Written Answers Nos. 597-614
597. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff in his Department and bodies under his aegis appointed to principal officer arising from internal competitions since 7 July 2015, by year. [41848/18]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017.
I can confirm that the Department held one internal Principal Officer competition in early 2018. Two staff members have been appointed to Principal Officer positions arising from this competition.
598. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons appointed from the panels arising from the 2015 open competition and 2017 open competition for principal officer run by the Public Appointments Service, by year; if a table (details supplied) will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41861/18]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017.
Since the establishment of the Department, one Principal Officer has been appointed from the 2015 open competition; that appointment was made in 2017.
Two Principal Officers were appointed from the 2017 open competition, one was appointed in 2017 and one was appointed in 2018.
See the following completed Table A.
Table A:
|
Department or Office Name: |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
No. of Principal Officer appointments arising from 2015 PO Open competition run by PAS (Campaign ID: 1512210) (Effective 7/7/15) |
n/a |
n/a |
1 |
n/a |
|
No. of Principal Officer appointments arising from 2017 PO Open Competition run by PAS(Campaign ID: 17101202) (Effective 23/11/17) |
n/a |
n/a |
1 |
1 |
599. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the schemes his Department run which may allocate funding for benches at key vantage points in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/18]
View answerMy Department has no dedicated scheme which specifically funds benches at key vantage points in rural areas. This would generally be a matter for the Local Authorities.
However, my Department runs a number of schemes which may include the provision of public seating as part of a larger project. For example, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance or enhancement of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. Over €23 million has been allocated to almost 500 projects under this scheme since 2016 to improve walking trails, greenways and other recreational amenities.
My Department also funds the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities. Towns and villages can apply through their Local Authorities for funding under the scheme to support the rejuvenation of the town or village, including for improvements to the public realm. More than 670 projects have been approved for funding of €53 million under this scheme since 2016.
The Department also provide funding for the Community Enhancement Programme which is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) in each Local Authority area. Under this programme, community groups can apply to their LCDC for funding to enhance facilities in their area. This programme was launched in 2018 and it is planned to run the programme again in 2019.
Details regarding all funding schemes operated by my Department can be found on my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie.
600. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42024/18]
View answerCLÁR provides funding for small scale capital projects in specified rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation.
As part of the 2018 CLÁR programme, I allocated €1.5 million to a Mobility and Cancer Care Transport Measure to support the purchase of vehicles by voluntary organisations in CLÁR areas that provide transport services to people for cancer treatment and for persons with significant mobility issues in order to enable them to access support. It provided up to 85% of the total cost of a vehicle/fit out up to a maximum of €50,000 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle or €100,000 for a bus.
The closing date for applications from qualifying voluntary organisations was 31st August. In the normal course, CLÁR eligibility is based on facilities being physically located within a designated CLÁR DED. Given the need to travel considerable distances, in some cases, to hospitals and other specialist facilities located in non CLÁR areas, eligibility in this instance was based on the 'catchment area' being served by the vehicles i.e., that at least 80% of the vehicle's need is attributable to CLÁR areas.
I intend carrying out a full review of qualifying CLÁR areas later this year on the basis of the 2016 Census data. The level of depopulation will continue to be a primary factor in the designation of any area as a CLÁR area. The review will involve a detailed examination of all areas of the country, as well as stakeholder consultation.
The findings of the review will inform future launches of the CLÁR programme into 2019 and beyond.
601. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on the ongoing industrial dispute between an organisation (details supplied) and its workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42032/18]
View answerThe Community Services Programme (CSP) supports more than 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and/or an agreed number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.
While the CSP provides a contribution to the cost of FTE positions in the organisation in question, the organisation is a private company. Accordingly, all internal operations including general employment and industrial relations issues are matters for the Board of the company, as the employer, to manage.
602. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a project (details supplied) was not approved for funding under the town and village renewal scheme 2018; the reason the application was not approved; if there is an appeal system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42361/18]
View answerThe 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April of this year and Local Authorities were invited to submit up to 12 applications each for consideration by my Department. There was a strong level of interest in the scheme and 290 applications in total were received for funding of almost €28 million.
The selection of projects under the Scheme was by means of a competitive process and details of the marking scheme were made available to the Local Authorities with the application forms.
On 5th October, I approved funding of €21.3 million for 224 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This was the maximum number of projects which could be approved within the budget available to me.
11 projects in Co. Laois were approved for funding to the value of €872,000. Unfortunately, the project referred to by the Deputy did not achieve a high enough score to be funded under this year's scheme.
There is no appeal system in place for this scheme. However, my Department's officials are available to provide feedback on the application, which may assist the Local Authority with future applications under the scheme.
603. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the remaining sections of the Charities Act 2009 will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42464/18]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority (“the Charities Regulator”) was established on 16 October, 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. Responsibility for the oversight of the Regulator transferred to my Department on its establishment in July 2017.
