Written Answers Nos. 593-610
593. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of each seminar held on Project Ireland 2040 up to and including September 2018 by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39582/18]
View answerThe Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection did not hold any seminars relating to Project Ireland 2040 up to and including September 2018.
As such, there is no cost to report.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
594. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent by her Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns to date in 2018, by month and company engaged in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39638/18]
View answerMy Department administers over 70 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. In 2017, some 1.7 million applications for benefits, assistance and access to schemes were received and processed, and over 82 million individual payments were made to people across all age groups and to employers. The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the general public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them, and public information campaigns are an important part of our work.
No third party public relations or communications advisory expenditure was incurred by my Department to date in 2018.
All expenditure on public information/advertising campaigns undertaken in 2018, by month and company engaged, are provided in the following table.
Expenditure on all Advertising & Campaigns 2018
|
Month |
Company Engaged |
Amount (ex. VAT) |
|
Jan-18 |
Wavemaker |
€23,047.83 |
|
Total (Jan 2018): |
€23,047.83 |
|
|
Feb-18 |
Creed |
€9,400 |
|
Wavemaker |
€17,017.18 |
|
|
Total (Feb 2018): |
€26,417.18 |
|
|
Mar-18 |
Nil |
|
|
Total (Mar 2018): |
Nil |
|
|
Apr-18 |
Wavemaker |
€45,471.35 |
|
Creed |
€14,200 |
|
|
Total (Apr 2018): |
€59,671.35 |
|
|
May-18 |
Wavemaker |
€69,530.74 |
|
Creed |
€25,000 |
|
|
Total (May 2018): |
€94,530.74 |
|
|
Jun-18 |
Wavemaker |
€55,931.22 |
|
Total (June 2018): |
€55,931.22 |
|
|
Jul-18 |
Wavemaker |
€8,792.56 |
|
MOB Media (Tullamore Show Programme Advertisement) |
€750 |
|
|
Mediavest |
€3,681.91 |
|
|
Total (July 2018): |
€13,224.47 |
|
|
Sep-18 |
Guerin Media (Ploughing Championships Programme Advertisement) |
€1,200 |
|
Mediavest |
€7,204.78 |
|
|
Total (Sept 2018): |
€8,404.78 |
|
|
Total (to-date in 2018): |
€281,227.57 |
In accordance with Government procurement policy, the Department undertook procurement for the provision of Media Strategy, Planning and Buying Services and for Customer Communication Services in 2017. Wavemaker was appointed under an Office of Government Procurement Framework Tender for "Media Strategy, Planning and Buying Services".
The Department tendered for Customer Communications and Design Services in 2017, and Creed were appointed following a competitive procurement processes via eTenders.
595. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated amount it would cost if class A employers rate of 8.6% was reduced to 8% for persons earning less then €376 weekly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39669/18]
View answerCurrently, Class A employers pay PRSI at the rate of 8.6% where weekly earnings are between €38 and €376. Once weekly earnings exceed €376, the rate of employer PRSI is 10.85%.
It is estimated that a 0.6% decrease in the 8.6% rate of employer’s PRSI for persons earning less than €376 weekly would cost the Social Insurance Fund €25.2 million in a full year.
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.
596. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has addressed the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39675/18]
View answerI have received a number of representations on behalf of employers expressing concerns about the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017, some of which are similar to the concerns raised in the representations made by the Deputy on behalf of the Irish Organic Association (IOA). In my response of last week to the particular representations made by the Deputy I explained a number of key points in relation to the Bill.
Firstly, it is important to understand that we are not saying that all casual or flexible working arrangements are wrong and should be stopped. The flexibility offered by genuine casual work can be mutually beneficial for employees and employers. This is recognised in the Bill, which prohibits zero hours contracts in most circumstances but it is not an outright prohibition. Employers will be permitted to use zero hour contracts in limited circumstances, including in respect of casual work. In this regard there is no change to the existing law, Section 18 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, as it applies to casual work. The term “work of a casual nature” has been used in Section 18 of the 1997 Act for over twenty years and has not caused problems. The WRC and Labour Court are capable of determining if work is casual or not, should an employee pursue such a case.
Secondly, it is important to understand the rationale for the banded hours provision, which is to ensure that workers on low hour contracts, who consistently work more hours each week than provided for in their contracts of employment, are entitled to be placed in a band of hours that better reflects the reality of the hours they have worked over an extended period. Under this provision an employee must request to be placed in a band of hours. Employees are only entitled to be placed on a band of hours that reflects what they actually worked over the previous 12 months. There are four robust defences for employers to refuse an employee’s request:
1. If there is no evidence to support the claim i.e. the employee worked less hours than claimed.
2. Where there has been a significant adverse change to the business e.g. an organic grower losing a contract with a supermarket.
3. Emergency circumstances e.g. a flood.
4. When the average hours worked by the employee during the reference period were affected by a temporary situation that no longer exists e.g. covering a maternity leave.
It is also important to remember that a person placed on a band of hours is expected to work those hours i.e. they do not get paid for hours that they do not work.
