Written Answers Nos. 800-824
801. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the backlog in processing claims for and making non-Covid-19 related payments; her plans for dealing with this backlog; the timeline for resolving this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12739/20]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
There are no backlogs in most of the Departments scheme areas at present. All scheme areas are up to date on claim processing with the exception of the jobseekers scheme where there is a backlog, currently being worked down. It should be noted that most current applications for a jobseekers payment are already financially better off on the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment. Priority is being given to processing jobseeker claims for persons who are not entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment or whose circumstances are such that they are entitled to more than the €350 rate on a jobseeker's payment.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that claim processing is kept under active review, with all possible steps taken to ensure good customer service. This includes the assignment of additional resources, where available, and the review of business processes, to ensure the efficient processing of applications as required.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
802. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address the anomaly by which persons in receipt of a widow's pension can receive the emergency Covid-19 payment if they lose work due to restrictions but persons in receipt of a widow’s pension cannot qualify for illness benefit. [12743/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been introduced as an emergency measure so that payments can be made as quickly as possible to the large number of people who have become fully unemployed due to the pandemic and Government has extended the payment until 10th August
The conditions for receipt of this emergency payment are that a person must be of working age between 18 and 66 years old, have been in employment immediately before 13th March and have lost their income from employment due to the pandemic. A self-employed person must have suffered a collapse of income and be available to take up other full-time employment if it was available, in order to qualify for the emergency payment
Some social welfare payments, for example the widow’s pension scheme, make provision for people to work and remain in receipt of a full or partial payment. If a person on one of these payments, between the ages of 18 and 66, meets the condition of having lost employment, it will be possible to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment while continuing to receive the existing social welfare payments. The notable exceptions are Illness Benefit, Daily Expenses Allowance and Jobseeker Payments (with the exception of casuals who have lost their employment due to the pandemic and people in receipt of Short Time Work Support).
Illness Benefit is not payable if a person is also getting any of the following payments at the full rate:
- Widow's/Widower's and Surviving Civil Partners Pensions, which includes Occupational Widow's/Widower's Pension
- One-Parent Family Payment, which includes Deserted Wives Benefit, Deserted Wives Allowance and Prisoner's Wives Allowance
However, if a person is getting a reduced rate of any of the above payments, they may also get a reduced rate of Illness Benefit, so that the combined amount of both payments is not greater than the rate of Illness Benefit to which they are entitled.
I trust that this clarifies the matter.
803. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rationale for exclusively online applications for the 2020-2021 back to school allowance; and the way in which applicants with restricted literacy or no access to computers can apply for this payment. [12787/20]
View answerThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.
Similar to previous years, the majority of customers are awarded BSCFA automatically. Award letters are currently issuing to these customers.
Form 6 July, if customers have not received an award letter from BSCFA, the customer will need to apply for the allowance online on www.mywelfare.ie . If customers are experiencing issues applying online, they can contact the BSCFA section on 071 9193318 or 0818 11 11 13, where an officer can assist the customer to apply online or will issue an application form for the customer to complete.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
804. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons that are unable to work due to being high risk and are on an illness benefit payment cannot qualify for the higher rate of illness benefit of €350; and my attention has been drawn to the fact that an applicant can qualify for the higher rate of €350 for only two weeks before the payment reverts to the lower payment. [12788/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1), the Government, having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of COVID-19, made exceptional provision in the public interest and to mitigate the effect of the spread of the disease to amend and extend the Social Welfare Acts to provide for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with, or are a probable source of infection with COVID-19.
The rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with COVID-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of COVID-19, that the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit was brought in as a short-term public health measure and is not a long-term income support payment. It is payable for two weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of COVID-19 and up to ten weeks where a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Certification by a registered medical professional is required to support any claim for the special COVID-19 Illness payment.
In recognition of the concerns raised by individuals and support groups in relation to those cocooning on health grounds, the Department introduced a policy change in May. Standard Illness Benefit payment may be payable subject to normal certification and eligibility criteria to a person with a serious health condition, where a medical practitioner completes a Certificate of Incapacity for Work. This may be paid for an extended period, depending on the person’s continued eligibility.
