Robert Troy
Question:134. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if details with regard to oral examinations will be clarified (details supplied). [12253/21]
View answerState Examinations
Questions (134)
Written answers
On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the alternative option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.
This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group.
This decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.
Putting in place both the examination and a corresponding measure of SEC-Accredited Grades is essential to ensuring a fair system, having regard to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and the loss of learning that has occurred for this group of students due to the interruption of in-person teaching and learning during the periods of school closure.
Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis. Where students opt for SEC-Accredited Grades and the examinations they will be credited with the better of their results from the two processes, on a subject by subject basis.
It is my view is that students must be afforded the choice as to whether to sit the examinations, including the oral and coursework components, as it would be entirely unfair to students to require them to participate in these elements, given the disruption in learning which has occurred. The oral and coursework components of the examinations will not form part of the Accredited Grade process. However, when estimating marks for the Accredited Grades, teachers will be asked to consider the student’s progress and likely performance across all components of the subject – oral, practical and written. This will ensure that the estimated mark submitted by the school to the SEC reflects the candidate’s work and progress across all aspects of the subject.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Questions (135)
Brendan Smith
Question:135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if a course (details supplied) will be accredited at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12254/21]
View answerWritten answers
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a huge role in helping to ensure the inclusion of pupils with significant care needs in education and in school life. This was acknowledged in the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme (SNAs) published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018.
The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs and the need for a more broadly based set of supports including therapeutic supports for pupils with complex needs. The Review also referenced the training needs of SNAs. In this regard, the NCSE recommended that a new national training programme at Level 5 of the National Qualification Framework be developed for existing SNAs who do not have the requisite level of training and for new SNAs on appointment. The NCSE also recommended that training tailored to the specific complex needs of some students being cared for by SNAs would also be provided.
The policy advice has been considered by the Department. It was decided that priority should be given to the development of a training programme for SNAs who may not have had a recent opportunity to access a training programme tailored to their role.
A public procurement competition was held for the development and delivery of a new national training programme for SNAs. A detailed specification of need and learning outcomes was developed and published for the competition. Formal accreditation to the National Qualifications Framework was not a requirement for the programme. Following evaluation of the tenders received, the contract was awarded to University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education, in conjunction with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
UCD has a strong reputation in the world of education and training. It brings with it a wealth of experience and research knowledge in the training and has very strong quality assurance arrangements for its programmes. Feedback from programme participants is a key feature of this quality assurance process.
This new programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs whose work is central to the inclusion of students with additional care and complex needs in school life.
The programme consists of five modules, delivered online over a 10-month period. Flexibility is a key part of the approach to the delivery of the programme and participation is voluntary.
The programme is fully funded by my Department and delivered at no cost to the SNA.
Completion of the programme may serve as a stepping stone to further education opportunities in the area.
Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from UCD School of Education which may be of assistance in pursuing further education.
€2.45m will be allocated to this programme over the next 4 year period based on a full uptake of 3,500 SNAs. The first cohort of 500 SNAs enrolled in January and this phase was oversubscribed.
This is the first national training programme for SNAs employed in our schools and is tailored to their needs. The programme will be evaluated and the outcome will inform the approach to the training of SNAs in the future.
The Department recognises that a more strategic approach is required for the training of SNAs. This would deal with a number of matters including the identification of need and the provision of appropriate training programmes. The issue of programme accreditation will be considered further in this context. I look forward to its development.
I am satisfied that the new training programme for SNAs now in place is of high quality and will help to enhance the experience of children with special needs in our schools.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Questions (136)
Brendan Griffin
Question:136. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding accreditation for SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12269/21]
View answerWritten answers
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a huge role in helping to ensure the inclusion of pupils with significant care needs in education and in school life. This was acknowledged in the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme (SNAs) published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018.
The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs and the need for a more broadly based set of supports including therapeutic supports for pupils with complex needs. The Review also referenced the training needs of SNAs. In this regard, the NCSE recommended that a new national training programme at Level 5 of the National Qualification Framework be developed for existing SNAs who do not have the requisite level of training and for new SNAs on appointment. The NCSE also recommended that training tailored to the specific complex needs of some students being cared for by SNAs would also be provided.
