Written Answers Nos. 579-605
579. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has proposals to enable artists with disabilities to practice their creativity without losing their disability supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37609/22]
View answerMy Department provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability.
There is a range of benefits available to people who make Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Entitlement to such benefits is dependent on the individual's social insurance contribution record, the class of social insurance paid as well as satisfying other qualification criteria. Invalidity Pension is one such, non means tested, income support.
A person who has an insufficient PRSI contribution record may apply for the appropriate means-tested social assistance scheme. The application of the means test not only ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need but that resources are targeted to those with greatest need. Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are two means tested social assistance schemes, which are also subject to a medical assessment and habitual residency requirement.
It is important to note however that within the schemes a number of disregards apply, for the purpose of the means test; these include:
- Both the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension schemes are structured to support recipients to pursue employment opportunities, be that self-employment or insurable employment. In the means test, both schemes have an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, 50% of earnings between €140 and €375 are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
- Capital disregards apply for both schemes.
- There are also a range of other services and grants available to support people with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities, these include for example, the workplace equipment adaptation grant (WEAG).
My Department regularly reviews its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives, while any proposed changes have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
580. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the schools at all levels in Dublin south west that avail of the school meals programme. [37622/22]
View answerThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,800 schools and organisations benefitting 290,000 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 €68.1 million has been provided for the scheme in 2022.
Details of the schools at all levels in Dublin south west that currently avail of the school meals programme are provided in table 1 of the tabular statement.
Details of all new DEIS schools in Dublin south west who have access to the programme from September 2022 are provided in table 2 of the tabular statement.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Tabular Statement
Table 1: Schools in Dublin South West in the school meals programme July 2022
|
School Roll Number |
School Name |
Address Line 1 |
Address Line 2 |
County |
|
19438W |
Scoil Colmcille Senior |
Coolevin |
Ballybrack |
Co. Dublin |
|
19502F |
Scoil Aenghusa Jun Ns |
Balrothery |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19520H |
St Josephs Special Sch |
Balrothery |
Tallaght |
Dublin 24 |
|
19576L |
S N Aenghusa |
SCOIL N AENGHUSA SIN |
BALROTHERY |
DUBLIN |
|
19577N |
Scoil Iosa |
Tymon Road |
Tallaght |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
19582G |
Tallaght Community National School |
Kilclare Avenue |
Jobstown |
Dublin |
|
19641T |
Scoil Cholmcille Junior Ns |
Coolevin |
Ballybrack |
Co. Dublin |
|
19646G |
Scoil Santain |
Bóthar Na Habhann Móire |
Tamhlacht |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
19652B |
An Chroi Ro Naofa Sois |
Killinarden |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19693P |
Mary Queen Of Ireland N S |
Toberburr |
Dublin |
|
|
19702N |
St Thomas Junior N S |
Fortunestown Road |
Tallaght |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
19723V |
Queen Of Angels Primary School |
Wedgewood |
Dundrum |
DUBLIN |
|
19765O |
St Thomas Senior N S |
Jobstown |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary Primary School |
Old Court Avenue |
Tallaght |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
19922E |
Our Ladys N S |
St Columbanus |
Milltown |
DUBLIN |
|
19924I |
Harolds Cross N S |
Clareville Road |
Harold'S Cross |
DUBLIN 6W |
|
19960M |
St Johns N S |
Church Road |
Ballybrack |
Dublin |
|
19979K |
St Kevins N S |
Pearse Street |
Sallynoggin |
Co. Dublin |
|
20010O |
St Roses Special School |
Balrothery |
Tallaght |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
20056P |
Gaelscoil Phadraig |
Ascaill Shíleann |
Baile Breac |
DUBLIN |
|
20422O |
Scoil Aoife Cns |
Citywest Drive |
Citywest |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
60262T |
St Laurence College |
Loughlinstown |
Dublin 18 |
|
|
70021D |
Coláiste De Híde |
Br Chaisleáin Thigh Mótháin |
Tamhlacht |
DUBLIN 24 |
|
91305L |
Ballinteer Community School |
Broadford Road |
Ballinteer |
DUBLIN 16 |
|
91310E |
Cabinteely Community School |
Johnstown Road |
Cabinteely |
DUBLIN 18 |
|
91330K |
Holy Child Community School |
Pearse St |
Sallynoggin |
Co. Dublin |
|
91332O |
St Marks Community School |
Cookstown Rd |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
91335U |
Tallaght Community School |
Balrothery |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
91337B |
Killinarden Community School |
Killinarden |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
Table 2: New DEIS Schools in Dublin South West with access to School Meals Programme from September 2022
|
School Roll number |
School Name |
Address Line 1 |
Address Line 2 |
County |
|
19390U |
ST MARKS SEN NS |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19472W |
ST MARKS JUNIOR MIXED |
Springfield |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
19541P |
BELGARD HEIGHTS N S |
Cookstown Road |
Tallaght |
Dublin |
|
20056P |
GAELSCOIL PHADRAIG |
Ascaill Shíleann |
Baile Breac |
Dublin |
581. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to disregarding grant and project-based funding as means-tested income for the disability allowance and the blind pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36971/22]
View answerMy Department provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. There is a range of benefits available to people who make Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Entitlement to such benefits is dependent on the individual's social insurance contribution record, the class of social insurance paid as well as satisfying other qualification criteria relevant to the scheme. The Invalidity Pension is an example, of one such income support.
