Written Answers Nos. 521-540
521. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the installation and completion of temporary accommodation on the site of a school (details supplied); and if the school and the parents will be informed of the plans and arrangements for the return of the children to the school at the end of August 2021. [24613/21]
View answerThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design & Build programme.
The new school building project is in architectural planning stage. A pre-planning meeting with the local authority has taken place and developed design work is ongoing. Until such time as planning permission has been secured, it will not be possible to provide a timeline for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages.
My Department is preparing a planning application for interim accommodation for the school on its permanent site for this September. There has been some delay involved in obtaining a necessary legal consent from an adjacent landowner but this is now being finalised and the planning application will be lodged as soon as possible thereafter.
In the interim, instructions have issued to the Project Manager overseeing the delivery of the interim accommodation to proceed with the procurement arrangements under my Department’s new Modular Buildings Framework.
My Department is also considering contingency arrangements and would hope to be in a position to fully brief the school and the Patron on these in the coming weeks.
522. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education if the National Education Welfare Board will engage with a family (details supplied) to resolve an issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24622/21]
View answerUnder Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 the board of management of every recognised school is legally obliged to prepare a code of behaviour in respect of the students registered in their school. This code of behaviour is prepared in consultation with the principal, teaching staff, the parents of students registered in the school and the Educational Welfare Officer (EWO). Furthermore the code of behaviour is prepared in accordance with such guidelines issued by Tusla Education Support Services.
In instances where the board of management of a recognised school is of the opinion that a student should be expelled from their school, the board must, before expelling the student, notify the EWO in writing and outline the reasons for the proposed expulsion. Section 24 (3) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 provides that the EWO shall, after receiving such notification, make all reasonable efforts to consult with the principal or person nominated by the principal, the student and his or her parents and convene a meeting attended by such of those persons as agree to attend such a meeting.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 section 24 (4) provides that a student shall not be expelled from a school before the passing of 20 school days following the receipt of a notification under section 24 of this act, by an Educational Welfare Officer (EWO). Where a board of management make a decision to permanent exclude a student, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal.
Tusla Education Support Service (formerly the NEWB) received notification from the school on 28/04/21 in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy. The case has been allocated to the local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) in the area who will be in contact with the family in the near future to offer advice and assistance in relation to this matter.
523. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education the number of instances of primary schools and secondary schools sharing the same physical site but having separate roll numbers as per schools (details supplied). [24661/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not have this information available.
524. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if an issue (details supplied) in respect of foreign pensions and charges on allowances has been raised with her officials; if so, if her Department is in a position to assist those who have been affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23627/21]
View answerMy Department, in conjunction with all Government Departments and Offices, is obliged to move banking operations to Danske Bank on foot of a Government Decision to tender for an “All of Government” Banking Service.
The Government’s objective was to identify the most economically advantageous arrangement for the provision of an efficient, streamlined, cost-effective banking structure for all Government Departments and Offices. The solution also had to provide the maximum degree of integration with the new Financial Management Shared Service project. Following a tender process, Danske Bank was awarded the contract in June 2018.
There are approximately 6,400 pension recipients in the US and Canada receiving a pension payment from this Department. My Department wrote to these customers in January 2021, informing them of the potential of charges being levied on their payments by their own bank. They were advised to check with their own financial institution about whether receiving international payments would have an impact on their bank fees and to consider changing their bank in order to avoid or reduce any fees being levied.
In March 2021, the Department made its first foreign EFT payments to beneficiaries outside of the Single European Payments Area (SEPA) via Danske Bank. As a result of this change, US and Canadian banks levied cross border payment charges on their own customers' Irish pension payments. These bank fees were not levied by Danske Bank as their charges are set out in the Government Banking Services contract negotiated with the State and are paid by each Government Department.
Payments to markets outside the SEPA zone - where the sending bank is not a member of the domestic clearing system, such as the US or Canada - are processed as international cross border payments, also known as ‘international wire transfers’. Processing such payments as international wire transfers ensures that the sending bank complies with its national and international Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) obligations. In order to discharge these international wire transfers in markets such as the US and Canada, the services of correspondent banks are necessary, and their use is the industry standard approach.
