James Lawless
Question:551. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9901/22]
View answerSocial Welfare Eligibility
Questions (551)
Written answers
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
To qualify the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
The person concerned applied for CARB on 8th Sept 2021. The claim was disallowed as the person concerned, although providing a level of care and attention, was not providing full-time care and attention as defined in the Carer's Benefit Legislation. The person concerned was notified on 5th Oct 2021 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned appealed this decision and a full time care form was issued to her on 10 Jan 2022 to outline the hours and duties she provided.
New information was received by way of this completed full time care form on 26 Jan 2022 and a review was carried out. Following a review, the decision remained unchanged and the person concerned was notified on 27 January 2022.
The persons' concerned file was forwarded to the Appeals Office on 31 Jan 2022 for consideration.
The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of her appeal in due course.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Questions (552)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:552. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who spent five months on a community employment scheme has been told they will not be entitled to do another scheme for 12 months; if this will be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9902/22]
View answerWritten answers
Community Employment (CE) is a labour market activation programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people with an opportunity to engage in work experience and training opportunities within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
In general CE placements for new entrants aged between 21 and 55 years are for 1 year. As the Deputy may be aware, CE participants who are working towards a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) major award can seek to extend their participation on CE by up to 2 years to enable them to reach the required standard of qualification. CE participants aged 55 years or older can remain on CE for 3 years and do not have to work towards a QQI major award.
The person concerned commenced her CE on 29/07/2019 and her term on the scheme was extended until 22/07/2022. However, the sponsor advised the Department that she left the scheme on 22/09/2021, having completed two years on the programme, to take up employment.
To requalify for Community Employment, the person concerned must be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 12 months.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (553)
Pauline Tully
Question:553. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to recognise fibromyalgia as a condition under which sufferers are entitled to disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9908/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Social Protection provides a range of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability itself but on the extent to which a person’s capacity to work is restricted by illness or disability.
In all cases a deciding officer of my Department makes a decision in line with the provisions specified in the relevant social welfare legislation including supporting medical evidence supplied by the applicant and taking into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (554)
Claire Kerrane
Question:554. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered removing the rule with regard to the supplementary welfare allowance and the general 30-hour eligibility rule given that many low- and middle-income households are struggling with the rising cost of living and that this fund is intended to be available to those who are facing financial difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9937/22]
View answerWritten answers
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) is a demand led scheme acting as a safety net within the overall social welfare system to provide assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. The maximum basic weekly rate of payment from SWA is €206. There are increases available on this rate for adult and child dependents, where applicable.
A number of client categories are specifically excluded in legislation from receiving assistance under the SWA scheme. These include people in full-time work and people in full-time education.
Where a person has commenced employment and is awaiting wages, basic SWA can be paid up to a maximum period of 30 days. Employees with children on low incomes are eligible to apply for to my Department for assistance under the Working Family Payment Scheme.
For persons dependent on income support payments from this department and/or for those working on low incomes, under the SWA scheme a supplement can be awarded to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. In addition, officers can 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. Decisions on ENPs and SWA supplements are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
People in full time employment of 30 hours or more per week, under the minimum wage structure, exceed the SWA basic weekly rate while excluded from some SWA schemes, are eligible to seek assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment under the scheme.
Anyone seeking to make an application for a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance schemes should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. There is also a national Income Support Helpline in place - 0818-800024 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (555)
Claire Kerrane
Question:555. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of successful applications to the supplementary welfare allowance, by month, since October 2021 to date by income bracket (details supplied) in tabular form. [9938/22]
View answerWritten answers
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single exceptional needs payments (ENPs) and urgent needs payments (UNPs).
The basic supplementary welfare allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
Rent supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Under the SWA scheme, a supplement can be awarded to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. In addition, officers can make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Decisions on ENPs and SWA supplements are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Table 1 shows the number of Basic SWA and supplement recipients by month since October 2021.
Table 2 shows the number of Exceptional Needs Payments and Urgent Need Payments paid by month since October 2021.
Information on the household income of these recipients is not collated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - Number of Basic SWA and supplement recipients by month since October 2021
|
- |
End of October 2021 |
End of November 2021 |
End of December 2021 |
End of January 2022 |
|
Basic SWA |
10,737 |
10,679 |
10,824 |
10,523 |
|
Rent Supplement |
14,443 |
13,771 |
13,401 |
12,975 |
|
Other Supplements |
3,764 |
3,741 |
3,698 |
3,643 |
Table 2 - Number of Exceptional Needs Payments and Urgent Need Payments issued by month since October 2021
|
- |
October 2021 |
November 2021 |
December 2021 |
January 2022 |
|
ENPs/UNPs |
4,700 |
5,103 |
4,489 |
3,596 |
School Meals Programme
Questions (556)
John Brady
Question:556. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to carry out a review of the packaging used by the providers of school lunches under the school meals programme to ensure that all packaging is environmentally friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9944/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
My Department provides the funding directly to the schools and organisations, who are then required to procure the provision of the food in compliance with relevant HACCP, Food Safety and Nutritional Standards. The Department does not have any contractual relationship with persons or companies involved in supplying food to schools or organisations.