The policy advice has been considered by the Department. It was decided that priority should be given to the development of a training programme for SNAs who may not have had a recent opportunity to access a training programme tailored to their role.
A public procurement competition was held for the development and delivery of a new national training programme for SNAs. A detailed specification of need and learning outcomes was developed and published for the competition. Formal accreditation to the National Qualifications Framework was not a requirement for the programme. Following evaluation of the tenders received, the contract was awarded to University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education, in conjunction with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
UCD has a strong reputation in the world of education and training. It brings with it a wealth of experience and research knowledge in the training and has very strong quality assurance arrangements for its programmes. Feedback from programme participants is a key feature of this quality assurance process.
This new programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs whose work is central to the inclusion of students with additional care and complex needs in school life.
The programme consists of five modules, delivered online over a 10-month period. Flexibility is a key part of the approach to the delivery of the programme and participation is voluntary.
The programme is fully funded by my Department and delivered at no cost to the SNA.
Completion of the programme may serve as a stepping stone to further education opportunities in the area.
Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from UCD School of Education which may be of assistance in pursuing further education.
€2.45m will be allocated to this programme over the next 4 year period based on a full uptake of 3,500 SNAs. The first cohort of 500 SNAs enrolled in January and this phase was oversubscribed.
This is the first national training programme for SNAs employed in our schools and is tailored to their needs. The programme will be evaluated and the outcome will inform the approach to the training of SNAs in the future.
The Department recognises that a more strategic approach is required for the training of SNAs. This would deal with a number of matters including the identification of need and the provision of appropriate training programmes. The issue of programme accreditation will be considered further in this context. I look forward to its development.
I am satisfied that the new training programme for SNAs now in place is of high quality and will help to enhance the experience of children with special needs in our schools.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (137)
Duncan Smith
Question:137. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of placements available to a special school for a child aged 7 in north County Dublin; and the actions that can be taken for a child who has been offered a place in mainstream school with a SNA which is totally unsuitable for the child. [12282/21]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs. As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.
Notwithstanding the extent of the investment in special education and the supports which have been put in place, I am also very conscious that there are some parts of the country, including the area referenced, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
I can assure the Deputy that the NCSE is acutely aware of these concerns and is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and other stakeholders to bring the required additional special education placements on stream.
My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education and I want to reassure you that the delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.
In circumstances, where no placement is available for a child with special educational needs, the Department can provide Home Tuition grant funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until the NCSE confirms that a placement is available.
I can also reassure the Deputy that the local SENOs continue to be available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.
Information on the list of schools with special classes together with SENO contact details is available at www.ncse.ie
Special Educational Needs Staff
Questions (138)
Róisín Shortall
Question:138. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if a special needs assistant is permitted to work until the age of 70 years if they wish to do so, the social welfare and pension entitlements of a SNA in the case that they must retire at an earlier age than 70 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12294/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that Special Needs Assistants employed by the Department of Education, who are members of the original pension scheme, are permitted to work to the age of 70, and if employed on a contract of employment that extends to that date. If they are new entrants to the original pension scheme, they are permitted to work beyond the age of 70 if their contract extends beyond this date. SNAs who are members of the Single Pension Scheme are required to retire when they reach the retirement age of 66. All SNAs are Class A PRSI contributors and will receive a pension and lump sum from my Department at retirement, and as they may also have an entitlement to an additional social welfare payment, they should make direct contact with the Department of Social Protection to establish what entitlements they may have from that Department.
If an individual scheme member has a specific pension-related query, they can contact the Pension Unit of my Department at pensions@education.gov.ie providing their name, date of birth, PPSN, and the relevant officials will then be enabled to respond with a reply tailored specifically to the individual concerned.
Home School Community Liaison Scheme
Questions (139)
Róisín Shortall
Question:139. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will allocate a dedicated home school community liaison coordinator to a school (details supplied). [12307/21]
View answerWritten answers
I understand from my officials that the school in question has the services of a Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL) post shared with another school.
