Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 563-582

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Questions (563)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

563. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 866 and 867 of 3 November 2020, the details of the way in which the arrears sum was arrived at, for example, the dates of payments and so on; if consideration will be given to allowing the person to repay the amount at a lower rate of €30 a week from their social welfare payment in view of the financial hardship caused (details supplied). [36229/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

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.

Further to my previous reply in relation to this matter, PQ 32707/20 and PQ 32706/20, I can confirm that the person concerned was in receipt of CA in respect of her mother from 25 October 2018 to 22 April 2020.

It came to my Departments attention that the care recipient was residing in a Nursing Home on a permanent basis since 23 April 2019.

Upon review, a letter from the Nursing Home was received, confirming a long term residence admission date of 19 September 2019.  This was then taken into consideration by the Deciding Officer (DO) when reaching his decision on 16 April 2020.

Since January 2017, when a care recipient enters permanent residential care, CA can continue in payment to the carer for 12 weeks. As the care recipient of the person concerned was admitted to a Nursing Home on 19 September 2019, her entitlement to CA ceased on 18 December 2019.

Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 16 April 2020 advising that her payment was terminated with effect from 21 April 2020. It also advised the person concerned that she had no entitlement to CA payments during the period 19 December 2019 to 5 March 2020. It further advised that no overpayment was assessed after 9 March 2020, the date the person concerned notified my department.  As a result, it was determined that the person concerned had been overpaid €2,628.00 during this period. The person concerned was also notified of her right of review and appeal. A breakdown of the calculation of the debt was also enclosed.

The Department is obliged to seek recovery of debts owed to it as quickly as possible, having due regard to the circumstances of the debtor.   

Accordingly, my Department’s Debt Recovery Unit (DRU) wrote to the person concerned on 14 October 2020, informing her that my department proposed to recover this debt by deducting €30.15 per week, and that these deductions would begin on or after 2 November 2020

In the letter dated 14 October 2020 the person concerned was given the opportunity to provide any comments regarding the recovery of her debt. To date, no reply to this correspondence has been received by my Department but it will be re-issued and the matter will be progressed once a reply has been received. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Personal Public Service Numbers

Questions (564)

Gerald Nash

Question:

564. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection when a PPSN will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36231/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I can confirm that the Deputy's office has been contacted by officials of my Department regarding this individual's application for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) so that we may proceed to progress her application.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance

Questions (565)

John McGuinness

Question:

565. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a social welfare payment will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if the claim will be expedited. [36232/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

On 28 October 2020, the person concerned was notified that their application for disability allowance (DA) was disallowed. Based upon the evidence submitted, it was refused on medical grounds and because they failed to supply information which had been requested by the Department.

The person concerned was requested to supply bank statements, proof of her current address and details in relation to her college course 2020/2021.  These all remain outstanding.

The person concerned was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO). No request for a review or an appeal has been received.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Data Protection

Questions (566)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

566. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the breakdown of the 374 data breaches identified by her Department in 2019. [36249/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The majority of personal data breaches in 2019 were in the following three categories:

46% - Delivery of correspondence to an incorrect address or to the customer's previous address;

31% -Accidentally including a document or an item of personal data of a customer in correspondence with another customer.

14% - Email errors such as auto population to an unintended address, or inadvertently including personal data of another customer.

Apart from those three main categories, the other breaches of data protection in 2019 included instances where, at frontline customer service, a wrong appointment letter was handed to a customer or personal data was inadvertently allowed to be viewed by a third party; some personal data was not redacted in granting a freedom of information request; a notification to an employer was sent in error in the absence of customer consent; and system errors, e.g. where the files of one unit of the Department became temporarily visible to another unit.

The number of confirmed breaches should be viewed in the context of the scale of the Department’s business, administering over 70 separate schemes and services and processing almost 2 million applications every year.

My Department takes its data protection obligations very seriously. In order to minimise incidents regarding these types of data breaches, there are regular reminders for staff to be vigilant in matters of data protection.

