Written Answers Nos. 2692-2716
2692. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter regarding the repayment of debt in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32004/19]
View answerI am advised by my Department that following a routine review of claimants it was noted that the person concerned was paid the incorrect rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance, for a person of his age, for the period 24 July 2017 to 19 March 2018. Consequently he was assessed with an overpayment of €1,747.28.
The person concerned appealed this overpayment to the Independent Social Welfare Appeals Office and the decision was that “the appeal made in this case cannot succeed”. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department.
The person concerned should contact the Department to discuss a recovery plan in order to process the overpayment.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
2693. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her plans to extend a new social insurance scheme, jobseeker's benefit and payments for the self-employed will be in place before the Brexit deadline of 31 October 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32046/19]
View answer2762. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans to extend PRSI based benefits to the self-employed who become unemployed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33346/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2693 and 2762 together.
It is my intention that the new scheme of jobseeker's benefit for the self-employed, which I announced as part of the Budget 2019, will be introduced from November this year. This scheme will provide a social insurance contribution-based benefit to the self-employed who lose their self-employment and consequently are not engaged in self-employment.
The Social Welfare Bill 2019 introducing the new scheme on a statutory basis was published on the 28th of June and has completed second stage in the Seanad. Once it has completed all stages in the Seanad it will be introduced to the Dáil. The necessary administrative arrangements and IT infrastructure to support this new scheme are being put in place.
This measure is part of the Government's stated aim of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, including providing an income safety net to both employees and self-employed people. The addition of this new scheme builds on other significant improvements for self-employed people in recent years such as access to invalidity pension and treatment benefits in 2017.
All these improvements to entitlements are a real advance in the level of cover available to the self-employed.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2694. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the back to education allowance will be increased by 5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32160/19]
View answerThe back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is designed to support second chance education. It enables eligible persons to pursue education and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study. The weekly rate of payment is linked to the persons' underlying payment, for example jobseekers allowance.
Government has provided almost €62 million for BTEA in 2019. This represents a considerable investment in supporting participants to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market. If this budget is increased by 5%, it will result in an additional €3 million cost in a full year. Any such changes would have to be considered in a budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
The BTEA is not intended as an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third-level education system. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant, payable by the Department of Education and Skills, represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2695. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of external consultant reports commissioned by her Department in each of the years March 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the cost of same; the company involved; and the title and publication date by report in tabular form. [32247/19]
View answerThe following table sets out the 88 reports conducted by external consultants from March 2011 to date:
|
Report |
Name of Consultants |
Publication Date |
Cost € |
|
2011 |
|||
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office – Research on Insurability Issues & Access to Legal Resources |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
2011 |
€7,744 |
|
Report on electronic access to GRO Records for genealogy research |
John Grenham |
Internal Management Report |
€3,557 |
|
Investigation of odour/smells, Belmullet Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Internal Management Report |
€1,699 |
|
Investigation of odour/smells, Local office Cobh |
Employment Health Advisors Ltd. |
Internal Management Report |
€2,023 |
|
Development & implementation of the National Employment & Entitlements Service |
Accenture |
August 2011 |
€186,563 |
|
Report on Pension Charges in Ireland |
PWC |
October 2012 |
€61,500 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
August 2012 |
€1,500 |
|
2012 |
|||
|
FÁS IS Applications Systems Review |
Accenture |
Internal Management Report |