As Danske Bank is not a member of either the US or Canadian clearing system, it has no option but to use a correspondent bank to deliver Irish pension payments as international wire transfers. Correspondent banks will deduct charges from the payment amount to compensate for the cost of discharging their AML and CTF obligations.
For payments to the US, Danske Bank has negotiated a reduction in the wire transfer fee on Irish Social Welfare payments with its correspondent bank.
For Social Welfare payments to Canada, Danske Bank initially routed all payments through its main correspondent bank in the country. While a correspondent bank can process payments to most Canadian banks, there are some financial institutions for which the assistance of another intermediary bank is required to complete the payment. In these instances, the beneficiary may be charged wire transfer fees by each intermediary bank utilised.
Following consultation with Danske Bank, my Department changed its file generation process in April. This system development is to reduce the likelihood of pension payments being routed through more than one Canadian intermediary bank. This change has been implemented in time for all May pension payments.
My Department has also amended its Social Welfare payment files to ensure that all pension payments to beneficiaries outside the SEPA zone are clearly marked as pension payments. This change was in place for all payments to North America in April. Many bank customers in both Canada and the US can avail of reduced bank fees on pension payments, depending on the financial institution that they bank with, their fee payment plan and the type of account that they hold.
The Department continues to liaise with Danske Bank on the matter.
525. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person referred for long-Covid treatment is entitled to stay on the Covid illness payment of €350 while they are unable to return to work; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23628/21]
View answerMy 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 generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
In March of last 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 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 constraints 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 means tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit. The Department may also 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.
I trust this clarifies the issue.
526. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used by community welfare officers in assessing persons for supplementary payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23647/21]
View answerMy Department's Community Welfare Service has responsibly for the administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
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 dependents. 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.
Under the SWA scheme, my department may award a supplement to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. 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.
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. Furthermore, an urgent needs payment (UNP) is a once-off payment which can be made to persons who may not normally qualify for SWA but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or an alternative is not available at that time.
ENPs, UNPs and SWA supplements are means tested payments payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The legislation providing for ENPs, UNPs and SWA supplements does not confer a statutory right or entitlement to a payment. The principal consideration in making a payment under these schemes is to address a particular need. The Community Welfare Service officers consider all the circumstances of the case when examining an application for support.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the SWA scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance. If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
527. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and value of payments made by community welfare officers by county in each of the past three years to persons who were being rehoused, going to new accommodation; the number of recipients by county per year; the average payment made to each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23648/21]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, Community Welfare Officers in my Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
Where a tenant cannot furnish the property from within his/her own resources, s/he can apply for an exceptional needs payment to assist them in furnishing the property. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer. Every case is based on the individual circumstances/needs of the household.