Work by my Department on the refinement of the new DEIS identification model is nearing completion. A detailed analysis of school enrolment data and the latest data available from Census 2016, using the HP Deprivation Index, was carried out by members of the DEIS Technical Group. This group contains representatives of the Department’s Statistics and Social Inclusion Units, the Inspectorate and the Educational Research Centre. This group commenced a consultation process with education stakeholder representatives on the technical aspects and implementation of the model and are concluding work on some final elements of the model. It is envisaged that this will then provide the basis for development of a DEIS resource allocation system to match resources to identified need. Until this work is complete, I do not envisage that there will be any changes to the HSCL allocation to DEIS schools.
However, in light of the need to support students who have missed on learning opportunities as a result of Covid-19 school closures, it is vital that DEIS schools catering for those students from poorer socio-economic backgrounds receive continued support. Hence I have targeted the funding available where it can best support those in need.
As part of the Budget 2021 measures to tackle educational disadvantage, on 1st March 2021 I announced a one-point reduction in the staffing schedule to reduce class-size in all DEIS Urban Band 1 primary schools. Additionally to support attendance and participation of vulnerable learners and those at risk of education disadvantage in DEIS schools, I provided a 5% increase in funding for the School Completion Programme.
Early Start Programme
Questions (140)
Róisín Shortall
Question:140. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will maintain the early start programme in all schools currently enrolled in the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12308/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Early Start programme was established in 1994, and is a one-year intervention to meet the needs of children aged between 3 years and 5 years who are at risk of not reaching their potential within the school system. It involves an educational programme to enhance overall development, help prevent school failure and offset the effects of social disadvantage. Parental involvement is one of the core elements of the programme in recognition of the parent/guardian as the prime educator of the child and to encourage the parent/guardian to become involved in his/her child's education.
Since the inception of Early Start, the early childhood education and care landscape has changed significantly with the introduction of the ECCE scheme in 2010, and the extension of the scheme to two years in 2018. The ECCE scheme is under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and officials of my Department and its agencies co-operate closely with that Department, particularly in relation to Síolta and Aistear, the national quality and curriculum frameworks for early years care and education.
While the ECCE scheme is the national universal two-year pre-school programme available to all children, the Early Start programme continues to run in 40 primary schools in designated areas of urban disadvantage, and in the 2020/21 school year there are 905 children enrolled.
School Accommodation
Questions (141)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:141. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the number of classrooms that are to be provided in a new school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [12320/21]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers opened in September 2020 in interim accommodation.
The permanent school building, when constructed, will provide 16 mainstream classrooms, a 2 classroom Special Education Needs Base and appropriate ancillary accommodation.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (142)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:142. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education her plans for a new special needs school in Crumlin, Dublin 12; the location of the school; the capacity of the proposed school; and the timeline for its completion. [12327/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am very pleased to have secured agreement to open a new special school on the campus of the former Scoil Colm in Crumlin, Dublin 12. This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has identified that appropriate provision is currently required for approximately 40 special school places for students with autism and general learning disabilities in South Dublin.
This provision is required to be made available at the earliest possible date but no later than the beginning of the 2021/22 school-year.
While the initial provision of 40 placements is intended to provide for those students identified by the NCSE, it is also intended that any remaining placements will be made available to children in South Dublin with complex needs that require special school placement.
The NCSE will determine the staffing level for the school in line with normal procedures.
My Department will also consider whatever other supports are necessary to ensure the school is in a position to cater for the needs of these students upon enrolment.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working with the Patron to advance the arrangements for the opening of the new school.
School Admissions
Questions (143)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:143. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the education supports and school place options available for a person (details supplied) who currently is not able to access a school place appropriate to their special needs. [12328/21]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs. As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.
Notwithstanding the extent of the investment in special education and the supports which have been put in place I am also very conscious that there are some parts of the country, including the area referenced, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
I can assure the Deputy that the NCSE is acutely aware of these concerns and is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and other stakeholders to bring the required additional special education placements on stream.
My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education and I want to reassure you that the delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.
In circumstances, where no placement is available for a child with special educational needs, the Department can provide Home Tuition grant funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until the NCSE confirms that a placement is available.
I can confirm that in the specific case referenced by the Deputy, 20 hours Home Tuition per week has been approved.
