Written Answers Nos. 95-120
95. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the application process for emergency needs’ payments for those seeking assistance with a deposit and first month’s rent to enable her Department to issue a letter of pre-approval to applicants which can be used to reassure landlords and assist them in securing a tenancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15126/23]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income.
An application may be made under the scheme for assistance with payment of a rent deposit and, if required, assistance can also be provided with rent in advance. A Community Welfare Officer will work with a person to explore options available to them and any assistance that may be provided.
The community welfare service is committed to providing a quality service to all citizens. Applications are processed and decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible, including decisions on rent deposits and rent in advance.
Decisions made by Community Welfare Service are made under statutory provisions. This statutory decision making process cannot be preempted by providing pre approval letters. The Officer will make their decision based on the circumstances of the case and the information before them. Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, I can assure the deputy that every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed promptly, even on the same day, if required.
In 2022, assistance was provided in almost 480 cases in relation to rent deposits and rent in advance, at a cost of over €430,000. The average payments was approximately €920.
For homeless households or households at immediate risk of homelessness, and who have a long term housing need, a Homeless Housing Assistance Payment Place Finder Service is operated by the local authorities. This service provides assistance by sourcing suitable accommodation and by providing access to the payment of a deposit and advance rent on the behalf of the tenant.
I encourage any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment 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.
96. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will provide evidence that the reduction in positive outcomes for appeals to the Social Welfare Appeals Office related to disability has nothing to do with whether the appeal has been heard orally or conducted in writing. [15196/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department which is independent in its decision making functions. My Department processes around two million new claims each year. About 85% of these are successful, in that the customer receives the relevant payment. By comparison, 25,093 appeals were made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2022 and 24,267 appeals were finalised.
Each claim is decided individually based on the information presented to the Deciding Officer and similarly on appeal. In a significant number of instances the appellant provides additional information in the appeals process which, if it had been provided to the Deciding Officer initially may well have resulted in a positive decision from the outset and hence the Department encourages all applicants to provide all relevant information at the point of their initial application.
Under the governing legislation the decision on whether or not to hold an oral hearing is at the discretion of the Appeals Officer to whom an appeal has been assigned.
The relevant schemes for the purpose of this question are disability allowance, invalidity pension and domiciliary care allowance.
The percentage of all Appeals Officer decisions made as a result of oral hearings for these three schemes was 7.8% in 2021 and 6.3% in 2022.
In relation to the outcomes of Appeals Officer decisions on these three schemes, 56.2% were allowed or partly allowed in 2021 and 52.8% were allowed or partly allowed in 2022.
Whilst there has been a reduction in the proportion of allowed and partially outcomes, the SWAO does not believe that there is a causal link - each case is examined on it's own merits and the decisions will differ on a case by case basis. There is ongoing feedback between the SWAO and the Department on any trends in appeals decisions with a view to improving the quality of decisions made. In addition, the SWAO has implemented a quality control system to help ensure that there is a consistent approach followed by Appeals Officers in respect of their appeal decisions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider allowing pro-rata pensions on the basis of the proportion of contributions made by the pensioner relative to the qualifying number of such contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15150/23]
View answerThe State Pension (Contributory) is a PRSI-based pension, financed by contributions made by current workers and their employers, and paid to pensioners, at a rate based upon their PRSI record.A person is required to have a minimum of 520 paid reckonable PRSI contributions in order to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). As the actuarial value of the State Pension is currently estimated at approximately €380,000, it is reasonable to require people claiming a contributory pension to have made at least 10 years of paid contributions over the term of their working life, before qualifying for a payment. The requirement for eligibility criteria in order to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) was endorsed by the Commission on Pensions.
Once a person reaches that minimum requirement, under the Total Contributions Approach, they will receive a pro-rata payment based on their contributions, should they not be paid at the maximum rate.