Table 1 shows the number of payments and expenditure on ENPs for new accommodation kit-outs, per county for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Table 2 shows the number of individual recipients and the average payment on ENPs for new accommodation kit-outs, per county for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - Number of Payments and Expenditure on ENPs for new accommodation kit outs 2018-2020, per county.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
- |
||
|
County |
Number of Payments |
Expenditure € |
Number of Payments |
Expenditure € |
Number of Payments |
Expenditure € |
|
CARLOW |
104 |
255,504 |
249 |
759,099 |
186 |
536,673 |
|
CAVAN |
60 |
74,470 |
113 |
102,662 |
110 |
125,134 |
|
CLARE |
126 |
196,009 |
157 |
372,710 |
190 |
468,693 |
|
CORK |
599 |
1,233,825 |
749 |
2,024,464 |
1,003 |
2,789,515 |
|
DONEGAL |
257 |
571,048 |
258 |
650,844 |
243 |
659,224 |
|
DUBLIN |
3,214 |
2,932,281 |
4,101 |
5,235,683 |
3,411 |
3,755,670 |
|
GALWAY |
194 |
508,082 |
268 |
801,874 |
297 |
833,330 |
|
KERRY |
180 |
398,551 |
208 |
545,351 |
323 |
934,097 |
|
KILDARE |
264 |
303,530 |
180 |
298,416 |
301 |
386,151 |
|
KILKENNY |
213 |
325,181 |
242 |
441,037 |
212 |
469,786 |
|
LAOIS |
192 |
400,805 |
136 |
298,875 |
242 |
533,657 |
|
LEITRIM |
72 |
125,579 |
86 |
227,722 |
51 |
122,784 |
|
LIMERICK |
494 |
321,740 |
262 |
199,702 |
322 |
257,198 |
|
LONGFORD |
148 |
180,708 |
298 |
420,141 |
234 |
357,840 |
|
LOUTH |
229 |
317,266 |
210 |
347,242 |
362 |
614,816 |
|
MAYO |
196 |
230,248 |
167 |
233,233 |
213 |
322,147 |
|
MEATH |
446 |
384,283 |
484 |
640,948 |
440 |
641,526 |
|
MONAGHAN |
83 |
96,035 |
178 |
238,881 |
180 |
172,223 |
|
OFFALY |
96 |
179,028 |
119 |
293,826 |
103 |
251,078 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
297 |
390,936 |
163 |
315,756 |
93 |
215,805 |
|
SLIGO |
116 |
138,322 |
143 |
200,243 |
119 |
165,458 |
|
TIPPERARY |
216 |
443,103 |
250 |
538,610 |
298 |
815,373 |
|
WATERFORD |
267 |
505,989 |
404 |
1,157,232 |
289 |
864,855 |
|
WESTMEATH |
140 |
148,516 |
207 |
223,167 |
173 |
327,658 |
|
WEXFORD |
249 |
441,831 |
304 |
729,352 |
227 |
631,380 |
|
WICKLOW |
173 |
172,723 |
491 |
898,782 |
272 |
463,660 |
|
Grand Total |
8,625 |
11,275,591 |
10,427 |
18,195,851 |
9,894 |
17,715,730 |
Table 2 - Number of individual recipients and average payment on ENPs for new accommodation kit outs 2018-2020, per county.
|
- |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
- |
||
|
- |
Recipients |
Average Payment € |
Recipients |
Average Payment € |
Recipients |
Average Payment € |
|
CARLOW |
102 |
2,505 |
238 |
3,189 |
180 |
2,982 |
|
CAVAN |
48 |
1,551 |
75 |
1,369 |
64 |
1,955 |
|
CLARE |
107 |
1,832 |
134 |
2,781 |
169 |
2,773 |
|
CORK |
545 |
2,264 |
701 |
2,888 |
966 |
2,888 |
|
DONEGAL |
253 |
2,257 |
257 |
2,532 |
240 |
2,747 |
|
DUBLIN |
1,924 |
1,524 |
2,667 |
1,963 |
2,374 |
1,582 |
|
GALWAY |
184 |
2,761 |
259 |
3,096 |
281 |
2,966 |
|
KERRY |
172 |
2,317 |
198 |
2,754 |
309 |
3,023 |
|
KILDARE |
155 |
1,958 |
130 |
2,296 |
161 |
2,398 |
|
KILKENNY |
142 |
2,290 |
210 |
2,100 |
205 |
2,292 |
|
LAOIS |
167 |
2,400 |
110 |
2,717 |
184 |
2,900 |
|
LEITRIM |
63 |
1,993 |
80 |
2,847 |
50 |
2,456 |
|
LIMERICK |
239 |
1,346 |
153 |
1,305 |
183 |
1,405 |
|
LONGFORD |
78 |
2,317 |
141 |
2,980 |
139 |
2,574 |
|
LOUTH |
186 |
1,706 |
167 |
2,079 |
296 |
2,077 |
|
MAYO |
103 |
2,235 |
98 |
2,380 |
127 |
2,537 |
|
MEATH |
229 |
1,678 |
298 |
2,151 |
306 |
2,096 |
|
MONAGHAN |
67 |
1,433 |
109 |
2,192 |
113 |
1,524 |
|
OFFALY |
81 |
2,210 |
100 |
2,938 |
88 |
2,853 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
134 |
2,917 |
102 |
3,096 |
86 |
2,509 |
|
SLIGO |
102 |
1,356 |
119 |
1,683 |
107 |
1,546 |
|
TIPPERARY |
206 |
2,151 |
211 |
2,553 |
286 |
2,851 |
|
WATERFORD |
220 |
2,300 |
374 |
3,094 |
276 |
3,134 |
|
WESTMEATH |
70 |
2,122 |
100 |
2,232 |
119 |
2,753 |
|
WEXFORD |
226 |
1,955 |
287 |
2,541 |
220 |
2,870 |
|
WICKLOW |
104 |
1,661 |
300 |
2,996 |
217 |
2,137 |
|
Grand Total |
5,907 |
7,618 |
7,746 |
Note: These figures are taken from the Department's ENP database and represent a snapshot of ENPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. The figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
528. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in respect of parents in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment in the circumstance in which they have been unable to return to employment due to childcare issues; if the payment remains available until 30 June 2021 as per the information available on her Department’s website; if the return of schools has any bearing on such payment claims; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department has revoked the payment from some parents in this position citing the return of schools as the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23657/21]
View answerTo date over €7.4 billion has been paid in relation to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) since its introduction in March 2020, to address the surge in unemployment due to Covid-19.