I also understand that the local SENO is currently engaging with, and remains available, to support the family in finding a suitable placement.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (144)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 712 of 30 July 2020, if the stage 2b report for new school building works at a school (details supplied) has now been submitted; if so, when the board of management will be contacted; the date on which building works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12340/21]
View answerWritten answers
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.
The Design Team has recently submitted the Stage 2(b) Report for review to my Department.
Upon review and approval of the Stage 2(b) report my Department will revert to the school regarding the further progression of this project including pre-qualification of contractors. Pre-qualification normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.
Upon completion of the pre-qualification process and subject to no issues arising, the project will then be progressed to tender stage. A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (145)
Charles Flanagan
Question:145. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the new school build for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12388/21]
View answerWritten answers
The building project for St Francis Special School is currently under construction and is nearing completion.
It is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of Quarter 1 2020.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (146)
Gary Gannon
Question:146. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education when school building works for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will commence; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12418/21]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the building works in relation to the school to which the Deputy refers I can confirm that the contractor commenced on site on 2 March 2021. The anticipated handover of this accommodation is late May 2021. The reason for the delay in commencing works was primarily due to Covid-19 and to the finalizing of the Licence Agreement.
My Department's officials have kept the school authority fully briefed in relation to this project.
Exceptional Needs Payment
Questions (147)
Bernard Durkan
Question:147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if payment will be made to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency notwithstanding the normal requirements for payment of basic social welfare entitlement without reference to six-month bank statements given that the applicant has been homeless for the past two years and that they have provided information in response to all other requests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/21]
View answerWritten answers
An application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) has been received from the person concerned and is currently being processed. There are a number of issues that need to be further investigated, but pending a formal decision on that application I can confirm that an Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) will be made to the person this week.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Questions (148)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:148. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of childcare workers who are in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment on a weekly basis from 21 December 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12207/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below, and includes those in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment for the weeks specified who were working in either pre-primary education or in child day-care activities. This breakdown is based on the sector of the last known employer.
|
Week Commencing |
Total |
|
21 December 2020 |
1,992 |
|
28 December 2020 |
2,031 |
|
04 January 2021 |
2,163 |
|
11 January 2021 |
3,212 |
|
18 January 2021 |
4,009 |
|
25 January 2021 |
4,136 |
|
01 February 2021 |
4,175 |
|
08 February 2021 |
4,189 |
|
15 February 2021 |
4,037 |
|
22 February 2021 |
3,943 |
|
01 March 2021 |
3,880 |
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (149)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:149. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to extending the short-term work payment for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12236/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Short-time work support scheme operated under the Jobseekers benefit scheme is designed to support employees in situations where their days are reduced by their employer on a temporary basis and they are not being remunerated for the days.
An individual’s duration of eligibility for the Short time work support will depend on their PRSI contributions. The support is paid for 234 days for people with 260 or more paid contributions. It is paid for 156 days for people with fewer than 260 paid contributions.
Where a person has exhausted their entitlement to Short Time Work Support they may be eligible for the means tested Jobseekers Allowance scheme.
I would advise the individuals involved engage with their Intreo Centre to assess their options.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Jobseeker's Allowance
Questions (150)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a jobseeker’s allowance application appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12238/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered with that office on 7 December 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received on 4 January 2021.
On 5 January 2021 the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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.
Electricity Supply Board
Questions (151)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:151. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if stamps from an ESB pension can be converted to stamps for a contributory pension; if stamps can be bought towards a contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12243/21]
View answerWritten answers
Following contact by an official of my Department with the Deputy's office, I understand that the question relates to an individual social insurance contributor.
During his employment with the ESB, the person concerned was paying the modified class D social insurance rate that applied to public servants who were recruited prior to 6th April 1995. This class of social insurance gives contributors access to a limited range of social insurance benefits such as carer’s benefit, guardian’s payment (contributory), occupational injury benefit, parents’ benefit and widow’s, widowers or surviving civil partner’s (contributory) pension. It does not give entitlement to the State pension (contributory).
As social insurance contributions are made in accordance with the legislation in force at the time they are made, there is no provision to retrospectively convert the class of social insurance to another class of social insurance or to facilitate contributors making additional payments in order to establish an entitlement to the State pension (contributory).