€44,772 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Deprivation 2012:1.Work & Poverty in Ireland: An Analysis of CSO Survey on Income & Living Conditions 2004-2010 (2012 annual report)2. Technical Paper on Poverty Indicators – [Appendix C of Report of the Review of the National Poverty Target]3. Implications of Income Pooling & Household Decision-Making for Poverty & Deprivation (2012 technical paper) |
ESRI |
1. December 2012 2. October 2012 3. October 2013 |
€81,230 |
|
Review of Irish Pensions Policy |
OECD |
April 2013 |
€130,000 |
|
Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund |
KPMG |
June 2012 |
€153,750 |
|
Evaluation of JobBridge |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
April 2013 |
€59,555 |
|
Developing system architecture for the National Employment & Entitlements Service |
Compass Point |
Internal Management Report |
€4,600 |
|
Risk assessments regarding reception areas [Arklow, Tallaght, & Kings Inn, Dublin Local Offices] |
Nifast |
Internal Management Report |
€1,845 |
|
Air Quality Investigation, Ballymun Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Internal Management Report |
€3,644 |
|
Air Quality Investigation, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada |
Wright Environmental Services |
Internal Management Report |
€3,383 |
|
Report on Pension Priority Order |
Mercer |
February 2013 |
€18,450 |
|
Contracted Employment Service Model |
Centre for Economic & Social Inclusion |
Internal Management Report |
€140,989 |
|
2013 |
|||
|
Mobile Applications Opportunity Exploration |
Accenture |
Internal Management Report |
€33,388 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
September 2013 |
€1,500 |
|
Health & Safety Review of DSP premises, Upper Gardiner St, Dublin 1 |
CPL Training Ltd, trading as Nifast Health & Safety Training |
Internal Management Report |
€1,100 |
|
Diet Supplement Diet Costings Update |
Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute |
September 2013 |
€4,000 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion (AMPSE) 2013 programme:1. Social Transfers & Poverty in Boom & Recession (for 2013 annual report) 2. Indicators of Economic Strain in the Great Recession (for 2013 technical paper) |
ESRI |
1. December 2013 2. April 2014 |
€67,979 |
|
Auto Enrolment & Applicability to Ireland (Pensions) |
TOR Financial Consulting Ltd. |
Internal Management Report |
€9,900 |
|
A Review of In-work Supports for the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
Q4 2014 |
€10,000 |
|
Delivery of Administrative Profiling Models to Identify those at Risk of Labour Market Disadvantage |
ESRI |
June 2014 |
€33,745 |
|
Report on Organisation Development |
Axiom Consultants |
Internal Management Report |
€122,692 |
|
Advisory report on implementation of European Youth Guarantee in Irish circumstances |
Organisation for Economic co-operation & Development (OECD) |
January 2014 |
€50,000 |
|
Evaluation of the Youth Guarantee Pilot |
Franklin Research Ltd. |
January 2015 |
€20,000 (EU funded Report) |
|
Evaluation Research (Back to Education Allowance) |
ESRI |
October 2015 |
€24,809 |
|
Survey Air quality in Nutgrove Local Office |
Wright Environmental Services |
Internal Management Report |
€2,900 |
|
Social Welfare Appeals Office – Research into Revising Decisions |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
Internal Management Report |
€2,400 |
|
2014 |
|||
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
December 2014 |
€1,650 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion 2014 programme: 1. Transitions into and out of household joblessness using CSO SILC data 2. Measuring Irish joblessness: The SILC and LFS data sources |
ESRI |
1. September 20152. May 2015 |
€80,000 |
|
Security Partner Services - IT Forensics |
Deloitte |
Internal Management Report |
€2,398 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Internal Management Report |
€2,340 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Internal Management Report |
€4,201 |
|
Identification & containment of malicious software |
Deloitte |
Internal Management Report |
€15,699 |
|
Assessment for Application Lifecycle Management |
Microsoft Ireland |
Internal Management Report |
€22,586 |
|
Ex-ante Evaluation to support the preparation of the Operational Programme for the European Fund for the Most Deprived 2014-2020 |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
Internal report required by EU Regulation (EU) No. 223/2014 |
€16,000 |
|
Microfilm Condition Report |
Martin Bradley, Archives and Records Management Consultant |
Internal Management Report |
€1,691 |
|
Report on the effectiveness & efficiency of the guidance model used during Youth Guarantee Pilot |
NUI Maynooth |
Internal Management Report |
€14,145 (EU funded report) |
|
Survey Air quality in Waterford Intreo |
Wright Environmental Services |
Internal Management Report |
€6,863 |
|
2015 |
|||
|
Review of the EmployAbility (Supported Employment) Service |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
August 2016 |
€59,280 |
|
Policy and practice report: Key lessons learned from the Ballymun Youth Guarantee Project |
NUI Maynooth |
March 2015 |
€11,135 (EU funded Report) |
|
Evaluation of the Disability Activation Project |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
November 2015 |
€29,520 |
|
Forensic Services |
Rits |
Internal Management Report |
€11,480 |
|
Windows Tablet PC Hardening Review (Limited Scope) |
Deloitte |
Internal Management Report |
€4,151 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
August 2016 |
€1,650 |
|
Confidential Information Security Report |
Deloitte |
Internal Management Report |
€7,749 |
|
