Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to the establishment of a Covid-19 discretionary fund to assist households with heating and electricity costs, especially those who find themselves struggling with debt; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48616/21]
View answerThe establishment of an additional Covid-19 discretionary fund to assist households with heating and electricity costs would require approval by Government and consideration from a budgetary and operational perspective. The overall strategy to combat Fuel Poverty / Energy Poverty is under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and questions in relation to the strategy should be directed to that Department. My Department currently provides a range of schemes to assist low income households with energy costs.
The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €28 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €784 each year) from October to April (estimated to cost €300 million in 2021 for payments to an average of some 370,000 low income households). An Electricity or Gas allowance is available under the Household Benefits scheme (at an estimated cost in 2021 of €195 million). Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department operates schemes to help people with the cost of heating their homes. A Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income. 1,100 people benefited from this supplement in 2020. So far this year, over 1,000 people have received this heating supplement.
My Department may make a single exceptional need payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
4,262 ENP’s were made at a total cost of €670,000 to assist with the payment of household bills and heating costs in 2020. In 2019, over 5,000 ENPs were made in this category at a cost of €913,000. 1,500 payments have been made this year (to the end of September 2021) at a cost of almost €500,000.
Anyone who wishes to make an application for a payment under the SWA schemes should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. There is a national Income Support Helpline in place (0818800024) which will direct callers to the appropriate office. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
32. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons availing of the exceptional needs payment, urgent needs payment and supplementary welfare allowance payments by the main reason for each in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48644/21]
View answerThe following table relates to payments broken down by main reason for the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance. Figures are based on awardees at the end of year, or on September 26th 2021.
|
Reason |
End 2018 |
End 2019 |
End 2020 |
Year to Date |
|
Daily Expenses Allowance |
3,422 |
4,234 |
3,595 |
3,431 |
|
Ex-Institution |
163 |
155 |
308 |
234 |
|
Graduated Disability Benefit |
1,160 |
1,040 |
795 |
612 |
|
No Fixed Abode |
917 |
853 |
685 |
540 |
|
Payment to Carer |
81 |
86 |
43 |
38 |
|
Pending Carer's Allowance |
458 |
486 |
234 |
239 |
|
Pending Disability Allowance |
4,029 |
4,403 |
3,161 |
2,774 |
|
Pending Disability Benefit |
2,234 |
1,785 |
968 |
774 |
|
Pending Family Income Supplement |
129 |
52 |
19 |
23 |
|
Pending Illness Benefit Appeal |
74 |
76 |
29 |
22 |
|
Pending Invalidity Pension |
564 |
641 |
457 |
318 |
|
Pending Jobseeker's Benefit |
64 |
79 |
41 |
73 |
|
Pending Jobseeker's Allowance |
1,060 |
910 |
714 |
690 |
|
Pending Old Age Pension |
260 |
260 |
160 |
175 |
|
Pending One Parent Family |
454 |
372 |
238 |
268 |
|
Pending Re-issue of Book |
22 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
|
Pending Unemployment Appeal |
86 |
109 |
45 |
43 |
|
Sick with no Benefit entitlement |
4,495 |
4,459 |
3,748 |
3,284 |
|
Other Benefits |
1,048 |
1,100 |
735 |
709 |
|
Total |
20,720 |
21,114 |
15,988 |
14,259 |
The following table relates to payments broken down by main reason for the Supplementary Welfare Allowance - other supplements. Figures are based on awardees at the end of year, or on September 26th 2021 in case of year to date:
|
Reason |
End 2018 |
End 2019 |
End 2020 |
Year to Date |
|
Creche Supplement |
55 |
40 |
4 |
1 |
|
Diet Supplement |
2,423 |
2,050 |
1,747 |
1,548 |
|
Fuel Supplement |
149 |
139 |
91 |
0 |
|
Heat Supplement |
1,388 |
1,251 |
1,103 |
994 |
|
Local Authority Mortgage |
8 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
Mortgage Supplement |
958 |
691 |
536 |
449 |
|
Other Supplement |
1,079 |
817 |
650 |
556 |
|
Rent Supplement |
24,040 |
16,774 |
19,305 |
15,190 |
|
Travel Supplement |
578 |
487 |
244 |
204 |
|
Total |
30,678 |
22,254 |
23,685 |
18,946 |
The following table relates to both Urgent Needs Payments and Exceptional Needs Payments:
|
End 2018 |
End 2019 |
End 2020 |
End August 2021 |
|
112,514 |
92,198 |
67,589 |
37,082 |
33. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the status and timeline for the introduction of a pension auto-enrolment system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48636/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to introducing 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.