Persons under the pensionable age of 66 who cease to be covered by compulsory social insurance either as an employee or as a self-employed person may opt to become insured on a voluntary basis and pay voluntary contributions provided certain contribution conditions are satisfied. The class of voluntary contributions that applies is based on the last class of compulsory social insurance paid prior to becoming a voluntary contributor. There is no provision for the payment of voluntary contributions whilst simultaneously participating in compulsory insurable employment.
I understand that following the cessation of his employment with the ESB in 2016, the person concerned commenced employment in January 2017 and is making social insurance contributions at class A.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Questions (152)
Matt Carthy
Question:152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to review the eligibility criteria for community employment schemes for those over 55 years of age who have been moved from jobseeker’s allowance due to changes in budget 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12244/21]
View answerWritten answers
On clarification with the Deputy's office, the question refers to participants over 55 who had already moved from Community Employment (CE) to jobseekers allowance in 2020 in line with the 2017 rule changes.
The Deputy may be aware that Minister Humphreys and I held an online meeting on Wednesday, 27th January with representatives from the CE sponsoring authorities. The representatives outlined a range of issues that are causing concern within their schemes.
One of the issues raised by CE sponsors was the implications of an interpterion of a 2017 rule change that affected CE participants aged 55 years and older who were on CE in July 2017. Following an examination by Departmental officials, I wish to confirm that those CE participants who were impacted by that rule change in July 2017, now have the option of remaining on CE for a maximum of six consecutive years, in accordance with the terms of the 2017 saver clause.
This provision may also apply to a number of former CE participants who finished up on CE during 2020 and moved to jobseekers allowance. Each case will be reviewed in line with the terms of the 2017 saver clause and Department staff will work with CE sponsoring authorities to identify eligible CE participants.
The Deputy may wish to note that since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department has introduced a number of contingency measures, including the extension of CE participant contracts that were due to finish during Level-5 periods of public health restrictions. The current contract end date has recently been extended further until 2nd July, 2021. These latest extensions is of direct benefit to approximately 7,000 of employment support scheme participants whose contracts were due to end since last October. These extensions also directly benefited the cohort CE participants mentioned in the question by the Deputy. Under the terms of these contract extensions, in place since last October, CE participants did not exit schemes and should not therefore have moved onto jobseekers payments.
I am fully committed to the future of this programme and will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants and the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services.
Redundancy Payments
Questions (153)
Paul Kehoe
Question:153. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount that has been paid into the social fund from employers who have made employees redundant in each of the years 2010 to 2020; the amount in cases in which the State had to pay for each of the years; the number of family homes on which a charge is being placed or executed each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12263/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, requires employers to make a minimum level of payment to employees in the event of a redundancy. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay redundancy payments to all eligible employees at this minimum rate as provided for under the Act. Policy responsibility for the schemes transferred to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 14th October 2020. While employers are required to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the potential for collective redundancies, employers are not required to submit a notification of actual redundancies that have occurred. As a consequence, there is no central record of redundancies each year and consequently no potential to identify levels of PRSI paid by these employers into the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).
Under the Redundancy Payment Scheme, it is only where an employer is unable to pay statutory redundancy due to financial difficulties that an application may be submitted to the Department of Social Protection for the payment of statutory redundancy entitlements from the SIF. Details of the number of applications received since 2010 and the associated costs under the Redundancy Payments Scheme is shown below.
When a redundancy payment is made from the SIF, the employer is notified of the amount owed and a debt is recorded for recovery from the employer as provided for under Sections 32 and 43 of the Redundancy Payments Act. A recovery plan takes into account the current financial situation of the employer and their capacity to repay the outstanding debt with each case dealt with on its own merits. This includes agreeing arrangements whereby the debt can be recovered by way of instalments over a period of time. The Department of Social Protection has not commenced any enforcement action, nor attempted to take possession of any family home as part of in order to recover outstanding debts to the Social Insurance Fund as a result of payments made under the Redundancy Payments Scheme.
|
Year |
Applications received under the Redundancy Payments Scheme |
Redundancy Payments Scheme Expenditure |
|
2010 |
58,731 |
€40.86m |
|
2011 |
49,762 |
€41.48m |
|
2012 |
33,072 |
€134.32m |
|
2013 |
14,088 |
€76.59m |
|
2014 |
6,883 |
€58.51m |
|
2015 |
4,333 |
€32.76m |
|
2016 |
4,372 |
€30.99m |
|
2017 |
3,056 |
€23.49m |
|
2018 |
2,845 |
€18.91m |
|
2019 |
2,446 |
€26.82m |
|
2020 |
4,157 |
€37.1m* *Estimated Expenditure. 2020 Account not finalised |
Note: Applications received from 2010-2013 include applications under the rebate scheme which was discontinued in 2013. The expenditure shown above excludes costs associated with those rebates.
