Skip to main content
Normal View

Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 547-568

Early School Leavers

Questions (547)

Gary Gannon

Question:

547. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if her Department has put in a place a strategy to reduce the risk of early school leavers during the Covid-19 pandemic; the number of early school leavers since March 2020; if the publishing of the report on the retention rates of pupils in second level schools in 2014 will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10575/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to facilitate the continuity of learning for all students in a Covid-19 context. These are available at

https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/continuity-of-schooling/continuity-of-schooling.html.

My Department has also provided specific updated guidance to advise on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of vulnerable students and those at risk of educational disadvantage during school closures due to Covid-19. The guidance sets out approaches that schools can take to support the continued participation of students and my Department has asked schools to ensure that there is a specific focus on ensuring that these students are supported.

My Department has ongoing engagement with Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and education stakeholders to encourage and support engagement with those learners in need of support. Where schools remain closed, the three support strands of TESS (Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs), School Completion Programme (SCP) Coordinators and Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) officers) continue to provide supports to those children and young people who are most at risk of early school leaving.

My Department identified as an objective for September 2020 that all students should return to education as normal to the fullest extent possible, while recognising that in some cases, this would be more difficult for particular students. The guidance document Reconnecting with Education - Guidance for post-primary schools for students at risk of early school leaving was developed and published by my Department, to support schools in encouraging students to return to school to complete their education. The guidance also outlines how students could be supported in reconnecting and continuing with their education with the assistance of Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) where required, or on a pathway to further education, training or apprenticeship with the assistance of guidance counsellors and local Education and Training Boards.

The official number of early school is published annually in the retention report. The number of early school leavers for the 2019-20 school year will be published in the 2014 cohort retention report due this year and will include school leavers since March 2020. It is hoped to publish this report in Q3 2021.

Question No. 548 answered with Question No. 520.
Question No. 549 answered with Question No. 461.

State Examinations

Questions (550)

Gary Gannon

Question:

550. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if the geography investigation which represents 20% of the marks for the subject in the leaving certificate will be required to go ahead in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10583/21]

View answer

Written answers

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

State Examinations

Questions (551)

Gary Gannon

Question:

551. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if leaving certificate applied students will be required to perform interview tasks when they return to in-person learning; if there will be a reduction in the minimum attendance of 90% for subject modules for students; and when schools can expect to receive information relating to the leaving certificate applied programme for 2021. [10584/21]

View answer

Written answers

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Community Employment Schemes

Questions (552)

Michael Creed

Question:

552. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of negotiations with community employment supervisors regarding pension and gratuity payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9732/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, Community Employment (CE) supervisors and assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors who are employed by CE schemes.

CE sponsoring authorities are the legal employers of their CE supervisors, CE assistant supervisors and CE participants. The Department’s role continues to be that of CE funder.

This issue was examined by a Community Sector High Level Forum, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A number of Departments, including my own Department, were represented on this group, as were the unions and Pobal.

In its findings, the High-level Group stated that while CE supervisors and assistant supervisors represented only a very small part of the wider community and voluntary sector, any explicit provision of State funding for such a scheme in respect of CE Supervisors could potentially give rise to claims for funding for employees in the broader sector. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform stated that it had to have regard to any potential Exchequer exposure associated with dealing with the specific issue as regards CE supervisors arising from the Labour Court recommendation.

At this point, I want to acknowledge the valuable and dedicated service that CE supervisors provide in running CE schemes delivering local based community services while providing a valuable training and development opportunity to the long-term unemployed and to those often furthest removed from the labour market.

The current position is that officials from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the unions representing CE Supervisors continue to engage in discussions and I am hopeful that, with goodwill and flexibility on all sides, a resolution can be found in the near future.

The Deputy should note that funding of any potential pension provision for CE supervisors will ultimately be a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will need to be considered in the wider economic and budgetary context in which any such scheme will need to operate.

Nevertheless I, and my colleague the Minster for Public Expenditure and Reform are keen to find an approach that will resolve this issue in the near future.

Departmental Offices

Questions (553)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

553. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection the facilities available in her Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9379/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department operates 13 main offices and 75 Intreo and public offices. All of these buildings have at least one restroom for staff which can be used by a breastfeeding mother. The rooms have a bed, a chair and a lockable door. All our offices have fridge facilities for use by staff and arrangements are made locally by mothers who wish to store expressed milk. The Department also operates in a number of other buildings as a minor tenant, including HSE centres, which would provide similar facilities.

A circular issued to all staff in 2019 outlining the arrangements for mothers who wish to avail of breastfeeding breaks. A staff member who wishes to exercise this entitlement in either the form of breastfeeding breaks or reduced hours notifies her manager before her return to work from maternity leave. This provides an opportunity for any necessary arrangements to be made, including bringing in any additional equipment the mother may require.

