Written Answers Nos. 1-49
46. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress she is making with regard to the implementation of the 33 actions of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities that she has responsibility for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26534/18]
View answerThe Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) for People with Disabilities (2015-2024) was developed in consultation with Government Departments, State Agencies, the National Disability Authority, the Disability Stakeholder Group and the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group, and adopted by Government in October 2015. The ten year strategy is a cross-Government approach co-ordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality and provides a roadmap to ensure that people with a disability who are able to and want to work are supported and enabled to do so.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has been assigned direct responsibility for progress under 20 actions in the CES and shares responsibility for delivery of another 13 actions with other Departments and Agencies. I would point out that the initial year of the CES was very much a foundation year and involved the completion of a number of key pathfinding reviews and evaluations including the Review of the DACT (Disability Activation) programme, the Review of EmployAbility and the completion of the Survey of Disability Allowance recipients. The outcomes and learning from these evaluations and the survey data has informed subsequent progress including the development of the Ability programme, the Make Work Pay Report, and the progressive extension of Intreo supports to people with disabilities.
My Department has compiled 2 tables charting progress against the actions in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. One table outlines progress on the recommendations assigned specifically to my department while the other provides a summary of progress where the department has a shared responsibility for an action.
Examples of progress include:-
- My Department has progressively rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis. This service is being provided across the national network of Intreo Centres.
- A Benefits of Work Estimator has been developed and is available on MyWelfare.ie and can be accessed through Welfare.ie.
- A Review of Partial Capacity Benefit has been completed and published and will be progressed in the context of the broader Make Work Pay recommendations (in particular the recommendation on early engagement).
- The Make Work Pay Report is complete with recommendations directed at DEASP and other agencies. Some actions have already been implemented while some others are subject to further consultation process for persons with disabilities.
- A fast track return to Disability Allowance has been implemented following the recommendations of the MWP Report. Information on how to avail of the fast track return is provided on DEASP website.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1: Update on CES actions allocated solely to DEASP
|
Action |
Action Details |
Progress to Date |
|
1.12 |
Enhance process to engage with people with disabilities using results of analysis of existing database of people with disabilities receiving income supports from DSP (to be carried out in 2015), to include outcomes of the DACT Projects and the review of EmployAbility service. |
- Evaluation of DACT has been completed and published - Review of Employability has been completed and published - Survey of a Disability Allowance sample has been completed and published - Ability Programme developed and launched |
|
1.13 |
Learning from relevant Disability Activation Projects, which addressed the needs of younger people with disabilities and the transition from education into work, will inform policy development. |
- Evaluation of DACT has been completed and published - Ability Programme developed. |
|
2.2 |
Implement recommendations from the review of Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) |
- Revision of WSS Scheme Operational Guidelines completed and implemented - DSP Staff Development Unit have revised eLearning module to ensure consistency in administration of the scheme |
|
2.3 |
DSP to promote work sampling for a defined period of time through programmes including the EmployAbility Service |
- The EmployAbility work trial programme provides EmployAbility participants with the opportunity to try out a job in the open labour market. |
|
2.4 |
DSP to work proactively with employers to provide work placements. |
- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis. - EmployAbility enables employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment while facilitating the development of innovative employment and progression opportunities - Information pack available for employers on employment of persons with disabilities |
|
2.5 |
DSP to explore the idea of expanding internships as a recruitment route for the private sectors. (DPER to explore alternative recruitment routes see action 6.7) |
- DA recipients were avail of opportunities through JobBridge and the First Steps programme was available to people with disabilities who were under 25. - A new Youth Employment Support Scheme will be introduced in 2018. It will be open to people with disabilities who are in receipt of Disability Allowance, or Blind Pension and who have been out of the workforce for 12 months or more or who experience a significant barrier to work. - AHEAD works with graduates and employers through the GET AHEAD Graduate Forum and the WAM Mentored Work Placement Programme. AHEAD coordinates LINK, a worldwide network of professionals promoting the inclusion of students & graduates with disabilities in Higher Education managed by 6 European partner organisations. |
|
2.6 |