Implementation of an Automatic Enrolment (AE) system will see a transition from the current and purely voluntary system to one where employees, subject to certain parameters, will be automatically enrolled into a quality assured retirement savings system. This Government, recognising the exceptional strain that both employers and employees are now under as a result of the Covid-19 emergency, 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, as set out in the recently published Economic Recovery Plan 2021, the overall design of the system will be decided later this year. Thereafter, the necessary legislative, organisational and process structures will follow through over the course of 2022 and 2023.
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.
34. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to establish a stakeholder forum which would include community organisations, service users, elected representatives, workers’ representatives and academics in view of the ongoing issues in relation to the planned move to a tendering model for local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48654/21]
View answerMy Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of procuring new employment services. This phase involves the procurement of regional employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West across four lots. These counties do not have an existing local employment service and represent the first phase of an expansion of similar employment services across.The Phase two procurement, which will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State will take on board the learnings of the first phase. This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers and employee representatives over the last number of years. Officials in my Department also visited every Local Employment Service and Job Club in 2019 to get their views on the design of a new employment service model. Many of the suggestions made then, including multi-annual contracts and greater financial autonomy, were incorporated into the Regional Employment Service model.In addition, the external consultants engaged by the Department in late 2019 engaged a cross-section of relevant stakeholders, including academics, before drafting their report. The existing Local Employment Service contracts are no longer consistent with current best practices. Good governance therefore requires that my Department delivers a new model of employment services which entails enhanced key performance indicators and better visibility of the work of employment service providers. My officials will continue the ongoing dialogue with the stakeholders and employee representatives and will consult further with them before finalising the Phase two procurement. However, my Department must adhere to its public procurement obligations and procure these new high-quality employment services in an open and competitive manner that is fair to all interested parties.The Regional Employment Service model seeks to procure across the entire State a high-quality employment services targeted at supporting those individuals who are furthest from the labour market. It requires successful tenders to submit bids that focus on the quality of their service offering, the social value of their bid and their ability to access a wide range of supports and services to address the barriers to progression their clients may face.
35. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will take on board concerns expressed by stakeholders in relation to the proposed reform of local employment services and review her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48441/21]
View answer54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will halt the tendering of local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48553/21]
View answer64. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the tender processes for local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48538/21]
View answer71. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the changes made to the local employment service model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48647/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 54, 64 and 71 together.
My Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of a two-phase procurement of new employment services. This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years. The new model will extend high quality employment services across the State, deliver enhanced governance arrangements and provide successful tenderers with greater flexibility to innovate and deliver services for their clients.
Phase two will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State and will take on board the learnings from the first phase. This is a significant expansion of employment services and will result in State-wide coverage of employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.
The Phase two of this procurement process was to have had this service in place by January 2022. This has now been temporarily postponed giving potential tenderers additional time to prepare to submit collaborative joint bids. My Department is in the process of offering current local employment service and Job Club providers, in the Phase two areas, a new contract for a short period into next year. This will enable continuity of service to our customers, while providing potential tenders additional time to work collaboratively on submitting joint bids. The RFTs for Phase two will issue prior to year end and my Department has written to service providers outlining the revised timelines.
Learnings arising from the Phase one procurement are already being incorporated by my Department in preparing the RFT for the remaining lots for the Regional Employment Service under Phase two. My Department is also in ongoing dialogue with the various service providers and representative groups, including staff representatives and will consult with them further, as appropriate, before finalising the RFT for Phase two.
I understand and appreciate the concerns of the sector at the changes proposed. However, current service providers with a strong track record and an openness to cooperation will be well-placed to submit high-quality tenders for the new services.
36. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the social clauses that will be applied at the eligibility stage and at the award stage in order to factor in broad policy considerations into the procurement process of the regional employment service request for tender. [48536/21]
View answerMy Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of procuring new employment services. This phase involves the procurement of regional employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West across four lots. These counties do not have an existing local employment service and represent the first phase of an expansion of similar employment services across the State.This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years. The Phase two procurement, which will see the Regional Employment Service model rolled out across the State will take on board the learnings of the first phase. This is a significant expansion of employment services and will result in State-wide coverage of employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.The request for tender for phase 2 will be published in due course and, until then, it is not possible to discuss in detail specific aspects of the select or award criteria of the RFT.Nevertheless, I have already put on the record that the procurement process for the Regional Employment Service places a strong emphasis on the quality of employment services to be delivered by successful tenders. In addition, tenderers are asked to clearly demonstrate how they will add social value and through stakeholder networks how they will ensure their clients can avail of the most appropriate local services to deliver the support they require.
37. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to maintain the enhanced illness benefit scheme for Covid-19; and if the scheme will be extended in circumstances in which a person is deemed to be experiencing the effect of long Covid. [48508/21]
View answerIn March of last year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 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. Expenditure on the enhanced illness benefit was €57 million in 2020, in addition to €593 spent on standard illness benefit. Expenditure on the enhanced payment was €68 million from January to the end of September this year and is expected to be circa €84 million for all of 2021.
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 only.
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 not to attend the workplace due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation.
In a case where a person continues to be ill beyond 10 weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility. Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type. Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.
My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.
It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is 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. My Department spent a total of €4.7 billion on illness, disability and caring payments in 2020.
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 to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
The enhanced payment was brought in on a temporary basis and has been extended on several occasions due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the rollout of the national vaccination programme.
My Department will continue to monitor the public health situation, the effectiveness of income supports during this time, and will be cognisant of any requirements to extend the duration of the enhanced illness benefit payment beyond 8 February 2022, the end date set out in regulations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
38. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures that are being examined to exempt qualifying arts sector workers from unsuitable activation measures during periods between arts work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47792/21]
View answerMy Department, as the Public Employment Services (PES), has a key role in the provision of activation measures, including a range of job placement, assistance and employment services, training programmes, employment subsidies and direct employment provision. The main goal of activation measures is to increase the employment opportunities for jobseekers and to improve matching between jobs and workers.Persons in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment must fully engage with the activation process. Those in the activation process are also expected to avail of the range of supports provided during this process which includes education or training, employment support schemes, internships and other supports to help them into sustainable employment. However, self-employed professional artists can apply for the scheme for professional artists on jobseeker’s allowance which is run by my Department. Artists on this scheme do not have to take part in the Department’s activation programme for one year. This scheme acknowledges the specific status of self-employed professional artists and gives them a 12-month window to focus on building up their work in the arts sector, while retaining their jobseekers payment, before they are required to engage with Intreo's activation services and supports. Professional artists can still avail of my Department's employment support services on a voluntary basis through their local Intreo Centre. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
39. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to increasing the income disregard for the carer’s allowance until it is in line with average weekly earnings. [48628/21]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy. The main income supports provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Over 135,000 carers benefit from regular income supports and spending on these payments in 2021 is expected to be in the region of €1.5 billion. The value of income transfers to family carers has increased by over 50% since 2015.
Carer's Allowance acts as an income support for those who cannot earn adequate income in the open labour market due to their caring responsibilities. This allowance is part of the system of social assistance supports that provide payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most. In August, there were 90,207 recipients of Carer's Allowance. The estimated expenditure for the payment this year is in the region of €953 million. The means test for Carer’s Allowance is one of the most generous in the social protection system. Currently, €332.50 of gross weekly income is disregarded in the calculation of means for a single person; the equivalent for someone who is married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting is €665 of combined gross weekly income.By comparison, the income disregard applied to Disability Allowance is €140 per week. Income between €140 and €350 is assessed at 50%. For Jobseeker's Allowance, it is €20 per day up to a maximum of €60, and the balance is assessed at 60%. For Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, the weekly income disregard is €165 with 50% of the balance assessed as means.
In the case of a couple, a carer may retain a full-rate payment of €219.00 per week while having an annual income of €37,500 from employment, retain a payment of (just under half rate) €109.00 per week while having an annual income from employment of €49,750, and retain the minimum payment of €4 per week while having an annual income of €61,000.In the case of a single person, a carer may retain a full-rate payment of €219.00 while having an annual income of just under €19,000, retain a payment of €109.00 per week (just under half rate) while having an annual income of €25,400, or retain the minimum payment of €4 per week while having an annual income of €31,100. I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. Changes to schemes are considered in an overall budgetary and policy context and from an evidence-based perspective. Any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in that context and in the light of available financial resources. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rural social scheme will be amended to enable participants who wish to remain on the scheme until pension age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48452/21]
View answerThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme providing part-time employment opportunities for farmers and fishermen or women who are in receipt of specified social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation. The scheme offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their communities.Following a Government decision in 2017, the number of places on RSS was increased by 750 during 2017 and 2018 and a six-year time limit was introduced for new entrants, with effect from 1st February 2017. Prior to the introduction of the six-year limit, a RSS participant could remain on the scheme for a significant part of their working life. This had the effect of limiting places available on RSS and reducing the opportunities available to new applicants. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme prior to 1st February 2017 can remain on the scheme until they reach state pension age once they continue to be eligible for a qualifying social welfare payment. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme after 1st February 2017 will not be able to remain on the scheme until they reach state pension age, unless they reach the state pension age during their 6 years participating on RSS. The first group of RSS participants due to leave on the basis of the 6-year rule will not arise until February, 2023. The Department continues to monitor all of the employment support programmes and while there are no plans to amend the related rules at present, the Department does intend to undertake a review of RSS in 2022, to ensure the ongoing best outcomes for both participants and their local communities. I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
41. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the proposed privatisation of local employment services. [47684/21]
View answerMy Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of a two-phase procurement of new employment services. This procurement process follows extensive consultations by my Department with the existing service providers over the last number of years.
