Written Answers Nos. 200-220
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare, is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35202/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Maynooth.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35203/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Kilcock.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35204/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Clane.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Sallins, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35205/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Sallins.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Leixlip, County Kildare, is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35206/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Leixlip.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Straffan, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35207/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Straffan.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which each school building project in respect of school provision requirements at primary and second level in Prosperous, County Kildare is progressing whether at planning or implementation level in line with the requirements as set out by each school authority and in keeping with previously anticipated deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35208/22]
View answerMy Department utilises a Geographic Information System (GIS) to support its strategic planning for capital investment. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. Most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025 and are being progressed as quickly as possible.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.
There are currently no issues identified which will impact on progression of projects in Prosperous.
The current status of approved projects is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which applications for improved facilities and extension or replacements in respect of rural primary schools throughout north County Kildare have been received by her Department from the various rural school authorities; the extent to which it is expected to be in a position to respond positively to such requests and requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35209/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the schools existing accommodation.
The Department has approved a number projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the following schools in Kildare, the projects are devolved to the school authorities for delivery:
Straffan N.S., Straffan, RN: 18644U - the project brief, which includes accommodation for pupils with special education needs as well as mainstream classroom accommodation has been furnished to the school authority for acceptance.
Presentation Girls' Primary, RN: 00779U - 4 mainstream classrooms, 3 SET rooms and reconfiguration of classrooms for Early Intervention Unit.
S N Cianog Naofa, Coill Dubh, RN:12998C - 1 mainstream classroom and 1 SET room.
St Patrick's NS, Newbridge, RN: 13328I - 1 special education needs base.
Hewetson NS, Clane, RN: 13902O - 6 mainstream classrooms and 1 special education needs base.
Rathangan BNS, Rathangan, RN: 15957D - 4 mainstream classrooms and 1 special education needs base including reconfiguration works for special class purposes.
Almhaine NS, Newbridge, RN: 17567A- 2 SET rooms prefab replacement.
S N Ide, Athy, RN 1750K - 2 special education needs class base.
S N Mhuire, Naas, RN: 18055B - 2 classroom special education needs class base.
S N Baile Mhic Adaim, Longwood, RN: 18092H - 1 mainstream classroom and 1 SET room.
St Conleth's NS, Carbury, RN: 18449W - 1 mainstream classroom (MCR) with interim MCR for Sept 22.
Newtown NS, Kilcock, RN 18650P - 4 mainstream classrooms, 3 SET rooms (1 prefab replacement) and 2 classroom SEN class base.
S N Tir Mochain, Kilcock, RN 18666H - 3 mainstream classrooms (prefab replacement)
S N Cill Daingain, Monasterevin, RN 18675I - 1 SEN class base and reconfiguration works for SEN class.
Scoil Bhríde, Leixlip, RN: 19407L - 2 SEN class base.
An Linbh Iosa, Naas, RN: 19597T - 2 mainstream classrooms, 1 x SET room and 2 SEN class base.
Scoil UÍ Riada, Kilcock, RN: 19897I - 7 x mainstream classrooms and 3 SET rooms.
Scoil Mhuire Allenwood, Allenwood, RN: 20505S - 3 mainstream classrooms, 2 SEN class base and reconfiguration works to existing smaller mainstream classrooms.
The Department has also approved major projects for primary schools in the north Kildare area and these are at various stages of the design and build process, details outlined below:
MERCY CONVENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, Naas RN: 10540T - New Build 32 classroom.
MONASTEREVIN CONVENT, Monasterevin, RN: 15769C - New Build 24 classroom + 2 classroom SEN base.
SCOIL NAISIUNTA NAOMH PHEADAR, Monasterevin, RN: 16707I. New Build 24 classroom + 2 SEN base.
MAYNOOTH BNS, Maynooth, RN: 17341U New Build 24 classroom.
ST CONLETH'S AND MARY'S NS, Newbridge, RN: 17872F New Build 16 classroom + 3 SEN base.
S N CONNLAODH NAOFA, Newbridge, RN: 17873H New Build 16 classroom + 2 SEN base.
SCOIL MHICHIL NAOFA, Athy, RN: 18288B - Extension and refurbishment 28 Classroom.