The general function of the Regulator is to regulate charitable organisations operating in Ireland, in order to increase public trust and confidence in their management and administration. Under the Charities Act, 2009, the Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
My officials continue to liaise with the Charities Regulator to review the operation of the legislation to ensure that it is operating effectively. In 2017, on foot of public consultation, the Regulator proposed amendments to the Charities Act 2009 in order to ensure consistency and fairness in the accounting and reporting obligations of charities.
My Department is working with the Regulator to consider these amendments and consideration of the remaining sections of the 2009 Act will also be undertaken as part of this process.
604. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a delay of 11 weeks in payment of illness benefit for a person (details supplied). [41739/18]
View answerIllness Benefit (IB) is a short-term scheme intended for persons who are unable to work due to illness or injury. It is paid while the incapacitated person remains unable to work and continues to meet the conditions of the scheme. There is, however, a maximum payment period of two years after which payment will cease.
The person concerned made an application for IB which was received on 20 August 2018.
The Department experienced some delays in processing claims following the introduction of a new IB system in August last. However, the claim for the person concerned has now been approved and she is in receipt of her full entitlements and arrears owing to her were processed on October 10th.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
605. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an illness benefit payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41757/18]
View answerMy Department experienced some delays following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit (IB) which was introduced in August last.
The IB claim from the person concerned has now been processed and she is in receipt of her full IB entitlements and any/all arrears owing to her have been paid.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
606. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person who received illness benefit payments as a result of a personal injury is still liable for tax on the said payments received in circumstances in which compensation was subsequently awarded and the compensator has paid an amount equal to the illness benefit payments made to the person concerned directly to them, which is taken off the compensation award; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41772/18]
View answerPayments made by a compensator under the Recovery of Benefit and Assistance (RBA) Scheme, and on foot of an RBA statement, represents an amount equivalent to the value of the illness-related payments received by the injured person.
The Department recovers the amount from the compensator as they are the liable entity.
The person’s actual illness-related payments are not being repaid to the Department. Their scheme record regarding tax paid, claim paid days, benefit expiration (benex) etc. are not altered. Additionally, there is no implication for any refund of tax.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
607. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) for partial capacity benefit; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41776/18]
View answerThe customer concerned does not meet the criteria for payment under the Illness Benefit scheme guidelines. In particular, the customer does not satisfy the required PRSI contributions for the relevant tax years. The customer has been awarded 'credits' for the period.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
608. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied). [41788/18]
View answerThe Department experienced some delays following the introduction of a new system for Illness Benefit (IB) in August last.
However, the claim from the person concerned has now been processed and she is in receipt of her full IB entitlements and any/all arrears owing to her have been paid. She should continue to send medical certs for the duration of her illness to ensure prompt payment of IB.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
609. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41796/18]
View answerOn receipt of additional medical evidence, submitted in support of their appeal , a review of this person's claim was carried out and they have been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 08 March 2018. As a result the appeal is no longer necessary.
Payment will issue to their nominated bank post office on the 25 October 2018. Any arrears due from 08 March 2018 to 24 October 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The person concerned was notified of this decision on the 11 October 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
610. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application for carer's benefit by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41829/18]
View answerApplications for carer’s benefit in respect of two care recipients were received from the person concerned on 18 July 2018.
The applications were awarded to the person concerned with effect from 16 August 2018 when her carer’s leave commenced. The first payment will issue to her via her nominated payment method on 11 October 2018.
Arrears of benefit due from 16 August 2018 to 10 October 2018 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 28 September 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
611. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41830/18]
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.
An application for carer's allowance was received from the person concerned on 9 July 2018
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
In addition, it was decided that her means exceed the statutory limit and therefore she is not entitled to CA.
The person concerned was notified on 2 October 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
612. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of staff in her Department and bodies under her aegis appointed to principal officer arising from internal competitions since 7 July 2015, by year. [41844/18]
View answer613. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons appointed from the panels arising from the 2015 open competition and 2017 open competition for principal officer run by the Public Appointments Service, by year; if a table (details supplied) will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41857/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 612 and 613 together.
The details being sought be the Deputy in respect of appointments made by competition to the grade of Principal Officer in my Department and the Agencies that operate under its aegis are shown in the following table.
Positions at Principal Officer in the Pensions Authority are advertised directly by the Authority and via PAS with subsequent competitions conducted by the Authority itself.
|
Organisation/Competition type |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection |
||||
|
Internal |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
|
PAS 2015 Competition |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
PAS 2017 Competition |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1* |
|
Pensions Authority |
||||
|
Open Competition |
2** |
|||
|
Citizens Information Board |
||||
|
Internal |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
* Open competition conducted by the Department
** Open competition conducted by the Pensions Authority.
614. Deputy Tom Neville 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. [41871/18]
View answerThe Department received a claim for invalidity pension (IP) from the lady concerned on the 28 April 2017. Her claim for IP was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 26 June 2017 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her rights of review and appeal.
A review was requested and further medical evidence was submitted on 17 July 2017. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision. She was notified on 28 August 2017 of the outcome of the review. A further review was requested on 31 May 2018 and additional medical evidence was submitted on 22 June 2018. Following a review of all the information available a deciding officer has confirmed the original decision to disallow the claim on medical grounds. She was notified on 08 October 2018 of the outcome of the review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