Use Intreo as a gateway to employment activation for people with disabilities. On a phased basis from February 2015 a person with a disability will be offered an interview with an employment officer. The employment officer in conjunction with the individual will draw up an appropriate action plan The person will also be recorded on the Department’s records as being an INTREO customer Learning from first Phase together with training of staff and general operational issues will be taken into account in determining the extension of the service to other locations. |
- The Department has progressively rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis. This service is being provided across the national network of Intreo Centres. - In addition, officers in INTREO Centres have received training, to enable them to interact effectively with people with disabilities. - Training of over 60 Employment Support Officers was completed in March 2016. - In November 2016, building on the March training event the then Case Officer learning path was replaced by the L8 Certificate in Professional Practice in Employability Services provided through the National College of Ireland. - As part of the implementation of the MWP work report, DEASP has undertaken a major consultation exercise with disability stakeholders in relation to early engagement through the Intreo service. Results of the consultation are being finalised currently. |
|
2.7 |
Review the effectiveness and efficiency of the EmployAbility service; explore whether the service can be more responsive to the needs of people with continuing or with episodic support needs; and consider the merits of the 'place and train' model. |
- Review of the EmployAbility Service completed and published. - DEASP has set up regular reviews with representatives of EmployAbility service to progress implementation of recommendations of review |
|
2.8 |
Assess outcomes from DACT projects and develop strategy for implementing key learning |
- Evaluation of the DACT projects completed. - Ability Programme Developed |
|
3.1 |
Implement ready reckoners that provide people with disabilities with information of what they could earn over a period of time if they take a job. |
- A Benefits of Work Estimator has been developed and is available on MyWelfare.ie and can be accessed through Welfare.ie |
|
3.2 |
Continue to support people with disabilities to access further training and employment opportunities through the relevant programmes that include the EmployAbility Service, the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Reasonable Accommodation Fund, JobBridge and the Back-to-Education Allowance. |
- Review of the EmployAbility Service Completed. - WSS Guidelines Revised. - The Department has rolled out its full Intreo service to people with disabilities who wish to avail of the service on a voluntary basis. - Revision of guidance notes and training material for employment supports for people with disabilities complete. |
|
3.3 |
Review range of income supports for people with disabilities to ensure consistency, enhanced links between income support and employment, appropriate access to supports and effective controls. |
- Review of Partial Capacity Benefit completed and published and will be progressed in the context of the broader Make Work Pay recommendations (in particular the recommendation on early engagement) - Make Work Pay Report complete with recommendations directed at DEASP and other agencies. Some actions have already been implemented while some others are subject to further consultation process for persons with disabilities. |
|
3.4 |
Continue to ensure that resumption of welfare payment is as streamlined as possible for people who may be in and out of work due to the episodic nature of their disability. |
- A fast track return to Disability Allowance has been implemented following the recommendations of the MWP Report. - Information on how to avail of the fast track return is provided on DEASP website |
|
4.1 |
Promote and support strategies for intervention in the early stages of absence from work due to acquired disability. These strategies will be based on evaluation of the relevant DACT project. They will also include people with mental health difficulties. |
- See also 4.2 below (IEMHS and IPS). DEASP worked with the HSE, Genio and Mental Health Reform in the Integrating Employment and Mental Health Support (IEMHS) project. The project demonstrated how existing mental health and supported employment (EmployAbility) services can fulfil the best practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment through improved integration. |
|
5.2 |
Interdepartmental protocols for cross-referrals at national and local levels and within organisations |
- To be determined with relevant departments and agencies following finalisation of implementation plan in 5.1 and consultation process under MWP |
|
6.1 |
Raise awareness among employers of the benefits of employing (and retaining in employment), people with disabilities. Enlist their participation in actions to promote the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities in open labour market employment. |
- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis. - Employer Pack contains information on supports available to people with disabilities and employers. - EmployAbility enables employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment. |
|
6.2 |
Work with employers to develop more inclusive recruitment and workplace practices |
- The DEASP and the wider public employment service (including EmployAbility) is working on building effective relationships with employers to increase placement into employment of people from the live register and other priority cohorts, including people with disabilities and to increase the utilisation of the Department’s employment supports. |
|
6.3 |
Encourage employers to provide work experience for people with disabilities. |
- EmployAbility works with employers to support the progression and retention of people with disabilities and facilitates recruitment while facilitating innovative approaches to meet gaps in employment or progression opportunities. |
|
6.4 |
Disseminate information on the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities or to retain employees who acquire a disability, including the EmployAbility Service, workplace supports and the wage subsidy scheme. |