To take account of seasonal work, the Banded Hours provision does not require an employer to offer hours of work in a week where the employee was not expected to work or require an employer to offer hours of work in a week where the employer’s business is not being carried out – see Section 16 of the Bill as passed by Dáil Éireann (subsection 13 of new section 18A to be inserted into the 1997 Act).
Finally, it should be noted that the definition of employee does not change on foot of the Bill. If the inspectors employed by the Irish Organic Association currently meet the definition of employee within the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 or the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, they will continue to be regarded as employees under those Acts when the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is enacted.
For all the above reasons, I do not consider that the exemption sought by the IAO is necessary or appropriate.
597. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the length of the progression rule for course completion for level 5 and 6 courses for qualification for back to education allowance will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39711/18]
View answerThe back to education allowance (BTEA) is a scheme that allows persons in receipt of certain social welfare payments the opportunity to pursue a course of study, while still maintaining their income support, subject to satisfying a number of conditions. The conditions include progressing in the level of education held by an applicant with reference to the national framework of qualifications.
There are a number of instances where the progression rule may be waived. For instance, where a person holds a Level 5 or Level 6, the progression rule can be waived if their previous qualification was obtained three years prior to re-entry into education and applicant satisfies the other BTEA criteria. The course must also be deemed to enhance a person’s job prospects. If the Deputy has a particular case, they should request my Department to examine the specific circumstances.
Overall, it is important to note that the purpose of the BTEA is to raise educational and skill levels so as to improve a welfare recipient’s employment prospects. Progression in education is a condition which is not unique to BTEA. State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing from one qualification level to a higher one.
My Department has no plans to change the current rules for progression at this time.
I trust this clarifies the situation for the Deputy.
598. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39757/18]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
A claim for IP was received from the person concerned on the 23 January 2018. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on 29 January 2018 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further evidence in support of her request. Following a review of all the information available the deciding officer is satisfied that the conditions for the scheme are satisfied.
The lady referred to has been awarded IP with effect from the 25 January 2018. Payment will issue to her nominated bank account on the 18 October 2018. Any arrears due from 25 January 2018 to 17 October 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The lady in question was notified of this decision on the 01 October 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
599. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the disability allowance section will be in a position to process an application by a person (details supplied) whose domiciliary allowance has ceased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39758/18]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 4 September 2018. 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 DA 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
600. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if appropriate provision in the sum of €257 million has been made in order to ensure that the Christmas bonus is paid out to the 1.2 million long-term social welfare recipients entitled to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39782/18]
View answerThe Christmas Bonus was abolished in the 2009 Supplementary Budget and was partially reinstated as a 25% payment in 2014. This increased to 75% in 2015 and the Bonus was paid at 85% in 2016 and 2017.
The decision to pay a Christmas Bonus, and the rate of payment, is usually made as part of the Budget process. The cost of paying an 85% bonus, as in 2016 and 2017, is estimated at €220.3 million.
As in previous years when a Bonus was subsequently paid, the Department's estimates do not include the cost of a Bonus payment. However, I recently announced that a Christmas Bonus will be paid this year.
The decision regarding the payment of a Bonus in 2018, including the rate at which it is to be paid, has to be consistent with the legal requirements set out in the domestic Fiscal Responsibility Acts 2012 and 2013 and the targets set for Ireland by the EU Stability and Growth Pact.
601. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to reintroduce a specific allowance (details supplied). [39877/18]
View answerDiet supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, is payable to qualifying persons, in receipt of the supplement prior to February 2014, who have been prescribed a special diet as a result of a specified medical condition. There are currently 2,500 in receipt of diet supplement at a cost of €1.4 million in 2018.
Following the outcome of a review of the costs of healthy eating and specialised diets by the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute commissioned by the Department during 2013, the scheme has been closed to new applicants from 1 February 2014. The research showed that the average costs across all of the retail outlets of the diets supplemented under the scheme can be met from within one third of the minimum personal rate of social welfare payment, i.e. the SWA rate which was then paid at €186 per week. The weekly rate of SWA has increased to €196 further to Budget 2018. The diet supplement scheme was discontinued for new applicants on the basis of this evidence.
Existing recipients continue to receive the diet supplement at the current rate of payment for as long as they continue to have an entitlement to the scheme or until their circumstances change. This measure ensured that nobody was immediately worse off by the closure of the scheme.
In cases of particular hardship, officials continue to have the legislative power to award a SWA payment in cases of exceptional need.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
602. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a working family payment application by a person (details supplied); when a decision is expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39879/18]
View answerWorking Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children.
An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 18th September 2018.
The applicant has been awarded WFP for 52 weeks with effect from 16th August 2018 to 14th August 2019.
The first weekly payment and all arrears owing issued to the person's nominated bank account on Thursday 27th September 2018. The applicant has been paid to date.
The person concerned was notified on 24th September 2018 of this decision and of their right of review and appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
603. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if a system can be put in place to resolve this issue. [39895/18]
View answerThe Deputy has raised the concerns of an individual who is self-employed in relation to access to social welfare payments from my Department. It should be noted that where an individual, whether employed or self employed, does not qualify for a benefit payment based on their social insurance contribution status or history, my Department may be able to assist in other ways. For example self employed contributors can apply for a means tested jobseeker's benefit payment or seek assistance from their Community Welfare Officer.