The method and logistics of supplying the meals, as well as arrangements regarding packaging are addressed between the school and the supplier.
An independent evaluation of the school meals programme is being undertaken. Policy on waste and packaging will form part of this review.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Departmental Communications
Questions (557)
John Brady
Question:557. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection if she uses an application on her official Government telephone; if so, if she has the disappearing messages setting activated on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9967/22]
View answerWritten answers
The application referred to by the Deputy is on my Government phone. The application is used on occasion, usually for transmitting videos for social media use in relation to my Department’s work. The 'disappearing messages' function is not activated.
Departmental Offices
Questions (558)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:558. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons, including many older people, have been forced to queue outside in the cold at a social welfare office (details supplied); the steps she is taking to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9980/22]
View answerWritten answers
My officials in Coolock Intreo Centre have not been made aware by customers of any issues with queues outside the building nor have any complaints been received by my Department.
The Coolock Intreo Centre is located in the Northside Civic Centre, in which a variety of other public service providers including the HSE, MABS and the Citizens Information Centre are based.
There is a building manager in place in the Northside Civic Centre to manage health and safety and other building-related matters on behalf of the tenants. The manager ensures that the number of customers accessing the Northside Civic Centre at any given time enables them to conduct their business in a safe environment. The number of customers seeking access to the Intreo Centre is constantly monitored by management and staff throughout the day. Where necessary, additional resources are provided to avoid increased waiting times for customers.
The nearby Kilbarrack Intreo Centre has been closed since June 2020 due to the necessity to undertake extensive refurbishment building works. The Kilbarrack office is due to re-open in the coming weeks, and this will further assist in reducing the number of the Department’s customers visiting the Northside Civic Centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
State Pensions
Questions (559)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:559. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an overpayment assessment of a State pension (non-contributory) in the case of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10019/22]
View answerWritten answers
Following an investigation by a Social Welfare Inspector, the details of an estimated overpayment of State Pension (Non-contributory) arising from previously undisclosed capital were communicated to the solicitor administering the estate.
The solicitor has been in contact with the Social Welfare Inspector since this communication and has now requested that a formal decision on the overpayment, including a repayment offer, is made by a Deciding Officer in the Department’s Estates Section.
The file, along with all supporting documentation, has been forwarded by the Social Welfare Inspector to Estates Section for their attention and prompt action.
Social Welfare Payments
Questions (560)
Róisín Shortall
Question:560. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability payment for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10021/22]
View answerWritten answers
Following notification from jobseekers allowance (JA) regarding the spouse of the person concerned and their commencement of employment, a review of the disability allowance (DA) was carried out. Departmental records show that both parties are living at the same address.
On 17th August 2021, a request for information regarding their spouse's earnings, which was required in order to carry out a review of their means, was issued to this person . On receipt of the requested information a review was carried out and the person concerned was informed of the decision in writing on 26th August 2021 and of their right to request a review of the decision or to appeal it with the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO).
The person concerned appealed the decision to assess means on their DA to the SWAO stating that their husband was not living with them. On 20 January 2022 their appeal was disallowed as the Appeals Officer found that the evidence does not establish that they are separated or living as separate household units and they were informed of this directly in writing by that office.
Their file has been sent to a social welfare inspector (SWI) for a report on their means and circumstances to be completed. On receipt of this report a further review will be carried out.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (561)
Seán Sherlock
Question:561. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the fuel allowance claim by a person (details supplied) has been disallowed. [10057/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Fuel Allowance Scheme is designed to assist pensioners and other welfare-dependent householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their winter heating needs. The fuel allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses and is not intended to meet them in full. It is means-assessed and is paid only to customers who meet all the qualifying conditions.
The main eligibility conditions for receipt of fuel allowance are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, live alone or with other qualifying persons, and satisfy a means test. The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) and Increase for qualified adult. Currently, the applicant and their spouse can have a combined weekly household income of €120 above the maximum rates for State pension (contributory) and Increase for qualified adult and still be eligible for fuel allowance.
An application for fuel allowance from the person concerned was received on 27 October 2021. According to the records of my Department, the person’s spouse is not in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment in their own right, nor are they a qualified adult on the State pension (contributory) of the person concerned.