It should be noted that, if a person does not satisfy the conditionality to qualify for a contributory State Pension, he or she may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the rate of the State Pension (Contributory).Alternatively, an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where a pensioner has an adult dependent who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate contributory State Pension his or her own right. The payment rate for the IQA is up to 90% of a full contributory pension. The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.Last September, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. The set of measures represents the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.One of the key measures is the introduction of a flexible pension system in Ireland. Under this new system people will still be able to retire at 66 and draw-down their pension in exactly the same way as they can today. In addition, there will be new flexibility so that people can choose to defer their pension, work longer and receive a higher pension payment.The flexible State Pension system is about providing people with choice. People will decide for themselves what best suits their needs and circumstances. For example, in the case of a person who reaches age 66 and does not have sufficient contributions to qualify for a full pension, they will now have the option to work for longer to build up additional entitlements. If a person has less than 10 years' PRSI reckonable paid contributions, they may be able to use this period to establish entitlement.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
98. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has made any provision for an increased budget for additional needs’ payments in light of the ending of the eviction ban and the likelihood of additional expenses being faced by people made homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15160/23]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
Government has provided €66.0 million for the Additional Needs Payment schemes in 2023. A further provision of €3.27 million has been provided for reoccurring supplements in 2023 (excluding rent supplement). This is a demand-led scheme and there is no budget cap.
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.
Any person who considers that 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.
99. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason those paying the D stamp and who were recruited prior to 1995 are not eligible for the State pension (contributory); her plans to amend the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15184/23]
View answerCivil and public sector employees recruited prior to 6 April 1995 pay social insurance contributions at modified rates under classes B, C and D. All civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay social insurance at the standard class A rate.
Prior to 6 April 1995, civil and public servants did not have access to the full range of social insurance benefits as their terms of employment protected them against the main contingencies of illness and old age, and the risk of unemployment was not considered a factor due to the nature of their employment.
Consequently, such contributors pay less in social insurance contributions in return for fewer social insurance benefits. For example, class D contributors currently pay a contribution at the rate of 0.9% on their weekly earnings up to €1,443 and 4% on weekly earnings over that amount, and their employers pay a contribution of 2.35% on all employee earnings.
In contrast, class A contributors pay a contribution of 4% on their weekly earnings and their employers pay a contribution of 8.8% where employees’ weekly earnings are €441 or less and 11.05% where their employees’ weekly earnings exceed €441. Class A contributors have access to the full range of social insurance benefits.
While the modified rates of social insurance under classes B, C and D do not give entitlement to the State pension (contributory), such contributors may, subject to a means test, qualify for the State pension (non-contributory).
Social insurance contributions are made in accordance with the legislation and the employment terms and conditions in force at the time they are made and eligibility for social insurance benefits flow from that. I have no plans to extend the State Pension (Contributory) Pension to modified contributors.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
100. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the weekly rate of all State pensions to include the full €12 increase introduced in Budget 2023 so people on a reduced pension rate can receive the full increase given the cost-of-living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15198/23]
View answerIn September, I announced the largest social protection Budget package in the history of the State. The Social Protection measures announced in the Budget amounted to almost €2.2 billion.
From 1st January 2023, the maximum weekly rate of the State Pension increased by €12 with proportional increases for qualified adults and people on reduced rates of payment. In the case of the State Pension (Contributory), the rate of payment is based on the number of yearly average PRSI contributions; whereas the Non-Contributory State Pension is means-tested, so reduced rates of payment may be awarded as appropriate.
I note your query regarding allocation of the €12 increase across all pensions irrespective of whether a person is in receipt of a full pension. Reduced rate or pro-rata pensions are paid at a fixed percentage of the full rate payment, for instance, a person receiving a payment of 75% of the maximum rate receives 75% of any Budget increase applied to the full rate pension.
Providing the full budgetary increase to those with reduced payments would erode the differentials which exist, and which are intended to reflect the level of contribution, which a person has made to the Social Insurance Fund. It would also mean that those on reduced rate pensions would, on an ongoing basis, benefit disproportionately from Budget increases.