Self-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), widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension (contributory), guardian’s payment (contributory), maternity benefit, adoptive benefit, paternity benefit and 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 PRSI 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 in 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. The fund is expected to return to a deficit situation in coming years 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 would be eligible to apply for invalidity pension from December 2017, the cost of this introduction was factored into the actuarial review’s findings.
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 PRSI 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.
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.
The individual in question could make contact with her local Intreo office, to establish if she qualifies for a means tested payment, such as jobseekers' allowance, or for other supports available from my department.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
604. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the appeals office has not received a file from the carer's allowance section in respect of an appeal by a person (details supplied) lodged on 25 July 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39919/18]
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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 25 January 2018.
The application was awarded to the person concerned on 14 May 2018 and the first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 17 May 2018.
Arrears of allowance due from 1 February 2018 to 16 May 2018 also issued.
The person concerned was notified on 14 May 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
On 25 May 2018 a request for a review was received, the outcome of the review is that the original decision is confirmed.
The person concerned was notified on 18 July 2018 of this outcome, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.
My department were notified on 27 July 2018 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A submission in support of the decision has been prepared and has been submitted with the file to the SWAO for determination on 27 September 2018. All appeal submissions cases are reviewed in full before being submitted to the SWAO and this can take some time, depending on the number of appeals received.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
605. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if additional time to collate required information in respect of an application for rent allowance by a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39944/18]
View answerThe purpose of Rent Supplement is to assist eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, where they are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and where they do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
In order to establish eligibility and means under legislation, certain information/documentation is required in order to complete this assessment.
The person concerned has a pending application for Rent Supplement, registered on 14/9/18. Correspondence was issued to the person concerned on 24/9/18 advising her of outstanding documentation required and informing her that this should be submitted within 7 days in order that her application may be processed.
The date for receipt of the outstanding documentation requested has been extended to 12/10/18 to allow the person concerned additional time to acquire and submit the relevant documentation.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
606. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for a carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39969/18]
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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 16 January 2018.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer disallowed the application on the grounds that the level of care being provided did not reach the level of full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 30 July 2018 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested on 21 August 2018. The review confirmed the original decision to disallow the application. The person concerned was notified of the outcome on 27 September 2018.
No appeals has been received to date.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
607. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39970/18]
View answerIllness benefit (IB) is a payment for persons who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The person concerned made a claim for IB on 24th May 2018. This claim was disallowed as the person concerned did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for payment of IB. The person concerned was notified of this decision.
The person concerned subsequently advised the Department that they were employed elsewhere within the EU. The EU record was requested and has now been received. Receipt of this information confirmed that they satisfy the contribution criteria for IB.
Accordingly, payment will issue this week and will be paid up to 31st July 2018 when their entitlement ceases as the person concerned returned to work.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
608. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) seeking a review of the decision to refuse the person's application for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40007/18]
View answerBased on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, his application for disability allowance (DA) 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 5 April 2018.
They requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration on 20 June 2018.
On 27 September 2018 they were asked to supply supporting documentation required by the DO in order to make a decision on their eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made and he will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
609. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress made to date regarding a case (details supplied) and the insolvency payments scheme; if this case can be brought to a conclusion in view of the time that has elapsed since the case was lodged; if she will correspond with the persons concerned and provide them with an update on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40076/18]
View answerThe Insolvency Payments Scheme operates under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act 1984, as amended. The purpose of the Insolvency Payments Scheme is to protect certain outstanding pay-related entitlements due to employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. These include wages, holiday pay, sick pay, payment in lieu of minimum notice and certain pension contributions.
I appreciate that the case referred to is a longstanding claim under the Insolvency Payment Scheme, however I can assure you that the claim is currently under consideration. The Department is not currently in a position to make a final decision on the eligibility of the claim but will provide an update to the persons concerned as soon as possible.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
610. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of her Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championships 2018; the number of staff deployed from her Department for the week; and the cost of same. [40352/18]
View answerThe Department arranges an official stand at important events such as the National Ploughing Championships as we believe these are important opportunities for face-to-face engagement with our customers and the general public. The aim of such events is to provide information to customers and to increase awareness of the wide range of services and supports provided by the Department.
A total of 18 staff members attended the event over the three days of the event, with an average of 8 staff in attendance on the stand each day, all dedicated to answering customer enquiries and providing customers with detailed information, booklets, forms and providing service appointments.
Department staff also provided group and individual demonstrations on how to access and use the Departments online service "MyWelfare.ie", which provides access to range of welfare services online, as well as arranging SAFE registration appointments for customers, on request.
The Department uses a reusable and configurable stand for attendance at various events throughout the year, including the national ploughing championships. Therefore no extra costs were incurred for a stand.
The total cost of DEASP attending the Ploughing Championships in 2018 was €8,440.00 including VAT.
|
€ |
|
|
Stand pitch cost |
€6,595.00 |
|
Stand equipment, set up and break down of stand |
€1,845.00 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