Technical review of rent supplement under the Equal Status Acts. |
Mel Cousins & Associates |
Internal Management Report |
€18,000 |
|
Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd |
Q2 2016 |
€72,385 |
|
Analysis & Measurement of Poverty & Social Exclusion 2015 Programme:1. Changes in social risks by life-cycle group2. Developing a multi-dimensional quality of life indicator |
ESRI |
November 2016 July 2016 |
€80,000 |
|
Evaluation of the Suitability, Effectiveness and Relevance of the JobBridge Activation Programme |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
October 2016 |
€134,895 |
|
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Activation Reforms |
ESRI |
Q2 2017 (Still in progress) |
€118,315 |
|
External quality assessment of DSP Internal Audit under the D/PER Internal Audit standards 2012 |
EisnerAmper Ireland |
Internal Management Report |
€5,535 |
|
Information Security Reports |
Grant Thornton |
Internal Management Report |
€10,332 |
|
2016 |
|||
|
Review of the Local Employment Services and Job Club services |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Published in 2018 |
€87,232 |
|
Review of the Predictive Analytic Modelling Solutions relevant to the Department's schemes |
The Analytics Store Ltd. |
Internal Management Report |
€9,471 |
|
Back to Education Allowance Qualitative Study |
BMG Research |
Q2 2017 |
€50,670 |
|
Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey 2016 (Next annual round of Customer Satisfaction Survey originally commissioned in Aug 2015) |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd |
Q4 2016 &Q2 2017 |
€124,550 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum 2016 – Conference Report |
Aidan Lloyd |
Q2 2017 |
€1,650 |
|
Measurement and Analysis of Household Income & Living Conditions 2017 Programme:1. Technical paper: examine the feasibility of conducting dynamic analysis to explore poverty and deprivation transitions over time and between different social risk groups2. Research report: examine the poverty and deprivation experience of the different risk groups, both dynamically and across a set of selected EU-countries |
ESRI |
1. Q3 2017 2. Q4 2017 |
€94,070 |
|
Joint Research Programme on Retirement |
ESRI |
Expected publication date Q.3 2019 |
€29,500 |
|
Research into Development of Pensions, Longer Working Hours and Retirement Policy |
ESRI |
October 2017 |
€32,000 |
|
2017 |
|||
|
Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey 2017 (Next annual round of Customer Satisfaction Survey originally commissioned in Aug 2015) |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd |
Q4 2017Q2 2018 |
€167,674 |
|
Actuarial Review of the Social Welfare Insurance Fund as at 31 December 2015 |
KPMG |
Q3 2017 |
€281,670 |
|
Compliance of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 |
Mazars |
Internal Management Report |
€301,350 |
|
Independent Review of the amendments to the One-Parent Family payment since Jan 2012 |
Indecon |
October 2017 |
€104,944 |
|
Strategic Review of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s website |
Clickworks and iReach |
Internal Management Report |
€59,100 |
|
Survey of Employers (including JobPlus employers) |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd. |
May 2018 |
€30,750 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum 2017 – Conference Report |
Lisa Costello |
Q2 2018 |
€1,750 |
|
Study to explore the drivers of negative employment outcomes on participants of the Back to Education Scheme |
BMG Research |
Q2 2017 |
€41,228 |
|
2018 |
|||
|
Economic Analysis of Auto-Enrolment Options |
ESRI |
Publication to be determined in line with any future Government decisions on Automatic- Enrolment |
€25,000 |
|
Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Survey 2018 |
W5 Marketing Intelligence Ltd. |
2018 |
€121,228 |
|
Joint Research Programme on Gender and Pensions |
ESRI |
Q4 2018 |
€80,000 |
|
Pension Accounting Advice on Post-Employment Benefits |
Mazars |
Internal Management Report |
€4,428 |
|
Review of the Implementation of the New Illness Benefit System |
Liam Irwin |
Internal Management Report |
€6,000 (estimated cost) |
|
Social Inclusion Forum 2018 – Conference Report |
Peigín Doyle |
Q 2 2019 |
€1,443 |
|
Health and Safety Audit of the Department's Print and Stationery Stores |
Quadra Consulting |
Internal Management Report |
€1,722 |
|
2019 |
|||
|
An Initial Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Intreo Activation Reforms |
ESRI |
Q1 2019 |
€82,820 |
|
Static Electricity Survey of Kennedy House, Navan |
Chris Mee Group |
Internal Management Report |
€2,460 |
2696. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the photography costs for her Department in each year since March 2011 including costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used in tabular form; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32264/19]
View answerMy Department administers over 70 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them. Public information campaigns, including social media and online digital advertising, are an important part of this work. Photography services are used, in conjunction with press releases, conferences and launch events, to communicate my Department’s key initiatives, launches, schemes and services to customers and are regularly issued to regional and national media. This photography is used across a wide range of Department publications and guides, and regularly placed on the Department's website to highlight the services and initiates of the Department.
