Written Answers Nos. 101-120
102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of applicants to date in 2023 for exceptional needs payments, by category of the exceptional need (for example, energy bills, and so on); the number of those that were successful in receiving a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24651/23]
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.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. Table 1 shows the number of Additional Needs Payment claims registered and awarded by category from January 2023 to the end of March 2023.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. Tabular StatementTable 1 – Additional Needs Payments by category from January 2023 to the end of March 2023
|
Category |
Claims registered |
Claims Awarded |
|
Bills |
1,849 |
883 |
|
Child Related |
783 |
508 |
|
Clothing |
12,756 |
9,955 |
|
Funeral |
1,658 |
865 |
|
General |
9,446 |
5,664 |
|
Housing |
7,943 |
5,331 |
|
Illness |
334 |
258 |
|
Other (Supplements) |
269 |
146 |
|
Urgent Needs Payment |
222 |
141 |
|
Grand Total |
35,260 |
23,751 |
103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire 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. [24663/23]
View answer110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection her proposed timeline to introduce legislation facilitating the provision of pensions to carers. [24658/23]
View answer126. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if the new enhanced State pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, due to be implemented by January 2024, will include retrospective payments for those carers who are currently of pension age but were denied a pension due to the current eligibility criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24675/23]
View answer132. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in examining options for a pension solution for carers, in recognition of the enormous value of the work carried out by them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24656/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 110, 126 and 132 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. 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 2022. 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 and by establishing a register of family carers for this purpose.Department officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems for implementation by January 2024. This will include identifying the eligibility criteria for those who will be attributed the equivalent of paid contributions for periods of long-term caring.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
104. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has investigated areas where there are very high concentrations of claimants of jobseeker’s allowance, one-parent family allowance, disability allowance or other indicators of concentrated need; and if she is considering innovations in these areas to break the cycle. [24636/23]
View answer“Pathways to Work” is the Government’s national employment strategy, which aims to encourage job creation and reduce long-term unemployment and social welfare dependence. This strategy sets out the Governments priority to provide employment supports and access to employment opportunities to assist with tackling long-term unemployment. This strategy is working, with the unemployment rate now at 3.9%, which is the lowest level seen in 22 years. In addition, the most recent Labour Force Survey from the CSO shows that almost 2.6 million people are employed in the State, which is the highest level since the CSO began this series in 1998.The approach adopted by my Department is that the services delivered by Intreo are focused on unemployed individuals rather than on areas. This means, therefore, that those areas where unemployed individuals are most concentrated will also be the areas that receive a greater share of income support payments and activation and employment services. The Public Employment Service offers a range of supports to help people prepare for and secure sustainable employment. The service is delivered, mainly through one-on-one engagements, where a range of options are explored and a personal progression plan is agreed. These plans can include referrals to suitable employment opportunities, training, work placement, education, or support with self-employment.A distinctive client journey has been embedded into the employment services process, whereby jobseekers on the Live Register, after engaging with Intreo in the first twelve months are referred to the Intreo Partner Employment Services. Those who are unemployed after 24 months are referred to an Intreo Partner service, which has been specifically designed to engage with those with greater barriers to the labour market. In this way, the client is referred to the most appropriate service at each point in time on their client journey.The Department is pro-active in providing a number of supports to long-term jobseekers to return to employment, in order to avoid any potential concentrations of claimants. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is available to those who would like to become self-employed, State employment schemes such as Community Employment and Tús provide direct employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed. The Work Placement Experience Programme helps to break the cycle of ‘no work, no experience’ and ‘no experience, no work’ that often puts people at risk of long-term unemployment. Recruitment subsidies such as JobsPlus, offer a financial incentive of up to €10,000 to employers who hire somebody who is long-term unemployed. The Department has introduced an early engagement process for people with disabilities where Intreo invites people on disability income supports to an appointment with a specially trained Employment Personal Advisor at the earliest opportunity to help them achieve their employment ambitions. The process is entirely voluntary and is being implemented in line with principles agreed with stakeholders. The intention is to increase employment rates by improving access to employment supports and programmes at the earliest possible opportunity. The Department is currently taking part in a transnational project under the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation, which is piloting a tailored and holistic approach to delivering pre-employment supports for lone parents. This project involves the development and implementation of new profiling and distance travelled tools, as well as the collaboration with an NGO, One Family, to delivery specific employability courses to support lone parents and meet their specific needs.It is a key priority to encourage people into employment and reduce dependence on social welfare income supports. Employment supports are kept under review in the context of the overall improving labour market and commitments under the Pathways to Work Strategy.I trust this clarifies my position.
105. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of jobseeker’s allowance for each year from 2016 to 2019 inclusive; how these numbers compare with the number of recipients of this payment for 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24445/23]
View answerJobseeker's Allowance is a means-tested payment made to people who are unemployed and who do not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self-Employed, or whose entitlement to these schemes has expired. It is also available to those who do qualify for these schemes but choose to claim optional Jobseeker's Allowance instead.The number of recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance on the 31st of December each year from 2016 to 2019 was 203,680, 169,692, 140,337 and 123,633 respectively. The number of recipients at the end of each year 2020 to 2022 was 125,703, 108,414 and 126,616 respectively.The number of recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance has decreased by 77,064, or 37.8%, between 2016 and 2022.
106. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to introduce cost-of-living supports for adult dependents or those on non-contributory pensions, as many have been left out of earlier cost-of-living supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24247/23]
View answerSince March last year, my Department has responded to the increase in the cost of living by providing a range of unprecedented supports to protect people and families.These supports include double payment weeks in October and December, payment rate increases from January and a wide range of lump sum payments. The latest lump sum payment was paid last month to 1.3 million primary recipients in receipt of long-term social welfare payments. The payment was made to primary recipients of qualifying payments - both contributory and non-contributory. This payment was part of a wider Spring package costing €410m.The Spring package follows on from a €2.2 Billion Social Protection Budget 2023 Package - the largest in the history of the state – which included eight lump sum payments delivered across the last quarter of 2022.My Department has also brought in measures earlier in 2022 to help households with increasing prices, for example, two Fuel Allowance lump sums were paid in March and May and the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance which was increased by €100.As the Deputy is aware, I and my Government colleagues continue to provide support for many households with the cost of living, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable. Further supports, focused on children, through Child Benefit, Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance and the School Meals programme are in train as we move into the summer. Government will continue to keep the Cost of Living situation under close review.
107. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Protection 2020-2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24632/23]
View answerThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 is a whole of Government strategy with the ambitious aim to reduce consistent poverty to 2 per cent or less and to make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive member states in the EU. The Roadmap was published in January 2020 and contains seven high level goals, delivered by 66 unique commitments. Implementation of Roadmap commitments is well underway with many commitments either fully achieved or close to completion and work ongoing in relation to the remainder. The first and second Progress Reports on the implementation of Roadmap commitments are available on gov.ie, covering the progress made over the period January 2020 to June 2022. These are accompanied by Report Cards detailing progress on each of the Roadmap commitments.At the end of 2022, 39 Roadmap commitments were either fully achieved or achieved with ongoing delivery, with a further four commitments in progress on schedule with ongoing delivery, and delivery on the remaining 26 commitments in progress.The Roadmap commits to undertaking an independent mid-term review in 2022. This includes:
• a review of progress in the implementation of commitments;
• an assessment of the existing Roadmap ambition, goals and commitments; and
• a review of the existing Roadmap indicators.
A draft report on the mid-term review was considered by the Roadmap Steering Group, which I chair, at its most recent meeting on the 9th of May, and it is intended that the final version of the mid-term review will be published in the coming weeks.I look forward to hearing discussions on progress on the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion at the Social Inclusion Forum on the 1st of June. This event is attended by senior Government officials across Government Departments, and by people experiencing poverty and social exclusion and the groups representing them.
108. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will introduce a social energy tariff, targeted at households on means-tested social welfare payments (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24643/23]
View answerThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 - 2025 is a whole of Government strategy that has the ambitious target to reduce the national consistent poverty rate to 2% or less of the population and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive member states in the EU.
The Roadmap translates this ambition into seven goals underpinned by 66 unique commitments to help deliver these goals. These unique commitments have been developed with relevant Departments, agencies and following consultation with advocacy and civil society groups.
Goal 7 of the Roadmap focuses on the core essentials of healthcare, energy, housing and food and includes a specific commitment on energy poverty (commitment 60) to be delivered by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
111. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools in Cork east in receipt of the school meals scheme for the 2022/2023 academic year; how this number compares with the 2021/2022 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24678/23]
View answerThe 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 provided €94.4 million for the programme. The Government recently approved an additional €14.5m to allow access to the Hot School Meals scheme for all remaining DEIS schools from September 2023.
On 30th March, I published an independent evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing. This evaluation is evidence-based and sets out a series of recommendations for expanding the School Meals Programme into the future. There is an overwhelming consensus among all participants in the evaluation that the school Meals Programme is effective and indicates strong support for extending the School Meals Programme.
The number of schools in Cork in receipt of the school meals scheme for the 2022/2023 academic year is 91 which compares with 86 in the 2021/2022 academic year. To facilitate you in identifying the schools in East Cork, a list of schools in Cork County in the school meals scheme in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years is contained in the attached tabular statement.
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 remaining DEIS primary and Special schools from September 2023, benefiting more than 60,000 children.
As part of significant plans to extend the Hot School Meals to all children in the coming years all remaining primary schools have been contacted and have been asked to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of hot school meals. From 2024, I intend commencing the roll-out of Hot School Meals to all remaining primary schools on a phased basis.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Tabular Statement
Table 1 - Schools in the School Meals Scheme 2021/2022 for County Cork
|
School Name |
Address |
County |
|||
|
Scoil Ursula |
Blackrock Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
South Abbey Ns |
Golf Links Road |
Youghal |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Greenmount Monastery Ns |
Green Street |
Greenmount |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Clogheen Mxd N S |
Kerry Pike |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Josephs Convent N S |
Smith's Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Vincents Convent N S |
Wolfe Tone Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
S N Bun An Tsabhairne |
Crosshaven |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Matthias N S |
Church Road |
Ballydehob |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N B Togher Cork |
Togher Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Bishop Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Kilcoe Ns |
Kilcoe |
Skibbereen |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Kealkil N S |
Bantry |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Convent Girls Senior National School |
Mallow |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Colmcille |
Blarney Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Mocomhog N S |
Cappabue |
Kealkill |
Bantry |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
Scoil Na Croise Naofa |
Avenue De Rennes |
Mahon |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Patricks B N S |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Muire Gan Smal C |
School Avenue |
Glasheen Road |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Togher N S |
Togher |
Dunmanway |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
Brigown |
Mitchelstown |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Naomh Padraig Boys Senior School |
New Road |
Mallow |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal B |
School Avenue |
Glasheen Road |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Padraig Naofa C |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
S N Padraig Naofa |
Dillon's Cross |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Ns |
Innishmore |
Ballincollig |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Padre Pio N S |
Churchfield Terrace West |
Churchfield |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Gaelscoil An Teaghlaigh Naofa |
Tory Top Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Iosef Naofa |
Barrack Hill |
St. Bernard's Place |
Fermoy |
Cork |
|
|
St Bernadettes Spec Sch |
Bonnington |
Montenotte |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Athair Maitiu C |
Togher |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Eanna |
Montenotte |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Realt Na Maidine |
Connolly Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Iosagain |
Knockpogue Avenue |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Paul'S School |