A person who has an insufficient PRSI contribution record to qualify for a social insurance benefit/pension may apply for the appropriate means-tested social assistance scheme. This system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring. The application of the means test not only ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need but that resources are targeted to those with greatest need.
Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are means tested social assistance schemes, which are also subject to a medical assessment and habitual residency requirement.
It is important to note that within the schemes a number of disregards apply, for the purpose of the means test; these include:
- Both schemes are structured to support recipients to pursue employment opportunities, be that self-employment or insurable employment. In the means test, both schemes have an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, 50% of earnings between €140 and €375 are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
- Capital disregards apply for both schemes.
- Disregards are in place for both schemes were a person is granted a bursary, stipend or scholarship towards completing a PhD. This is subject to an annual limit of €20,000 (i.e., if a recipient gets more than one bursary, the combination cannot exceed €20,000) and is available for a maximum of four years.
- In addition, income received from the SUSI grant is disregarded in the means test for most social welfare schemes.
- The Department also supports all social welfare recipients to avail of education and training opportunities through its Back to Education scheme, as well as by referrals to further education and training opportunities through its Intreo service.
- In addition, there are a number of other scholarships, such as those awarded by certain charitable organisations, which are not assessed as part of the means test for any social welfare payment. These include payments under the 1916 Bursary Fund and under Higher Educational Scholarships for Adult Learners from Uversity.
Finally it is worth noting that, under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion and Pathways to Work strategies, my Department has committed to developing and consulting on a strawman proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. The main objectives are to simplify the system, remove anomalies, recognise the continuum of disabilities and to support employment. Work is underway by officials on the ‘strawman’ with a public consultation to commence in due course.
My Department regularly reviews its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives, while any proposed changes have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
582. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if a child who is in receipt of the disability allowance and who is still in full-time secondary education will qualify for the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance given that children will likely not be considered for qualified child increase through their parents if they are in receipt of disability allowance themselves and that school children over 16 years do not qualify for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36992/22]
View answerThe Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.
To qualify for the allowance a person must meet a number of conditions namely:
- The child must meet the age criteria.
- The applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and getting an increase in that payment for the qualified child (except in certain circumstances) in the period 1 June to 30 September.
- The assessable income for the household must be within prescribed limits.
- The applicant and the child (or children) in respect of whom the allowance is claimed must be resident in the State.
Children who are in receipt of social protection payments in their own right, for example Disability Allowance, will not meet the qualifying criteria for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment.
Applications which fall outside the normal rules of the scheme may be considered for an additional needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme by the Community Welfare Service (CWS).
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment under the is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National CWS Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
583. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the action that she will take regarding persons (details supplied) who are in receipt of the disablement benefit not being eligible for the fuel allowance given that they are still under the means test limit considering the current cost of fuel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37014/22]
View answerThe criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to the Department in as targeted a manner as possible. This ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment goes to those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
Disablement Benefit is a benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme. It can be paid to a recipient who suffers a loss of physical or mental faculty because of an accident at work, an accident travelling directly to or from work, or a prescribed disease contracted at work. The contribution requirements for the scheme are minimal when compared to other Departmental benefit schemes.
People in receipt of Disablement Benefit (without another social welfare payment) can work full or part time and continue to receive the Benefit Payment – in other words, they are not prevented from generating additional income.
Disablement Benefit is paid at the same time as most social welfare payments including Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, State Pension and One-Parent Family Payment. It is not considered as means for most social welfare means-assessed schemes except for Fuel Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowance or Working Family Payment.