I can assure the Deputy that no new privatisation is being undertaken In relation to employment services. No service previously undertaken by civil or public servants is being shifted to the private sector. Local Employment Services have always been contracted out services and provide employment services for those who are long term unemployed. My Department's Intreo offices will continue to engage with those unemployed for 12 months or less and, under the July Stimulus, and in line with the new Pathways to Work strategy, has been given additional resources to do so.
The Local Employment Service and Job Club contracts are annual contracts for the provision of employment services.
Since their inception and despite many changes to the contracts over the years, the contracts were awarded in a closed procurement manner each year. However, my Department’s legal obligations are that all contracted employment services must be procured in an open and competitive manner. Good governance requirements also require significant changes to be made in how the existing contracts are delivered.
To address these issues my Department has developed the Regional Employment Service model which is being implemented in a two phased procurement process. Phase two of the procurement process will take on board the learnings of the first phase. This is a significant expansion of employment services and once complete will result in State-wide coverage of high-quality regional employment services for those furthest from the labour market for the first time.
42. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children availing of hot school meals in Fingal, County Dublin; the number nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48537/21]
View answer47. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of children availing of hot school meals in mid-west areas of Dublin; the number nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48439/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 47 together.
The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.A budget of €65.1 million has been provided for the scheme in 2021.As part of Budget 2019, funding was provided for a pilot scheme from September 2019, providing hot school meals in primary schools at a cost of €1m for 2019 and €2.5m in 2020. The pilot involved 37 schools benefitting 6,744 students for the 2019/2020 academic year and was aimed primarily at schools with no onsite cooking facilities. In Budget 2021, I announced that an additional €5.5m would be provided to extend the provision of hot school meals to an additional 35,000 primary school children, currently receiving the cold lunch option. The number of children availing of hot school meals in both the Fingal and mid-west areas of Dublin; in addition to the number nationally at the end of the 2020/2021 academic year is contained in the attached Tabular Statement. As the mid-west areas of Dublin fall between different Local Authority areas the figures for Dublin City and County are provided by Local Authority area. Any request for additional funding for a hot school meals programme expansion for 2022 and beyond will need to be considered as part of the budgetary process. I am committed to continuing to grow the hot school meals element of the school meals programme and building further on the significant extension announced as part of Budget 2021.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
The number of students in receipt of the Hot Meals Scheme 2020/2021 by County
|
School Name |
County |
Number Of Children |
Local Authority |
|
S.N. Naomh Fhiach |
Carlow |
577 |
Carlow |
|
Sn Naomh Feidhlim Boys Snr Sch |
Cavan |
248 |
Cavan |
|
St Clares Primary School |
Cavan |
515 |
Cavan |
|
Ballycar N S |
Clare |
33 |
Clare |
|
Annagh N S |
Clare |
102 |
Clare |
|
St Kevins N S |
Co. Dublin |
200 |
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
|
Sundays Well G N S |
Cork |
175 |
Cork City |
|
S N Bun An Tsabhairne |
Cork |
219 |
Cork County |
|
St Matthias N S |
Cork |
25 |
Cork County |
|
Strawberry Hill B N S |
Cork |
184 |
Cork City |
|
Clogheen Mxd N S |
Cork |
160 |
Cork City |