Beech Hill |
Montenotte |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Ghobnatan |
Bellevue |
Mallow |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Mharcuis B |
The Glen |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
S N Bhreanndain C |
Glen Avenue |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Holy Family S S |
Bakers Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Cahermore New Central School |
Cahermore |
Allihies |
Beara |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
Scoil Chaitigheirn |
Eyeries |
Beara |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Mhichil Naofa |
Derrycreeveen |
Bere Island |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Mhuire Ar Chnoc Haoine |
Knocknaheeny |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Oilibheir |
Ballyvolane |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Marys Spec Sch |
Rochestown |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Triest |
Lota |
Glanmire |
Cork |
||
|
Gaelscoil Mhachan |
Ave de Rennes |
Machan |
An Charraig Dhubh |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
|
Gaelscoil Peig Sayers |
Campas Oideachais |
Fearann Phiarais |
Bothar Ri na hAoine |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
|
Bandon Boys Ns |
Convent Hill |
Bandon |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Mhuire Na Trocaire |
Cill na Mullach |
Co Chorcaí |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil An Croi Ro Naofa |
Castletownbere |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Bun Scoil Muire |
O'Brien's Place |
Youghal |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
North Presentation Primary School |
Cathedral Walk |
Gerald Griffin Street |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Aiseiri Chriost |
Knockpogue Avenue |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Gabriels Special School |
Murphy's Farm, |
Curraheen Rd., |
Bishopstown, |
Cork. |
Cork |
|
Scoil Mhuire Fatima Boys Senior |
North Monastery Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Sonas Special Primary Junior School |
Cork Road |
Carrigaline |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Maria Assumpta |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Canon Sheehan Primary School |
Turnpike |
Doneraile |
Co.Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Mhuire Agus Eoin |
Boherboy Road |
Lotabeg |
Mayfield |
Cork |
|
|
Strawberry Hill National School |
Blarney Road |
CORK |
Cork |
||
|
North Monastery Secondary School |
Our Lady's Mount |
North Monastery Rd. |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire |
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire (A.G.) |
An Mhainistir Thuaidh |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
|
|
Coláiste Éamann Rís |
St Patrick's Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Vincent'S Secondary School |
St Mary's Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
North Presentation Secondary School |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Aloysius School |
Sharman Crawford Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Presentation Secondary School |
Joe Murphy Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Patricks College |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St. Brogan'S College |
Kilbrogan |
Bandon |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Carrignafoy Community College |
Carrignafoy |
Cobh |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Coláiste An Chraoibhin |
Duntaheen Road |
Fermoy |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Davis College |
Summerhill |
Mallow |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Mcegan College |
Macroom |
Co Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Coláiste Fionnchua |
Mitchelstown |
Mallow |
Co.Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Colman'S Community College |
Youghal Road |
Midleton |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Aidan'S Community College |
Dublin Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Schull Community College |
Colla Road |
Schull |
Cork |
||
|
Nagle Community College |
Mahon |
Blackrock |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Terence Mac Swiney Community College |
Hollyhill |
Knocknaheeny |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Coláiste Daibhéid |
Teach Buckingham |
Sráid Mhuilinn na Sábhadóireachta |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
|
|
Colaiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire |
Creggane |
Station Road |
Buttevant |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
Maria Immaculata Community College |
Dunmanway |
Co Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí |
Seskin |
Bantry |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Bishopstown Community School |
Westgate Road |
Bishopstown |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Mayfield Community School |
Old Youghal Road |
Mayfield |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Skibbereen Community School |
Skibbereen |
Co Cork |
Cork |
Table 2 - Schools in the School Meals Scheme 2022/2023 for County Cork
|
School Name |
Address |
County |
|||
|
Scoil Ursula |
Blackrock Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
South Abbey Ns |
Golf Links Road |
Youghal |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Greenmount Monastery Ns |
Green Street |
Greenmount |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Clogheen Mxd N S |
Kerry Pike |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Josephs Convent N S |
Smith's Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Vincents Convent N S |
Wolfe Tone Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
S N Bun An Tsabhairne |
Crosshaven |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
St Matthias N S |
Church Road |
Ballydehob |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N B Togher Cork |