Incapacity Supplement is an increase payable in addition to Disablement Benefit where a person is considered to be permanently incapable of work as a result of an occupational accident or disease and does not qualify for another Social Welfare benefit such as Illness Benefit. This Incapacity Supplement is a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.
Therefore, while Disablement Benefit on its own is a disqualifying payment for Fuel Allowance because a person may continue to or take up work, or may receive another social welfare payment in parallel, qualification for Incapacity Supplement in addition to Disablement Benefit qualifies that recipient for Fuel Allowance (subject to satisfying all other qualifying criteria).
I have asked officials in my Department to prepare a report reviewing the treatment of Disablement Benefit under the Fuel Allowance scheme. This report has now been finalised and the report's contents and recommendations will be considered in the context of the upcoming budget.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
584. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that her Department received for disability-related social welfare payments in 2021 and 2022; the number that were successful; the number that were eligible based on medical grounds but were refused based on means testing requirements; and application outcome in tabular form by year. [37029/22]
View answerMy Department does not have all the information requested by the Deputy. The tables below outline the number of applications received, awarded and rejected in 2021 and to end May 2022 for the main disability related social welfare schemes.
Table 1: Claims registered for the main disability related social welfare schemes
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 (to end May) |
|
Disability Allowance |
20,599 |
9,961 |
|
Blind Pension |
85 |
42 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
9,121 |
4,304 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
8,679 |
3,677 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
443 |
179 |
Table 2: Claims awarded for the main disability related social welfare schemes
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 (to end May) |
|
Disability Allowance |
13,298 |
5,301 |
|
Blind Pension |
24 |
23 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
5,766 |
3,340 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
5,418 |
2,691 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
68 |
85 |
Table 3: Claims disallowed for the main disability related social welfare schemes
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 (to end May) |
|
Disability Allowance |
13,989 |
5,809 |
|
Blind Pension |
50 |
16 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
2,566 |
1,497 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
4,197 |
1,668 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
202 |
121 |
585. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of providing an additional €10 per week payment to all recipients of disability-related social welfare payments by payment type and as a total in tabular form. [37030/22]
View answerThe estimated full year costs of providing an additional €10 per week payment to recipients of a disability or illness related payment with a proportionate increase for qualified adults are shown in the table below.
|
Scheme |
Cost (€m) |
|
Disability Allowance |
87.2 |
|
Illness Benefit |
26.1 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
32.4 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
1.1 |
|
Injury Benefit |
0.4 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
0.5 |
|
Disablement Pension |
2.5 |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
0.6 |
|
Total |
150.8 |
These costings are based on the estimated number of recipients in 2022 and are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients.
586. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37033/22]
View answerThe person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum rate Carers Allowance. This allowance can be paid concurrently with certain social welfare payments where the qualifying conditions for both schemes are satisfied.
The person concerned reached pension age on 18 March 2022. An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 24 May 2022. According to the records of my Department, they have a contribution record of 371 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As these contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for standard State pension (contributory). If the person concerned considers they have contributions from employment that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to my Department
The person concerned may wish to consider applying for State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. The maximum personal rate is approximately 95% of the maximum rate of contributory pension.
It is also open to them to apply for a Qualified Adult allowance on their spouses pension. This rate is equivalent to approximately 90% of the maximum rate of state pension An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where an applicant qualifies for either of these payments, the applicant would be entitled to receive the payment with the Carers Allowance paid at half the weekly rate.
I have arranged for application forms for State Pension non-contributory and Increase for Qualified Adult to issue to the person concerned along with a copy of their insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
587. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the development of a new model for employment services; the engagement that had taken place with existing providers of local employment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37039/22]
View answer634. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection when her Department expects to announce the successful applications for the recent employment services tender considering the expected timeframe is overdue and current providers will have a very short timeframe to wind down if unsuccessful in their application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37764/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 634 together.
My Department is currently at an advanced stage in significantly expanding our public employment services. In particular, specialised employment services for those farthest from the labour market - previously available in just twelve counties - will soon be available State-wide for the first time.
In the first phase of this procurement, contracts for Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services were agreed in late 2021 across four lots in seven counties in the Midlands and North-East. These new services have been operational and accepting referrals since early this year.
Phase two of this process is expected to be concluded shortly. The procurement of phase 2 of the Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Services commenced with the publication of the request for tender on 21 December last. Phase 2 took on board learnings from the phase 1 procurement including, for example, a substantial increase in guaranteed minimum annual referral numbers, enhanced requirements for social and community links and an increase in the number of lots.