Any changes to the rate of pensions paid would need to be examined in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which appeals against negative decisions in response to applications for domiciliary care allowance can be expedited and incorporate fully the concerns and challenges experienced by parents of children with particular or specific needs as diagnosed by their professional medical/psychiatric expertise, as opposed to a conclusion in many cases that the child needs no more care and attention than any other child of a similar age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15149/23]
View answerDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of a child aged under 16, who has a severe disability and requires ongoing continual or continuous care and attention in the home, substantially over and above the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and the child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
Eligibility for DCA is determined primarily and essentially by reference to the degree of ongoing additional care and attention required by the child rather than the child's disability. To qualify for DCA, it must be established that the level of care and attention required by the relevant child is substantially in excess of that normally required by children of the same age and likely to be required for at least 12 months as provided for in the governing legislation.
While an assessment or diagnosis of a specific disability may assist the Department's deciding officers and medical assessors to make an appropriate decision on entitlement and at the earliest possible date, eligibility for DCA is not based on the type of disability but on the impact of the disability, in terms of the child's resulting medical and additional care needs. The assessment process that applies in the consideration of whether a child satisfies the criteria for receipt of DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.
All applicants are advised to provide any additional information and/or documentary evidence that is relevant, in support of their DCA application.
It is also open to an applicant to request a review(s) of a deciding officer's decision and this right is not time limited. If requesting a review of a deciding officer's decision, an applicant may forward any further new information or documentary evidence that was not previously available to the deciding officer, for re-consideration. The right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) is normally subject to a 21 day time limit. However, an applicant also has a further right to subsequently appeal a review decision to the SWAO, including in cases where the original decision remains unchanged following a review(s).
Additionally, as part of the appeals process, all DCA appeal cases, including any further information or evidence that is subsequently provided in support of the appeal, are reviewed by a deciding officer. If the original decision remains unchanged following the review, the appeal file is forwarded to the SWAO for further consideration by an appeals officer.
The SWAO is an Office of the Department which is independent in its decision-making functions. It is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare schemes and entitlements, including DCA.
It is important to note that each appeal case is considered on its own merits. When an appeal is registered in the SWAO, it is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant departmental papers and comments by the deciding officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. Once the appeal submission is received from the department, the appeal case is then referred to an appeals officer who will make a summary decision on the case based on the information and evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
In the interest of customer service and fairness to all appellants, the SWAO generally seeks to deal with appeals in chronological order (date of receipt order).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
102. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection her engagement with an organisation (details supplied) in providing a free travel scheme to all persons with epilepsy; if a report on this matter, which is due for the first quarter of 2023, is on target for the end of the month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15189/23]
View answer145. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department's review of the extension of the free travel scheme to people with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15039/23]
View answer148. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps her Department is taking to improve access to the free travel scheme for people with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15182/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 145 and 148 together.
The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2023 is €95 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is a secondary benefit linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. As many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact ranging from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned and in the case of Disability and Carer's allowance to an assessment of their means. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.
I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland. I fully recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition.
I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail and following the meeting I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised in relation to access to the Free Travel scheme.
My officials advise me that they are currently finalising the report and I expect to receive it shortly. Thereafter, I will carefully consider its contents and any recommendations that it may contain.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
103. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a State pension solution for long-term family carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15040/23]
View answer107. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the progress being made towards creating a lifetime carer's pension scheme; if she will provide an update on the promised legislation surrounding this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15175/23]
View answer110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to introduce legislation underpinning the provision of pensions to carers. [15105/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 107 and 110 together.
This Government acknowledges the important contribution that carers provide and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or to provide another full-time caring role. PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory). They may for example have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 years' paid contributions.I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in September. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
One of the most important reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record.My officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
104. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the expected timeframe in which she intends to announce additional agricultural schemes in the new CAP which will be disregarded with regard to Farm Assist. [15104/23]
View answerFarm Assist is a statutory income support specifically for farmers on low-incomes. There are just under 4,400 claims in payment at present. Government has provided €49.4 million for the scheme for 2023.