Togher Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Naomh Mhuire |
Bishop Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Kilcoe Ns |
Kilcoe |
Skibbereen |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Kealkil N S |
Bantry |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Convent Girls Senior National School |
Mallow |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Colmcille |
Blarney Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre Boys Snr Sch |
Baker's Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Mocomhog N S |
Cappabue |
Kealkill |
Bantry |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
Scoil Na Croise Naofa |
Avenue De Rennes |
Mahon |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
St Patricks B N S |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Muire Gan Smal C |
School Avenue |
Glasheen Road |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Naomh Aine Girls Senior School |
Smith's Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Togher N S |
Togher |
Dunmanway |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
Brigown |
Mitchelstown |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Naomh Padraig Boys Senior School |
New Road |
Mallow |
Cork |
||
|
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal B |
School Avenue |
Glasheen Road |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Padraig Naofa C |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
S N Padraig Naofa |
Dillon's Cross |
Cork |
Cork |
||
|
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Ns |
Innishmore |
Ballincollig |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Scoil Padre Pio N S |
Churchfield Terrace West |
Churchfield |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Gaelscoil An Teaghlaigh Naofa |
Tory Top Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
|
|
Iosef Naofa |
Barrack Hill |
St. Bernard's Place |
Fermoy |
Cork |
|
|
St Bernadettes Spec Sch |
Bonnington |
Montenotte |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
|
S N Athair Maitiu C |
Togher |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
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Scoil Eanna |
MONTENOTTE |
CORK |
Cork |
||
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Realt Na Maidine |
Connolly Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Iosagain |
Knockpogue Avenue |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
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St Paul'S School |
Beech Hill |
Montenotte |
Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Ghobnatan |
Bellevue |
Mallow |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
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St Killians Spec Sch |
Old Youghal Road |
Mayfield |
Cork |
Cork |
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S N Mharcuis B |
The Glen |
Cork |
Cork |
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S N Bhreanndain C |
Glen Avenue |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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Holy Family S S |
Bakers Road |
Charleville |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
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Cahermore New Central School |
Cahermore |
Allihies |
Beara |
Co Cork |
Cork |
|
Scoil Chaitigheirn |
Eyeries |
Beara |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
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Mhichil Naofa |
Derrycreeveen |
Bere Island |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Mhuire Ar Chnoc Haoine |
Knocknaheeny |
Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Oilibheir |
Ballyvolane |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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St Marys Spec Sch |
Rochestown |
Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Triest |
Lota |
Glanmire |
Cork |
||
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Gaelscoil Mhachan |
Ave de Rennes |
Machan |
An Charraig Dhubh |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
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Gaelscoil Peig Sayers |
Campas Oideachais |
Fearann Phiarais |
Bothar Ri na hAoine |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
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Bandon Boys Ns |
Convent Hill |
Bandon |
Cork |
||
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Scoil Mhuire Na Trocaire |
Cill na Mallach |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
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Scoil An Croi Ro Naofa |
Castletownbere |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
||
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Bun Scoil Muire |
O'Brien's Place |
Youghal |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
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North Presentation Primary School |
Cathedral Walk |
Gerald Griffin Street |
Cork |
Cork |
|
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Scoil Aiseiri Chriost |
Knockpogue Avenue |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
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Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour N S |
Ringaskiddy |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
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St Gabriels Special School |
Murphy's Farm, |
Curraheen Rd., |
Bishopstown, |
Cork. |
Cork |
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Scoil Mhuire Fatima Boys Senior |
North Monastery Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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Sonas Special Primary Junior School |
Cork Road |
Carrigaline |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