This procurement process was preceded by extensive consultation with all stakeholders, including the community sector providers and their representative body, the ILDN. Each existing provider was visited on site by my officials and asked for their views on the way forward for the best provision of employment services and there has also been engagement with the staff representative bodies. In addition, the external consultants engaged by the Department to assist in the restructuring of these services also consulted with existing providers.
My Department extended the deadline for the Requests for Tenders to 25 April to ensure all interested parties, including the community sector, had sufficient time to prepare quality tender responses that reflect their experience and capacity to deliver a quality service.
When this procurement process is completed, the preferred bidders will be promptly contacted and engaged with a view to signing contracts and establishing new services at the earliest opportunity.
The Deputy will understand that I am not and cannot be directly involved in the procurement process.
588. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of extending child benefit to 18-year-olds who are still in secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37106/22]
View answer593. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of extending child benefit to 18-year-olds who are still in secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37141/22]
View answer609. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of expanding child benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education. [37310/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 588, 593 and 609 together.
The estimated cost of extending Child Benefit to 18-year olds in secondary school is €61.5m.
This costing is based on the estimated school enrolment numbers and is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revisions.
Any extension of Child Benefit would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
589. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the consideration that was given to facilitating persons with disabilities who may have issues with getting their photograph taken for example a visually impaired person who cannot look directly into the camera or may not be able to stay still, to use the online system for applying for a public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37114/22]
View answerMy Department has introduced an online service which allows customers with verified MyGovID accounts to renew their Public Services Cards (PSCs) through the MyWelfare.ie service without having to attend an appointment in one of our offices.
Customers are requested to submit a passport quality photograph which must be verified by software before the application can be accepted. This verification is carried out to ensure the photograph complies with standards similar to those required when applying for a passport.
It is acknowledged that some customers may, for various reasons, have difficulty submitting a compliant photograph using this service but my Department has always provided a multi-channel approach to service provision and any customers who experience difficulties renewing their PSC online can arrange an appointment to have their photograph taken at one of our offices.
My Department continues to review its channels for delivery of its services for all customers, including those with special requirements.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
590. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are available for self-employed persons who become ill and cannot continue to work or claim illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37117/22]
View answerMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.
Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who cannot work due to illness of any type and are covered by social insurance.
Self-employed people who make PRSI contributions at Class S do not qualify for Illness Benefit. This is due to the fact that Class S contributions to the Social Insurance Fund are made at a lower rate of 4%. In order to qualify for Illness Benefit people must have made the required number of contributions under Class A, E, H or P.
There has been an extensive expansion of access to the range of social insurance benefits for self-employed contributors in recent years without any increase in the 4% rate of contribution made by them. In effect, self-employed contributors, in return for a contribution of 11 percentage points lower than the combined employer and employee contribution of 15.05% made in respect of employed contributors, have access to benefits which comprise over 90% of the value of all benefits available to employed contributors.
Where all qualification criteria are satisfied, Class S PRSI gives access to Adoptive Benefit, Guardian's Payment (Contributory), Invalidity Pension, Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), Maternity Benefit, Parent's Benefit, Partial Capacity Benefit (where in receipt of Invalidity Pension), Paternity Benefit, State Pension (Contributory), Treatment Benefit, and Widows, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension.
The benefits to which class S PRSI does not provide access are Carer's Benefit, Health and Safety Benefit, Illness Benefit, and Occupational Injuries Benefits.
Self-employed people may qualify for long-term payments Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension if they satisfy all eligibility criteria.
Disability Allowance is a social assistance payment for people with a disability who are aged 16-66 and are resident in the state. Applicants are subject to medical and means assessments.
Invalidity Pension is a social insurance payment for people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability. Eligibility is based on PRSI contribution record, this payment is not means-tested. Applicants are, however, subject to a medical assessment.
Although self-employed people are not usually eligible for Illness Benefit, an exception was made in relation to Covid-19 enhanced Illness Benefit, primarily as a public health measure. The purpose of this payment is to encourage people to not go to work due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation.
Apart from these income supports, my Department provides means tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for illness and disability payments. An Additional Needs Payment is also available to people who have expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
My Department keeps its income supports under review in order to make sure they meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
591. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer to establish a cross-education and employment system in keeping with universal design principles with which autistic people and disabled people can register at any stage of their education or career if they have a proof of their disability or if they are considering or in the process of pursuing a diagnosis in order that they can easily carry over supports between different life stages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37121/22]
View answerThe development of services and policies to prevent social exclusion and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities operates through a cross government framework which includes relevant departments, agencies and, importantly, disability sector representatives, under a number of key national strategies and action plans. The two main national strategies in this area are the National Disability Inclusion Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is the lead Department with regards to both of these strategies.