Since March 2011, photography services have been used for the occasions as set out in the tables below. All costs listed are inclusive of VAT.
In accordance with Government procurement policy, the Department undertook procurement for the provision of “Professional Photography Services” in 2018. As a result of this process, SON Photographic Ltd. was appointed under an Office of Government Procurement framework tender. All of the Department's photography requirements have therefore been arranged through this company since June 2018. Prior to this, the procurement of photography services was carried out under informal tendering arrangements in accordance with national and EU procurement procedures.
I do not use my ministerial allowance for the purposes of obtaining photography services.
2011
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Launch of JobBridge |
Maxwells |
1035.16 |
|
Departmental North/South Summer School, Maynooth |
Kevin Morris Photography |
950.00 |
|
Mortgage Arrears Seminar |
Ark Photography |
254.10 |
|
Social Inclusion Forum |
Ark Photography and Dragana Jurisic |
547.50 |
|
Two Social Inclusion Projects |
Ark Photography |
326.70 |
|
Total 2011: |
€3,113.46 |
2012
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Launch of ‘Partial Capacity Benefit’ and ‘Employability’ scheme |
Maxwells |
338.25 |
|
Launch of 'Pathways to Work scheme' |
Maxwells |
536.28 |
|
Opening of Community Campus in Phibblestown |
Lensmen |
280.44 |
|
Launch of Mortgage Information Helpline |
Ark Photography |
258.30 |
|
Launch of Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs |
Ark Photography |
184.50 |
|
Presentation of Report of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund |
Ark Photography |
184.50 |
|
Official launch of Sligo Intreo Centre |
Joe Travers |
300.00 |
|
Intreo roadshow in Limerick |
Picsure Ltd (Kieran Clancy) |
233.70 |
|
Employer roadshow in Galway |
Joe Travers |
125.00 |
|
Employer roadshow in Cork |
Tony O’Connell Photography |
227.00 |
|
Employer roadshow in Dublin |
Ark Photography |
258.30 |
|
Total 2012: |
€2,926.27 |
2013
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Official launch of Intreo Centre in Tallaght |
Lensmen |
323.48 |
|
Launch of JobBridge arts in Killarney |
MacMonagle Photography |
338.25 |
|
Briefing for Employers in Blanchardstown and Launch of Intreo Centre in Blanchardstown) |
Lensmen |
851.25 |
|
Publication of Indecon Report on JobBridge |
Lensmen |
589.79 |
|
EU Presidency Conference, Leuven |
Peter Cavanagh |
707.25 |
|
Official launch of Intreo Centre, Kilkenny |
Vicky Comerford |
123.00 |
|
Launch of Pathways to Work |
Maxwells |
482.16 |
|
Inaugural Meeting of the Labour Market Advisory Council |
Maxwells |
424.35 |
|
Official launch of Intreo Centre in Loughrea |
Joe Travers |
225.00 |
|
Total 2013: |
€4,064.53 |
2014
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Launch of Benefit of Work ready reckoner and official opening of Intreo in Ballyfermot office |
Ark Photography |
322.88 |
|
Official opening of Intreo Centre in Limerick |
Kieran Clancy |
221.40 |
|
Official opening of Intreo Centre in Castlebar |
Joe Travers |
300.00 |
|
Medical Assessor Admin Conference |
Bobby Studios Photography |
270.60 |
|
Launch of Interim Report of Labour Market Council |
Ark Photography |
258.30 |
|
Total 2014: |
€1,373.18 |
2015
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Tánaiste meeting with French Prime Minister in Leinster House |
Mac Innes Photography |
246.32 |
|
Launch of Jobs Week |
Maxwels |
413.28 |
|
Official launch of Intreo Centre in Galway |
Joe Travers Photography |
175.00 |
|
4.60 |
Total 2015: |
€83 |
2016
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Official Opening of Clondalkin Intreo Centre |
Robbie Reynolds Photography |
553.50 |
|
Launch of Pathways to Work 2016 to 2020 |
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
645.75 |
|
Total 2016: |
€1,199.25 |
2017
|
Details |
Photographer |
Cost (€) |
|
Official Opening of Elizabeth O'Farrell House with Mrs Sabrina Higgins( cost of purchasing imagery) |
Photocall Ireland |
92.25 |
|
Launch of Healthy You Early Intervention Forum |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Portrait photography of Management Board. |