Employers have a general duty of care towards their workers and that care is often expressed in the form of negotiation, compromise and flexibility. Some of the options considered for workers with caring responsibilities that preclude them from working their normal hours or patterns include allowing employees to work from home, altering shifts or allowing employees to rearrange holidays or parental leave.
When schools and childcare facilities were closed under Covid-19 restrictions and parents were unable to secure childcare or other flexible options and were not being paid by their employer they were advised to apply for PUP. However, as schools and the childcare sector have since re-opened, the PUP is no longer an appropriate financial support.
If any people in these circumstances are experiencing financial difficulties, it is open to them to apply for support under the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
529. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23665/21]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15 April 2021. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal 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.
530. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [23676/21]
View answerThere are 3 categories of claimant who may qualify for Jobseeker’s Benefit while partially employed. They are short-time workers, casual workers and part-time workers. In order to classify a person as either a short-time, part-time or casual work employee, each case is examined on its merits having regard to the person’s employment history, any fluctuation in the number of days worked, the systematic pattern of the work days, the existence of a contract of employment and if the employee is in receipt of a set wage.
In this case, the customer is considered a part-time worker. He is not categorised as a short-time worker as the number of days worked is not systematic i.e. there is no clear repetitive pattern of employment, nor is he categorised as a casual worker given his circumstances including that he has assurance of repeat employment from the same employer. In order to requalify for jobseekers benefit when a claim exhausts benefit, a part-time worker has to satisfy the substantial loss of employment condition.
The duration of payment for Jobseeker’s Benefit is 9 months (234 Cumulative Total) for people with 260 or more PRSI contributions paid. It is paid for 6 months (156 Cumulative Total) for people with fewer than 260 PRSI contributions paid. The Department corresponds with the Jobseeker's Benefit recipient in advance of the expiry date of their claim and advises of the option to apply for the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme. Jobseekers Allowance has no duration limit as long as a person meets the qualifying scheme conditions, including the means test.
This customer's cumulative total (of days of jobseeker's benefit) has been re-checked by my Department officials and his cumulative total is 185 days as of 28th April 2021. His cumulative total of 156 days was reached on 1st March 2021 and any contributions paid after this date are reckonable for re-qualification purposes.
531. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will be encouraging employers to top up parent’s benefit in cases in which they are in a position to do so to assist in making it an option for parents which will result in more parents being able to take the time with their baby; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23760/21]
View answerAs provided for in Budget 2021, Parent’s Leave and Benefit have been extended from 2 weeks to 5 weeks for each parent. These additional weeks are available to parents in respect of children born or adopted on or after 1st November 2019. The period during which this leave can be taken has also been extended from 12 to 24 months so it can be taken up to a child's second birthday or within two years following adoption. These changes enhance the flexibility of these schemes to make it easier for parents to avail of them.
There are a number of factors that determine the take up of any scheme including, parental choice, whether the parent has sufficient PRSI contributions, whether they are self-employed and can take the time off from their business and if an employee, whether or not their employer would top up their wages.