State Pensions

Questions (554)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

554. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State pension, non-contributory, and the State pension, contributory, respectively, in each of the years 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020; the amount spent on each of these schemes in the relevant years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9384/21]

View answer

Written answers

The following tables outline the recipient numbers and expenditure for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) and State Pension (Contributory) schemes for the requested years: 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020. Note that the expenditure amounts for 1990 and 2000 have been converted from Punts to Euro (£1=€1.27)

State pension (non-contributory)

1990

2000

2010

2020

Recipients

115,950

90,652

97,179

95,465

Expenditure

€382,960,000

€579,412,000

€977,293,000

€1,070,343,000

State pension (contributory)

1990

2000

2010

2020

Recipients

72,764

86,217

280,419

449,442

Expenditure

€368,819,000

€733,254,000

€3,451,503,000

€5,834,586,000

Parental Leave

Questions (555, 562)

Michael McNamara

Question:

555. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be eligible for the parent’s leave and benefit as announced in budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9386/21]

View answer

Claire Kerrane

Question:

562. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the most recent timeline regarding the introduction of the additional three weeks of parental leave; when parents can expect to avail of this crucial support which was announced in October 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9555/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 562 together.

Parent’s Leave and Benefit will be extended from 2 weeks for each parent to 5 weeks as announced in Budget 2021. This extension will be made available retrospectively to parents in respect of children born or adopted on or after 1st November 2019. The period during which this leave can be taken will be extended from 12 to 24 months so it can be taken up to a child's second birthday or within two years following adoption.

In December 2020, Government approved the drafting of a Parent’s Leave and Benefit (Amendment) Bill, to provide for these statutory amendments. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has responsibility for parents leave policy and is leading on this legislation.

I can confirm that my Department will be in a position to process and issue payments in respect of Parents Leave taken from the date of enactment of the necessary legislation.

I trust this clarifies the position at this time for the Deputies.

JobPath Programme

Questions (556)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

556. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if the current Turas Nua contract to deliver the JobPath programme is to be renewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9470/21]

View answer

Written answers

Turas Nua is one of two companies under the JobPath contract to provide, as part of the State's Public Employment Service, employment assistance and advice to the long-term unemployed in order to assist them secure full-time paid employment.

On 22 October 2020, I announced the extension of referrals to the JobPath service for a further twelve months until the end of 2021. At that time I also announced similar commitments to the Local Employment Services, Job Clubs and EmployAbility to ensure their services extended into 2021.

These measures were taken in order to expand the capacity of my Department's Public Employment Service to ensure that we are in a position to support all those who have lost their employment arising from the economic impacts of Covid-19. In light of these circumstances, it was deemed prudent to not only retain, but to expand, the existing capacity of our public employment services.

Following a review of the public employment services by external consultants on behalf of my Department, new models of employment services are currently under development. These new models will incorporate the learnings from the analysis of existing services as well as best international practice.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

Questions (557)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

557. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons awarded the supplementary welfare allowance in 2019; the number of applications submitted by county in 2019; and the purposes for which funding was allocated. [9482/21]

View answer

Written answers

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single exceptional needs payments (ENPs) and urgent needs payments (UNPs).

The basic supplementary welfare allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

Rent supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

Under the SWA scheme, a supplement can be awarded to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. In addition, officers 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. Decisions on ENPs and SWA supplements are made 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.

Statistics are maintained on the number of applications awarded under the SWA scheme. They are not maintained on the number of applications received or the outcome of those applications.

Table 1 shows the number of Basic SWA and supplement recipients by county, at year end 2019.

Table 2 shows the number of ENPs and UNPs paid by county for 2019.

Table 3 shows the number of ENPs and UNPs paid by category for 2019.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Tabular Statement

Tables

Pension Provisions

Questions (558)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

558. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exemption will be made for a person (details supplied) with regard to the person's benefit pension entitlements. [9484/21]

View answer

Written answers

Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds may be paid from the date of a person's 65th birthday until the date of their 66th birthday as long as they continue to satisfy the conditions for this payment.

The person concerned has signed for Jobseeker Credits from 12/10/2017 and it appears from an initial examination of his contribution history that he requires a further 13 paid contributions at Class A, H or P to qualify for Benefit Payment. It is open to him however to lodge an application for the Benefit Payment and a formal decision will issue.

