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Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 130-139

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (131)

Pa Daly

Question:

131. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the eligibility for non-rateable premises for Covid-19 supports under her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16745/21]

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Written answers

My Department is mainly responsible for income supports for individuals, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) introduced in response to Covid-19.  My colleague, the Minister for  Enterprise Trade and Employment has primary responsibility for supports for businesses.

In terms of Covid support for businesses, self employed Individuals exiting the PUP to restart their business may qualify for my Department’s Enterprise Support Grant.  The once-off grant provides up to €1,000 to assist small business, who are not liable for commercial rates, with reopening costs.  The grant is payable to qualifying individuals who employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from similar reopening grants from other Departments.  To date, over 9,000 businesses have been supported under this grant at a cost of some €8.4m.

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Questions (132, 133, 144)

Joan Collins

Question:

132. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to maintain pandemic unemployment payments beyond the end of June 2021 particularly in sectors that are not fully open or open, for example, if workers in the restaurant industry are returning to work with fewer hours due to outdoor only dining that the payment will be tapered to meet the payment that they have been on. [26150/21]

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Gary Gannon

Question:

133. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider introducing a pandemic unemployment payment for persons who have returned to work but whose industry will be in flux for the following several weeks and will experience fluctuations in their income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26232/21]

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Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

144. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment at the start of each month in 2021; the projected numbers predicted to be on the scheme on 1 June 2021 and 1 July 2021; if it is planned to continue with this scheme after this date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25423/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 144 together.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is available to employees and the self employed who lost employment due to Covid-19.  To date expenditure on the scheme is approximately €7.5 billion which demonstrates the Governments commitment to workers impacted by the pandemic.

The PUP scheme will remain available until 30th June.  The Government will set out plans for the future of the PUP post June over the coming weeks taking account of the trajectory of the virus, progress on the vaccine roll out, progress in terms of people returning to work and the continued impact of the pandemic on the economy over the months ahead.

The Department’s main social welfare schemes for people who are unemployed are the social insurance contribution-based Jobseeker's Benefit and means tested Jobseeker's Allowance.  Both schemes provide support to individuals so that they can work up to 3 days a week and still retain access to a reduced jobseeker’s payment.  On that basis I have no plans to provide for the payment of PUP while employees are in paid employment.

The table below refer to payment numbers for the PUP in the first pay-date of the month for the current year.  Detailed statistics on the PUP payments are published by my Department each week on the Government's website.

The following table shows the projected numbers for recipients of the payment for the period for early June and July of the current year as per the Further Revised Estimates.

January

335,410

February

480,780

March

469,320

April

439,120

May

384,830

 June 2021

345,000

 July 2021

325,000

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

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 125.

National Economic and Social Council

Questions (135, 557)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has read the NESC report on the position of the self-employed. [1330/21]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

557. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she read the recent NESC publication on the position of the self-employed; and her views on the matter. [1490/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 557 together.

I am aware of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) paper on ‘The Position of the Self-Employed’ that was published last November.  I note that the paper considers a number of issues concerning self-employed workers, and groups these into the four policy areas of: the social insurance contributions made by self-employed workers;  the social protection supports provided to them; the differentiation between employed and self-employed workers; and representation for self-employed workers.    

With respect to the level of contribution to the social insurance fund by self-employed workers, they are now covered for most of the benefits available under the social insurance scheme which represents approximately 93% of the value of all benefits paid by the social insurance fund - in return for a contribution of 11 percentage points lower than that made in respect of employed contributors.  As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a commitment that consideration will be given to increasing all classes of PRSI over time to replenish the social insurance fund to help pay for measures and changes to be agreed and the NESC paper will help inform deliberations in that regard.     