Son Photographic Ltd |
501.76* |
|
Portrait photography of Management Board. |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Portrait photography of Management Board. |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Launch of ‘MyGovID’ online services |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Launch of ‘Make Work Pay’ Report |
Son Photographic Ltd |
442.80 |
|
Launch of Jobs Week/Fair |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Launch of ‘Treatment Benefits Awareness Campaign |
Son Photographic Ltd |
464.33 |
|
Purchasing Photography Stock from Jobs Week 2016 |
Charlie Collins t/a Collins Photo Agency |
163.03* |
|
Purchasing Photography Stock |
Charlie Collins t/a Collins Photo Agency |
163.03* |
|
Launch of Welfare Fraud campaign |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Senior Management Group and individual photography |
Son Photographic Ltd |
1,045.50 |
|
Launch of Fuel Allowance Information Campaign |
Son Photographic Ltd |
467.40 |
|
Purchase of Stock Photography from 2016 |
Photocall Ireland |
92.25 |
|
Photography of Intreo Centre for stock photography |
Son Photographic Ltd |
356.70 |
|
Launch of new ‘Ability’ Programme to help young people with a disability into employment |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Jobs Week - Navan Event |
Son Photographic Ltd |
390.53 |
|
Jobs Week - Dublin Castle Event |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Photography for BTSCFA Launch |
Son Photographic Ltd |
485.85 |
|
Photography for Paternity Benefit Campaign Launch |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Photography for Treatment Benefits Announcement |
Son Photographic Ltd |
485.85 |
|
Announcement of Gender Recognition Act |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
DEASP 70 Year Anniversary Open Policy Conference |
Son Photographic Ltd |
605.78 |
|
NCI DEASP Graduation Event |
Son Photographic Ltd |
€442.80 |
|
Total 2017: |
€9,766.86 |
2018
|
Details |
Photographer |
Costs (€) |
|
Jobs Week 2018 |
Son Photographic Ltd |
307.50 |
|
Launch of Pension Roadmap |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Mother & Baby Fair |
Fennell Photography |
405.90 |
|
Launch of Feeding Ireland’s Future |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Update on Pensions Roadmap |
Son Photographic Ltd |
541.20 |
|
Launch of Ability Programme |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance |
Son Photographic Ltd |
485.85 |
|
Launch of the Telephone Support Allowance |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance - cancellation |
Son Photographic Ltd |
123.00 |
|
Pre-Budget Forum |
Son Photographic Ltd |
615.00 |
|
Intreo Jobs Fair – Dublin Castle |
Son Photographic Ltd |
485.85 |
|
Launch of Make Work Pay – Richmond Barracks |
Son Photographic Ltd |
430.50 |
|
Pensions Auto-Enrolment – Government Press Centre |
Son Photographic Ltd |
319.80 |
|
Customer Experience Conference |
Son Photographic Ltd |
553.80 |
|
Management Board |
Son Photographic Ltd |
258.30 |
|
Total 2018: |
€6,248.70 |
2019 (to end of June)
|
Details |
Photographer |
Costs (€) |
|
Hot School Meals – Launch of Pilot |
Son Photographic Ltd |
319.80 |
|
Launch of MyWelfare.ie |
Son Photographic Ltd |
319.80 |
|
Minister Doherty visit to CE schemes in Westmeath |
SR Photography |
160.00 |
|
Management Board – photography |
Son Photographic Ltd |
259.30 |
|
Jobs Week 2019 – Dublin Castle |
Son Photographic Ltd |
516.60 |
|
Jobs Week 2019 – Bray |
Son Photographic Ltd |
455.10 |
|
SMT photography – Carrick-on-Shannon |
Son Photographic Ltd |
504.30 |
|
Total to end of June 2019: |
€2,534.90 |
*Includes late payment fee
2697. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the expenditure incurred in respect of external legal fees in each year since March 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32281/19]
View answerThe Department incurs expenditure on costs associated with legal cases from Vote 37 Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Social Insurance Fund.
Costs relating to prosecutions arising from fraudulent claims made to the Department are borne by the Chief States Solicitors Office.