Social Insurance
Questions (154)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:154. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection if PRSI contributions will be paid to those persons in receipt of the new interim payment in which they retire at the age of 65 years and are in receipt of the interim payment until they are eligible for the State pension at 66 years. [12318/21]
View answerWritten answers
The new Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds has been introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to provide a benefit payment for people who are 65 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. Recipients of the new payment are not required to sign on, engage in activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work.
While in receipt of the Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, a person may continue to get credited contributions on their social insurance record if they had an entitlement to them at the start of the claim. Credited contributions are usually awarded at the same rate as the person's last paid social insurance contribution. For example, if a person paid social insurance at Class A in their last employment and is eligible for credits, they will protect the person's entitlement to Class A social insurance benefits. Credited contributions act to protect a person's entitlement to social insurance benefits and pensions in the future. Credits are not provided in respect of employments where the social insurance classes J or S apply.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance
Questions (155)
Claire Kerrane
Question:155. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of carer’s allowance; the number who are on a reduced rate of carer’s allowance; the breakdown of these rates by the number of persons receiving a carer’s allowance payment of under €100, €150 and €200, respectively in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12324/21]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who requires this level of care. The means test for CA has been eased significantly over the years and is now the most generous in the social welfare system, with an income disregard of €332.50 per week or €665 for a couple. Additionally, while assessed means can change the rate of payment on CA, the age of the person providing care and the number of people the person is providing care to also impact the payable rate. The rates of payment are set out in the Social Welfare Rates of Payment booklet SW19, which is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6aec4d-current-rates-of-payment-for-social-welfare-payments-sw19/ .
Information requested by the Deputy in respect of CA is set out in the tables below. Please note that these numbers refer to all CA recipients, and as such are inclusive of recipients of half-rate CA. Half-rate CA enables people to retain certain primary social welfare payments if they are providing care to another person.
Table 1: CA recipients January 2021
|
Receiving maximum applicable rate |
Receiving reduced rate |
|
|
Total Recipients |
43,251 |
45,585 |
|
Aged under 66, caring for 1 person |
35,100 |
27,952 |
|
Aged under 66, caring for more than 1 person |
6,388 |
2,649 |
|
Aged 66 or older, caring for 1 person |
1,607 |
14,632 |
|
Aged 66 or older, caring for more than 1 person |
156 |
352 |
Table 2: CA recipients aged under 66 in January 2021 receiving less than €200 per week
|
< €100 |
€100-€149 |
€150-€199 |
|
|
CA recipients |
1,694 |
23,756 |
3,502 |
|
of whom, caring for one person |
1,623 |
23,637 |
1,602 |
|
of whom, caring for more than one person |
71 |
119 |
1,900 |
Table 3: CA recipients aged 66 or older in January 2021 receiving less than €200 per week
|
< €100 |
€100-€149 |
€150-€199 |
|
|
CA recipients |
1,694 |
23,756 |
3,502 |
|
of whom, caring for one person |
1,623 |
23,637 |
1,602 |
|
of whom, caring for more than one person |
71 |
119 |
1,900 |
Carer's Allowance
Questions (156)
Claire Kerrane
Question:156. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the half-rate of carer’s allowance; the corresponding social welfare payment they are in receipt of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12325/21]
View answerWritten answers
The table beneath details the number of recipients in receipt of the Half Rate Carer's Allowance payment and the corresponding social welfare payment that they are receiving. The figures pertain to the month ending 31/01/2021.