ST RAPHAEL'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Celbridge, RN: 18988G - New Build 25 classroom.
ST ANNE'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Curragh, RN: 1277B - New Build 16 classroom.
ST MARK'S SPECIAL SCHOOL, Newbridge, RN: 19455W - New Build.
ST PATRICK'S BNS, Clans, RN: 19796C, Clane - New Build 16 classroom + SEN.
SCOIL NAOMH PADRAIG, Leixlip, RN: 20526D - Site Acquisition Process.
GAELSCOIL RUAIRÍ, Maynooth, RN: 20527F - New Build 8 classroom + 2 SEN.
In addition, while the priority in recent years has been the provision of required additional school places, including places for children with special education needs, under Project Ireland 2040 there is an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, including an energy retrofit programme.
Financial provision has been made in the National Development Plan (NDP) for funding support for the refurbishment of schools including retrofit. To prepare the way for this largescale retrofit work, a Pathfinder Partnership Programme has been put in place between my Department and the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The Pathfinder Partnership Programme focuses on supporting energy efficiency retrofit in Primary and Post Primary Schools. These include retrofit improvements for the buildings, test approaches, build best practice and the development of a scalable retrofit model which can be replicated across the public sector.
Where improvements are made, the intent is to optimize improvements concerning fabric and ventilation, improve efficiency of lighting and HVAC systems and deliver space heating by means of renewable heat.
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in the provision of new school and facilities at Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35210/22]
View answerThe permanent accommodation for the post primary school in Enfield is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme which uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
It is intended that the project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be included in the next bundle of projects to proceed to tender later this year.
The Department continues to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs. It is intended that the school will move to suitable interim accommodation on the permanent site for the 2023/24 school year, pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the procedures currently in place or envisaged to combat school bullying in its various forms at primary and second level schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35211/22]
View answerThe Action Plan on Bullying, which was published in January 2013, sets out my Department's approach to tackling bullying and promoting an anti-bullying culture in schools. The Action Plan contains 12 actions that focus on the provision of support for schools, teacher training, research and awareness raising and aims to ensure that all forms of bullying are addressed. A number of these actions have been implemented in full while others, which by their nature involve continuous action, are the subject of ongoing implementation.
As part of the implementation of the Action Plan, anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools, which include a specific reference to cyberbullying, were published at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year. The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils and in dealing with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.
Support and resources in the area of online safety and digital citizenship are provided by Webwise.
Webwise promotes the autonomous, effective and safer use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents/guardians and learners themselves with consistent and relevant messages.
Webwise and PDST Technology in Education are currently developing a new online cyberbullying course which seeks to inform teachers and school leaders about cyberbullying and outlines a school’s role in relation to creating an anti-cyberbullying culture and promoting student wellbeing including online wellbeing. This course aims to provide both primary and post-primary teachers with the knowledge, resources and confidence needed to teach about cyberbullying and deal with cyberbullying incidents as they arise.
There are also extensive training and curricular supports, including through the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), to assist schools in the development of policies and practices on the safe use of the internet and on the prevention of bullying including cyber-bullying.
A new Digital Strategy for schools, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, was published in April. The Strategy will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the new Strategy. The Strategy will continue to work towards ensuring that learners have the opportunity to develop their digital skills so that they can navigate the digital world in a confident and competent manner and that their voices are heard and taken into account in further developments in this area.
As the Deputy may be aware, in February of this year I established a Steering Committee to review the 2013 Action Plan on Bullying. This Steering Committee is chaired externally by Dr. Noel Purdy of Stranmillis University College in Antrim. This review involves significant consultation and collaboration across my Department, with other Government Departments and Bodies including the Ombudsman for Children, and also involves consultation with a broad range of education stakeholders, including parents and students, school management bodies and teacher and school staff unions. The review is taking into account the significant developments and relevant research since the action plan was published in 2013. It is specifically considering cyber bullying, identity bullying and sexual harassment, among other areas.
The review is also giving detailed consideration to the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Joint Committee Report on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health which was published last August.
The Steering Committee consists of senior officials from the Department of Education, including the Inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, representatives of the National Parents’ Council Primary, National Parents’ Council Post-Primary, Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the National Anti-bullying Research Centre in DCU and other external experts and representatives of advocacy organisations which include BelongTo, Webwise, Parentline National Traveller Women’s Forum, Women’s Aid and the Independent Living Movement Ireland. The Steering Committee has held seven meetings to date.