I significantly expanded the list of agri-environmental schemes that attract a disregard for Farm Assist, from June 2022. In addition, I announced an increase in the amount of the disregard for agri-environmental schemes, which almost doubled the amount from €2,540 to €5,000. This measure came into effect in January 2023.
As I advised the Deputy last month, the process for providing for a further expansion of the list of schemes that attract this disregard is underway. I am committed to working with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and his officials, to identify schemes in Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 which may be appropriate for inclusion in this list of schemes.
I trust this clarifies the position.
105. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on engagement from her Department with community employment supervisors regarding their employment-related concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15042/23]
View answerCommunity Employment (CE) supervisors and assistant supervisors provide a very important role running CE schemes countrywide. These schemes deliver important locally based community services, while providing a valuable training and development opportunity to the long-term unemployed and to those furthest removed from the labour market.
CE supervisors and assistant supervisors are employed by the individual CE schemes, which are funded by the Department. Neither the Department, nor the State, is the employer of this group of workers.
In relation to the specific issue on pay, last year, the Department received correspondence from union representatives seeking a pay increase for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. Following referral of the pay claim to the conciliation service of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department, with Government approval, engaged with a WRC conciliation process, in its role as funder of these schemes.
This conciliation process is now underway, as the Deputy will appreciate, while this process is underway, I am not in a position to comment further, other than to say that I am hopeful that an agreed and fair resolution can be reached through this conciliation process.
Minister Heather Humphreys and I recognise the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services and in helping long term unemployed participants back to work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
106. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection in the context of concerns over improper control of her Department over the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office, if there has been a change in Government policy relating to the operation of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. [15192/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) is an office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining ap peals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements and insurability of employment. The Office is independent in its decision making functions.
There has been no change in Government policy in relation to the operation of the Social Welfare Appeals Office. There has been no change in the role and functions of the Appeals Officers in the Office.
There is ongoing feedback between the SWAO and the Department on any trends in appeals decisions with a view to improving the quality of decisions made at first instance. In addition, the SWAO has implemented a quality control system to help ensure that there is a consistent approach followed by Appeals Officers in respect of their appeal decisions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on her recent visit to London. [15131/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware I recently visited London from 10th March to 14th March as part of the Government's St Patrick's Day programme.
While in London I represented the Irish government at a number of St Patrick's Day events and receptions. These included:
- a Law Enforcement reception held at the Embassy of Ireland with members of law enforcement from the UK and Ireland,
- the St Patrick's Day Ball where I met with many Irish representatives of the Construction industry in London, and
- the Labour Party Irish Society reception.
I met with the Mayor of London in advance of the St Patrick's Day parade on Sunday which I led, alongside the Mayor. This gave me the opportunity to address the crowd in Trafalgar Square, where the contribution of the Irish Community to London was celebrated.
I attended an event commemorating 50 years since the England rugby team travelled to Lansdowne Road to play Ireland in the then five nations tournament. The event was attended by some of the original players from both sides as well as RFU and IRFU officials.
I held bilateral meetings with my counterparts namely the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Minister for Employment. We spoke about the positive collaboration between the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Social Protection on social security matters. In particular the work being done to protect the social security rights of citizens in the UK and Ireland post Brexit.
The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss common issues faced in regard to the labour force and the cost of living crisis, supporting people with disabilities back into to employment, pension policy and hot school meals programme. It was a valuable opportunity to share learning.
I also met the Minister for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs on rural affairs matters.
109. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will seek to amend the current situation in respect of age-related rates of jobseeker’s allowance for under-25-year-olds to bring them into line with rates of payment for those over 25 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15180/23]
View answerAge-related rates for young Jobseeker's Allowance recipients were introduced on a phased basis from 2009 to tackle high youth unemployment and avoid long-term welfare dependency. Where a young jobseeker participates in approved full-time education or training they will receive the maximum rate of payment.
In Budget 2023, I announced an increase of all core social welfare payments by €12 per week including the age related Jobseeker's Allowance rate which has also increased by €12 to €129.70 per week for jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 years.