|
Corresponding Social Welfare Payment |
Total Persons in receipt of Half Rate Carer's Allowance |
|
Back to Work Employee Increase for a Qualified Adult |
13 |
|
Back to Work Self Employed Increase for a Qualified Adult |
16 |
|
Blind Pension |
23 |
|
Blind Pension Increase for a Qualified Adult |
50 |
|
Death Benefit |
10 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
267 |
|
Disability Allowance |
3,808 |
|
Disability Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult |
3,763 |
|
Disablement |
10 |
|
Farm Assist |
180 |
|
Farm Assist Increase for a Qualified Adult |
118 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1,387 |
|
Illness Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult |
473 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
9 |
|
Incapacity Supplement Increase for a Qualified Adult |
16 |
|
Injury Benefit |
15 |
|
Injury Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult |
20 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
2,158 |
|
Invalidity Pension Increase for a Qualified Adult |
1,900 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult |
2,150 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Increase for a Qualified Adult |
220 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
81 |
|
Not in receipt of another Social Welfare Payment |
1,242 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
8,011 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
28 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance Increase for a Qualified Adult Allowance |
13 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
6,702 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) Increase for a Qualified Adult |
2,318 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
2,743 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) Increase for a Qualified Adult |
524 |
|
State Pension Transition |
89 |
|
State Pension Transition Increase for a Qualified Adult |
19 |
|
Widow's / Widower's (Contributory) Pension |
1,844 |
|
Widow's / Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension |
141 |
|
Total |
40,361 |
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Questions (157)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:157. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason workers in the aviation industry on casual contracts due to Covid-19 are not entitled to the pandemic unemployment payment. [12368/21]
View answerWritten answers
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is a statutory income support payment for employees and self-employed people who have lost their employment due to the COVID-19 Public health emergency. The scheme was due to expire on 31st March but Government has agreed to keep it open to new applicants and payments will continue until 30 June 2021. Where a person who was in receipt of the PUP closed their claim to return to work but becomes unemployed again due to COVID-19 they may reapply for PUP.
In cases where a person's working hours have been reduced employees may claim part-time jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments under Jobseekers Benefit for days of unemployment where they are not being remunerated.
To qualify for a jobseeker’s payment a person must be unemployed for at least 4 days out of 7 consecutive days. Jobseekers Benefit is available to people who have sufficient social insurance contributions paid and satisfy the other qualifying conditions of the scheme. Where a person does not qualify for Jobseekers Benefit they may be eligible for the means tested Jobseekers Allowance scheme.
In the case of a person who was casually employed and receiving a jobseeker’s payment, and subsequently becomes unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 emergency, they may apply for PUP.
Any person who is experiencing financial hardship may apply for support under the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, including Exceptional and Urgent Needs payments, depending on an individuals circumstances.
I hope that this clarifies the position for you.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (158)
Neale Richmond
Question:158. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has considered updating the application criteria for the Covid-19 operating support payment to ensure as many providers as necessary can avail of these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12301/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Covid-19 Operating Support Payment (COSP) is a short-term, temporary sustainability support that was initially available for the period 1 February to 5 March, and has now been extended to 26 March. It is intended to support early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services that are very reliant on parental fees to remain sustainable during the period of high level Covid-19 restrictions, while meeting the condition of not charging fees for families whose children are not attending the service during this period of restricted opening. It is not intended to replace foregone parental fees.
Given the very short time-period for which it will apply, the COSP was designed to support ease of administration, with a very simple application process. Eligibility for the COSP was determined on the basis of transparent, objective criteria, which were selected on the basis that they were likely to identify those services that are most reliant on parental fees.
The criteria reflect the continued availability of the enhanced Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) rates (which are estimated to meet 80% of payroll costs or 50% of operating costs), up to 100% continued funding of schemes operated by my Department, and receipt of parental fees for children attending services that are open. Closed services have reduced operating costs.
I acknowledge that some services that are reliant on parental fees may not meet the criteria – it is open to such services to apply for sustainability funding if the service has sustainability concerns as a result of the current restrictions. On 26 February my Department announced the details of the Covid-19 Impact Support, which will be available throughout 2021 for eligible ELC and SAC services that require further financial assistance in addition to current support measures available and others that may be announced throughout the year. The application process for COVID-19 Impact Support began on Monday 1 March.