People who are considered high risk under the HSE guidelines in relation to COVID-19 are not entitled to the enhanced Illness Benefit payment for any period unless they have been diagnosed with or informed that they are a probable source of infection of COVID-19. Where a person has been diagnosed with, or is a probable source of, infection of Covid-19, a Certificate of Incapacity for Work is completed by a medical practitioner with a specified set of codes showing the medical condition. A person who is a probable risk of infection will receive the higher rate of payment for two weeks. By the end of that period, if they have been diagnosed with Covid-19, they will be entitled to receive the higher payment for a maximum of ten weeks. However, if they have not been diagnosed with Covid-19 they will no longer be entitled to the higher rate of payment. If they have a Certificate of Medical Incapacity after that time in respect of another condition they will receive the standard Illness Benefit payment.
The Return to Work Safely Protocol provides that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
805. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans to provide a top-up pension payment for those post-retirement age that are without a full social insurance record; if existing pensioners will be able to retrospectively avail of the proposed payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12854/20]
View answerFurther to clarification received by the Deputy’s office, it appears that this query is in relation to a proposal mentioned in the draft Programme for Government. The proposals in the draft Programme for Government will need to be more formally defined before it is possible to comment on the detail of the proposals.
There is currently no provision for paying a top-up pension. The introduction of a such a payment and any related changes to the PRSI system would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary contexts. Any future policy decisions related to the state pension system will obviously reflect the policy priorities of the incoming Government.
The Total Contributions Approach (TCA), when it is introduced, is intended to be a fairer and more transparent system where the person’s lifetime contribution will be more closely reflected in the benefit received. Having carefully examined the outputs of the TCA consultation process, officials in the Department are designing the scheme, with a view to including significant recognition for home caring periods in the new model. The final design of the model will need to be brought to Government for its consideration and approval.
The State Pension (Contributory) is a PRSI-based pension, financed by contributions made by current workers and their employers, and paid to pensioners, at a rate based upon their PRSI record when working. Those with few or no PRSI contributions paid over the years may alternatively qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is a means-tested pension, financed by the Exchequer, and paid at up to 95% the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory). There are also significant disregards in the household means test for the State Pension (Non-Contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse has a contributory pension, they may qualify for an increase for a Qualified Adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory). The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.
Furthermore, it should be noted that there is no statutory retirement age in Ireland and the age at which employees retire is determined by the employment contract between the employer and the employee. Many such contracts may have been entered into in the context of previous state pension arrangements. However, a mandatory retirement age did not apply. Employers are legally entitled to increase the duration of the employee's employment for either one or two years, depending on when he or she plans to retire, if both parties agree. The Workplace Relations Commission has produced a code of practice on longer working, and The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has also published guidance material for employees and employers who use fixed-term contracts beyond what was the normal retirement age of 65 years. Statistical data on long-term demographic changes indicate that people are living longer and healthier lives. Many of them may want to continue working after 65 and these resources can facilitate them in their choice.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
806. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider measures (details supplied) to inject life into the events and arts industries post Covid-19. [12875/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment was introduced as a time limited emergency measure in response to the pandemic and approval has been given to the extension of this payment until 10th August. The Government is aware that there are certain sectors which will be affected by business closures longer than others and the confirmation that this payment will be available until early August provides financial certainty to people affected at this time.
Where a person does not meet the conditions for receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and they are unemployed for 4 days or more in a week they can apply for the social-insurance based jobseekers benefit or means tested jobseekers allowance.
A self-employed person who is continuing to operate their business at a reduced level may be eligible for support under the jobseekers allowance payment. Jobseekers Benefit for the self-employed, which I introduced last year, is a PRSI support available for self-employed people who have ceased trading. I have also recently announced the extension of the Enterprise Support Grant which will be made available to small business owners who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to re-open the business. The grant, of up to €1,000, will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants. The Department is developing the systems to put it into effect and will communicate how to access the grant in the coming weeks.
It should be noted that any person who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for other financial support under the means tested supplementary welfare allowance scheme including an Exceptional or Urgent needs payment.
My Department is primarily responsible for income support and many of the concerns raised in your submissions are relevant to my colleague the Minister for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.
807. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person can qualify for an invalidity pension in circumstances in which they are paying class S contributions and are self-employed; if they can continue in their work and obtain an invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12881/20]
View answerSelf-employed contributors have been eligible for the invalidity pension from December 2017. For the first time, this has given the self-employed access to the safety-net of State income supports if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability without having to go through a means test. When deciding to extend access to this benefit to the self-employed, Government wanted to ensure that it was on a similar basis to that of those in employment. This is a real advance in the level of cover available to the self-employed.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E, H or S contributions are reckonable for IP purposes. Class S contributions are those paid by self-employed people.
A claimant must be regarded as permanently incapable of work, which is defined as:
incapacity for work of such a nature that the likelihood is that the claimant will be incapable of work for life
OR
an incapacity which has existed for 12 months prior to the date of claim, and where the Deciding Officer or an Appeals Officer is satisfied that the claimant is likely to be unable to work for 1 year from the date of claim.
A person in receipt of IP cannot engage in work. However, with prior written permission from the Department, a person may undertake light work for which no remuneration is or would ordinarily be payable. Should a person in receipt of IP wish to take up or resume open labour market employment, they may qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit, a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment (if they have reduced capacity to work) and continue to receive a payment from the Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
808. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons on the pandemic unemployment payment due to have it reduced to €203 as a result of having previously earned less than €200 in wages, in receipt of child benefit. [12884/20]
View answer811. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons on the pandemic unemployment payment due to have it reduced to €203 and in receipt of child benefit, that were not previously in receipt of another social welfare payment (details supplied). [12887/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 808 and 811 together.
I am advised that at this juncture it is not yet possible to report on the number of persons due to have their pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) adjusted from 7 July 2020. I will however provide the Deputy with the requested information as soon as it is available.
The number of people receiving the PUP continues to decrease week-on-week, and based on the payments issued on June 30th, there were 438,933 recipients. I am advised that approximately one-quarter of these recipients would have their payment reduced to €203, of which 20% would receive child benefit. Of those receiving child benefit and an expected €203 PUP, roughly three-quarters were not previously in receipt of any of the social protection payments mentioned by the Deputy. Note that this will be subject to further revisions once the payment data for 7th July 2020 becomes available.
809. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of women on the pandemic unemployment payment due to have it reduced to €203 as a result of having previously earned less than €200 in wages.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12885/20]
View answer810. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of women on the pandemic unemployment payment due to have it reduced to €203 that were not previously in receipt of another social welfare payment (details supplied). [12886/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 809 and 810 together.
I am advised that at this juncture it is not yet possible to report on the number of persons due to have their pandemic unemployment payment adjusted from 7 July 2020. I will however provide the Deputy with the requested information as soon as it is available.
The number of people receiving the pandemic unemployment payment continues to decrease week-on-week, and I am advised that based on the payments issued on June 30th, a total of 213,838 recipients were female. Approximately one-quarter of female recipients would have their payment reduced to €203 and the vast majority of these (90%) are not in receipt of the payments mentioned by the Deputy. Note that this will be subject to further revisions once the payment data for 7th July 2020 becomes available.
812. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of the pandemic unemployment payment to the end of 2020. [12888/20]
View answer813. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of the pandemic unemployment payment if it were maintained at €350 for all those availing of the scheme to the end of 2020. [12889/20]
View answer814. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated difference in cost of leaving the pandemic unemployment payment at current levels to the end of 2020, compared to reducing it to €203 for those previously earning less than €200 in wages from 29 June 2020. [12890/20]
View answer815. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of the pandemic unemployment payment for July 2020. [12891/20]
View answer816. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of the pandemic unemployment payment for July 2020 if it was maintained at €350 for all recipients. [12892/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 812 to 816, inclusive, together.
Following a recent Government Decision, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) has been extended to week-commencing 10th August 2020. The performance of the labour market in the weeks and months ahead, including the capacity of employers to respond to the phased return to work following the Covid-19 lockdown, and the level of any resulting residual unemployment, remains uncertain.
These estimates are informed by the forecast for unemployment in the Stability Programme Update, published in April 2020. In that respect, they are subject to change as labour market and payment trends develop.
By week-ending Friday, 14th August 2020, the PUP scheme will have cost an estimated €3.3 billion.