- DSP Employer Engagement promotes workplace supports for people with disabilities on an ongoing basis. - Employer Pack contains information on supports available to people with disabilities and employers. |
|
6.16 |
Evaluate employer-related Disability Activation Projects, co-funded by the ESF. |
- Evaluation DACT Completed and published |
Table 2: Update on CES actions allocated to DEASP along with other agencies
|
Action |
Action details |
Agencies identified |
DEASP actions outline |
|
1.2(a) |
Raise awareness and expectations |
DES, Solas, HEA, ETB’s ,NDA, DEASP, DOH,HSE, Libraries, Schools, NCGE, NCSE. |
- Intreo Service Supports - EmployAbility - LES - Ability Programme |
|
1.5(a) |
Transition Planning |
DES, Solas, ETB’s, NCSE, DSP |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
1.8(a) |
Further Education and Training Sector |
Solas, DES, DEASP |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
1.8(c) |
Solas to link their action plan with Intreo Activation Process |
Solas, DEASP |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
1.8(d) |
Memorandum of Understanding between Solas and DSP to include targets and outcomes for people with disabilities |
Solas ,DEASP,DES |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
1.9(b) |
Joined up working for effective pathway (Transitions) |
DES, Teachers, DEASP,HSE |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
4.1 |
Promote Strategies for intervention in the early stages of absence from work due to acquired disability. These strategies will be based on evidence from the relevant DACT project. They will include people with mental health difficulties |
HST and DEASP |
See update under Action 4.2 (a) |
|
4.2 (a) |
Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties Promote and support the role of work in the Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties. Use the Individual Placement Support Model as part of rehabilitation process that includes co-ordinated support for employers and employees at local level by job coaches and community health teams. |
HSE and DEASP |
- IEMHS (IPS) Project Complete. DEASP worked with the HSE, Genio and Mental Health Reform in the Integrating Employment and Mental Health Support (IEMHS) project. - The project demonstrated how existing mental health and supported employment (EmployAbility) services can fulfil the best practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment through improved integration. - Report published Q1-2018 (“Steps into Work”) - DEASP working with HSE and EmployAbility to implement placement of model on a nationwide basis as a joint exercise between HSE and EmployAbility service |
|
(b) |
Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties Pilot model. |
HSE and DEASP |
See above |
|
(c) |
Recovery Model of rehabilitation for those with mental health difficulties To consider outcome of pilot. |
HSE and DEASP |
See above |
|
5.1 |
To work together to develop an effective co-ordinated policy approach (and draw up an implementation plan based on that approach), to assist individuals with disabilities, including those who require a high level of support, to obtain and retain employment having due regard to the implementation of New Directions. |
Health, Education and DEASP |
- Approach Agreed through NDA sub-group. - Report and Implementation Plan completed. - Awaiting publication. |
|
5.2 |
Interdepartmental protocols for cross referrals at national and local level and within organisations |
DEASP, DES, Solas, NDA, HSE |
See update under Action 5.1 |
|
6.5 |
Subject to Provisions of appropriate links by relevant Departments and Agencies DJEI will, through its website, highlight the supports that are available to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market, or to retain in the workforce people who require a disability. This will operate through appropriate links made available by the relevant Departments and agencies to the DJEI’s website |
DJEI, DOH,DEASP |
- Completed. Details are at https://dbei.gov.ie/ga/A-nDeanaimid/Ionad-Oibre-agus-Scileanna/Employment-of-people-with-disabilities/ |
|
6.6 |
Work Placements Explore the idea of expanding internships as a recruitment route for both public and private sectors, in discussion with a range of stakeholders. The roles of the Public Appointment Service, Pobal, Local Appointment Service and job facilitators need to be discussed in this context. NDA will discuss further with the relevant Departments and Agencies |
NDA ,DEASP, other relevant Departments and Agencies |
- Ongoing discussions linked to implementation of 5.1 |
|
6.14 |
Investigate the establishment of an employer helpline |
NDA, DJE,DEASP |
- Helpline established |
47. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has had discussions with representatives of organisations representing persons with sight difficulties in relation to anomalies between the disability allowance and blind pension regarding the income disregard for each. [26580/18]
View answerThe Department has not recently had specific discussions with representatives of organisations representing persons with sight difficulties on the differences in conditionality attached to blind person’s pension (BPP) and disability allowance (DA). My Department consults regularly on disability related matters with people with disabilities through a number of fora including the Department’s Disability Consultative Committee, the ‘Community and Voluntary pillar’ (regular information sharing meetings held with representatives from a wide range of community and voluntary organisations/sectors), and the Disability Stakeholders Group. Members of these groups may raise issues relevant to their sectoral issues at these fora.
Blind Pension is a means-tested payment for blind and visually impaired people between the ages of 18 and 66 who are habitually resident in Ireland. The payment is made up of a personal rate and extra amounts for a qualified adult and any child dependants. To qualify for the BPP a person must supply an eye test from an ophthalmic surgeon to verify his/her visual impairment.