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
Cork |
224 |
Cork County |
|
S N Bhreanndain C |
Cork |
90 |
Cork City |
|
Gaelscoil Mhachan |
Cork |
145 |
Cork City |
|
Scoil Aiseiri Chriost |
Cork |
292 |
Cork City |
|
Scoil Mhuire agus Eoin |
Cork |
254 |
Cork City |
|
Creeslough N S |
Donegal |
25 |
Donegal |
|
S N Domhnach Mor |
Donegal |
43 |
Donegal |
|
Sn Na Croise Naofa |
Donegal |
39 |
Donegal |
|
Killygordan N S |
Donegal |
26 |
Donegal |
|
Little Angels Spec Sch |
Donegal |
71 |
Donegal |
|
Scoil Cholmcille |
Donegal |
130 |
Donegal |
|
Scoil An Tstratha Mhóir |
Donegal |
88 |
Donegal |
|
Rathmullen N S |
Donegal |
94 |
Donegal |
|
S N An Droim Mor |
Donegal |
224 |
Donegal |
|
S N Glasain |
Donegal |
25 |
Donegal |
|
St Orans N S |
Donegal |
207 |
Donegal |
|
Clochar Padraig Naofa |
Donegal |
129 |
Donegal |
|
Scoil Roisin |
Donegal |
57 |
Donegal |
|
Sn An Leinbh Iosa |
Donegal |
76 |
Donegal |
|
Gleneely N S |
Donegal |
66 |
Donegal |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Donegal |
124 |
Donegal |
|
S N Dhubhthaigh |
Donegal |
109 |
Donegal |
|
Scoil Chartha Naofa |
Donegal |
104 |
Donegal |
|
S N Naomh Cillin |
Dublin |
34 |
South Dublin |
|
S N Muire Gan Smal B |
Dublin |
334 |
Dublin City |
|
Muire Na Dea Coirle Girls Senior |
Dublin |
135 |
Dublin City |
|
Talbot Senior Ns |
Dublin |
300 |
South Dublin |
|
Scoil N An Croi Ro Naofa |
Dublin |
275 |
South Dublin |
|
An Chroi Ro Naofa Sois |
Dublin |
303 |
South Dublin |
|
St Thomas Senior N S |
Dublin |
380 |
South Dublin |
|
Sacred Heart N S |
Dublin |
464 |
South Dublin |
|
S N Seosamh Na Mbrathar |
Dublin |
113 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Eoin |
Dublin |
126 |
Dublin City |
|
St Philip The Apostle Junior N S |
Dublin |
257 |
Fingal |
|
St Francis Senior N S |
Dublin |
212 |
Dublin City |
|
Lady Of Good Counsel Boys Senior N S |
Dublin |
159 |
Dublin City |
|
St Ronans N S |
Dublin |
412 |
South Dublin |
|
Gaelscoil Phadraig |
Dublin |
105 |
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
|
Belmayne Educate Together National School |
Dublin |
437 |
Dublin City |
|
St Laurence O'Toole's National School |
Dublin |
154 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Ui Chonaill Boys Seniors |
Dublin 1 |
176 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Chaoimhin |
Dublin 1 |
52 |
Dublin City |
|
Sn Naomh Feargal Boys Senior |
Dublin 11 |
157 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Iosagain Boys Senior |
Dublin 12 |
81 |
Dublin City |
|
St Philips Senior N S |
Dublin 15 |
297 |
Fingal |
|
Ladyswell N S |
Dublin 15 |
520 |
Fingal |
|
Darndale Ns Junior |
Dublin 17 |
200 |
Dublin City |
|
Our Lady Immac Sen N S |
Dublin 17 |
203 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Dublin 18 |
327 |
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
|
City Quay Ns |
Dublin 2 |
159 |
Dublin City |
|
Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Sin |
Dublin 24 |
185 |
South Dublin |
|
Scoil Santain |
Dublin 24 |
319 |
South Dublin |
|
St Thomas Junior N S |
Dublin 24 |
345 |
South Dublin |
|
Scoil Chaitlin Maude |
Dublin 24 |
347 |
South Dublin |
|
Holy Rosary Primary School |
Dublin 24 |
288 |
South Dublin |
|
Scoil Bhreandain |
Dublin 5 |
163 |
Dublin City |
|
S N Caitriona Naionain |
Dublin 5 |
222 |
Dublin City |
|
Our Lady Of Consolation Ns |
Dublin 5 |
304 |
Dublin City |
|
St Audoens Ns |
Dublin 8 |
190 |
Dublin City |
|
St. James's Primary School |
Dublin 8 |
251 |
Dublin City |
|
Goldenbridge Convent |
Dublin 8 |
235 |
Dublin City |
|
S N Gort Na Gaoithe |
Galway |
46 |
Galway County |
|
Bushy Park N S |
Galway |
365 |
Galway City |
|
S N Naomh Treasa |
Galway |
34 |
Galway County |
|
St Josephs Special Sch |
Galway |
65 |
Galway City |
|
S N An Chroi Naofa |
Kerry |
253 |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Kerry |
53 |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Pádraig |
Kildare |
60 |
Kildare |
|
Curragh Camp G N S |
Kildare |
70 |
Kildare |
|
Graig Na Manach Buac |
Kilkenny |
75 |
Kilkenny |
|
St Johns Infants N S |
Kilkenny |
222 |
Kilkenny |
|
Barr Na Sruthan N S |
Laois |
61 |
Laois |
|
Mohill N S |