For example, the 2019 Data Protection Awareness Week placed particular emphasis on how staff need to remain aware in relation to accidental data breaches.  Also, posters were issued to offices throughout the Department with the particular message to be vigilant when sending letters or e-mails, i.e., to double-check address details and letter contents and not to send personal data in bulk e-mails.

It is mandatory for all staff in the Department, and for new entrants, to complete the GDPR e-learning module and to obtain a pass rate of at least 80% at the exam that concludes the module.  All new staff (including temporary clerical officers) must complete the module before they are granted access to any system containing customer data.

In addition, Data Protection Unit staff visit the Department's Offices and deliver presentations on data protection and answer staff questions throughout the year.  Given the current travel restrictions, video presentations are being developed for staff to view online.

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Questions (567)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

567. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which a person registered as homeless can apply for a social welfare payment without a fixed address; the steps they can take to rectify same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36281/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department has a protocol in place for payments to homeless customers and staff make every effort to assist persons who are homeless so that they can avail of the full range of the Department’s services and income supports. These customers are worked with and encouraged to regularise their living arrangements by referral to the appropriate support agencies involved.  

A person may apply for a social welfare payment even if they have no permanent address.  An immediate payment may be issued under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme and can be paid when a person presents without a permanent address.  This means tested scheme is considered to be a ‘safety net’ within the overall social welfare system in that it provides immediate assistance to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their needs.

Any persons who find themselves homeless are advised to register with their Local Authority and to engage with the relevant services available to them, for example, the Homeless Action Team/Housing Assistance Payment Section.

My Department is aware of the Address Point service offered by An Post, which provides a free personal address and mail collection service for persons with no fixed abode. 

In relation to welfare payments, the An Post Address Point service can be used as a method of postal contact for a customer, but not as proof of address.

I  hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (568, 569, 576)

Bríd Smith

Question:

568. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a self-employed recipient of the pandemic unemployment payment, such as a taxi driver, can work and continue to receive the payment; the stage in their gross earnings at which their payment will be affected; the way in which such a payment might be reduced depending on their earnings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36287/20]

Bríd Smith

Question:

569. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps a taxi driver needs to take if the or she is considering returning to work and if he or she presently receive the pandemic unemployment payment specifically; if he or she should notify her Department, the NTA or another authority if he or she wishes to resume work; if his or her payments will be affected immediately by this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36288/20]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

576. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will be reinstated for businesses in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36439/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 568, 569 and 576 together.

Details of the range of  supports, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, available for the self-employed at this time are available on the Government's website at www.gov.ie/covid19selfemployed.

As provided for in the recent Budget, where a self -employed recipient of the pandemic unemployment payment, such as a taxi driver, is considering returning to work they may earn up to €480 over a rolling four week period and continue to maintain entitlement to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. 

The €480 limit is based on gross income, before tax and PRSI, minus expenses.  This measure is already in place. A self-employed person does not need to seek approval from the Department and they do not need to report these earnings to the Department on a regular basis. They do need to keep a record of all income for the period.

Where this threshold is exceeded and a self- employed person works up to 24 hours per week they may be eligible for support under the Part Time Job Incentive scheme which, as part of Budget 2021, has been extended to the self-employed who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.  The weekly rate of payment for a person transferring from the Pandemic Unemployment payment is €128.60.

A person also has the option of applying for means tested jobseeker's allowance where they are engaged in regular employment, depending on their individual circumstances.  The maximum weekly personal rate is €203 and increases may be paid for qualifying adults and children.

A self-employed person may also be eligible for support under my Department’s COVID-19 Enterprise Support Grant which provides support of up to €1,000 with business re-start costs where a person transitions from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment back into employment. 

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme remains open for new applications until the end of the year. The scheme will continue to be kept under review with consideration given to the public health situation.

I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (570)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

570. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if employees of a company (details supplied) that was prevented from claiming the temporary wage subsidy scheme alongside the short-time work support scheme will receive arrears for the period of time they were put on reduced hours prior to the introduction of the employment wage subsidy scheme on 1 September 2020; the timeline her Department is working toward to address all claims for arrears; the way in which an employee can request or appeal a decision on arrears; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36293/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The priority for my Department up to now has been to ensure that payments are being made currently and to date over 3,200 claims have been put into payment in respect of employees at the company referred to by the Deputy.  This work is now complete and work has commenced this week on applications in respect of the period pre-September when the Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme was in payment.  Each individual claim is being assessed on an individual basis for each employee involving a detailed examination of the specific work patterns and remuneration arrangements in place.