The following table sets out the amount paid by the Department for external legal services for the period 1 March 2011 to date:
|
Year |
Amount (€000) |
|
1/1/2019 to date |
452 |
|
2018 |
4,115 |
|
2017 |
1,756 |
|
2016 |
1,017 |
|
2015 |
1,105 |
|
2014 |
692 |
|
2013 |
462 |
|
2012 |
246 |
|
1/3/2011 – 31/12/2011 |
1,081 |
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2698. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the expenditure incurred in external information technology costs in each year since March 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32298/19]
View answerThe procurement of ICT services is essential to support the Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner. It is governed by EU and national legislation and circulars issued by the Dept. of Finance and the D/PER. The Department actively participates in the initiatives of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) who have established a range of central framework agreements to cover common goods and services. The Department is committed to facilitating SME access to procurement opportunities and publishes it’s procurement policy on www.welfare.ie/Procurement-Policy.
The total annual expenditure for "IT External Service Provision", "IT Consultancy" and "eGovernment" for the years 2011 to 2019 is set out in the following table.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 to date |
|
|
IT External Service Provision |
€9,103,243 |
€6,540,189 |
€7,623,448 |
€13,653,771 |
€13,736,231 |
€17,910,686 |
€21,554,631 |
€23,708,756 |
€13,416,241 |
|
IT Consultancy |
€236,748 |
€307,746 |
€502,030 |
€481,507 |
€0 |
€0 |
€11,808 |
€235,583 |
€5,350 |
|
eGovernment |
€630,696 |
€302,248 |
€1,775,737 |
€241,408 |
€3,368,897 |
€4,061,356 |
€7,252,971 |
€12,903,655 |
€5,332,141 |
Increases in recent years are due to the demand for new schemes and services, a major programme of work to migrate existing complex DEASP schemes from legacy technology to more modern platforms to provide greater efficiencies for customers and staff and the development of digital self-service platforms.
Since 2011, a detailed breakdown of annual expenditure for external IT provision and eGovernment is published on http://www.welfare.ie/en/downloads/consultancyitespDSP.pdf
Expenditure incurred on external information technology, including IT consultancy services is closely monitored and services are only engaged for essential work, following a rigorous assessment of need.
2699. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the spend in each of the years 2011 to 2018 and to date in 2019, on the family income supplement and working family payment in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32377/19]
View answerExpenditure on Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement) from 2011 to 2018 is detailed in the following table.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
€204.5m |
€223.6m |
€261.8m |
€297.9m |
€367.9m |
€415.4m |
€414.6m |
€410.5m |
Expenditure on Working Family Payment up to end of June 2019 was €201.6m.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2700. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of years a review into farm assist can go back; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32388/19]
View answerFarm Assist is a means tested income support payment for farmers. A person's entitlement to farm assist is reviewed on an ongoing basis, as is the case for all schemes, to ensure that the customer continues to satisfy the conditions of the scheme. A person's means may also be reviewed from time to time to ensure that the customer is in receipt of the correct payment. Claims may be reviewed retrospectively over a number of years depending on the time period relevant to the claim review.
A customer may also request a review of their means in the light of changed circumstances at any time.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2701. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of protected disclosures for which she has engaged an external consultancy and-or legal firm since 2014 to date; the name of the firms engaged; the year and the costs associated with engaging the consultancy and-or legal firms in respect of protected disclosures; the way in which persons are protected in cases in which an external consultancy firm is engaged in respect of protected disclosures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32398/19]
View answerSince 2014 to date the Department has engaged an external consultancy firm in respect of one protected disclosure.
In 2018 the Department engaged a firm to investigate issues related to a protected disclosure as part of the other work it was undertaking on behalf of the Department. The name of the firm was Crowe Ireland and the total fee involved was €21,083.
Contracted firms must ensure that they have no conflict of interest and must comply with confidentiality requirements.
2702. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position with respect to the withdrawal of rent supplement from claimants whose landlords are unwilling to transfer to HAP and in circumstances in which the withdrawal of rent supplement would render the claimant homeless or at risk of homelessness; and the guidance issued to local rent units on the matter. [32423/19]
View answerRent supplement plays a vital role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting approximately 20,160 recipients for which the Government has provided €132.4 million for 2019.
The strategic policy direction of the Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support following the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, which became available nationwide from 1 March 2017.
All new applicants with housing needs assessments must present to the relevant local authorities for assessment for social housing, whereupon following confirmation of need, HAP will be made available rather than rent supplement. People in receipt of rent supplement for over 18 months are being requested to contact their local authority to have their housing needs assessed, thus beginning the transfer process to HAP. The target is to complete all transfers from long term rent supplement to HAP in 2020 and there are currently over 48,600 active HAP tenancies in place.