In addition, on 10 June, Minister of State Rabbitte, launched an open call for Expressions of Interest to join the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. This announcement followed the launch of an initial public consultation on the Autism Innovation Strategy, which took place from 29 April 2022 to 30 May 2022. The Oversight and Advisory Group’s main role will be to oversee implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy which aims to accelerate Ireland's journey towards becoming an autism-inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly society. Full details are available on Gov.ie.
The Department of Social Protection provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
In addition, the Department also provides a wide range of employment services and supports to assist jobseekers and existing employees with disabilities, and to incentivise employers in the private sector to both recruit (and support existing) employees with disabilities.
592. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of job coaches employed to support disabled jobseekers as a way of improving access to the labour market; the estimated cost for the relevant Department or State agency to recruit a job coach; and the amount allocated to her Department to spend on job coaches. [37139/22]
View answerMy Department provides a wide range of services and supports to assist jobseekers with a disability to find work and to incentivise employers to recruit them and support them in employment, including access to the public employment service.
My Department provides a case-managed employment service to all jobseekers, including those with disabilities, who seek support from their local Intreo Centre. Participation by jobseekers is wholly voluntary.
There are currently 25 Employment Services Officers, 272 Employment Personal Advisors (Higher Executive Officers) and 96 Job Coaches (Executive Officers).
Jobseekers with a disability who wish to avail of the service work with an Employment Personal Advisor with a view to agreeing a suitable personal progression plan in order to access the full range of employment supports available with the aim of supporting the person into sustainable employment. If the person would like to explore education and training options, there are a wide range of opportunities available with mainstream and specialist training providers. Funding is also available through the Training Support Grant to help the person to access private sector training providers.
Once the personal progression plan is agreed, Employment Personal Advisors/Job Coaches continue to work with the person to support them along a pathway to employment.
My Department also contracts for the provision of Local Area Employment Services. Providers deliver a case-managed employment service for all jobseekers, including those with disabilities, who avail of the services.
Employment programmes such as Community Employment and the Work Placement Experience Programme provide valuable stepping stones into sustainable employment. My Department also contracts AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) to deliver the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) and ‘Get Ahead’ Programmes on its behalf. These programmes provide paid work experience and other supports for graduates with disabilities seeking to enter or re-enter employment.
As part of our commitments under the Pathways to Work Strategy and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy, my Department is shortly to commence an early engagement approach that will see the Intreo service proactively engaging with persons with a disability, to offer support and assistance to help them enter or return to employment. The process will initially focus on persons aged 18 to 22 and in receipt of Disability Allowance, before being expanded to other age groups and schemes.
I recognise the additional challenges that some jobseekers with disabilities may experience in securing and maintaining employment, and my Department also contracts for the provision of specialist employment services (EmployAbility) to help address this. A jobseeker with a disability who is working with their Intreo case officer (or LEAS provider) may be referred to these service providers if it is agreed that they would benefit from the type of services and support provided. Jobseekers work with a Job Coach who provides both pre-employment and in-employment support and assistance.
There are no directly associated costs in hiring Job Coaches in my Department as these posts are filled from existing, internal staffing resources. Job Coaches are filled at Executive Officer level. The most recently updated Executive Officer salary scale is outlined in Circular 04/2022, available on Gov.ie.
A budget amount has not been allocated specifically to the Department for Job Coaches. These positions are paid for through the Department’s overall staffing budget.
Question No. 593 answered with Question No. 588.
594. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients by each core social protection scheme, disaggregated by payment type. [37150/22]
View answerThe number of recipients of the core Department of Social Protection schemes, broken down by payment type, is available in the table below. The table shows those that received at least one payment in June 2022, broken down by the payment method of their last payment in that month. Schemes with more than 1,000 recipients in June 2022 are included in the table.