Entitlement to a casual jobseeker's or short-time work support payment for any day during that period depends, among other things, on whether or not a person received remuneration from their employer for that day.  Each case needs to be examined individually to determine if the remuneration paid by the company concerned was in respect of a complete period or only specific days within a period.  This will determine if a person may be entitled to a casual jobseeker's payment in respect of the days on which a person did not work.

Because of the volume and complexity of claims involved and the need to go back to individual claimants, the process will take some time.

Once a decision is made on a particular claim, my Department will notify that claimant of the outcome and it will be open to any person, who is not satisfied with this decision, to seek a review or to appeal that decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Living Alone Allowance

Questions (571)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

571. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the date the increase from Budget 2021 for the living alone allowance will take effect. [36308/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Budget 2021 provides for a €5 increase to the Living Alone Allowance from €14 to €19 per week giving a total payment of €988 over the course of the year in addition to their primary social welfare payment.  This represents a 36% increase in the value of the Allowance. 

The implementation of the increase is scheduled with effect from the 4th January 2021. It is estimated that there will be 221,700 recipients of this payment in 2021.

The increase will require amendment to primary legislation (Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005).  The necessary legislative amendment will be included in the Bill to implement social welfare provisions of Budget 2021.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Budget 2021

Questions (572)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

572. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by her Department to domestic violence services in Budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36350/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Lead responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Since August, I have introduced changes to the rent supplement scheme to make it more easily accessible to victims of domestic violence.  This seeks to ensure that victims of domestic violence  are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial or accommodation difficulties.

I do not anticipate that additional funding will be required for this measure and that it will be possible to meet the cost of this measure under the existing funding provided for Rent Supplement.

I remain committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and will continue to review this particular aspect of my Department’s services for further improvement in line with the Programme for Government.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (573)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

573. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if pandemic unemployment payment recipients will still receive the Christmas bonus on 7 December 2020 if they return to work when the level 5 restrictions are lifted on 2 December 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36366/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

As part of Budget 2021, I was very happy to secure Government approval that the 2020 Christmas Bonus will be paid this year at a rate of 100%.

This bonus payment recognises the needs of people who are long-term financially dependent on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income.

In addition, in light of the exceptional circumstances arising from the pandemic, and on a once off basis, the bonus will be paid this year to certain Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseeker recipients who are currently in receipt of these payments and have been for an aggregate of at least 4 months since the PUP payment was introduced in March.

Payment of the Christmas Bonus will be included with payments issuing during week commencing 7 December. In the case of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, this relates to payments received by individuals on 8 December. These payments are in respect of the week from Friday 27 November to Thursday 3 December. A person who returns to work  on 2 December and advises my Department of that fact when closing their claim, is entitled to payment for the week ended 3 December. Accordingly, they will receive payment of the Christmas Bonus on 8 December if they are otherwise qualified for payment.

I hope that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (574)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

574. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will be backdated to the date of application for successful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36403/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced as a support to employees who lost their employment as a direct consequence of Covid-19. It is also available to self-employed persons who can demonstrate that their income ceased, or reduced, as a direct consequence of Covid-19, to the extent that they would be available to take up full-time employment.

The Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was placed on a statutory footing as a social welfare benefit in its own right from 5 August 2020 under the Social Welfare (Covid-19)(Amendment) Act 2020.

There is a requirement under social welfare legislation that persons must claim their entitlements within a specific period from the date their entitlement arises. The requirements in respect of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment are the same as those which apply to Jobseekers payments generally. A person must submit their claim on their first day of unemployment. However, reasonable regard is had to issues such as postal delays. In addition, incomplete claims which are received or which cannot be initially processed are always taken from the date of initial receipt.  A claim may be backdated for up to six months where a person can prove to the satisfaction of a Deciding Officer or Appeals Officer that they satisfied the qualifying conditions throughout the period and that there was good cause for the delay in making their claim.  