The Anti-bullying procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools is also being reviewed and updated in parallel with this work. A working group comprised of representatives from each of the relevant management bodies and teacher and school staff unions, along with representatives from the National Parents’ Council Primary, National Parents’ Council Post-Primary, Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) and the National Anti-bullying Research Centre in DCU has been established to review the anti-bullying procedures.
210. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures that she is putting in place to make sure all DEIS schools that are entitled to the meals programme will have access to this service in September 2022 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34162/22]
View answerThe 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. In recent years entry to the School Meals Scheme has been confined to DEIS schools in addition to schools identified as having levels of concentrated disadvantage that would benefit from access to the School Meals Programme.
Prior to the introduction of DEIS in 2005, all schools and organisations that were part of one of a number of Department of Education and Skills’ initiatives for disadvantaged schools, which included Breaking the Cycle, Giving Children an Even Break, the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, Home School Community Liaison and the School Completion Programme, were eligible to participate in the programme.
These schools and organisations have continued to remain in the scheme since the introduction of DEIS in 2005 but their level of funding has been capped at the same rate year on year to allow for the concentration of the scheme on DEIS schools.
In Budget 2022, I provided funding of €68.1m for the school meals programme. This provided funding for all DEIS schools currently in the programme and for 81 DEIS schools to commence the hot school meals in 2022. Any provision to extend the programme to the newly added schools to the DEIS programme will need to be considered as part of the budgetary process.
I am committed to continuing to grow the school meals programme, in particular the hot school meals element and building further on the significant extension announced as part of Budget 2022.
In this regard, I have commissioned an evaluation of the school meals programme to be undertaken in 2022 to inform future policy decisions on the scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current payments that are available to assist Ukrainian refugees with various costs including rent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35231/22]
View answerIn accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of the supports and services, including income supports and employment services, provided by my Department. This means that these citizens can work in Ireland and can access social services and the full range of social welfare supports.
The priority for my Department is to make payments as quickly as possible and to put arrangements in place to pay the most appropriate social welfare payment such as Jobseekers, One Parent Family Payment, Working Family payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Disability Allowance or State pension non-contributory to people arriving from Ukraine. A fast-track approach in processing these supports is in place which includes a simplified decision-making process and quick processing of PPSNs to allow access to public services.
As of 26th June the Department of Social Protection has allocated 40,330 Public Personal Service Numbers (PPSNs) to people who have arrived in Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine. Just under 19,980 income support claims have been awarded across various social welfare schemes supporting 34,875 people. Furthermore, 8,415 Child Benefit claims have been processed in respect of 12,487 children.
People may also apply for additional financial supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme which is available through the Community Welfare Service at the local Intreo office. Supports available include Additional Needs Payments and Rent Supplement if appropriate.
The Additional Needs Payment is a payment to help with an expense that cannot be paid from weekly income. It can be paid to people who are working and on a low income or getting a social welfare payment. The type of expenses for which payment can be made include help towards the increased cost of fuel or electricity, assistance towards deposits for private rented accommodation, furniture, bedding and travel to frequent hospital appointments. Up to 25 June 2022 a total of 8,482 of these payments were made to people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive.
Rent Supplement, which is a means-tested payment, is immediately available to qualifying people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. A number of the qualifying conditions have been relaxed for people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive.
Also, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available to meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.
Information is available on the Government website in relation to all the supports available from my Department. This information is also published in the Ukrainian and Russian languages. Interpretive services are also available at the dedicated Ukraine Support Centres in Dublin, Cork and Limerick and can also be accessed at social welfare offices.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
212. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail the full costs of a doubling of the electricity or gas allowance component of the household benefit package for a full year for those not in receipt of the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31245/22]
View answerThe Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. My Department will spend approximately €273 million this year on HHB for over 492,000 customers. The package is generally available to people living in the State aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.