The quickest way to apply for Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds is through MyWelfare.ie To use this service a person must have a basic MyGovID. Alternatively a paper application may be requested by sending an email to forms@welfare.ie and a form will issue by post.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Pensions Reform

Questions (559)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

559. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend eligibility to persons aged 65 years who do not have the required paid contributions for 2019 but who have many years of contributions prior to that with regard to the newly announced benefit payment; the provisions that will be made for persons aged 65 years who had a gap in contributions for 2019 before they resumed in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9485/21]

View answer

Written answers

I recently announced the introduction of the new Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds. This fulfils a key commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a benefit payment for people who are aged 65 and who are required to or who choose to retire early, without a requirement to sign on, partake in any activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work.

This new payment is specifically designed to bridge the gap for people who are required to or who choose to retire at age 65 but who do not qualify for the State Pension until they reach age 66.

To be eligible to apply for the payment a person must no longer be engaged in employment or self employment. New applicants must also satisfy the PRSI conditionality for the scheme which includes having the required contributions in the Governing Contribution Year (GCY), which is the second last complete tax year. For example, for a claim in 2021 the second last complete tax year is 2019.

If a person does not have the required 13 paid contributions in the GCY they must have the 13 contributions paid in either of the two tax years before the GCY, the last complete tax year or the current tax year.

Jobseekers Benefit is normally paid for 9 months (234 days) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid and for 6 months (156 days) for people with fewer than 260 PRSI contributions paid. Jobseekers over 65 years of age whose benefit had expired may be paid benefit up until pensionable age (66 years) provided they satisfy the necessary contribution conditions.

Any person who does not meet the qualifying conditions for receipt of the new Benefit Payment for 65 year olds may apply for the means tested jobseeker's allowance subject to satisfying the rules of that scheme.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the details should be forwarded to the Department for review of the individual circumstances.

Pension Provisions

Questions (560)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

560. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons currently aged 65 years who did not earn enough to pay PRSI in 2019 and who did not receive State benefits in 2019 will be eligible for the newly announced benefit payment for 65 year olds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9486/21]

View answer

Written answers

Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds is a payment for people aged 65 who have ceased employment or self-employment and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

To qualify, a customer must have paid at least 104 PRSI insurable employment contributions at Class A, H or P

OR

have paid at least 156 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S

AND

have paid at least 39 PRSI contributions at Class A, H or P or have credited contributions in the governing contribution year, at least 13 of these contributions must be paid from employment in the governing contribution year, or in the two tax years before this, the last tax year or the current year.

OR

26 PRSI employment contributions paid in the governing contribution year and 26 paid in the year immediately before this.

A self-employed customer must have paid at least 156 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S

OR

have paid at least 104 PRSI insurable employment contributions at Class A or H

AND

have paid 52 PRSI self-employment contributions at Class S in the governing contribution year.

The best way to check entitlement in the case of any individual is to make an application for the Benefit.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (561, 593)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

561. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated amount it would cost and the number of recipients who would be included, if those in year two of the back to work payment and due to finish the scheme from March to May 2021, received an additional year on the scheme as a one-off support, given level 5 restrictions and the impact of same on many recipients of the scheme. [9530/21]

View answer

Claire Kerrane

Question:

593. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if the time allowed on the back to work enterprise allowance will be extended for current participants given that they have been unable to avail of the advantages of the scheme due to Covid-19 and have therefore lost out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10520/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 593 together.

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for the long term unemployed and is payable for a 24 month period from the commencement of their new business.

All participants of the BTWEA will receive their full period of entitlement of 24 months and therefore will not lose out on the support. This includes anyone who contacted the Department to suspend their allowance while their business closed during Covid related restrictions. Where someone suspended their BTWEA, they can avail of the remainder of their 24 months on reopening their business.

There are approximately 170 self-employed individuals who are due to exit the scheme from March to May. Extending payment for those exiting the scheme from March to May 2021 by three months would cost almost €0.4m.

These individuals may be entitled to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance payment depending on their situation at the end of their term on the BTWEA.

If there is a particular case that the Deputy has a concern about, my officials would be happy to examine it and advise of the options available.

I trust this clarifies the position.

Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 555.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (563)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9577/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 21 August 2020.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the appeal on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has now decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 19 February 2021.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (564)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

564. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to change the rules relating to the pandemic unemployment payment by allowing recipients to continue to receive this payment while partaking in a one-year full-time education course to widen their skills level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9588/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is a full-time education support available to jobseekers to enable them to take up full-time education opportunities while continuing to receive income support related to standard jobseeker schemes.

Ordinarily a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period, which is generally between 3 and 9 months, before being eligible to apply for the BTEA. As an exceptional measure, this scheme was extended as part of the July Stimulus in response to Covid-19 whereby the qualification period for Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) recipients is waived in these cases. This ensures that those who have lost their employment during the pandemic have immediate access to a range of educational options.