Table 1: Recipients of main Department of Social Protection schemes, by payment type
|
Cheque |
Bank Transfer (EFT) |
Post Office (EIT) |
Total |
|
|
Back To Work Enterprise Allowance |
0 |
2,892 |
13 |
2,905 |
|
Back to Work Family Dividend |
0 |
2,949 |
0 |
2,949 |
|
Blind Persons Pension |
0 |
705 |
304 |
1,009 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
24 |
60,208 |
31,119 |
91,351 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
0 |
3,379 |
192 |
3,571 |
|
Child Benefit |
142 |
544,013 |
97,340 |
641,495 |
|
Daily Expenses Allowance |
14 |
476 |
4,070 |
4,560 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
2 |
1,995 |
2,817 |
4,814 |
|
Diet Supplement |
526 |
402 |
396 |
1,324 |
|
Disability Allowance |
198 |
95,963 |
60,932 |
157,093 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
1,232 |
12,245 |
613 |
14,090 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
10 |
40,202 |
7,747 |
47,959 |
|
Exceptional Needs Payment |
1,406 |
1,738 |
5,002 |
8,146 |
|
Working Family Payment |
0 |
47,464 |
125 |
47,589 |
|
Guardians Payment (Contributory) |
0 |
799 |
418 |
1,217 |
|
Household Benefits |
2 |
164,138 |
65,866 |
230,006 |
|
Illness Benefit |
3,834 |
80,792 |
919 |
85,545 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
38 |
49,026 |
8,876 |
57,940 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
2,260 |
56,812 |
89,258 |
148,330 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
952 |
35,383 |
21,201 |
57,536 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self Employed |
0 |
554 |
545 |
1,099 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
29 |
20,023 |
0 |
20,052 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
8 |
27,109 |
15,408 |
42,525 |
|
Parent's Benefit |
11 |
8,310 |
0 |
8,321 |
|
Part Time Job Incentive for the Self Employed |
3 |
1,187 |
3 |
1,193 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
12 |
3,334 |
30 |
3,376 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
23 |
2,159 |
0 |
2,182 |
|
Rent Supplement |
426 |
8,237 |
1,879 |
10,542 |
|
Carer's Support Grant |
175 |
86,900 |
34,134 |
121,209 |
|
State Pension Contributory |
680 |
376,818 |
117,365 |
494,863 |
|
State Pension Non Contributory |
254 |
47,021 |
48,337 |
95,612 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
511 |
5,122 |
8,658 |
14,291 |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
110 |
81,524 |
43,135 |
124,769 |
|
Widows Non Contributory Pension |
0 |
620 |
507 |
1,127 |
595. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of reintroducing the State pension transition payment at the weekly standard state pension rate of €253.30; and the estimated full-year cost of increasing this payment rate by €1. [37153/22]
View answerWhen the State Pension (Transition) existed, it was a scheme which allowed those who were retired to receive a transitionary payment between the ages of 65 and 66 years. The maximum personal rate was equivalent to the then maximum rate for the State Pension (Contributory). Eligibility was based on PRSI contributions and credits and payments were calculated based on the Yearly Averaging approach. PRSI Class S contributions (self-employed) were not reckonable for the State Pension (Transition).
It is important to note that the conditions and eligibility requirements for State Pension (Transition) were different to and more arduous than those for the State Pension (Contributory). For example, a person had to have a minimum average of 24 contributions per annum to be eligible for State Pension (Transition) whereas an average of 10 contributions per annum is required for State Pension (Contributory) eligibility. In addition, recipients of State Pension (Transition) were not eligible for Free Travel, the Household Benefits Package (electricity, gas, TV licence) or Living Alone Allowance. Furthermore, the State Pension (Transition) scheme had a retirement condition whereas the State Pension (Contributory) did not.
Since the State Pension (Transition) scheme ceased with effect from 1 January 2014, very significant amendments have been made to the State Pension (Contributory) scheme, including the introduction of the interim Total Contributions Approach and the availability of Homecaring Periods. As a consequence of these changes, applicants for the State Pension (Contributory) are assessed under the Yearly Averaging system and the interim Total Contributions Approach and awarded on the basis of the most beneficial calculation.
While it would be possible to estimate the potential cost of reintroducing the State Pension (Transition) on the exact same legislative basis as it previously existed (which included specific rate-band structures and a yearly average method of payment calculation), it would not be possible to reintroduce it on that basis because of the changes set out above. Therefore, introducing such a scheme would require significant design changes to the previous State Pension (Transition) to modernise it in line with the Total Contributions Approach method of payment calculation and the availability of Homecaring Periods. As no such design work has been done, it is not possible to estimate the cost as requested.
In February 2021, I introduced the "Benefit Payment for 65 year olds" in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to provide a benefit payment for people who are aged 65 and who are required to retire, or who choose to retire, without a requirement to sign on, engage in activation measures or to be available for and genuinely seeking work. This new payment was designed specifically to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at 65 years of age but who do not qualify for the State Pension until age 66.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on 7th October 2021 and it contained almost 250 pages of analysis, consideration and recommendations. The report, Technical Sub-Committee's working papers, agendas, minutes, external presentations and submissions in response to an extensive public consultation process are available on the website, pensionscommission.gov.ie. The Commission’s work established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed. It has set out a wide range of recommendations, including in respect of the State Pension Age and early access, and aligning retirement ages in employment contracts with the State Pension age.