Leitrim |
204 |
Leitrim |
|
Carrigallen N S |
Leitrim |
150 |
Leitrim |
|
Differeen N S |
Leitrim |
39 |
Leitrim |
|
Ballylanders N S |
Limerick |
137 |
Limerick City & County |
|
Our Lady Of Lourdes N S |
Limerick |
161 |
Limerick City & County |
|
St Johns Convent |
Limerick |
274 |
Limerick City & County |
|
St Michaels Ns |
Limerick |
123 |
Limerick City & County |
|
Scoil Iosagain |
Limerick |
195 |
Limerick City & County |
|
Catherine Mc Auley Sp S |
Limerick |
27 |
Limerick City & County |
|
Gaelscoil Sheoirse |
Limerick |
89 |
Limerick City & County |
|
The Sacred Heart Primary N.S. |
Longford |
199 |
Longford |
|
S N Naomh Lorcan |
Louth |
78 |
Louth |
|
S N An Tslanaitheora B |
Louth |
116 |
Louth |
|
S N An Tslanaitheora C |
Louth |
110 |
Louth |
|
Barnatra N S |
Mayo |
22 |
Mayo |
|
S N Realt Na Mara |
Mayo |
53 |
Mayo |
|
S N An Tsraith |
Mayo |
21 |
Mayo |
|
S N Dhumha Thuama |
Mayo |
25 |
Mayo |
|
S N Achaidh An Ghlaisin |
Mayo |
47 |
Mayo |
|
Gaelscoil Na Gceithre Maol |
Mayo |
125 |
Mayo |
|
S N Cholmcille |
Monaghan |
86 |
Monaghan |
|
Scoil Naomh Padraig |
Monaghan |
75 |
Monaghan |
|
St Ciarans Mixed N S |
Offaly |
125 |
Offaly |
|
Scoil Mhuire Agus Chormaic |
Offaly |
108 |
Offaly |
|
S N Lasair Naofa |
Roscommon |
24 |
Roscommon |
|
Ballyforan Mixed N S |
Roscommon |
59 |
Roscommon |
|
St Annes Con N S |
Roscommon |
121 |
Roscommon |
|
Strabaggan N S |
Roscommon |
23 |
Roscommon |
|
St Edwards N S |
Sligo |
129 |
Sligo |
|
Holy Family School |
Sligo |
160 |
Sligo |
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
Tipperary |
259 |
Tipperary |
|
St Colmcilles Primary School |
Tipperary |
100 |
Tipperary |
|
S N Iosef Naofa |
Tipperary |
190 |
Tipperary |
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
Tipperary |
191 |
Tipperary |
|
Presentation Primary School |
Waterford |
337 |
Waterford |
|
Scoil Choill Mhic Thomaisin |
Waterford |
136 |
Waterford |
|
Ballynacargy Mixed N S |
Westmeath |
55 |
Westmeath |
|
St Brigids Spec Sch |
Westmeath |
80 |
Westmeath |
|
Eoin Naofa N S |
Westmeath |
104 |
Westmeath |
|
Gorey Central School |
Wexford |
217 |
Wexford |
|
S N Cul Greine |
Wexford |
114 |
Wexford |
|
S N Fionntain |
Wexford |
173 |
Wexford |
|
St Joseph's N.S. |
Wexford |
84 |
Wexford |
|
S N Mhuire |
Wexford |
83 |
Wexford |
|
St Aidans Parish School |
Wexford |
850 |
Wexford |
|
Bunscoil Ris |
Wexford |
394 |
Wexford |
|
Newtownmountkennedy Primary School |
Wicklow |
343 |
Wicklow |
|
S N Treasa Naomha |
Wicklow |
70 |
Wicklow |
|
St. Peter's Primary School |
Wicklow |
167 |
Wicklow |
|
St Coen's National School |
Wicklow |
249 |
Wicklow |
|
22,906 * |
* The remaining pupils from the extension of the hot school meals to 35,000 pupils are commencing these meals in the 2021/2022 school year.
43. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider the deadline for moving those in receipt of €203 on the pandemic unemployment payment to the jobseeker’s payment specifically for those in industries that have not yet fully opened such as the live entertainment sector until such a time when employment opportunities are readily available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48521/21]
View answerThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced in March 2020 to support employees and the self employed who lost employment due to Covid-19. Expenditure on the scheme is over €8.7 billion.
With the gradual lifting of restrictions, the number of customers receiving PUP has dropped significantly by some 80% from 481,000 in February to over 101,400 this week. It is important in the interests of equity and sustainability to gradually restore standard social welfare terms.
In line with the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, the PUP is gradually changing using a tapered and considered approach over a 6 month period from September 2021 until February 2022 to align it with standard jobseeker’s payments. Changes in the rate of payment were introduced in mid-September with further changes to place from 16th November 2021 and 8th February 2022. As PUP customers go on to the €203 rate, they will be transitioned to standard jobseeker terms.