Parent's Benefit is paid at a rate of €245 per week. A number of employers do top up their employee’s Parent’s Benefit in much the same way as they offer to top up Maternity and Paternity benefit. These arrangements are discretionary private contractual arrangements agreed between employers and workers and, as such, are outside the realm of Social Welfare legislation.
532. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of job clubs operating nationwide; and the locations in which they are operating. [23761/21]
View answerJobClubs are a contracted service of my Department which provide a range of services, supports and facilities to jobseekers to help them return to work.
Currently there are 40 Job Clubs with 37 contractors operating in various locations across the state. The name and locations of Job Clubs are as follows:
|
Job Club Name |
Location |
|
Dublin Northwest Area Partnership |
Cabra, Dublin 7 / Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
Dublin Coolock (Glin Centre) |
Coolock, Dublin 17 |
|
Kilbarrack Job Club |
Kilbarrack, Dublin 5 |
|
Ballymun Job Centre Co-op Society Ltd |
Ballymun, Dublin 9 |
|
Swords Job Club |
Swords, Co. Dublin |
|
Blanchardstown Job Club |
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
|
Dublin South City Job Club |
Inchicore, Dublin 8 |
|
Jobcare Job Club |
Pearse St., Dublin 2 |
|
Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership Job Club |
Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Brookfield Job Club |
Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Tallaght Job Club |
Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Mobile Job Club (Lucan/Kildare) |
Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Southside Partnership Local Employment Services |
Loughlinstown/Rathfarnham/Dun Laoghaire/Blackrock, South County Dublin |
|
Arklow Job Club |
Arklow, Co. Wicklow |
|
Athlone Job Club |
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
|
Portlaoise Job Club |
Portlaoise, Co. Laois |
|
Portarlington Job Club |
Portarlington, Co. Laois |
|
Tullamore Job Club |
Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
|
Birr Job Club |
Birr, Co. Offaly |
|
Ardee (Ferdia) Job Club |
Ardee, Co. Louth |
|
Drogheda Job Club |
Drogheda, Co. Louth |
|
Dundalk Job Club |
Dundalk, Co. Louth |
|
Monaghan Job Club |
Ballybay, Co. Monaghan |
|
Meath Job Club |
Navan/Trim/Kells, Co. Meath |
|
Letterkenny Job Club |
Letterkenny/Donegal Town/Ballyboffey/Raphoe/Killybegs/Ardara/Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal |
|
Job Club Inishowen Development Partnership |
Buncrana/Carndonagh/Moville/Muff/Glengad, Donegal |
|
Leitrim Job Club |
Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim |
|
Ballinasloe Job Club |
Ballinasloe, Co. Galway |
|
Mayo Job Club |
Ballina/Castlebar/Killala/Belmullet/Westport/ Kiltimagh/Ballinrobe/Swinford/Ballyhaunis/Claremorris/Knockmore, Co. Mayo |
|
Roscommon Job Club |
Ballaghaderreen/Boyle/Roscommon Town/Castlecrea, Co. Roscommon |
|
Ballyhoura Job Club |
Kilmallock/Cappamore/Charleville/Kilfinane/Mitchelstown, Co. Limerick |
|
West Limerick Resources |
Newcastle West, Co. Limerick |
|
Ennis Job Club |
Ennis/Ennistymon/Kilrush/Shannon/Scarriff, Co. Clare |
|
Paul Partnership Limerick City Job Club |
Dominic Street, Limerick |
|
NTDC Job Club |
Nenagh/Roscrea/Thurles/Littleton/Templemore, North Tipperary |
|
Cork Job Club |
Cork City, Co. Cork |
|
South Kerry Job Club |
Killarney/Killorglin/Cahersiveen/Kenmare, South Co. Kerry |
|
Tralee Job Club |
Tralee, Co. Kerry |
|
Listowel Job Club |
Listowel, Co. Kerry |
|
Carlow Job Club |
Carlow, Co. Carlow |
I trust this is of assistance to the Deputy.
533. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) has sufficient contributions to qualify for a State pension (contributory); and if their record of contributions will be provided. [23772/21]
View answerPension entitlement is determined on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches pension age. The person concerned was born in 1956. The age at which a pension is payable is currently 66 years. The Deputy will be aware that the Commission on Pensions has been established to examine sustainability and eligibility issues in relation to State pensions and the Social Insurance Fund, and is to report to Government by end-June this year on options including the qualifying age, contribution rates, total contributions and eligibility requirements.
An individual’s State pension (contributory) entitlement depends on factors such as a person’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce and their countries of employment. Contributors should maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life.
I have arranged for a copy of their social insurance record to issue to the person concerned. They should apply for State pension (contributory) at least three months before reaching pension age. Their entitlement to pension will then be determined on the basis of the eligibility conditions in force and they will be notified in writing of the decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
534. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Social Protection if an urgent review of a family income supplement payment will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23836/21]
View answerWorking Family Payment (WFP) is an income tested in-work payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children. Income that is assessable for WFP includes an applicant's and their spouse's average net weekly assessable weekly earnings from employment, plus any other household income such as income from self employment, other social protection payments etc.
An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 08 April 2021. Their application was disallowed on 14 April 2021, on the grounds that their weekly family income is not less than the prescribed income level for their family size.
A review of the department's decision of 14 April 2021 has been completed.
Following a revised decision, the person concerned has been awarded WFP for 52 weeks with effect from 29 April 2021 to 27 April 2022. This revised decision is based on the applicant's (family's) revised household income. Their spouse is no longer receiving Illness Benefit with effect from 29 April 2021. The first weekly payment and all arrears owing will have issued to the applicant's selected financial account on 07 May 2021.
The person concerned was notified of this revised decision in writing on 05 May 2021, and of the right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
535. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if guidance can be offered to those in receipt of the disability allowance and other benefits in relation to whether they can apply for the arts and disability connect funding without an award for such funding impacting their social welfare benefit entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23843/21]
View answer536. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if guidance can be provided to artists with disabilities that plan to apply for the arts and disability connect funding in relation to whether an award for such funding will not impact on their social welfare benefit entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23844/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 536 together.
Social welfare legislation provides that, for social assistance schemes such as Disability Allowance, income and capital (such as savings, investments and property other than the family home) belonging to the claimant and his or her partner, where applicable, is assessable for means assessment purposes. The purpose of this is to maintain the policy of ensuring that social welfare expenditure is targeted to those who need it most.
The assessment of means can vary from scheme to scheme depending on the nature and purpose of the scheme. Sometimes, a certain amount of income, or income from particular sources, is not taken into account for a particular scheme. This is known as an income disregard.
There is an earnings disregard in place for recipients of Disability Allowance which allows people to earn up to €120 per week (increasing to €140 per week in June) and retain their full payment. Only half of earnings between €120 and €350 are assessed in the means test. This aims to achieve a balance between ensuring resources are targeted towards those with the greatest need while supporting people to take up employment opportunities.
In addition, Disability Allowance is unique in the social welfare system as the first €50,000 of capital (e.g. savings, shares, property) is disregarded in the capital means test. This compares to €20,000 for most other social assistance schemes.
My Department encourages social welfare recipients to avail of education and training through the Back to Education scheme, as well as by referrals to Education and Training Board courses through the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo service. In addition, income received from the SUSI grant is disregarded in the means test for most social welfare schemes.
I recently signed Regulations which introduced a new disregard which will apply to Disability Allowance recipients who have been granted bursaries, stipends or scholarships towards completing a PhD.
The measure in these Regulations is designed to acknowledge the increased costs a person with a disability encounters and the particular difficulties they may face supplementing their income through work alongside their PhD studies.
In addition there are a number of scholarships, such as those awarded by certain charitable organisations, which are not assessed as part of the means test for social welfare payments. These include payments under the 1916 Bursary Fund and under Higher Educational Scholarships for Adult Learners from Uversity to a maximum of €7,000 per annum. Uversity is a registered charity that has been awarding Higher Education Scholarships to adult learners since 2018.
Legislation does not provide for such a disregard for funding from the Arts and Disability Connect scheme and, as such, any award made through this scheme would be assessed as income.
Any extension of means disregards would need to be examined in an overall budgetary context.
537. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23847/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a pension auto-enrolment system. The objective of this commitment is to address the low proportion of employees in Ireland with supplementary pension cover, which includes both occupational and personal pensions.
The rate of supplementary pension coverage in Ireland is around 55% of the working population (CSO, Pension Coverage Survey 2020) and it is estimated that this reduces to less than 35% when the private sector is considered in isolation. Many of these people will become reliant on the State pension for all or most of their income in retirement and, accordingly, may face a significant unwanted drop in income.
Although the Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018 to 2023 provided for the development and implementation of an Automatic Enrolment (AE) retirement savings system by 2022, this Government recognises the exceptional strain that both employers and employees are now under as a result of the Covid-19 emergency. Therefore, the Government will seek to gradually deliver an AE system, based on the following principles:
- There will be a phased roll-out, over a decade, of the contribution made by workers.
- Matching contributions will be made by both workers and employers and the State will top up contributions.
- There will be an opt-out provision for those who choose to opt out.
- Workers will have a range of retirement savings products to choose from.
- There will be a charges cap imposed on pension providers.
My officials continue to work on the design of the AE system. There are five main areas where work is ongoing so as to produce design options. These areas relate to:
- the scope and role of a Central Processing Authority for the system;
- the nature and functions of Registered Providers of savings products;
- the investment framework and funds to be offered by Registered Providers, including the design of the default fund and the pay-out phase;
- the design of the State financial incentive; and
- the phasing of implementation.
The development of these policy proposals is at an advanced stage and a timeline for the introduction of automatic enrolment will be announced in due course. In progressing this work, the Department is receiving technical support from the European Commission’s DG Reform which assists EU member states implementing administrative and institutional reforms.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
538. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if clarification will be provided on the future of funding for a service (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24088/21]
View answerAs part of the July stimulus, the Government committed to increase resources dedicated to the delivery of employment services within the Department’s own Intreo service, and, in addition, to expand the coverage of the local employment type services to areas not currently covered by existing providers. My Department has already increased its own complement of employment service staff and now intends to issue a Request for Tender (RFT) to expand local employment type services into some geographical areas where a Local Employment Service does not currently exist.
The forthcoming RFT will have no impact on the contracts of existing providers in other areas, including the Tralee LES, and it is expected that the tender will prove attractive to local community-based organisations, including the Local Development Companies. My Department has obtained legal advice that employment assistance and advice services must be procured though open competitive procurement processes in line with EU and national procurement rules.
Separately, the current contracts for all contracted PES provision, including that of the Tralee LES, expire at the end of 2021 and my Department is therefore developing RFTs to ensure that sufficient high-quality employment services are procured in a manner that is compatible with EU and national procurement rules.
Organisations with strong experience in the delivery of similar services at a community and local level will be in a strong position to respond to the RFTs when they issue.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
539. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the funding allocated by her Department or agencies under her remit to An Taisce in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the expected respective allocations to An Taisce for 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24111/21]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection has not provided funding to An Taisce in any of the years referenced by the Deputy.
540. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare supports available for self-employed persons when they come off the pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24164/21]
View answerSelf-employed individuals have a range of income support options available to them depending on their circumstances.
Those in self-employment can earn up to €960 over a rolling eight week period and retain their Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP). Where a self-employed person exceeds this threshold they may apply for the Part Time Job Incentive for the self-employed scheme. This enables a self-employed person, who has been in receipt of the PUP, to engage in self-employment for up to 24 hours per week and receive a personal weekly rate of payment of €128.60. There is no income threshold applied under this support. Alternatively, a self-employed person may be eligible for support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme if they are working on a part-time basis.
The Covid-Enterprise Support Grant is available to eligible self-employed recipients who close their PUP and re-open their business. A once-off grant of up to €1,000, to assist with the costs associated with reopening, is available under this measure. This grant is payable to self-employed individuals who employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and who are not eligible for support from similar business reopening grants from other Departments. In excess of 9,000 applications have been approved since the introduction of this grant, with funding of approximately €8.4m paid to small businesses.
The Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment has primary responsibility for supports for businesses impacted by Covid-19.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