I should point out that BPP is a unique scheme in that it is the only social welfare payment which caters for a specific disability. The scheme was established under the Blind Pension Persons Act of 1920 and in effect predates not only the modern social protection system but also the foundation of the State.
A review of Disability and Illness Payments by the then Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2003 examined similarities and differences between the schemes and concluded that there should be one single-tested payment for people with disabilities regardless of the nature of the disability. I understand that at the time following discussions with representative groups, the proposal was not proceeded with. However, my Department would be open to revisiting this proposal with representative groups as a way of addressing any perceived anomalies.
Any comparison between the two schemes would have to take into account factors which favour the BPP. For instance, the awarding of BPP may also qualify a person for the blind welfare allowance paid by the HSE. There is also a difference in the income disregard for non-rehabilitative employment. For BPP there is an income disregard of €400 per annum or €7.50 per week. There is no such disregard for DA for non-rehabilitative employment.
Against this, the assessment of capital and spousal income are treated differently in the two schemes. Under the means test for DA, the first €50,000 of capital is disregarded while for BPP (as is the case with the great majority of welfare schemes) the first €20,000 of capital only is disregarded. Furthermore, In the case of BPP there are no disregards for spousal, civil partner or cohabitant earnings.
However for other factors, the treatment of conditions is similar. A person in receipt of BPP or DA can earn €120 per week in rehabilitative earnings before these earnings affect payment. If a person earns more than €120 per week, 50% of earnings between €120 and €350 are not taken into account in the BPP or DA means test. Earnings over €350 are assessed in full.
I should point out that a person making an application for BPP will generally be encouraged to ascertain first of all whether they would be better off availing of DA rather than BPP and they may then opt for the more beneficial payment.
48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which progress has been made in addressing the circumstances of women deprived of contributory pensions having retired from the workplace while raising their families or due to the marriage ban and who have made a major contribution to society in the course of their working lives; if their cases can be re-examined with a view to crediting them with sufficient contributions to enable them qualify for a State or retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26568/18]
View answerAs a general policy, the Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards. This is currently the subject of a public consultation which stays open until the 3rd of September.
Separately, I announced on 23rd January an interim TCA for those affected by the 2012 rate-band changes. Under this approach, a person who reached pension age after 1 September 2012 (i.e. who is among those affected by the new ratebands introduced from that date) and who has a 40 year record of paid and credited social insurance contributions, subject to a maximum of 20 years of credits, will qualify for a maximum contributory pension where they satisfy the other qualifying conditions for the scheme.
Up to 20 years of HomeCaring credits, and / or 10 years of other qualifying credits, for example when unemployed or ill, may be used, subject to the total number of credits not exceeding 20 years. This approach is expected to significantly benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. It will make it easier for pensioners assessed under the yearly average model, to qualify for a higher rate of the State Pension (contributory). This interim TCA will ensure that the totality of a person’s social insurance contributions - as opposed to the timing of them - determines a final pension outcome.
Legislation has to be drafted and enacted to enable implementation of these arrangements. Following this, IT solutions must be developed in line with this legislation. Accordingly, it is planned that the reviews will commence in the final quarter of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019, backdated to the 30th March 2018.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which the attention of her Department has been drawn to dependency on rent support for persons on lower incomes from employment or social welfare with particular reference to the need to ensure that the issues of homelessness are not exacerbated by reference to use of legislation or guidelines more applicable to a time when housing was not an issue; if she will address cases in which a reduction or cessation of rent support which may have resulted in homelessness in the course of the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26567/18]
View answerRent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 30,000 recipients for which the Government has provided €180 million for in 2018. The primary responsibility for provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. DEASP’s role with regard to people who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. In recognition of the on-going rental market difficulties, my Department continues to implement a targeted case-by-case policy approach in the administration of rent supplement in particular when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy due to their landlord seeking rent in excess of the prevailing rent limit. Over the last twelve months, approximately 1,000 persons have been supported under this approach with an average uplift in excess of the prevailing rent limits of approximately €200 per month.
As the Deputy will be aware the strategic policy direction of the Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support, with the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, available nationwide from 1 March 2017. There are currently over 37,000 HAP tenancies in place of which c 9,780 (c.26%) are transfers from rent supplement. New applicants who have been assessed as having a social housing need are being supported by Local Authorities through HAP rather than rent supplement.
Department officials at local level are actively engaged with relevant local authorities, Homeless Action Teams, Regional teams and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the necessary supports are provided and cases where a threat of losing a tenancy or potential homelessness are prioritised accordingly.