At the end of 2021, the Household Benefits package was paid to some 484,000 recipients and the Fuel allowance to some 375,000 recipients. The number of these households in receipt of both the Household Benefits package and the Fuel Allowance scheme was some 210,000. Based on 274,000 households receiving the increased rate of HHB at an additional yearly cost of €420 per household, the estimated costs of doubling the electricity or gas allowance component of the HHB package for a full year for those not in receipt of the fuel allowance would be in the region of €115 million.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
213. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline further supports that will be made available to lower-income families to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27826/22]
View answerOver the long term, Ireland’s social protection system has performed strongly in protecting our most vulnerable citizens. In 2021, social transfers reduced the at-risk-of-poverty rate from 38.6% to 11.6%. This represents a 70% reduction on the at-risk-of-poverty rate. Ireland is consistently one of the best performing EU countries in reducing poverty through social transfers.
It is through this evidence-based approach that, over the past 10 years, budget measures have both exceeded inflation in that period and have also been targeted to support those most at risk of poverty. This is evident in the recent results of the Survey on Income and Living Conditions which showed welcome reductions in the number of people at risk of poverty or deprivation.
Having said that, the Government is acutely aware of recent price increases and their impact on households who are dependent on social welfare. For this reason, this Government did not await a further budget cycle to address these challenges but acted early. Overall, the tax and spending measures we have introduced to ease the burden and provide support to those most in need have amounted to €2.4 billion.
The Government continues to monitor the situation carefully in preparation for the Budget later this year. I will be meeting a range of NGOs at the Department's pre-budget forum next month and will listen carefully to the views expressed.
This Government has provided timely, targeted support and I will continue to prioritise evidence-based measures aimed at supporting the most vulnerable in our society.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
214. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection if any State or semi-State bodies that report to her are currently or have been registered as a charity; the reason for the charity status; the person or body that holds primacy for accountability in those instances, whether the Minister or the Charities Regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35015/22]
View answerThe bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the national agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services, and for the provision of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). The CIB is a registered charity and has received a charitable tax exemption number (CHY) from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
CIB is accountable to the Minister for Social Protection under the Comhairle Act 2000 (as amended) in relation to is statutory duties.
The CIB is also accountable to the Charities Regulator for its compliance as a charity in accordance with the Charities Act 2009.
Neither the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council nor the Social Welfare Tribunal are currently or have ever been registered as a charity.
215. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for an invalidity pension for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35030/22]
View answerThe person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 28 April 2022. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 14 July 2022. Any arrears due from 28 April 2022 to 13 July 2022 will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on 28 June 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
216. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to support the Monetary Advice & Budgeting Service in dealing with the increased number of persons using its service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35082/22]
View answerThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), a statutory body under the aegis of my Department, is the State’s money advice service and provides assistance to people, in particular those on low income or dependent on social welfare supports, who are over-indebted. As part of its free services, MABS also provides support to those in mortgage arrears and is an administrator of Abhaile - the national State funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.
MABS comprises eight regional companies and each company has the flexibility to allocate resources appropriately in response to emerging customer needs. In addition, clients in a region have access to all MABS services of the region and can contact any money advisor in that region about their case by phone, email, online chat or video conferencing.
The latest MABS data, Quarter 1 2022, shows that while there is an increase in the number of persons using the service compared to 2021 (3,875 new clients compared to an average of 3,333 new clients per quarter last year), the service has still not reached the pre-Covid-19 service levels (average of 4,276 new clients per quarter in 2019).
My Department has allocated €23.54m to MABS for 2022. MABS will continue to be supported and developed through the Citizens Information Board, who are closely monitoring the service and any increase in demands.
218. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure for a divorced person to revert to their original surname; the documentary evidence that is required; and if there is a consistent approach to the matter across all public bodies. [35166/22]
View answerUnder the Irish legal system, a person’s name is the name by which they are known, or commonly use.
That name does not necessarily need to be supported by any documentary evidence though such evidence is often required for a wide range of administrative and legal matters. For most people this evidence is most commonly provided and accepted in the form of a birth certificate, which may be supported by a marriage certificate in the case of a change of name on marriage.
There is no formality prescribed by law for the change of a person’s name or the assumption of another name.
Where a person wishes to change their name as recorded by my Department because of divorce, they must submit divorce agreement documents or correspondence from a solicitor showing that a divorce has been initiated. Their surname will then be updated on the records of my Department.