Consequently, the person was notified on 5 January 2022 that they do not qualify for fuel allowance as their household includes people who are not eligible for the purposes of fuel allowance. If these circumstances change, it is open to them to reapply for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (562)
Claire Kerrane
Question:562. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the processes that are in place for assessing chronic pain associated with medical conditions such as fibromyalgia with regard to disability supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10059/22]
View answerWritten answers
Assessments of medical eligibility for Disability Allowance (DA) are based on medical reports and other evidence furnished by the applicant and the applicant’s treating physician.
Under Social Welfare legislation , it is a deciding officer (DO) who decides upon any and all questions in relation to a person’s eligibility for DEASP schemes, including DA. In arriving at his or her decision, a DO will review all evidence available to him or her, including that provided by the person’s own doctor. He or she will also have regard to the opinion of the Department’s medical assessor (MA). The Department’s MAs are fully qualified medical practitioners who have experience and specialist training/qualifications in occupational medicine as well as in human disability evaluation. The MA’s assessment and resulting opinion given to the DO is made in accordance with the Department's evidence-based medical guidelines and protocols. These guidelines/protocols are available for viewing on the Department’s website.
It is important to note that the DO is not disputing the person’s diagnosis or treatment but rather is assessing the person’s eligibility for the relevant scheme in accordance with the relevant statutory conditions. Each DO is trained in the principles of decision making and natural Justice. Scheme guidelines are provided to ensure consistency and a standardised approach in decision making. Each DO is familiar with the legal basis for making their decision and comply within these provisions. They act impartially and make decisions based on supporting documentation. If the customer in question is unhappy with this decision she may submit an appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Employment Schemes
Questions (563)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:563. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the remaining service within a service (details supplied) given the tendering process under way for the new local area employment service, which is to replace the existing services provided by the local employment service and job clubs; if her Department still plans to publish a tender for this service; and, if so, the timeframe for the tender. [10099/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 2019 and 2020, the Institute of Employment Studies and Social Finance undertook a review of all contracted employment services, including EmployAbility. The review and proposed changes to the EmployAbility procurement model are under consideration though significant changes is unlikely before contracts starting in 2023.
The review did recommend, amongst other things, competitive procurement, moving from annual to multi-annual contracts and a significant expansion of capacity.
EmployAbility currently operates as a closed tender process, confined to an existing service provider in a particular geographical area. It is only when an existing provider is no longer in a position to provide the contracted service that a new contractor is sought. The Department received legal advice from the CSSO regarding the closed tender process for externally contracted employment services, including EmployAbility. The advice stated that these contractors were obliged to be competitively procured.
Departmental officials visited every EmployAbility service in the State as part of a consultation process in Q4 2019. However, progress towards reforming employment services for people with disabilities was slowed by Covid-19, though there are still plans to examine the current provisions with a view to making them entirely consistent with EU law.
My Department is aware of the key importance of ongoing engagement with this sector before significant changes are undertaken.
Social Welfare Fraud
Questions (564)
Seán Sherlock
Question:564. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will account for a situation that was decided on recently in the courts; and the way that a payment was obtained for so long without verification (details supplied). [10104/22]
View answerWritten answers
The case is one of the most serious incidences of fraud that has been detected in many years. It was the inspectors and seconded Gardaí in my Department who secured this prosecution following an extensive investigation.
My Department uses a range of measures to ensure that fraud is identified, prevented, and minimised. Where it is established that a fraud has occurred, such as in this case, they are pursued in a variety of ways, including by prosecutions through the Courts and recovery of any sums overpaid. In the case referred to I welcome the sentence imposed by the court which will act as a deterrent to others who may deliberately provide false information, fabricate facts or documents, or consistently mislead my Department over a prolonged period.
I would emphasise that my Department has control review processes in place on its state pension schemes which are designed to detect fraudulent encashments. Deaths registered are also monitored with the General Register Office, which is now part of my Department.
My Department regularly reviews the control measures in place across its schemes and continues to improve its control measures based both on the types of fraud and attempted fraud cases detected and using business analytics to inform its control measures. These control processes are subject to regular audits, including by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and are considered to be fit for purpose.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Childcare Services
Questions (565)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:565. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the grants that are available for persons looking to set up a childcare, breakfast club or after-school facility in the community as either a community group or a private operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9090/22]
View answerWritten answers
The works eligible for capital funding are determined by my Department on an annual basis, having regard to the needs of children, families and providers, and to Departmental priorities.
During the 2021 budgetary process, an initial €8.3m was provided for capital funding. A further €2.2m was secured in capital carryover bringing total capital funding available to €10.5m in 2021. The upgrading of the fire safety measures in existing early learning and childcare services was the key objective of the 2021 Capital Programme, with €10.5 million available funding.
During 2021, my Department successfully secured €70m in the revised National Development Plan (NDP) allocation. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during 2023-2025. Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars: Modernisation, New Capacity and First 5 Initiatives.