Suspension of rent supplement can occur where a tenant fails to engage in the HAP transfer process. The customer is initially given six weeks to engage with their local authority. A further six weeks, is provided to the customer to assist the customer with their initial HAP transfer application. If the customer fails to engage or cooperate with the local authority during this transfer process rent supplement may be suspended. Where suspension does occur, rent supplement is reinstated when the customer re-engages to facilitate the HAP transfer process.
Failure of a landlord to participate in HAP should not affect an existing customer’s entitlement to rent supplement, provided that the tenant has engaged with the local authority and/or Community Welfare Officer. I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department continue to make every effort to ensure that persons in receipt of rent supplement are supported in the transfer to HAP.
Should the Deputy have a particular case in mind I would invite him to share these details with my Department for review.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
2703. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to the registration of the birth of a child born by IVF, the steps she will take to allow both parents of a child register their child without having to wait the ten months in circumstances in which the mother of the child is divorced for a period of less than ten months; if the content of an article (details supplied) can be taken into consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32455/19]
View answerIf the mother’s male partner provided a gamete used in the IVF procedure, it may be possible to have the birth registered to include the particulars of both parents. This would involve a statutory declaration by the mother and submission of her decree of divorce [under section 22(3)(b) of the Civil Registration Act 2004], which would be sufficient to demonstrate that she has been living apart from her husband for a period of 10 months or more.
If, however, the gamete used in the IVF procedure was provided by a donor, then it is not currently possible to register the birth to include the particulars of both parents. Parentage in this scenario is determined by the provisions in Part 2 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 (CFRA 2015), and provisions for registration of these births are set out in Part 9 of that Act.
Part 2 of CFRA 2015 is the responsibility of the Minister for Health, who is working to have these provisions commenced as soon as possible. Following passage of the Civil Registration Act 2019, I have been in contact with the Minister for Justice and Equality to make arrangements for early commencement of Part 9.
In the meantime the child's birth should be registered to include only the mother's particulars and then re-registered, to include the particulars of the second parent, once the relevant provisions of CFRA 2015 have been commenced.
2704. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the outturn figures for the excess of receipts overpayments in the PRSI fund in each of the years 2016 to 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32494/19]
View answerThis question is being answered on the understanding that it relates to the excess of Social Insurance Fund income over expenditure in the years 2016 to 2018.
The following table shows the excess of receipts over expenditure of the Social Insurance Fund for 2016, 2017 and 2018 (provisional):
Social Insurance Fund
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
452.4 |
730.9 |
1,134.0 |
2705. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position in relation to the request for information to be supplied to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32500/19]
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.
The lady referred to was awarded invalidity pension under Irish Legislation with effect from the 11 October 2018. As she had indicated on her application form that she had worked in Latvia, an application was made on her behalf to the Latvian Authorities who subsequently requested medical information.
The Medical Review and Assessment section of this Department is in the process of scheduling an appointment to conduct an in-person medical assessment, the findings of which will be recorded on form E213. It is expected that this will be completed by third week of August, following which the E213 report will be expedited to the Latvian Authorities
2706. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a domiciliary care allowance application will be awarded to a person (details supplied). [32502/19]
View answerAn application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned in respect of her two children on the 9th April 2019. The applications were not allowed as it was considered that the children did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on the 13th June 2019 in respect of both children outlining the decisions.
In the case of an application which is refused, the applicant may submit additional information and ask to have the decision reviewed, and/or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The options available have been advised in the decision letter.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2707. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process contributory pension applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32601/19]
View answer2708. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process non-contributory pension applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32602/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2707 and 2708 together.
The average waiting time to award a state pension (contributory) and a state pension (non- contributory) at the end of June was 8 and 10 weeks respectively.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2709. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process invalidity pension applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32603/19]
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.
The average time taken to process a new IP claim in June 2019 was 11 weeks. The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2710. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process disability allowance applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32604/19]
View answerThe Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is committed to making decisions on entitlement as quickly as possible. The current processes in place and resources assigned to this area of the Department, along with the number of Medical Assessors available to provide medical opinions are kept under constant review to ensure that any delays are minimised.
The processing time for individual Disability Allowance (DA) claims will 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. By their nature individual DA claims are complex – the Deciding Officers must consider the applicants’ medical condition and its impact on their ability to work, the applicants’ means and the applicants’ residency situation. In a significant number of cases additional information is required in order to make a decision. Because of this complexity these claims by their very nature take time to complete and require substantial attention to ensure a full decision. The average processing time for a DA new application for the first six months of 2019 was 14 weeks.
