Written Answers Nos. 463-477
463. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding dental benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38318/18]
View answerBudget 2017 announced a number of changes to treatment benefit, which encompasses the dental, optical and medical appliance schemes. This included extending the scheme from March 2017 to self-employed PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses for the first time and reinstating treatments from October 2017 that had not been available since 2009.
Among the treatments re-introduced from October 2017 was the dispensing of spectacles and contact lenses under the optical benefit scheme and the re-introduction of cleanings under the dental benefit scheme.
Under the dental scheme, qualified PRSI contributors and their dependent spouses can, in addition to a free annual oral examination, avail of either an annual scale and polish treatment or a more extensive periodontal treatment. The Department pays 42 euro towards either of these treatments, with the customer paying the balance between the departments contribution and the normal private fee charged directly to the dentist. For the scale and polish treatment this customer contribution is capped at a maximum of 15 euro.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
464. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated revenue which would be raised by introducing an employer PRSI rate of 15.75% on the portion of salaries above €100,000. [38408/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Increased Revenue (full year) |
Employments affected |
|
|
New employers’ rate of pay related social insurance of 15.75% on the portion of salary paid in excess of €1,923 per week |
€376.04m |
242,959 |
These estimates are based on PRSI Class A contributors. They use the latest available data and reflect macro-economic indicators for 2019. It should be noted that these estimates do not take into account any possible changes in employer behaviour arising from changing rates of contribution.
465. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures in place to assist mortgage holders who find themselves in short-term difficulty; if there is a similar scheme of mortgage interest relief that mortgage holders can avail of for a period of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38751/18]
View answerThe original purpose of the mortgage interest supplement scheme (MIS) was to provide short-term support to eligible people who were unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence due to temporary unemployment of loss of earnings. The scheme was closed to new entrants from 1 January 2014.
It had been intended to close the scheme from 31 December 2017. However, due to the exceptional difficulties and pressures experienced in the housing sector, arrangements have been put in place to continue support to existing MIS beneficiaries by providing alternative financial support under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. All cases are subject to ongoing review to ensure there is a requirement to continue this financial support together with on going engagement with their lenders to explore sustainable solutions.
As the Deputy may be aware that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, provides assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments, who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems. As part of its free services, MABS provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.
The role of MABS was expanded in 2015 with the establishment of a Dedicated Mortgage Arrears MABS service (DMA MABS) across the MABS network, to help people specifically with home mortgage arrears. There are 32 specialist DMA advisors working across 27 locations countrywide, assisting borrowers to assess the options available to them and, where required, negotiating with lenders on their behalf. To date, the DMA service has helped approximately 5,746 such borrowers.
Additionally, MABS provides a national network of court mentors who attend each listed repossession Court hearing countrywide. The mentors provide support to distressed borrowers who are facing the loss of their home and signpost them to the appropriate services. To date, over 1,400 borrowers have been referred onward to MABS advisors through the court mentor service.
In 2016, a further initiative was announced by Government, known as Abhaile. This scheme further extends the free services already available to borrowers through the DMA MABS service and the court mentor service. This voucher based scheme, for which MABS is the gateway, provides access for people, who are insolvent and in home mortgage arrears, to access independent expert financial and/or legal advice and assistance, free of charge. To date, approximately 13,748 vouchers for services have been issued, in respect of c. 7,345 principle private residences.
The most appropriate way in which customers experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported is through ongoing engagement with their lender to explore sustainable solutions
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the review of eligibility for an invalidity pension based on medical evidence submitted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38279/18]
View answerThe gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 31 May 2018. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 27 September 2018.
Any arrears due from 31 May 2018 to 26 September 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 24 September 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
467. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38333/18]
View answerThe Illness Benefit (IB) claim from the person concerned has been processed and they are in receipt of their full entitlements under the Scheme. The IB cheque referred to for the period 27th August to 3rd September 2018 has, according to our records, been cashed and the signature matches those on previous cheques received by the customer.
However, it appears that the cheque for the period 14th August to 20th August 2018 has not been cashed. We will contact the customer directly to verify if this cheque was received by them and, if not, we will take appropriate remedial action.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
468. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of rent support being received in the case of a person (details supplied); if the highest level based on circumstances is being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38334/18]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of a rent supplement from this Department on the basis of an assessable rent of €1250.00 per month and income from One Parent Family payments and income from part time earnings.
A review has been completed this week and the person concerned has been advised of the outcome. The person concerned is in receipt of the highest level of rental support based on their circumstances.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of rent support being received in the case of a person (details supplied); if the highest level based on circumstances is being paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38336/18]
View answerThe person concerned is in receipt of a rent supplement from this Department on the basis of an assessable rent of €1250.00 per month and income from One Parent Family payments and income from part time earnings.
A review has been completed this week and the person concerned has been advised of the outcome. The person concerned is in receipt of the highest level of rental support based on their circumstances.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
470. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for carer's benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38341/18]
View answerCarer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care and attention.