The process of moving from the lower €203 rate of PUP to a jobseeker’s payment was due to begin in early September. I have deferred this process until after all sectors have started to re-open in line with "Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting". This means that affected customers, including those in the live entertainment sector, will continue to receive their PUP payment until 26th October when the process of their transition to a jobseeker’s payment will begin. The Department has written to all affected customers to outline the details of the transition and the options that will be available to them.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
44. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection the work her Department plans to carry out with employers in order to match persons currently on the live register or on the pandemic unemployment payment with the significant vacancies that are arising in sectors across the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48438/21]
View answerMy Department’s Employer Relations Division (ERD) engages with employers to advise them of the various supports and services provided by my Department to employ jobseekers. This can include providing employers with a bespoke recruitment service to fill job vacancies, where priority is given to job seekers on the live register. They engage with employers daily and can match employer vacancies to Jobseeker and PUP customers. The teams are actively engaged with employers who are facing difficulties filling vacancies at present.ERD hosted its first virtual week long campaign for Intreo Work and Skills Week from 19th to 22nd April 2021. The concept was a tripartite presentation of supports from Government for business and jobseekers with a particular focus on recruitment, skills and learning. In total over the four half day events the total number of persons who attended this on-line event was over 12,400. ERD hosted two large online events on the EU EURES platform, one for the healthcare sector and one for the horticulture sector. There are a further 5 EURES events planned for the remainder of 2021. ERD has also presented at eight events reaching almost an additional 1400 employers, providing information on recruitment and financial supports available to employers to employ unemployed persons. Currently ERD is working in collaboration with IBEC on an event to address labour shortages in October and a further event is planned for early December in relation to disability supports. JobsIreland.ie is the Department’s recruitment website available to both employers and jobseekers. The platform allows employers to post and promote vacancies including posting vacancies across the EU Members States through our EURES service. ERD also works with Activation Case Officers, Job Coaches, and Employer Relations teams in Intreo Offices countrywide. These teams have been engaging directly with employers on an ongoing basis throughout the pandemic, matching suitable vacancies with jobseekers via email notifications, pre-recorded recruitment videos featuring employers, job slots on local radio, and hosting online recruitment events across many sectors of the economy including construction, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, sales and customer service. In June a live online recruitment event was hosted highlighting vacancies in the hospitality sector featuring a number of large employers in the Dublin/Mid-Leinster region. Over 1,000 jobseekers attended the event. The Government's national employment services strategy; Pathways to Work 2021-2025, sets out commitments for further engagement with employers including:
- A National Employer Roadshow is planned to promote supports and incentives available to employers and to encourage employers to avail of schemes and incentives.
- Developing a promotional campaign to increase employer awareness and take-up of the available supports and
- Planning 150 job promotion events each year to showcase employment opportunities.
I trust this clarifies matters.
45. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether persons on illness benefit should be included in the fuel allowance scheme. [48535/21]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €28.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €784 each year) from October to April, to 370,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €300 million in 2021. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The Fuel Allowance payment is paid to social welfare recipients such as pensioners, people with disabilities, lone parents and the long-term unemployed in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income.
The reason Illness Benefit is not a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance is that, in the majority of cases, Illness Benefit is a short-term payment for those who are certified by their GP as needing to take time out from their employment due to illness.
People who are permanently incapable of work may be eligible for the non-means-tested Invalidity Pension, subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria. Those who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition may be eligible for the means-tested Disability Allowance, subject to meeting the relevant medical criteria. Both of these payments are qualifying payments for Fuel Allowance.
Any decision to extend the eligibility criteria for Fuel Allowance to include people in receipt of Illness Benefit or other short term schemes would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
46. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether including PhD stipends and scholarship awards for a PhD from the means test for the one family payment is an active barrier facing students who are parenting alone or heading one parent families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48688/21]
View answerThe social protection system includes a variety of social assistance payments with different rules in relation to means testing, reflecting the different contingencies under which payments are made. The means assessment reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves so that social welfare expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most. 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's Intreo service. In addition, income received from the SUSI grant is disregarded in the means test for most social welfare schemes.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. For disability allowance, the disregard includes any amount of a bursary, scholarship or stipend awarded for completion of Doctoral Degree studies at an approved institution up to a maximum of €20,000 per year.Disregards across all of the Department's schemes are kept under constant review and any changes will be considered in a budgetary context.
48. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection if the income threshold for the fuel allowance for persons with disabilities can be raised in order to reflect the additional cost of living with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48671/21]
View answerThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €28.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €784 each year) from October to April, to over 370,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €300 million in 2021. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance under the household benefits scheme at an estimated cost of €195 million in 2021. The criteria for fuel allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to my Department in as targeted a manner as possible. All recipients of non-contributory payments are accepted as satisfying the means-test for fuel. People who are in receipt of a qualifying contributory payment must also satisfy a means test. Any decision to raising the income threshold for fuel allowance for persons with disabilities would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.My Department does provide additional support to people with disabilities through the household benefits package (HHB). The HHB package comprises the electricity or gas allowance (€35 a month) and the free television licence. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years and over and is also available to people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments including Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension. Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, a heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs. If a recipient of a social protection or HSE payment has exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition which he/she is unable to meet out of household income, that person may apply for a heating supplement. There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. Heating supplements are 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.Exceptional needs payments are also available under the SWA scheme. Exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.The Programme for Government commits the Government to use the research into the cost of disability to individuals and families to properly inform the direction of future policy. My Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out research into the cost of disability in Ireland. The report has been received and my Department is considering it in detail. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
49. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection if further consideration has been given to examination of the thresholds for earning in relation to the qualification for the carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48265/21]
View answerThe Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy. The main income supports provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Over 135,000 carers benefit from regular income supports and spending on these payments in 2021 is expected to be in the region of €1.5 billion. The value of income transfers to family carers has increased by over 50% since 2015.
Carer's Allowance acts as an income support for those who cannot earn adequate income due to their caring responsibilities. This allowance is part of the system of social assistance supports that provide payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most. In August 2021, there were 90,207 recipients of Carer's Allowance. The estimated expenditure for the payment this year is in the region of €953 million. The means test for Carer’s Allowance is one of the most generous in the social protection system, most notably with regard to a spouse's earnings. Currently, €332.50 of gross weekly income is disregarded in the calculation of means for a single person; the equivalent for someone who is married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting is €665 of combined gross weekly income.By comparison, the income disregard applied to Disability Allowance is €140 per week, with income between €140 and €350 assessed at 50%.. For Jobseeker's Allowance, it is €20 per day up to a maximum of €60, and the balance is assessed at 60%. For Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, the weekly income disregard is €165 with 50% of the balance assessed as means.In the case of a couple, a carer may retain a full-rate payment of €219.00 per week while having an annual income of €37,500 from employment, retain a payment of (just under half rate) €109.00 per week while having an annual income from employment of €49,750, and retain the minimum payment of €4 per week while having an annual income of €61,000.In the case of a single person, a carer may retain a full-rate payment of €219.00 while having an annual income of just under €19,000, retain a payment of €109.00 per week (just under half rate) while having an annual income of €25,400, or retain the minimum payment of €4 per week while having an annual income of €31,100. In recognition of the vital role that carers provide in our society, the Carers Support Grant was increased by €150 as part of Budget 2021. It is now payable at the highest rate paid since its introduction.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. Changes to schemes are considered in an overall expenditure and policy context and from an evidence-based perspective. Any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in that context and in the light of available financial resources. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to ensure that Tús and community employment places on schemes are filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47515/21]
View answerMy Department provides a range of employment support schemes including Community Employment (CE) and Tús. These supports are specifically targeted at those people who have been unemployed for 12 months or more. The aim of CE and Tús is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people by providing valuable work experience opportunities. CE also provides training supports for participants.I am aware of the challenges caused by the Covid-19 public health restrictions and the resultant impact on many CE and Tús schemes including on the recruitment of new participants. Where it was safe and in accordance with public health restrictions, some recruitment did continue during the pandemic, albeit on a more limited level than the norm.Minister Humphreys and I have taken a number of measures to support CE and Tús schemes during the course of the pandemic. These ensured participants were able to avail fully of the work experience and training opportunities available under both schemes while enabling schemes maintain local community services. In particular, participants whose contracts were due to come to an end since last October have had their contacts extended on a number of occasions. The latest extension was announced this week and will continue up until February 2022. This will allow further time to increase the number and rate of referrals to fill vacancies. Once normal CE and Tús operations return, it is important that these places are freed up and become available to the newer cohort of long term unemployed, including those whose jobs are permanently lost due to the pandemic. Time spent on PUP will count towards eligibility for CE and Tús. My Department has moved to restore activation services to pre-pandemic levels and is prioritising the referral and recruitment of eligible jobseekers to CE and Tús. At the same time, my Department is considering initiatives to strengthen and further support the referral process from the Intreo Offices to individual CE and Tús schemes. Under Pathways to Work, the Department appointed almost 100 additional dedicated job coaches nationwide, to assist jobseekers in their efforts to return to full time employment. The role of the job coaches includes the referral of eligible jobseekers to CE sponsoring authorities or Tús implementing bodies as appropriate; if participation on these employment supports would be of benefit.In line with Government’s plans for the full re-opening of the economy, under 'Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting’, my priority and the priority of the Department is to have all CE and Tús schemes back providing normal services and supports to their long-term unemployed participants while delivering valuable services to local communities. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
