a scenario of no subvention from the exchequer. This is equivalent to an increase of the Class S contribution rate from the current 4% rate to 7.8%.
This increased contribution is attributable to the costs of extending these additional benefits to PRSI Class S contributors. It does not take account of the value to PRSI Class S contributors of access to the range of existing benefits, and in particular state pension contributory.
The consultants estimated that the typical cost of state pension (contributory) on its own is of the order of 10% to 15%, depending on other factors including rate of average earnings and date of commencing paying PRSI. Adding in the other benefits referenced the total Class S rate of contribution to ensure revenue neutrality would be of the order of 20% per annum.
The findings of the review will play an important role in informing the overall debate on policy developments in relation to the SIF in the years ahead including the financial sustainability of the Fund given the expected demographic challenges and consideration of extending the scope of benefits for workers generally, including the self-employed.
1591. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department is due to increase the number of staff based in Drogheda in addition to those currently employed; the grades that will be assigned to these positions; and the dates on which they will be recruited or allocated. [54956/17]
View answerThere are no plans at this point in time to increase the staffing levels of staff based in Drogheda.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal in the case of a person (detail supplied) in respect of an alleged overpayment; if an oral hearing will be facilitated in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54968/17]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 7 December 2017, if she will review eligibility for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that they were incorrectly refused on medical grounds and are in constant chronic pain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54977/17]
View answerThis lady submitted an application for disability allowance on 28 July 2017.
The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and she was notified in writing of this decision on 23 November 2017. The person was also notified of her right to a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
To date no request for an appeal or review has been received. It is open for this lady to reapply for DA.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
Question No. 1594 withdrawn.
1595. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); if an oral hearing can be facilitated in this instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55084/17]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
Oral appeal hearings are granted at the discretion of an Appeals Officer usually in circumstances where there is conflict in the evidence presented by the parties. The appeal of the person concerned was dealt with by way of summary decision as it was considered that an oral hearing would be of no benefit in this case.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment made to persons who are unable to work because of a long-term illness or disability and who satisfy statutory PRSI qualifying conditions. The person concerned does not satisfy the PRSI qualifying conditions.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1596. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if those in receipt of a carer's allowance are eligible for a contributory State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55092/17]
View answerEntitlement is assessed in line with the relevant legislative provisions regarding eligibility for state pension (contributory) on the date a person reaches pension age and the applicant’s social insurance record.
State pension (contributory) and carer’s allowance can be paid concurrently where the qualifying conditions for both schemes are satisfied. Where an applicant qualifies for both schemes concurrently, the applicant’s entitlement to carer’s allowance is paid at half the applicable weekly rate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1597. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who is required to carry out a paid internship for a certain period of time over the academic year as part of his or her college course could lose his or her back to education allowance; if this income will mean that the back to education allowance and rent supplement would be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55093/17]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a scheme that allows persons in receipt of long-term social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study and receive income support subject to satisfying a number of conditions.
BTEA participants who receive payment for an integral/mandatory/compulsory work placement will have their earnings assessed as means in accordance with their primary scheme rules for payment. However, the condition of entitlement that a person must be unemployed for 4 days in any consecutive 7 days in order to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance does not apply for the period of BTEA entitlement. As a result, the participant will maintain an entitlement to BTEA subject to a means assessment.
This ensures that participants who continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria of their primary scheme will continue to receive income support under the BTEA and that resources are directed at those most in need of assistance.
Overall, the priority for my Department is that the BTEA scheme will be focused, targeted and suitable for the needs of jobseekers and of the future skills needs of the economy.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1598. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55162/17]
View answerBased on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, her application for disability allowance was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 11 September 2017.
They requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration on 27 October 2017.
On 12 January 2018 they were asked to supply further supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on her eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and she will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1599. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55175/17]
View answerThe Department’s Fuel Allowance Scheme was introduced in 1988. The scheme is intended to assist qualified households in receipt of certain social welfare payments with seasonal heating costs. It may be payable to persons who are dependent on certain long-term social welfare payments such as a pension, or means-tested payments such as One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The person concerned is in receipt of Working Family Payment (formerly known as Family Income Supplement) which is not a qualifying payment for receipt of Fuel Allowance.
If the person concerned has a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant who is in receipt of a qualifying payment, they should contact the relevant office of the Department to establish whether they are entitled to Fuel Allowance.
1600. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55193/17]
View answerCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 22 November 2017.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 8 January 2018. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