I confirm that my department received an application for CARB from the person concerned on the 16 May 2018.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 20 September 2018. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if all jobseeker's allowance entitlements from July 2018 to date have been paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38344/18]
View answerThe person concerned has been paid Jobseeker's Allowance payments from 03rd July 2018 to 14th August 2018.
The claim was closed 14 August 2018 as the claimant had returned to work.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
472. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if public sector pension deductions are included as a statutory deduction in social work welfare assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38354/18]
View answerSocial welfare legislation provides for a number of deductions in the assessment of earnings for means-testing purposes. In this regard, for weekly social assistance schemes and for the Working Family Payment, earnings are assessed less "any allowable contribution referred to in Regulations 41 and 42 of the Income Tax (Employments)(Consolidated) Regulations 2001". Pension related deductions come within the remit of Regulation 41, and as such are considered as a statutory deduction in the assessment of earnings for social welfare means-testing purposes.
473. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review and increase the time limit for claiming backdated State pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38361/18]
View answerFrom April 2012 the period for which a claim for State Pension can be backdated is six months as provided for under the Social Welfare Act 2011.
Developments in the administration of contributory pensions in recent years have facilitated customers in making pension application in a timely manner. Generally customers are more likely now than before to have an attachment to the workforce thus ensuring more awareness of their entitlements arising from their PRSI contributions. This, together with my Department’s focus on providing information to the public, ensures that people are more aware than ever of social welfare schemes and entitlements and are more likely to apply on time.
Late claims for the State pension (contributory) may only be backdated for a maximum period of 6 months. Backdating of a late claim beyond 6 months will be considered in circumstances where the failure to claim arose as the result of either incorrect information having been supplied by my Department, or the claimant’s serious incapacity by illness or infirmity. However, my advice to everyone who approaches the age of 66, and who may potentially have an entitlement to a State pension, is to make a claim to my Department, and generally people will do so.
It is open to anyone to request a copy of their contribution record in order to assess their pension entitlement and request assistance in a number of ways, if needed. Questions about eligibility and conditions can be made by phone, or locally at a customer’s local Intreo Centre, social welfare office or Citizens Information Centre. Queries can also be made using the online enquiry form available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie or may be sent in writing to Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo.
In addition my Department provides a general information telephone service, where people can get information on the wide range of schemes and services operated by the Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
474. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects to publish legislation based on the recommendations of the report of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38363/18]
View answerOfficials from my Department are currently considering the recommendations of the report, and how they can best be progressed, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and relevant Government Departments.
I intend to come back to Government later in the year seeking approval to legislate, based on the outcome of the discussions with other Departments and the Attorney General; and to lay my own report on the review before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
475. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the review of the artist’s social welfare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38365/18]
View answer502. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications received for the artist's social welfare pilot scheme; the number of persons in receipt of welfare payments in respect of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38715/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 502 together.
A pilot initiative to assist self-employed visual artists and writers who apply to my Department for jobseeker's allowance was launched in June 2017. Under this initiative self-employed professional artists and writers who are in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance are not subject to the activation process for 12 months. Applicants for the pilot scheme must satisfy all of the other qualifying conditions of the scheme.
My Department’s records show that a total of 76 people have registered for the scheme since it commenced in June 2017. There are currently 54 artists and writers who are availing of the pilot arrangements.
It is planned that a review of this scheme will commence shortly.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.
476. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1252 of 7 September 2018, if consultations took place with general practitioners and their representatives before her Department changed the forms for illness benefit. [38366/18]
View answerThe introduction of the new forms was discussed and agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation. Prior to the introduction of the new forms, my Department wrote to all GPs on 16th July advising them that the forms would issue to them.
The introduction of these and other initiatives are the subject of ongoing discussions with the IMO. A framework and timetable has been agreed with the IMO, during which intensive discussions are planned with the aim of resolving issues relating to the resourcing of these initiatives. Changes to existing procedures will not be introduced until these discussions are concluded and advance notice, including details of any changes to payment arrangements, will be provided to individual GPs.
The Department has had a long and positive partnership with GPs over many years and is committed to working hard to resolve any outstanding issues which are causing concern amongst our GP partners.
477. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseekers who have been referred to JobPath for the second time after completing the scheme in full; the length of time after the scheme is completed that JobPath can re-invite former participants to participate again; if jobseekers must participate the second time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38367/18]
View answerAll persons in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance must be capable of, available for and actively seeking full time employment. The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, specifies that participation in activation meetings is mandatory and that applies to all activation services provided by the Department including those provided by the contracted providers JobPath; Local Employment Services and Jobs Clubs.
JobPath is designed to support people who are long term unemployed to obtain and sustain employment in the open labour market. The JobPath companies have no role in selection of jobseekers for referral to the service. My Department selects clients for the JobPath service by means of a random selection process and protocols for selection currently preclude the selection of anyone who has already completed 52 weeks with the JobPath service within the previous four months.
Since July 2015, just over 11,000 jobseekers have commenced a second engagement period with the service, having availed of the service for one year previously. For those jobseekers returning to the JobPath service for additional assistance in their search for employment, their Personal Progression Plan will be developed to build on their previous engagement including tackling their own barrier/s to employment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
