Seán Sherlock
Question:177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the proposed upgrade of a train station (details supplied) in County Kildare. [47538/18]
View answerRailway Stations Upgrade
Questions (177)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation of the rail network and stations on the network including upgrade of train stations, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 175.
Rail Services
Questions (179)
Seán Sherlock
Question:179. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce student fares from train stations (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the unavailability of student accommodation in Dublin and the growing number of students who must use the train service. [47540/18]
View answerWritten answers
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for regulating fares charged by public transport operators. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Road Network
Questions (180)
Seán Sherlock
Question:180. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a road project (details supplied) in County Kildare. [47541/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Energy Efficiency
Questions (181)
Catherine Murphy
Question:181. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47598/18]
View answerWritten answers
A Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy was published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in January 2017. The Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme forms part of this Strategy and this Department reports to SEAI under this Programme. Energy Efficiency for this Department shows an increase of 12.3% to the end of 2017.
My Department has taken a number of measures to improve energy efficiency in the Department and a number of other measures are underway. Measures undertaken and those proposed include:
- replacing all of the lights in the Leeson Lane building complex to energy saving LED lights
- provision of a new cleaning contract in 2018 to include implementation of waste management initiatives with the segregation of all waste and the introduction of recyclable, food and glass waste bins and stations
- holding of “Energy Awareness Days” for all staff
- holding "Step up Days" which encourage staff to use the stairs instead of lifts
- removal of non recyclable cups by end of February 2019
- moving staff from Kildare Street and Clare Street offices to Leeson Lane, thus reducing the energy costs involved in maintaining three buildings
- the implementation of IT energy saving measures which include an automatic shutdown of PCS, a reduction of printers by introducing print stations and print rooms and the introduction of a print management solution by replacing all printers within the Department to energy saving devices.
My Department will continue to carry out further energy saving initiatives with a view to meeting the energy efficient target by 2020.
Direct Provision System
Questions (182)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:182. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that enough supports are in place for children in a new direct provision centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47468/18]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that Direct Provision comes under the policy remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. The matter to which the Deputy refers is more appropriately directed to that Department.
Children living in Direct Provision are in the care and custody of their parents. With the introduction of mandatory reporting under Children First, Direct Provision centre managers are required to report any concerns about the protection or welfare of children residing in their centre, to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries
Questions (183)
Clare Daly
Question:183. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of members remaining on the survivor forum; the number of resignations she has received; if there is a process to replace those that have left; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47549/18]
View answerWritten answers
The independent Selection Panel which I appointed to nominate representatives to the Forum for my consideration, selected 19 applicants from the expressions of interest received.
There are currently 18 members plus the Chairman in situ. I have received 2 resignations since the Forum commenced its work and one of these vacancies has been filled.
The process of any further appointments will be considered on a case by case basis, having due regard to the representative nature of the Forum, its programme of work and the expressions of interest received.
A number of factors are considered when appointing a member to the Collaborative Forum. The membership of the Forum must reflect its remit to support and engage with those who were resident for a time in these institutions and those with comparable experiences in the former County Homes. A key consideration, therefore, is to retain a balance and diversity of stakeholder perspectives and experiences within the membership of the Forum. This includes maintaining an inclusive representation from across the various Mother and Baby Homes and related institutions being examined by the Commission of Investigation.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (184)
Catherine Murphy
Question:184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if her Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47585/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is fully engaged in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme. I am happy to report that my Department has improved its energy efficiency performance at the end of 2017 by 47%. This is above the target set at 33% by the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy 2020.
During 2017, my Department reduced its energy consumption by putting procedures in place such as enabling automatic computer shut down in the evenings, reducing lighting in areas of the building with reduced footfall, the removal of personal heaters and desk fans, the central heating system set on a timer for 'exception periods' for dates when the building was closed on weekends and Bank Holidays. My Department also provided energy awareness information sessions to staff.
I expect my Department's energy efficiency performance to further improve as a result of the move in early 2018 to Miesian Plaza. Miesian Plaza is designed for high energy efficiency and is expected to achieve LEED Platinum accreditation. LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
National Indemnity Scheme for Landowners
Questions (185)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the national indemnity scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47530/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has been working to develop a scheme to indemnify private land owners with regard to the use of their lands for recreational purposes. In this context, my officials have been in contact with the State Claims Agency and the Attorney General's Office with a view to progressing the matter.
My Department has been advised that the proposed indemnity scheme should be underpinned by legislation, and my officials are now in the process of identifying the precise legislative requirements and/or processes required to give effect to the scheme.
I have asked my officials to prioritise this work and to develop clear proposals to have the scheme progressed and rolled out as soon as possible on a phased basis.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (186)
Catherine Murphy
Question:186. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47597/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is fully committed to and engaged with the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in January 2017. The group composed of my Department and the bodies under our aegis is committed to the achievement of the ambitious 33% energy savings target and we will work together to achieve the target in the most efficient manner possible.
As my Department was only established in July 2017, the Department and the bodies under our aegis will submit the first annual report for our group next year. Notwithstanding this, implementation of the strategy is well underway within our group. Energy Performance Officers are in place in my Department and in the bodies under our aegis and my Department recently facilitated an information session for the officers concerned along with representatives from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The aim of the session was to ensure there is a concerted strategy to achieve the group’s energy savings target, to share best practice examples and to better draw upon the expertise available from SEAI and others. I should also point out that my Department is also actively participating in the OPW’s “Optimising Power@Work” initiative and our shared offices in Ballina was a Regional Award Winner in this regard in 2018.
My Department will continue to work with our colleagues in the bodies under our aegis to achieve the energy savings target outlined for our group and we will collectively seek innovative approaches to deliver savings across our respective organisations.