 My Department is keenly aware that many people who applied for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment may be due arrears, either because their first payment was not backdated to their initial date of application or because of some other issue such as, for example, an issue relating to bank account details. All claims are being identified to identify instances where this arose and to arrange for payments to be made to the individuals in question.

 In order to address an issue of this scale, my Department has been developing an automated process, which will examine each case and look at their overall entitlement to payment and match this against their payment history. The work involved is complex as the Pandemic Unemployment Payment system itself evolved from a manual applications system to one where applications were submitted online and paid over two different payment platforms (one from March to July and the second from July to date).

I can assure the Deputy that this work is a priority for my Department and it is hoped to make payments in the coming weeks.

I hope that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

State Pension (Contributory)

Questions (575)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

575. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the delays in processing the State pension (contributory) due to information outstanding from the UK; and the efforts being made to work with the authorities to resolve the matter in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36412/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) on 25 July 2019, in advance of reaching pension age in December 2019.  According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 320 paid full-rate Irish social insurance contributions.  Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for standard State pension (contributory) based solely on their Irish social insurance record.

Under European Union regulations, insurance records of other Member States can be combined to satisfy the 520-contribution condition and give entitlement to a proportional or pro rata pension.  The person’s Irish and UK contributions were combined to establish their entitlement to an EU pro rata State pension (contributory).  They have 320 Irish paid full-rate contributions, 636 Irish credited contributions, and 1,257 UK contributions.

The rate of entitlement is based on the proportion of Irish full-rate social insurance contributions to the person’s total combined Irish and EU social insurance contributions.  The greater the number of Irish contributions paid by a person, the higher their weekly rate of EU pro rata State pension entitlement.  Conversely, a greater amount of full-rate EU contributions yields a lower rate of pro rata pension.

The person concerned was in receipt of State pension (non-contributory) from 20 December 2019 until 19 February 2020, when they opted for an Increase for qualified adult payment on their partner's payment, payable from 20 February 2020 at a lower rate than State pension (non-contributory).

On conclusion of the investigation of their Irish and UK social insurance records, the person concerned qualified for an EU pro rata State pension (contributory) at the current weekly rate of €110.40. Payment was backdated to 20 February 2020, as the rate is higher than the qualified adult payments but is less than payments made on the State pension (non-contributory) when the living alone increase and fuel allowance payable at the time were included.  They were notified in writing of this decision on 12 November 2020 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based.  An application for fuel allowance has been forwarded to them.  It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for State pension (non-contributory) if they wish to do so.

The person concerned previously incurred an overpayment of jobseeker's allowance.  My Department is obliged to recover all debt owed to it as quickly as possible and within the relevant legislation and guidelines governing the recovery of debt. Pension arrears due, being the difference between qualified adult payments made from 20 February and the rate of State pension (contributory) subsequently awarded, have been withheld to offset against the person’s debt, in accordance with social welfare legislation.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Question No. 576 answered with Question No. 568.

Carer's Allowance

Questions (577)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

577. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied). [36473/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

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 in respect of two care recipients from the person concerned on 14 February 2020.

Additional information in relation to the full completion of the person’s application form was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 18 February 2020.  A response to this information request was received on 24 February 2020.

The applications were referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 18 February 2020 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA were satisfied.

On foot of the SWI report, the DO decided that although the person concerned is providing a certain amount of care, the level involved did not amount to full-time care.  Consequently, both applications for CA were disallowed.

Two decision letters issued to the person concerned on 13 July 2020 notifying her of these decisions, the reasons for them and of her right of review and appeal.  

The person concerned requested a review of both decisions on 20 July 2020 and submitted additional evidence in support of her applications.

Following this review both decisions remained unchanged.

Two 'review no change' letters issued to the person concerned on 4 August 2020 notifying her of the decisions, the reason for them and of her right of appeal.