The estimated cost of PUP in July 2020 is approximately €450 million. The cost of maintaining PUP payments at €350 a week for those earnings less than €200 a week is estimated at an additional €53 million in July.
The cost of PUP in the period between August and December 2020 will depend on the ongoing suppression of the Covid-19 virus and on progress in reopening the economy and society. Both of these factors will determine the extent of labour market recovery between now and the year-end and the approach that the Government will take with respect to what further changes, if any, may be made to the PUP. These are matters that will be considered during the coming weeks and the estimated cost of PUP to the year-end will be determined as part of that process.
817. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if declarations of income from cash tips will be accepted in assessing income for the purposes of the pandemic unemployment payment. [12893/20]
View answerOn Friday 5th June the Government approved the extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment until 10th August and announced a two-level payment structure to link the payment to gross prior earnings. This change to the payment structure ensures that the rate is fair and targeted.
Where a person’s gross weekly earnings were €200 or higher there will be no change to their rate of payment. If a person’s gross weekly earnings were under €200 the rate of the pandemic unemployment payment will be adjusted to €203. This change will take effect in payments made from Tuesday 7 July.
Tips are treated as reckonable earnings and must be declared on tax returns to the Revenue Commissioners. The earnings details reported by the Revenue Commissioners will be used as the basis to determine the appropriate rate applicable for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
I trust this clarifies the position.
818. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount paid under the redundancy payment scheme and under previous similar schemes in each year of their operation in tabular form; and the amount recovered by her Department. [12940/20]
View answerEntitlement to a redundancy payment is defined under the Redundancy Payments Act. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy payments to eligible employees.
In situations where an employer is unable to pay these entitlements due to financial difficulties or insolvency an application for payment under the Redundancy Payments Scheme may be submitted to the Department. The Department will make the statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees on behalf of the employer.
The Redundancy Payments Scheme is funded from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). When such a redundancy payment is made from the fund, a debt is raised against the employer. The Department will engage with employers to establish their financial situation on a case by case basis and seeks to agree a debt recovery plan, including repayments by instalment, where appropriate. This ensures that the scheme takes into account both an employer's ability to pay redundancy payments and that the Social Insurance Fund can be reimbursed in due course.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation administered the scheme up until 2011 when responsibility for same transferred to this Department. Up to 2011, the scheme provided a rebate of 60 per cent to employers who provided statutory redundancy payments to their employees. This was reduced to 15 percent in 2012 and abolished from 2013. Rebates to employer is included in total expenditure but rebates are not recoverable and the table below reflects the differences.
Expenditure and recoveries for the redundancy payments scheme from 2010 - 2018 as recorded in the Social Insurance Fund financial statements is as follows, the figures for 2019 are estimates:
|
Year |
Total Expenditure |
Expenditure Excluding Rebates |
Recovered |
|
2010 |
€469.96m |
€40.86m |
€3.24m |
|
2011 |
€311.98m |
€41.48m |
€3.69m |
|
2012 |
€301.76m |
€134.32m |
€4.09m |
|
2013 |
€126.10m |
€76.59m |
€5.24m |
|
2014 |
€ 64.61m |
€58.51m |
€7.93m |
|
2015 |
€ 34.92m |
€32.76m |
€5.58m |
|
2016 |
€31.02m |
€30.99m |
€8.28m |
|
2017 |
€23.49m |
€23.486m |
€5.38m |
|
2018 |
€18.91m |
€18.91m |
€7.36m |
|
2019 |
€26.82m |
€26.82m |
€10.1m |
819. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [12973/20]
View answerI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman on 22 May 2020. 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 disability allowance 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.
820. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if high risk persons, that is, those cocooning on medical grounds, will no longer be eligible for the pandemic unemployment payment once their workplace reopens; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this contradicts the stated health advice for such high risk persons to stay at home; her plans to rectify this anomaly; the status of her discussions with the Minister for Health on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12974/20]
View answerThe overall approach to Covid-19 is the position as agreed at Government which involves discussion among all Government Ministers including the Minister for Health.
There are a range of income supports in place to support high risk persons that are cocooning and are in line with the stated health advice.