The second issue relates to the levels of welfare support provided to self-employed workers.  My Department offers a range of income supports to self-employed people, including - jobseeker's benefit (self-employed), the option of applying for a means tested jobseeker’s allowance instead depending on their personal circumstances; the pandemic unemployment payment, facilitating self-employed workers who are in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and who are seeking to maintain their business, to earn up to €960 over an eight week period while maintaining their full payment entitlement, the enhanced illness benefit payment of €350 per week where they have been medically diagnosed with COVID or have been medically advised to self-isolate or restrict their movements, the back to work enterprise allowance scheme which offers support to people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market; this allowance is payable to self-employed workers for up to a 24-month period from the commencement of their new business, the once-off enterprise support grant of up to €1,000 to assist with the costs associated with reopening a business following the imposition of Covid-related restrictions, and  my Department's employment support services on a voluntary basis through their local Intreo Centre.

With respect to the categorisation of self-employed workers, my Department’s social welfare inspectorate carry out, as part of their duties, employer investigations to ensure compliance with social insurance law and employment status investigations form part of this work.  The approach to addressing potential false self-employment includes the setting up of a new team of inspectors in late 2019 to focus entirely on detecting and investigating such practices.  In recognising the need to increase awareness in this area, my Department is leading an interdepartmental group on updating and revising the important ‘Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment’.  I expect this revised Code to be published very soon.

Finally, in the area of representation, industrial relations in Ireland rests on a voluntary model.  The State’s role is largely restricted to the development of an institutional framework supportive of a voluntary system that is premised upon freedom of contract and freedom of association.   Progressing matters of representation come within the remit of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.

Pension Provisions

Questions (136)

Gary Gannon

Question:

136. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date on addressing the pension gap for carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26233/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment to examine options for a pension solution for carers, the majority of whom are women, particularly those of incapacitated children.  This Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role.

As the Deputy is aware, the Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment.  As part of its Terms of Reference, the Commission has been asked to consider how the State pension system can further accommodate long-term carers.  These issues will be considered from a perspective of fiscal and social sustainability, and intergenerational fairness.  Details on the Commission's work, including agendas, minutes and presentations made to the Commission, are available on its website, PensionsCommission.gov.ie. 

The Commission is due to provide its report to Government by June 2021.

The State pension system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role, through the award of credits and/or the application of the Homemaker’s Scheme (under the Yearly Average method for payment calculation) and/or the application of HomeCaring Periods (under the Aggregated Contribution Method or Interim Total Contributions Approach).  Details of these are - Credits – PRSI Credits are awarded to recipients of Carer’s Allowance (and Carer’s Benefit) where they have an underlying entitlement to credits.  Credits are also awarded to workers who take unpaid Carer’s Leave from work.

Homemaker’s Scheme - The scheme, which was introduced with effect from 1994, is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for State Pension (Contributory).  The Scheme, which allows periods caring for children or people with a caring need to be disregarded (from 1994), can have the effect of increasing the Yearly Average.

HomeCaring Periods – This Scheme makes it easier for a home carer to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory).  HomeCaring Periods can only be used under the Aggregated Contribution Method (also known as Interim TCA or T12) of pension calculation.  HomeCaring Periods may be awarded for each week not already covered by a paid or credited social insurance contribution.  A maximum of 20 years HomeCaring periods can be used as part of the Aggregated Contribution Method calculation.

Since April 2019 all new State (Contributory) Pension applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, including the Yearly Average and Aggregated Contribution Method, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner.  The elements which make up each method are set out in legislation.

It should be noted that if a person does not satisfy the conditionality to qualify for State Pension (Contributory), s/he may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory).  Alternatively, if his/her spouse is a State pensioner with significant household means, his/her most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on his/her personal means, and amounting to up to 90% of a full contributory pension.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (137)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

137. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the changes that will be made to the disability allowance given the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payments were significantly higher than the rate of the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25552/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides a range of income supports for persons with disabilities; these supports include the Disability Allowance (DA) scheme. 

Disability allowance is a means tested payment and is subject to a habitual residency requirement.   

The current weekly personal rate for Disability Allowance is €203.  The rate of payment may be increased where there are dependent children or a dependant adult.  Persons in receipt of Disability Allowance are eligible for the Free Travel Scheme (pass) and may qualify for secondary benefits, such as the Household Benefits Package, and for supplementary welfare payments.