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase. In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives: First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, access to affordable early learning and childcare is inherently linked to creating an equitable society, sustainable communities and a thriving economy. Early learning and childcare provision is therefore considered under the National Development Plan, along with housing, schools and health facilities as an integral part of national infrastructure.
Capital funding has been reduced in 2022 to €0.5m as my Department focusses on the preparation of distribution of NDP funding from 2023 onwards. This will include setting eligibility criteria, designing and developing the application process, and establishing approval criteria. This 2022 allocation is for Childminding and Parent and Toddler Groups, who maintain 2021 allocations. In addition, my Department has secured some €750k of unspent 2021 capital funding which will be carried into 2022. This funding will be made available to provide financial assistance to providers to comply with fire safety regulations.
Further information on the Department’s NDP allocation and the application process will be communicated to the sector in the near future. The Department advises the service to contact their local CCCs, who will provide information on future capital supports when it becomes available.
Departmental Funding
Questions (566)
Seán Sherlock
Question:566. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will develop a specific fund for local authorities to develop and improve playgrounds in their area on a multi-annual basis. [9144/22]
View answerWritten answers
My department has administered the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation every year since 2013. The Scheme provides support for the development of new play and recreation facilities and the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and / or incorporating natural play elements. A key criteria of the Scheme is that facilities funded are accessible to all children.
The Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation is run in conjunction with each of the 31 Local Authorities; via the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network (LAPRN). This approach is taken to allow each Local Authority to assess and prioritise needs in their area and to enhance the level of accountability under this grant heading.
The allocation for the Scheme in 2022 is €450,000, calls for applications have issued to all Local Authorities, the closing date for return of applications is 8th March 2022.
The scheme and fund will be reviewed in 2022.
Children in Care
Questions (567)
Patrick Costello
Question:567. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will order a review of the foster care committee to ensure its procedures are in line with HIQA guidelines. [9152/22]
View answerWritten answers
The National Foster Care Committee, Policy, Procedures and Best Practice Guidance was developed in 2012 and reviewed and updated in 2017. It was written to reflect the requirements of the National Standards for Foster Care, 2003.
The document sets out:
- Policy and procedures for the operation of Foster Care Committees nationally.
- Policy, best practice guidance and information for social workers and others whose duty it is to prepare and submit documentation to Foster Care Committee.
The National Foster Care Committee Policy, Procedures and Best Practice Guidance is due for review in 2022 and it is anticipated that this review will commence in Q3/ Q4 2022.
Children in Care
Questions (568)
Patrick Costello
Question:568. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will reform the foster care review programme whereby Tusla requires foster carers to pay for their own medical examination. [9153/22]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla have confirmed that they are currently reviewing the Foster Care Review process. As part of the consultation process the matter of costs for medical examinations has arisen.
Tusla have advised that new guidance in respect of foster care will ensure that all foster carers subject to a medical examination will be reimbursed their expenses or their expenses will be paid by Tusla. Tusla anticipate that this work will be completed by Q2 2022.
As an interim measure and pending the completion of this review, Tusla have advised that the costs of medical examinations for foster carers are to be reimbursed.
Child Protection
Questions (569)
Patrick Costello
Question:569. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of private family care arrangements from 2015 to date. [9154/22]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla does not collate data on arrangements where families, even in consultation with Tusla, establish an alternative temporary care arrangement within their family or family network. However, data is published by Tusla on children who are in receipt of family support, children who are in ongoing child protection safety planning processes and children who are in the formal care of the State.
Childcare Services
Questions (570)
Cathal Crowe
Question:570. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that has been made towards addressing the inadequate level of pay for creche workers as provided for in Budget 2022. [9208/22]
View answerWritten answers
I firmly believe that the level of pay in the sector should reflect the value of the work that early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners do for children, for families, for society and the economy. The most recent available data indicates the average hourly wage for non-managerial staff in the sector in 2021 was €12.60, with many staff working part-time or on temporary contracts. I am very conscious of the need for significant improvement in both pay and conditions of employment.
As the Deputy is aware, the State is not the employer, and my Department does not set wage levels nor determine working conditions for staff in the sector. However, I am doing all that is in my power to address the issue.
In particular, I began a process in December 2020 to examine the possibility of regulating pay and conditions and the suitability of a Joint Labour Committee for the sector. This process culminated in the establishment of a Joint Labour Committee, which began meeting in December 2021.
Supported by the new Core Funding stream I announced in Budget 2022, there is now a real prospect of improvement in pay rates through the Joint Labour Committee. The scale of allocation under the new Core Funding stream - which is €69m in 2022 and equivalent to more than €207m in a full year - will, among a number of objectives, enable providers to meet the conditions that may be be set in an Employment Regulation Order.
In addition, in December 2021, I published "Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028", which includes commitments to develop career pathways, promote careers in the sector, and strengthen supports for continuing professional development, which will complement efforts to improve pay and conditions of employment in the sector.