People who are awaiting a decision on their DA application can and do access Supplementary Welfare Allowance payments via their local Community Welfare Service administered via Intreo offices across the country. These regular weekly payments as well as once off Exceptional Needs Payments where appropriate ensure that people are not without a source of income while they wait for the processing of their DA application to be completed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2711. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons processing applications for the contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32605/19]
View answerThe state pension (contributory) scheme is centrally administered from the Department’s offices located at College Road, Sligo.
Details of the number of staff engaged in processing applications for state pension (contributory) are shown below.
|
State Pension Contributory (SPC) |
No. of staff (whole time equivalents) |
|
Claims from applicants within ROI |
28.3 |
|
Claims from outside ROI |
14.9 |
In addition to processing applications from primary claimants and requests for reviews, deciding officers process applications for increases including (and not limited to) Increase for qualified adult; fuel allowance; increase for living alone.
The staffing needs for all areas within my Department are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the ongoing need to respond to new increasing demands in a wide range of services. This is to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2712. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has advocated that the Citizens' Information Board provide independent prevention advice on gambling addiction especially in young persons in line with the information it provides in relation to alcohol and drugs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32673/19]
View answerThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money advice and budgeting) and advocacy on a wide range of public and social services.
The Citizens Information Board delivers on its remit by provision of information and advice through three main channels:
- the regional network of 8 Citizens Information Services (CIS) which provides a face- to-face impartial and confidential service to the public;
- the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS), which operates Mon-Fri 9am to 8pm, at 0761 07 4000;
- and the Citizens Information website (www.citizensinformation.ie) which provides a wide range of information for citizens
CIB also publishes advocacy, research and social policy reports highlighting issues of concern to users of social services.
My Department does not prescribe content in respect of information provided by the Citizens Information Board on the range of public and social services available. Currently, information is not specifically provided on gambling addiction as the HSE’s Addiction Services have been traditionally funded to treat problematic drug and alcohol use. However, I am aware that some cases of problematic gambling have been provided with treatment in recent years. On that basis, the Citizens Information Board has undertaken to consult with the Department of Health about the publication of more targeted material on gambling addiction on the citizensinformation.ie website.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2713. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied). [32679/19]
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 CA was received from the person concerned on 5 March 2019.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 2 July 2019 to assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied.
Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2714. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 14 May 2015, the number of childcare workers who signed on for jobseeker's payments each year for the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32697/19]
View answerThe numbers of persons who declared their employment category as childcare and related occupations who signed on to the live register for jobseeker's payments or for credits during June, July and August 2015-2018 - but were not on the live register in the previous month - are detailed in the following tabular statements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Live register claims registered between June and August 2015
|
- |
June |
July |
August |
Total |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
757 |
549 |
274 |
1580 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
286 |
838 |
150 |
1274 |
|
Credits only |
40 |
107 |
23 |
170 |
|
Total |
1083 |
1494 |
447 |
3024 |
Live register claims registered between June and August 2016
|
- |
June |
July |
August |
Total |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
478 |
362 |
219 |
1059 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
550 |
502 |
151 |
1203 |
|
Credits only |
56 |
64 |
20 |
140 |
|
Total |
1084 |
928 |
390 |
2402 |
Live register claims registered between June and August 2017
|
- |
June |
July |
August |
Total |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
391 |
402 |
253 |
1046 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
373 |
638 |
153 |
1164 |
|
Credits only |
34 |
67 |
20 |
121 |
|
Total |
798 |
1107 |
426 |
2331 |
Live register claims registered between June and August 2018
|
June |
July |
August |
Total |
|
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
311 |
328 |
206 |
845 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
345 |
639 |
138 |
1122 |
|
Credits only |
37 |
79 |
21 |
137 |
|
Total |
693 |
1046 |
365 |
2104 |
2715. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of disability allowance and-or basic payment payable in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case currently unappealed can be referred for oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32743/19]
View answerI can confirm that the department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from the above named person on 21 March 2019.
The application for DA, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 1 July 2019.
The person was also notified of his right to a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. No such request has been received to date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
2716. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the basis on which an overpayment resulting in repayment occurred in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32744/19]
View answerThe person concerned is receiving a weekly Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment (BASI) for their family. As a qualifying condition of receiving BASI, the person concerned must satisfy a means test. Most Social Welfare payments are assessed as means. This includes the half-rate Carers Allowance payment the spouse of the person concerned is receiving.
This amount has been deducted from the person concerned’s weekly payment from 4 July 2019. The reasons for the overpayment will be communicated to the person concerned in writing within the next 10 working days.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