In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare are being considered as part of these deliberations. I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government for its consideration when that work is completed.
It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
596. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 19 May 2022, the estimated cost of including the working family payment as a qualifying payment for the fuel allowance for the period 30 September to 31 December 2022, 12 October to 31 December 2022 and from 21 January 2023 and for the fuel allowance season 2023 by period, in tabular form. [37154/22]
View answer640. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of including the working family payment as a qualifying payment for fuel allowance for the period from 30 September 2022, 12 October 2022 and 21 January 2023, in tabular form. [37790/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 640 together.
Fuel Allowance is a household payment and the circumstances and income of any other member of the household will be taken into account when deciding a Fuel Allowance application. Accordingly, it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate for the proposed measure. The estimate is based on a weekly Fuel Allowance payment of €33 and the fuel season payment period remaining the same. Taking this into consideration, the estimated cost of the measures proposed by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Payment Period |
Number of Fuel Payment Weeks |
Estimated cost of Measure |
|
30 September- 31 December 2022 |
13 |
€10.4m |
|
12 October- 31 December 2022 |
12 |
€9.6m |
|
21 January 2023-31 December 2023 |
25 |
€20m |
|
2022/23 Fuel Season |
28 |
€22.4m |
|
30 September- Full Year |
28 |
€22.4m |
|
12 October- Full Year |
28 |
€22.4m |
|
21 January 2023- Full Year |
28 |
€22.4m |
The provision of any additional supports such as extending the Fuel Allowance to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
597. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the application for enhanced illness benefit for Covid-19 absence for the period 26 May 2022 to 2 June 2022, that was submitted to her Department in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37177/22]
View answerMy Department received an application for Enhanced Illness Benefit from the person concerned on the 26th May 2022. The appropriate medical evidence required to support her claim has yet to be received. A letter issued to the person concerned on the 2nd June 2022 requesting that she submit a Certificate of Incapacity for Work from her GP. A further email issued to her on the 5th July 2022 clarifying the acceptable medical evidence required.
Once the appropriate medical certificate has been received the claim from the person concerned can be processed.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
598. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has expanded her scope section review in respect of persons working for and or at a broadcaster (details supplied) who were not the subject of the first review of working arrangements at the broadcaster for on-screen talent. [37178/22]
View answerMy Department has engaged with RTÉ since the broadcaster commenced a review of its contractors’ engagements in 2018, to ensure that the correct class of PRSI is being paid for workers.
In late 2020, the Employment Status Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the employment status of RTÉ’s contractors. The Unit is examining the status of all contracted workers irrespective of their role or position within the organisation. The scale of my Department’s investigation in RTE is significant and involves retrospective analysis of the engagement of many workers. The scope of the investigation has not changed.
This investigation is separate to and independent from those conducted by Eversheads or the Revenue Commissioners.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
599. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if any consideration will be given to community employment scheme supervisors who retired prior to the 2008 reference year in order to allow them to receive the CE ex-gratia payment (details supplied). [37222/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Community Employment (CE) supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years through their union representatives, SIPTU and Forsa, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsoring organisations.
Last December, agreement was reached between the Department of Social Protection and unions representing CE supervisors and assistant supervisors that resolves this long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. On the 23rd December 2021, both unions involved confirmed acceptance of this settlement which will benefit approximately 2,500 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008. It is estimated to have a total cost of over €24 million.
Generally, under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008. People who retired since 2008 and who have reached retirement age are now able to apply for this payment. CE supervisors and assistant supervisors who retire on ill health grounds can also apply for the payment subject to the provision of supporting documents and medical evidence.
As agreed with the unions, the start date for the qualifying period of employment for the scheme is aligned with the year of the Labour Court recommendation in 2008. Accordingly, the settlement does not apply to periods of employment prior to 1st July 2008.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
600. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants in receipt of child benefit; the number of applicants audited each year; the way that applicants are selected for audit; the probability that the parent of a 13-year-old child would be audited once, twice, three, four and five times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37235/22]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
In 2021, Child Benefit was paid to 630,000 customers in respect of 1.2 million children.
Control reviews on the Child Benefit scheme can arise from various sources including the Continuing Eligibility Certification process or from a change of circumstance for the customer. In 2021, eligibility checks were made on 169,000 customers. It was found that the payment should no longer be made in respect of 6,000 customers with the main reason being that they were no longer resident in the country. Control savings (monies that did not have to be expended because of this control work) in respect of these cases amounted to €46.1million, including €3.1m in overpayments which are being followed up.