As part of the Government’s overall response to the pandemic, my Department introduced a short-term emergency payment, the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).  The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is a payment for employees and the self-employed who are fully unemployed due to a downturn in economic activity related to COVID-19.  Employees who are laid off temporarily, without pay, due to a reduction in business activity, can also apply. 

The rate of payment of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is linked to a claimant’s previous earnings.  The initial rate was set at €350 and was broadly equivalent to average take-home pay levels in the sectors most immediately affected by the restrictions imposed to deal with the emergency and is broadly aligned with the standard social welfare payment rate for a two-person household.  

Finally, any proposals for increases to income support payments, including for the Disability Allowance, would have budgetary implications, and as such would need to be considered in the context of the annual budget process.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (138)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

138. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress on the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26259/21]

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Written answers

The Roadmap for Social Inclusion was approved by Government on 9 January 2020 and published on 14 January 2020.  It is a whole-of-government strategy with a five-year timeframe and will have a mid-term review to facilitate an evaluation of the impact of the Roadmap commitments.  The Roadmap aims to reduce the number of people in consistent poverty in Ireland to 2% or less, and to position Ireland within the top five countries in the EU under a number of leading social inclusion measures.  Towards this end, the Roadmap contains seven high level goals with 22 specific targets, which will be delivered by 66 unique commitments (actions) across government across the life of the Roadmap.

Implementation of Roadmap commitments is underway with a number either fully achieved or close to completion.  This was achieved against a challenging backdrop with many Departments having to redirect resources during 2020 to address the range of social, health, community and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commitments that have been delivered include:

An additional three weeks of Parent’s Leave and Parent’s Benefit are available to each parent of a child born or adopted on or after 1 November 2019 (bringing the total to five weeks).

The implementation of the National Childcare Scheme.

  Extensions to Hot School Meals programme for 2021.  189 schools, including 171 DEIS schools, were chosen for this programme in 2021.  Hot School Meals funding also continued during the recent Easter holidays.

Publication of new National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 in December 2020.

The further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020-2024 "Transforming Learning" was published on 16 July 2020.

Under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2020 the Department of Social Protection had an allocation of €5 million to Support and Improve Employment Opportunities for Carers and Persons with a Disability.  Funding of in excess of €2.3 million was awarded to 17 projects in December 2020.

The establishment of the Labour Market Advisory Council, which plays a key role in advising the Minister and the Government on public policy responses to support the labour market recovery.

The Roadmap also provides for the establishment of a Social Inclusion Roadmap Steering Group (SIRSG) to monitor progress in the implementation of the Roadmap and its commitments across Government Departments.  

This group has been established and is comprised of senior representatives from responsible departments at Assistant Secretary and Principal Officer Level to ensure that implementation of the Roadmap remains on the agenda of each Department.  The Steering Group also includes three external members from the Community and Voluntary sector.  As Minister of State with responsibility for social inclusion policy and implementation of the Roadmap, I am chair of the Steering Group, which has met twice since November 2020.

I also appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands on 23rd March 2021 to update it on progress on the Roadmap to date.  The Roadmap was welcomed by members of the Committee.  There was a high level of interest in delivery on commitments and discussion on how the high-level ambitions of the Roadmap might be reached.

Progress on implementation of the Roadmap commitments will be reported on an annual basis with the production of an annual report and report card on progress against each commitment.  The first annual report is being prepared for publication.  This report will be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Social Affairs and Equality for consideration, and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands for discussion.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (139)

Gary Gannon

Question:

139. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the funding paid for the free travel pass in each of the years 2015 to 2020. [26230/21]

View answer

Written answers

The table below provides details of expenditure for Free Travel in each of the years 2015 to 2020:

Year

Expenditure (€000)

2015

75,244

2016

77,112  

2017

77,456  

2018

86,813  

2019

93,919  

2020

93,695  

The expenditure figure for 2020 is provisional and is subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

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