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Scoil Maria Assumpta |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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Canon Sheehan Primary School |
Turnpike |
Doneraile |
Co.Cork |
Cork |
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Scoil Mhuire Agus Eoin |
Boherboy Road |
Lotabeg |
Mayfield |
Cork |
|
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Strawberry Hill National School |
Blarney Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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North Monastery Secondary School |
Our Lady's Mount |
North Monastery Rd. |
Cork |
Cork |
|
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Gaelcholáiste Mhuire |
Gaelcholáiste Mhuire (A.G.) |
An Mhainistir Thuaidh |
Corcaigh |
Cork |
|
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Coláiste Éamann Rís |
St Patrick's Road |
Cork |
Cork |
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St Vincent'S Secondary School |
St Mary's Road |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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North Presentation Secondary School |
Farranree |
Cork |
Cork |
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St Aloysius School |
Sharman Crawford Street |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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Ursuline Secondary School |
Blackrock |
Cork |
Cork |
||
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Presentation Secondary School |
Joe Murphy Road |
Ballyphehane |
Cork |
Cork |
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St Patricks College |
Gardiner's Hill |
Cork |
Cork |
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St. Brogan'S College |
Kilbrogan |
Bandon |
Co Cork |
Cork |
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Carrignafoy Community College |
Carrignafoy |
Cobh |
Co. Cork |
Cork |
|
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Coláiste An Chraoibhin |
Duntaheen Road |
Fermoy |
Co Cork |
Cork |
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Davis College |
Summerhill |
Mallow |
Co Cork |
Cork |
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Mcegan College |
Macroom |
Co Cork |
Cork |
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Coláiste Fionnchua |
Mitchelstown |
Mallow |
Co.Cork |
Cork |
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St Colman'S Community College |
Youghal Road |
112. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection the engagement that she has had with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24670/23]
View answerIn my capacity as Minister for Social Protection, I have not had any engagement with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport.
113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when the Social Protection Annual Report for 2022 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24441/23]
View answerOfficials in my Department have been collating material for the 2022 Annual Report and are currently finalising the design and content. The intention is to publish the report by the end of June.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
114. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider in Budget 2024 extending the child dependent cut-off age to 24 years if the child is still attending a third-level course. [24669/23]
View answerMost weekly social welfare payments include an additional payment known as an Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) in respect of each qualified child up to age 18. This is extended to encompass older school or college going children up to age 22 under certain circumstances. This increase provides targeted assistance that is directly linked with household income and family-size to support low-income families.
In Budget 2023 I provided for the weekly rates of the Increase for a Qualified Child to increase by €2 for children of all ages. The current rates are €42 per week in the case of children under age 12 and €50 per week in the case of children aged 12 or over.
The measure is in recognition of the need for greater income support for welfare-dependent households with children. It is estimated that this measure will cost €30.4 million in 2023.
There are no plans to increase the age in respect of which an Increase for a Qualified Child is payable.
115. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the way her Department is supporting people with disabilities to gain employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24637/23]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection, through its nationwide network of Intreo centres, provides a case managed employment service for jobseekers with disabilities. The person works with a case officer with a view to agreeing a suitable personal progression plan in order to access the full range of employment supports available.
The Department recognises the additional challenges that some people with disabilities may experience in securing and maintaining employment, and contracts specialist employment services, called EmployAbility, to help address this. A jobseeker with a disability who is working with their Intreo case officer may be referred to these service providers if it is agreed that they would benefit from the type of services and support provided. Under EmployAbility the person works with a job coach who provides both pre-employment and in-employment support and assistance. Providers also deliver a recruitment and job matching service for employers.
Both Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are structured to support recipients to avail of work opportunities, be that self-employment or insurable employment. When an individual commences employment, they can avail of an income disregard of €165 per week. In addition, a 50% taper on earnings between €165 and €375 is also applied. A person can earn up to €495 and still retain some of their payment.