My Department was notified on 7 September 2020 that the person concerned had appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), in respect of the first care recipient. My Department was then notified on the 25 September 2020 that she had appealed the decision in respect of the second care recipient. A submission in support of both decisions were forwarded to the SWAO on 1 October 2020. 

On 10 November 2020 my Department was notified that both appeals had been disallowed. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

State Pension (Contributory)

Questions (578)

Seán Canney

Question:

578. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the legislation with regard to the State pension (contributory) as pensioners often lose out on weeks of payment due to the fact they were unaware that a small sum of money is owing to the Revenue Commissioners and by the time this discovery is made and rectified they are left weeks without payment; if she will consider amending the legislation in order that amounts up to €1,000 can be withheld as pertains to overpayments against amounts of pension due as pensioners regularly lose out on six to eight weeks of pension due to the fact sums of €200 or less are owing to the Revenue Commissioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36510/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Deputy should note that matters related to the collection of taxes are outside the responsibility of my Department and should instead be pursued with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners as it is the primary collection agent for income tax and PRSI payments.  Income tax and social insurance payable by a self-employed contributor are treated as one aggregate sum.  For this reason, it is not possible to separate a person’s payments to Revenue between their tax and social insurance liabilities, or to front-load the discharge of the self-employment contributions element of their overall tax liability.

To qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), a person must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions including commencing insurable employment before the age of 56 years and having a minimum of 520 qualifying PRSI contributions.  A person approaching their 66th birthday may submit an application for State Pension (Contributory) but will not qualify for pension unless and until he or she fully satisfies all of the eligibility conditions.   

With respect to self-employed people, social insurance contributions (Class S PRSI) were introduced on 6th April 1988. Self-employed workers who earn €5,000 or more in a contribution year are liable to pay social insurance contributions at the class S rate of 4%, subject to a minimum annual payment of €500.  Such contributors are currently covered for a wide range of social insurance benefits including State Pension (Contributory), Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Contributory), Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Maternity, Adoptive and Paternity benefits, treatment benefits, Invalidity Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. 

The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, stipulates that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory), unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one year prior to reaching age 66 and all outstanding self-employment contributions have been paid by him/her in full.  

Where contributions are paid subsequent to a claimant’s 66th birthday, State Pension (Contributory) can only be awarded from the date on which the self-employment liability has been fully discharged.  These provisions are consistent with the contributory and solidarity principles underpinning the social insurance system.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

Carer's Allowance

Questions (579)

John McGuinness

Question:

579. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if approval for carer’s allowance will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied). [36514/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

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.

My Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 30 September 2020.

Additional information in relation to the person’s financial information and training course details was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 2 October 2020.  A response to this information request was received on 13 October 2020.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the claim was disallowed on two grounds.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention. This is defined as requiring, from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and being likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.

The DO determined that the evidence submitted did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of the care recipient.  

The DO also disallowed the application for CA on grounds that the person concerned was taking part in a Community Employment (CE) Scheme.  Section 247 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended, prohibits a person engaged in a CE Scheme from claiming CA. 

The person concerned was notified on 16 October 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (580)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

580. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36572/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

According to the records of my Department, a Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been awarded to the person concerned at a weekly rate of €300 from 16/10/2020 and will be paid into his nominated bank account on 17/11/2020.  All arrears due will be paid by the end of this week.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (581)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

581. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the Covid-19 illness payment beyond the ten-week limit in cases in which a person has had Covid-19 and continues to be unable to return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36683/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.  It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is not contingent on the nature of the illness/disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.

In March of this year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1) and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or who 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, 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 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. The purpose of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is to encourage people to not go to work due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation. 

In a case where a person continues to be ill beyond 10 weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility.  Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type.  Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.

Apart from these income supports, my Department also provides a support under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.  The Department may make an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.

Personal Public Service Numbers

Questions (582)

Michael Ring

Question:

582. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a PPS number will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that that this application is ongoing for several weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36811/20]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I can confirm that the individual referred to by the Deputy has been contacted regarding his application for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) by officials of my Department so that they may proceed to progress his application.

Upon receipt of outstanding information, this application will be processed without delay.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.