Supporting and improving the capacity of people to take up employment, education and training opportunities can enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income to support themselves and their families into the future. Young jobseekers will receive the maximum personal rate of €220 per week if they participate on an education or training programme. Furthermore, if they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme, their weekly rate increases to €323.
The Pathways to Work strategy contains provisions for 50,000 additional further education and training places and the allocation of at least 1,000 out of the 3,000 new Community Employment and Tús places for young people. Additional places have also been provided on the JobsPlus recruitment subsidy, with the subsidy being available on an earlier basis than normal to employers when they recruit young people.
The aim of Pathways to Work 2021-2025 was to use these measures to reduce the youth unemployment rate back to or below the 2019 average of 12.5% by 2023. According to the latest CSO data, the seasonally adjusted youth unemployment rate for February 2023 is already below this target at 10.2%. Further work in this area will continue to support these young people.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
111. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 2 March 2023, if she has completed the review of the final report from the evaluation of the school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15174/23]
View answer141. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 9 February 2023, the status of the examination of the final report of the review of the school meals programme; when the final report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15172/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 141 together.
The School Meals Programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations benefitting 260,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Budget 2023 has provided €94.4 million for the programme. The Government has recently approved an additional €14.5m to allow access to the Hot School Meals scheme for all remaining DEIS schools from September 2023.
I am committed to continuing to expand the school meals programme and building further on the significant extension of the programme that has taken place in recent years. In this regard, I intend to roll out the Hot School Meals to all DEIS primary schools from September 2023, benefiting 64,500 children. I will also bring forward proposals in the coming weeks on commencing the roll out of the Hot School Meals to non-DEIS primary schools.
In addition, the final report from the evaluation of the school meals programme has been completed and is under consideration. The evaluation examined all elements of the programme including the funding rates currently provided. This report will help to inform future decisions around this important programme and will be published in the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
112. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to change the eligibility criteria for CE schemes to include persons in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15164/23]
View answer118. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend eligibility for CE schemes to people in direct provision, as has been done for Ukrainian refugees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15203/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 118 together.
The aim of Community Employment (CE) is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and unemployed persons by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. In addition, it helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine.Participation on CE is for a 12 month period with the participant working 19.5 hours a week. The general rule to qualify for participation on CE is to be in receipt of a qualifying payment for 12 months or more.
Any person who has been granted Refugee status is eligible to apply for CE. However, International Protection Applicants who are in direct provision are not eligible for CE as they are not in receipt of a qualifying payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
113. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the ‘SW56 Introduction to Social Welfare Appeals Office’ information leaflet is no longer sent to appellants to the Social Welfare Appeals Office when their appeals are registered or available on the Social Welfare Appeals Office’s website. [15193/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the SW56 "Introduction to Social Welfare Appeals Office" information leaflet that was previously provided to appellants dates from 2019 and some of its content is now outdated.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office website www.gov.ie/swao provides full and up to date information in relation to social welfare appeals. When the appellant's appeal has been registered by the Appeals Office they are sent an acknowledgment letter which refers them to the website.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office also provides information to appellants via its phone service (0818 74 74 34), its email address; swappeals@welfare.ie and via postal correspondence.
The matter of providing an updated hard copy information leaflet is being kept under review by the Appeals Office at this stage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
114. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of farmers in receipt of the farm assist payment; the county in which most of the payments are made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14924/23]
View answer138. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of farmers in receipt of the farm assist payment to date in 2023; how this number compares with the same time in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14925/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 138 together.
Farm Assist is a statutory income support specifically for farmers on low-incomes. Government has provided €49.4 million for the scheme in 2023.
There are just under 4,400 claims in payment at present. This compares with just over 4,800 claims in payment at the same time period in 2022. The county with the highest number of Farm Assist claims in payment is Donegal, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of all claims.
I have made a number of improvements to the means assessment for Farm Assist in recent years. Following a review of means testing disregards for the scheme in 2021, I significantly expanded the list of agri-environmental schemes that attract a specific disregard for Farm Assist, from June 2022. In addition, I increased the amount of the disregard for agri-environmental schemes, which almost doubled the amount from €2,540 to €5,000. This measure came into effect in January 2023.