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants support jobseekers and existing employees with disabilities, as well as private sector employers seeking to hire or retain a person with a disability. These grants are being reviewed, as per commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. The review aims to improve the effectiveness of the grants, identify gaps in provision and simplify the application and payment processes.
In Budget 2023 an additional €1 million in funding was announced to expand the provisions made under the Reasonable Accommodation Fund grant and to support the recommendations from the forthcoming review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
116. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the number of people who benefitted from the social protection lump sum payments; if further cost-of-living measures will be considered going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24393/23]
View answerSince Spring 2022, my Department has administered a wide range of lump sum cost of living supports targeted at people and families to help them through this difficult period. These were paid out across 2022 - in March, May, October through December, and in April 2023, with further supports to be paid in the coming months.
The full list of cost of living lump sum supports provided by my Department, along with the cost and number of recipients is below. Further supports, including energy credits for example, were provided from other Government Departments' Votes.
|
Measure |
Cost |
Number of recipients |
|
Spring/Summer 2022 |
||
|
€125 lump sum payment to households in receipt of Fuel Allowance (March) |
€49m |
372,000 households |
|
€100 lump sum payment to households in receipt of Fuel Allowance (May) |
€37.1m |
371,000 households |
|
Additional €100 payment for each child for whom Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid |
€22m |
122,000 household (in respect of 220,000 children) |
|
Autumn 2022 |
||
|
Autumn Double Weekly Payment |
€316.4m |
1.4m recipients |
|
Fuel Allowance €400 lump sum payment |
€148.5m |
371,000 households |
|
Double monthly payment of Child Benefit |
€170.4m |
638,000 recipients (in respect of 1,203,000 children) |
|
Living Alone Allowance €200 lump sum payment |
€46m |
191,800 pensioners and 42,200 working age recipients (an estimated total of 234,000 beneficiaries) |
|
Working Family Payment €500 lump sum payment |
€23m |
44,000 recipients (with 97,000 children) |
|
Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and Carer’s Support Grant €500 lump sum payment |
€175m |
Approximately 350,000 recipients |
|
Christmas Bonus Double Weekly Payment |
€300m |
1.3m recipients |
|
Spring 2023 |
||
|
€200 lump sum payment to primary recipients of long-term social welfare payments, including Working Family Payment |
€261m |
1.35m recipients. |
|
Additional €100 Child Benefit payment, per child * |
€122m |
638,000 recipients (in respect of 1,203,000 children) |
|
Additional €100 payment for each child for whom Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to be paid in 2023 * |
€27.3m |
153,000 recipients (in respect of 273,000 children). |
* Note- Upcoming payment.
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for disability payments and invalidity pension refused for whatever reason in the past twelve months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24623/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. The applicant must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect, which has lasted for one year or is expected to last for one year and as a result of which they are substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications. The person must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. Eligibility for IP is based on a person satisfying both the contribution and medical eligibly criteria. A claimant must be regarded as permanently incapable of work, which is defined as incapacity for work of such a nature that the likelihood is that they will be incapable of work for life or have an incapacity which has existed for 12 months prior to the date of claim, and where the deciding officer or an appeals officer is satisfied that they are likely to be unable to work for one year from the date of claim.
The number of DA and IP applications registered and disallowed from May 2022 to April 2023 are set out in the table below.
|
May 2022 - April 2023 |
Registered |
Disallowed |
|
Disability Allowance |
27,300 |
15,708 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
9,138 |
5,017 |
The majority of DA and IP claim disallowances are based on the medical conditions for each scheme not being satisfied. Many of these applications are from people whose short-term illness benefits have expired and who have illnesses or injuries which are not considered to be severe enough or not likely to long-term, in keeping with the scheme eligibility.
As DA is a means tested payment, applications can be disallowed when a means assessment determines that an applicant’s means exceed the statutory maximum allowed under the scheme. In addition, applications can be disallowed when they do not satisfy the conditions of being habitually resident in the State.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
118. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money paid through her Department in 2022 to employers that take on workers under the Jobs Plus scheme; the number of employers who availed of the scheme; the number of employees who benefitted from the scheme in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24624/23]
View answer512. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual budget for the JobsPlus scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25015/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 512 together.