The main control mechanism for Child benefit is the Continuing Eligibility Check (CEC) process. Customers are issued with a certificate every 12-18 months. The certificate is issued to the customer based on their month of birth with the specified month selected by Child Benefit control section on a rolling basis. CEC issues to all customers with that month of birth.
Parents of children of all ages up to 15 have the same probability of selection as part of the CEC process. The CEC process is one of many reasons a payment may be selected for review.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
601. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of child benefit applicants; the number of applicants audited each year; the way that applicants are identified for audit; the number found to be non-compliant; the action taken on identification of non-compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37236/22]
View answerChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16 and 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
In 2021, Child Benefit was paid to 630,000 customers in respect of 1.2 million children.
Control reviews on the Child Benefit scheme can arise from various sources. In 2021, eligibility checks were made on 169,000 customers. It was found that the payment should no longer be made in respect of 6,000 customers with the main reason being that they were no longer resident in the country. Control savings in respect of these cases amounted to €46.1million, including €3.1m in overpayments which are being followed up.
The main control mechanism for Child benefit is the Continuing Eligibility Check (CEC) process which is applied to all customers who have opted for the EFT payment method. These customers are issued with a certificate every 12-18 months. The certificate is issued to the customer based on their month of birth with the specified month selected on a rolling basis.
Payment is suspended in all cases where non compliance is found.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
602. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department’s consideration of proposals regarding extending free travel eligibility for people with epilepsy who are unable to drive as a result of their condition; if these proposals will be considered in the context of the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37240/22]
View answerThe free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are approximately 1,034,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.
I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland and recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who are unable to drive as a result of their condition. I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail.
Following the meeting, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland. This work is still ongoing. Further engagement with Epilepsy Ireland will be arranged once this exploratory work has been concluded.
I will carefully consider all submissions in relation to proposals for the forthcoming Budget. The Government has not made any decisions in relation to measures to be introduced in Budget 2023. The Government will finalise its consideration of the Budget in the coming months having regard to all of its commitments. The outcome of this process will be announced on Budget Day.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
603. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for partial capacity benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37244/22]
View answerI confirm that the person concerned has made an application for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) on 22 June 2022. The PCB scheme allows a person who has been in receipt of Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit (the latter for a minimum of 26 weeks), and who may not have full capacity for work, to enter or return to employment or self-employment and continue to receive a partial or full payment.
This application has been referred for a medical assessment, and when the Medical Assessor's report has been received a decision will be made on the claim and the person concerned will be notified directly in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
604. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the vacancies that are currently available on State boards (details supplied); the way that these vacancies will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37258/22]
View answerThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal. Details in relation to the current vacancies on each of these boards are set out below:
Citizens Information Board
There are currently four vacancies on the Board of the Citizens Information Board. These vacancies will be filled through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) process, in line with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform - that is, an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system in making appointments to State Boards.
Pensions Authority
There are currently no vacancies on the board of the Pensions Authority. The membership of the Pensions Authority consists of an independent Chairperson appointed by the Minister for Social Protection and two ex-officio members representing the Department of Finance and the Department of Social Protection.
Pensions Council
There is currently one vacancy on the Board of the Pensions Council, an ex-officio member representing the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In accordance with the provisions of the Pensions Act 1990, this appointment is made by the Minister for Social Protection, on foot of a nomination from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Social Welfare Tribunal
There is currently one vacancy on the Social Welfare Tribunal, that of the Chairperson. In line with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the PAS process will be used to fill this vacancy. The members of the Tribunal are appointed by the Minister for Social Protection and consist of an independent Chairperson and two members, each nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Irish Business Employer’s Confederation (IBEC).
605. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) was withdrawn by the carer's allowance section after they had submitted it in March 2020; the reason that there has been no communication since with the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37261/22]
View answerThe records of this Department show that Appeal 22091/20 was received following a decision to disallow a Carer’s Benefit application on 6 Feb 2020, I can confirm that this appeal was withdrawn as the claim was awarded on review and paid from 12 March 2020 to 9 March 2022 inclusive. The person concerned was notified in writing of this revised decision and the fact that the appeal had been withdrawn on 3 Sept 2020.
An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 16 March 2022 in respect of the care recipient.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied for the care recipient.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 8 April 2022, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
To date no request for a review or appeal has been received from the person concerned in relation to the CA decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