The 2021 review also recommended that my Department would work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify schemes in Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 which may be considered for inclusion in the list of agri-environmental schemes which attract a disregard for Farm Assist. This process is underway.
I trust this clarifies the position.
115. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the social welfare entitlements of public service employees who paid the modified class-D social insurance rate that were employed before 6 April 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15183/23]
View answerCivil and public sector employees recruited prior to 6 April 1995 pay social insurance contributions at modified rates under classes B, C and D. All civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995 pay social insurance at the standard class A rate.
Prior to 6 April 1995, civil and public servants did not have access to the full range of social insurance benefits as their terms of employment protected them against the main contingencies of illness and old age, and the risk of unemployment was not considered a factor due to the nature of their employment.
Consequently, such contributors pay less in social insurance contributions in return for fewer social insurance benefits. For example, class D contributors currently pay a contribution at the rate of 0.9% on their weekly earnings up to €1,443 and 4% on weekly earnings over that amount and their employers pay a contribution of 2.35% on all employee earnings.
In contrast, class A contributors pay a contribution of 4% on their weekly earnings and their employers pay a contribution of 8.8% where employees’ weekly earnings are €441 or less and 11.05% where their employees’ weekly earnings exceed €441. Class A contributors have access to the full range of social insurance benefits.
While the modified rates of social insurance under classes B, C and D do not give entitlement to the State pension (contributory), such contributors may, subject to a means test, qualify for the State pension (non-contributory).
Social insurance contributions are made in accordance with the legislation and the employment terms and conditions in force at the time they are made and eligibility for social insurance benefits flow from that. I have no plans to extend further social insurance benefits to modified contributors.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
116. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the accommodation recognition payment in County Clare; if this number is increasing or decreasing based on the 2022 figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14972/23]
View answerThe Accommodation Recognition Payment is administered by my Department on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It is available to individuals hosting people who are beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who have fled the conflict in Ukraine. The rate of payment increased from €400 per calendar month to €800 per calendar month with effect from 1st December 2022.
As at 22nd March 2023 the Accommodation Recognition Payment is being paid to 133 recipients with an address in County Clare in respect of 137 host properties in County Clare. The figure at the end of 2022 was 80 properties.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
117. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families that will benefit from the child benefit lump sum payment in June 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15185/23]
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.
Claimants in receipt of Child Benefit will receive an additional payment of €100 in respect of each child in June 2023 which will benefit approximately 652,000 recipients in respect of over 1.2 million children at a cost of €122 million.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
119. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of the working family payment to date this year; how this number compares with the same period in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15138/23]
View answerThe Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment. The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment.
It is a targeted measure that is directly linked to household income and therefore directly supports low-income working families. There are currently 47,228 families in receipt of WFP. For the same period in 2022, there were 47,218 families in receipt of WFP.
An increase in the income thresholds of €40 for all family sizes was introduced with effect from 5th January 2023. This has resulted in an increase in payment across all awarded claims of €24 per week while also increasing the income qualification thresholds for customers.
The Department of Social Protection ran an advertising campaign to promote Working Family Payment for a 2-week period from Monday 30th January 2023 to Sunday 12th February 2023 to increase awareness of the Working Family Payment Scheme.
The easiest and fastest ways for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
120. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has a timeframe within which domestic violence has occurred for a person to be eligible for an emergency needs’ payment; if so, the timeframe after the violence has occurred after which her Department will no longer accept an application for an emergency needs’ payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15125/23]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
The scheme is demand-led and there is no budget cap. 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 timeframe within which domestic violence has occurred is not a condition for receipt of assistance by way of an Additional Needs Payment.
My Department also provides support to victims of domestic violence by providing easier access to rent supplement through a referral protocol agreed with Tusla. Access to the wider service provision of the community welfare service, including Additional Needs Payments, is available to victims of domestic violence whether referred through this protocol or not.
I am committed to supporting victims of domestic violence and to providing support through the joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla.
I encourage any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment 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.