State Pension (Contributory)
Questions (187)
Bernard Durkan
Question:187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if social insurance contributions made by self-employed persons before 1987 will be recognised for pension purposes when those self-employed persons reach pension age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47454/18]
View answerWritten answers
Whether social insurance contributions made by self-employed persons before 1987 are reckonable for pension purposes will depend upon the nature of those contributions.
Class S PRSI was introduced for the self-employed in 1988. Prior to 1988 the self-employed could maintain their social insurance record by paying Voluntary Contributions, once they had already been an employed contributor and met the qualifying conditions of the Voluntary Contributions scheme. Generally, Voluntary Contributions maintained entitlement to a limited range of pension payments, including the State pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pension (Contributory)
Questions (188)
Bernard Durkan
Question:188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to an increased pension if the person's record of self-employment and associated social insurance contributions before 1987 is taken into account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47455/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned was awarded a reduced state pension (contributory) from their 66th birthday, based on an assessed yearly average of 35 contributions, covering their working life from November 1970 to end-December 2016. The person was notified of this decision in writing on 5 April 2017.
Social insurance for self- employed persons was introduced in April 1988. Periods of self-employment prior to that date cannot be taken into account for pension entitlement purposes as those periods were not insurable under Social Welfare legislation.
The person’s social insurance record has been reviewed and additional credited contributions have been awarded for the years 1985/86 and 1986/87. This increases the persons yearly average from 35 to 37. However, as the person's yearly average remains within the 30-39 yearly average rate band, their rate of state pension (contributory) payment is unchanged. The person was notified of the outcome of this review on 12 November 2018.
It is open to the person concerned to apply for state pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested pension payment. If the person has an assessed weekly income of less than €257.50, they may qualify for a state pension (non-contributory). If an entitlement to state pension (non-contributory) is established, the person will be paid the most financially beneficial pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Illness Benefit Applications
Questions (189)
Bernard Durkan
Question:189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if all payments due to a person (details supplied) arising from an illness benefit claim will issue; when the matter will be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47457/18]
View answerWritten answers
Unfortunately we appear to have no record of receiving an application form from the person concerned. One of my officials is contacting the person concerned today and will assist her in making an application.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Illness Benefit Payments
Questions (190)
Pearse Doherty
Question:190. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for illness benefit will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47458/18]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Maternity Benefit since the 24th August 2018 which overlaps with her Illness Benefit claim.
This overlap is being dealt with currently and any arrears due to her will be paid in the coming days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Asylum Support Services
Questions (191)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:191. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to facilitate those who have been granted asylum in an accommodation centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47470/18]
View answerWritten answers
From 30th June 2018, applicants for international protection in Ireland have entitlements under the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive.
Material reception conditions (i.e. housing, food and associated benefits) are provided to protection applicants at accommodation centres managed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Equality. The daily expenses allowance (DEA), formerly known as direct provision allowance, is administered by my Department and is payable to protection applicants who reside in RIA accommodation centres.
As announced in Budget 2019, the weekly rates of DEA will increase to €38.80 for an adult and €29.80 for a child from 25 March 2019.
Protection applicants can also access exceptional needs payments and the back to school clothing and footwear allowance as, unlike other social welfare payments, these are not subject to the habitual residence condition.
The Department will work with RIA to ensure that protection seekers due to be housed in the accommodation centre referred to by the Deputy will have access to the range of supports to which they are entitled.
I trust his clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Illness Benefit Applications
Questions (192)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:192. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an illness benefit application by a person (details supplied); when arrears will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47472/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Illness Benefit claim for the person concerned is now certified and paid up to the 8th November 2018.
If the person in question remains ill and unfit for work, a further medical certificate should be submitted as soon as possible so that payment can issue.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Working Family Payment Applications
Questions (193)
Tom Neville
Question:193. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47480/18]
View answerWritten answers
Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement ) is a weekly tax-free payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children.
An application for Working Family Payment (WFP) was received from the person concerned on 25th September 2018.
WFP is not payable while an applicant is in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
The Department has written to the person concerned on 13th November 2018 advising them to contact the local Intreo Office in respect of their JSA claim.
Once this has been done, their WFP application will be processed without delay and they will be notified of the decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Data
Questions (194)
Clare Daly
Question:194. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the financial savings made in each of the years 2015 to 2017 as a direct result of the introduction of reduced rates of social welfare payments to persons under 25 years of age. [47481/18]
View answerWritten answers
The age related reduced rate of €100 per week for Jobseeker's Allowance recipients was introduced in Budget 2010 in respect of 18 and 19 year olds, and extended in subsequent Budgets to those under the age of 25. Based on the average number of Jobseeker's Allowance recipients in the relevant year, and an estimate of the proportion in receipt of this age-related reduced rate, the estimated cost of increasing:
- in 2015, the €100 weekly rate to the maximum personal rate of €188 would have been €131.3 million;
- in 2016, the €100 weekly rate to the maximum personal rate of €188 would have been €133.6 million; and
- in 2017, the €102.70 weekly rate to the maximum personal rate €193 would have been €101.9 million.
These costs do not include increasing the weekly rates for those aged 25 on age-related reduced rates.
It should be noted that age related reduced rates do not apply in certain circumstances, such as where the person has a qualified child, where the person was previously in state care, or where the young person participates in a recognised education/training course.
Illness Benefit Applications
Questions (195)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47489/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Illness Benefit claim is now paid up to date and certified to 31st January 2019, regular payments will issue on a weekly basis to that date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (196)
Niamh Smyth
Question:196. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47494/18]
View answerWritten answers
Carer'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 11 July 2018.
The application is currently being processed and information has been sought from the person concerned in respect of savings and income from their spouse's self-employment. Once this information is received their application will be decided and they concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.