The enhanced illness benefit payment, payable to €350 per week, is available where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer of health diagnoses a person with COVID 19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection.
Where an employee is unable to return to the workplace as they are medically vulnerable and are considered very high risk or they need to cocoon for longer on the advice and certification of their medical practitioner as they may be more susceptible to contracting the COVID-19 virus they may apply for standard illness benefit which is payable at €203 per week for a single person. Increases may also be paid for qualifying adults and children.
Employees who cocoon without a medical certificate may approach their employer in relation to taking annual or other paid leave - this is at the discretion of the employer. The government has encouraged employers to support workers with leave requests at this difficult time and clearly those with underlying conditions should be facilitated where possible. The Return to Work Safely Protocol provides that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for financial support under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which includes access to exceptional and urgent needs payment.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
821. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when more than four weeks' outstanding pandemic unemployment payments will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12975/20]
View answerMy Department is aware that many people are due some arrears and that each person’s case is unique. This means that each person’s application may need to be individually reviewed to accurately calculate any arrears.
Unfortunately the current circumstances mean that it will be a number of months before my Department will be able to fully resolve the arrears issue. While this is not ideal I can assure you that all cases will be examined and where arrears arise they will be processed and applicants will be notified.
In the case of the person concerned there is no need for him to do anything further as my Department will contact him when his arrears are processed. Further updates will also be available on www.gov.ie/deasp.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties in the interim, it is open to him to contact his local Community Welfare Service in Maynooth where his circumstances will be assessed. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The contact details for this service are by phone at 01 6016360.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
822. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1066 of 3 June 2020, if, as already indicated a review of the applicant’s means will be undertaken with a view to increasing their underpayment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12976/20]
View answerFollowing a successful appeal the person concerned was awarded a reduced rate of disability allowance (DA) with effect from 11 November 2015.
A review can be requested by the person concerned by writing directly to the DA section outlining the reasons for the request. On submission of this request this lady's means will be re-examined.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
823. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if jobseekers allowance will be made payable to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12979/20]
View answerAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned submitted an application for a jobseeker’s allowance payment with effect from 30/3/2020. This application was awarded and the first payment was made available in the person’s nominated bank account on 18/6/2020. This payment totalled included all arrears due for the period 30/3/2020-23/6/2020.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
824. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend Covid-19 payments to support high risk persons that must continue to follow public health advice and cocoon and stay at home until the official advice changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12984/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1), and subsequent regulations, the Government, having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of Covid-19, made exceptional provision in the public interest and to mitigate the effect of the spread of the disease to amend and extend the Social Welfare Acts to provide for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with, or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
The rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with COVID-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of COVID-19, that the person can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
Medical practitioners are only authorised to submit medical certificates in respect of COVID-19 in respect of two very limited circumstances under the legislation. These are for a person:
(i) who is diagnosed with COVID-19, or
(ii) who is a probable source of infection of COVID-19 and is self-isolating – such persons will have a certificate of incapacity from their doctor or will have received personal HSE notification (that is, where they are contact-traced or otherwise personally identified and advised by the HSE as being a probable source of infection).
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of COVID-19 and up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Where an employee is unable to return to the workplace because they are still ill with COVID-19 they may apply for standard illness benefit which is paid at a maximum weekly personal rate of €203. Increases may also be paid for qualifying adults and children. Illness benefit claims require medical certification of illness that a person is incapable of work.
Standard Illness Benefit payment may be payable subject to normal certification and eligibility criteria to a person with a serious health condition, where a medical practitioner provides a certificate of incapacity stating that a person is incapable of work due to the medical condition. This may be paid for an extended period, depending on the person’s continued eligibility.
Employees who cocoon without a medical certificate may approach their employer in relation to taking annual or other paid leave - this is at the discretion of the employer. Many employers can, and do, agree leave arrangements with staff who need to take short periods of time off. These include arrangements to enable employees to work remotely from home, to work-up time taken, or to bring forward annual leave entitlements from future work periods. The Government has encouraged employers to support workers with leave requests at this difficult time and those with underlying health conditions should be facilitated where possible.
The Return to Work Safely Protocol provides that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.
In general, if people have additional expenses related to their illness or they are struggling financially, they can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is a means-tested payment.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