If the person has been SAFE registered and issued with a Public Services Card, a new Card will issue showing their updated surname. This Card can be accepted as proof of identity when accessing the services provided by a number of public bodies, specified in primary legislation (“specified bodies”).
It is a matter for each specified body, however, to decide whether further evidence of change of name is required in such cases.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
219. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare schemes in respect of which payment rates and rules may be adjusted by way of ministerial order and those requiring amendments to primary legislation, respectively, in tabular form; and the number of recipients and annual spend on each of the schemes. [35172/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, most social welfare payment rates are provided for, and set out in, primary legislation. These statutorily defined schemes account for the vast majority of programme expenditure in my Department. Changes to payment rates on these schemes are provided for by legislative change. This approach acknowledges that it is proper that changes to rates that are set out in legislation passed by the Oireachtas, and affecting many people on an ongoing basis, should be subject to scrutiny by the Oireachtas. In particular, it allows for parliamentary debate as the annual Budget Bill progresses through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
There is, however, provision for some rates to be changed by Ministerial order. Section 292 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 allows the Minister (with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform) to make regulations that vary rates of benefit. This mechanism is used only for temporary changes. It is the mechanism, for example, that is used for payment of the once-off Christmas bonus.
There are also a small number of administrative schemes that are operated by my Department. These include Fuel Allowance, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, Back to Education Allowance, and Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme.
A list of social welfare payments and their corresponding legislative basis is set out in the link. Also included are the number of recipients and the provisional expenditure on each of the schemes in 2021.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to receive requests for assistance under the exceptional needs or supplementary welfare codes; the number received in each case on a weekly and monthly basis over the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35212/22]
View answer224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for emergency payments and hardship payments normally received by her Department and in the course of the past year to date; the extent to which sufficient provision has been made to meet such requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35216/22]
View answer228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she and her Department continue to meet the requirements of persons with insufficient income to meet their ongoing requirements, including cost-of-living requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35220/22]
View answer233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department is in the position to respond to the extra requirements arising from cost-of-living and inflation requirements in the future given the various applications made by persons in various categories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35225/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 224, 228 and 233 together.
The Government is acutely aware of recent price increases and their impact on households who are dependent on social welfare. For this reason, this Government did not await a further budget cycle to address these challenges but acted early. Overall, the tax and spending measures we have introduced to ease the burden and provide support to those most in need have amounted to €2.4 billion.
The Government continues to monitor the situation carefully in preparation for the Budget later this year. I will be meeting a range of NGOs at the Department's pre-budget forum next month and will listen carefully to the views expressed.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. It provides supports and services to help support people on low incomes and facing financial hardship.
The additional needs payment is an overarching term for exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements paid under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Department of Social Protection.
The Government has provided funding of €45.75 million for the provision of exceptional and urgent needs that are provided for as Additional Needs Payment in 2022. A further provision of €5.3 million has been provided for SWA Supplements in 2022 (excluding rent supplement). The scheme is demand led and is funded accordingly. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
An exceptional needs Payment (ENP) is a single payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. An urgent needs payment (UNP) may be made to persons who may not normally qualify for supplementary welfare allowance but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or where an alternative is not available at that time.
Payments 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 in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The Department is developing more extensive statistics in relation to the number of applications made to the ENP/UNP schemes. The focus of the development has been on current data from January 2022 with details on the number of applications available from this date onward. Details of applications pre-January 2022 are not available at this time, however it is possible to provide details on the number of payments that were made.
Table 1 shows the number by category of ENPs and UNPs paid by month for January 2020 to end of May 2022.
Table 2 shows the expenditure by category of ENPs and UNPs paid by month for January 2020 to end of May 2022.
Expenditure by category ENP and UNP
Table 3 shows the number of ENP/UNP applications received/awarded/disallowed to-date in 2022 (end of May).
|
Year |
Received |
Awarded |
Disallowed |
|
2022 (to end of May) |
30,345 |
27,848 |
2,059 |
Note: These figures in tables 1, 2 and 3 are taken from the Department’s ENP/UNP database and represent a snapshot of the ENPs/UNPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. Please note the figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
This represents a snapshot of claim activity taken at 1st June 2022 and is subject to change.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