Where a person in receipt of PUP wishes to apply for BTEA, they are required to transfer to a Jobseeker’s payment. The rate of BTEA will be linked to the individual’s qualifying social welfare rate of payment. This ensures consistency with other jobseekers undertaking similar types of courses.

Whereas the PUP is short term in nature, the BTEA can provide longer term income support which can be provided for the duration of an education course, depending on an individual’s circumstances.

Where someone in receipt of jobseekers’ payments or PUP wishes to pursue short-term or part-time study, they can continue to receive their payment, including PUP.

Any person seeking to return to education is advised to engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.

I hope that this clarifies the position for you.

Ministerial Advisers

Questions (565)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

565. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the names and contact details for each special adviser requested for appointment by her in tabular form. [9604/21]

View answer

Written answers

I have requested the appointment of one advisor in the Department of Social Protection. The details are as follows:

Name

Address

Contact email address

Mr. Pauric McPhillips

Ministers Office

Dept. of Social Protection

Aras Mhic Dhiarmada

Store Street

Dublin 1

Pauric.McPhillips@welfare.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (566)

Mick Barry

Question:

566. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider adapting the rules of the pandemic unemployment payment to include those workers who are under 18 years of age in the scheme; the projected costs of such a measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9636/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory scheme to support employees of working age from 18 years up to pensionable age, 66 years, who have lost their employment due to COVID-19. The age range is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age.

A person under 18 years of age who has lost their employment and is living in the family home is treated as a dependent in relation to a social welfare payment payable to a parent.

A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.

It is also important to note that an employer who is availing of the Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme can claim the subsidy in respect of all PAYE workers on their payroll, regardless of their age.

My Department does not hold data on the number of employees aged under 18 who have lost their employment due to COVID-19 and the projected costs of extending the PUP to this age cohort is not therefore available.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Staff

Questions (567)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

567. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff employed in her Department by gender and by Civil Service salary scale in tabular form. [9669/21]

View answer

Written answers

The following table provides a breakdown of the permanent staff employed in my Department by gender and by civil service salary scale. These figures are as at the end of January 2021. The figure for full time equivalents (FTE) takes account of staff that avail of work-share options.

Male

Female

Grade

Staff Count

FTE

Staff Count

FTE

Secretary General

1

1.00

-

-

Assistant Secretary

7

7.00

4

4.00

Principal Officer

38

37.80

26

26.00

Medical Assessor

8

7.00

24

22.30

Assistant Principal

153

153.00

137

133.33

Administrative Officer

17

17.00

12

11.95

Higher Executive Officer

491

488.14

1014

958.18

Executive Officer

467

464.86

1065

1008.99

Clerical Officer

598

586.68

1995

1833.12

Services Officer

129

127.90

22

19.65

1909

1890.38

4299

4017.52

Grand Total

5907.90

6208

Departmental Reviews

Questions (568)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

568. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed in tabular form. [9691/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department currently has seven (7) live studies in progress. Details of these are set out in tabular format as follows.

Live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned

Expected completion date

1.

Review of Management Accounting Process.

Q.2 2021

2.

The Department, on behalf of the Pensions Commission, has engaged KPMG to carry out a number of specific analyses for the Commission. There is a statutory obligation to undertake an Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund every five years. The last Review was based on the position of the Social Insurance Fund as at 31 December 2015. Work on the 2020 review will commence in 2021 but its findings will not be ready in time for the Commission’s reporting deadline. Accordingly, an update will be carried out to take account of developments since 2015 to inform the Commission’s deliberations.

Q.2 2021

3.

A survey of employers to ascertain their views of the Department’s employer services.

Ongoing

4.

The General Register Office (GRO), which operates under the aegis of my Department, has led an interdepartmental working group to consider how to revise the death registration process to provide for more timely death data and to align our processes with international best practice. The GRO published a consultation document on proposals identified by the working group to improve the timeliness of death registration.

Q.2 2021

5.

Research Programme on Public Employment Services and Labour Market Activation between the Department of Social Protection & the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

It is envisaged that the programme will run until the end of 2021, with the possibility of an extension thereafter.

6.

Following a public procurement process in 2020, the ESRI has been awarded the contract for a three year research programme to support the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025. The research programme in 2021 will likely consist of a technical paper as well as a thematic paper.

Q.4 2021

7.

An interdepartmental working group is currently established to carry out a revision of the guidance document on determining Employment Status. Officials from my Department, the Revenue Commissioners and the Workplace Relations Commission are producing a document which updates and supersedes the previous “Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals”, taking account of developments in legislation, case law and labour market practices.

Feedback from ICTU and IBEC was incorporated in Q.4 2020, with a view to publication by the end of Q.1 2021, subject to agreement.

Top
Share