The JobsPlus scheme provides a financial incentive to employers to recruit employees who have either been out of work for long periods or who are young unemployed people. It provides a monthly payment to employers over two years, with two levels of grant payable - €7,500 or €10,000 - provided that the employment is maintained. The level of payment depends on the age of the jobseeker and the length of time in receipt of a qualifying payment.
During 2022 payments were made under the JobsPlus scheme to 1,388 employers in respect of 1,702 employees with a provisional outturn expenditure of €4.2 million. The Government has provided €4.9 million for JobsPlus in 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
119. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the consultation process as part of her Department's work on addressing the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24664/23]
View answerThe Indecon Cost of Disability report was prepared following an extensive consultation with disabled people and disability stakeholders. This included one of the largest disability surveys ever undertaken in the State.The report identified that additional costs of disability run across a number of areas of expenditure including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines, and additional living expenses. Furthermore, Indecon found that there is not a single typical cost of disability; rather, there is a spectrum from low to high additional costs of disability, depending on individual circumstances.It is very clear that the findings in the research have implications for many areas of public policy. Based on this, one of Indecon's conclusions is that a multifaceted, whole of Government approach is required to address the cost of disability.It is for this reason the Government decided that the report, and actions to be taken on foot of the report, should be considered and monitored by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
This group is chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, and is comprised of relevant departments, agencies, and a Disability Stakeholder Group.
The Disability Stakeholder group is comprised of persons who have expertise and lived experience of disability, who are appointed by the Minister of State for Disability - members serve a three-year period on the group.
A new national cross-Government strategy to succeed the National Disability Inclusion Strategy is currently being developed by all government departments and agencies. This is also intended to satisfy the Programme for Government commitment to develop a coordinated plan to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Cost of Disability report is an important element of the evidence base which will inform the scope and focus of the strategy.
In relation to my Department, we engage extensively with the sector through, for example:
• Quarterly meetings of the Departments Disability Consultative Forum a year. This forum was established in 1996.
• Quarterly meetings of the Departments Disability Consultative Committee, established under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
• The Department's annual pre- and post-budget forums.
• The Department's annual Carers' Forum.
• Two meetings each year of the Department's Community and Voluntary pillar group.
• Representation on groups such as the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Implementation Group with representatives from the sector.
• Through the new Disability Participation and Consultation Network - this network was established and is being funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth as part of the States response to the UNCRPD.
My Department will continue to engage with the sector on matters relating to the Departments services and schemes for persons with disabilities.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025 includes a commitment to develop and consult on a ‘strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report and the findings of the Cost of Disability report.
Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.
I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy.
120. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the proposed legislation on child maintenance system changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24665/23]
View answerThe Report of the Child Maintenance Review Group was published last November. The Government accepted the Group's recommendations in relation to the social welfare system. I am pleased to say that, pending the introduction of the necessary legislation, my Department has already implemented some of the recommended changes on an administrative basis.As a result, my Department is no longer applying the "efforts to seek maintenance" requirement to One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker's Transitional Payment. This requirement often involved lone parents having to go to Court to seek a maintenance order, so this change will remove a potential additional stress for them, as well as helping to reduce the burden on our courts system.
In addition, the liable relative provisions are not being applied to new claims for One-Parent Family Payment. This means that my Department will no longer seek to recoup a portion of claim costs from the non-resident parent in these cases. I want to be very clear that removing these provisions does not replace or supersede the primary responsibility of parents to maintain their children.
In addition, child maintenance payments will be disregarded in the means test for social welfare payments. This measure will mean that many lone parents currently on reduced rates of payment will see their payment increase. It will also mean that some additional lone parents will qualify for a payment. It is estimated that this measure will be of direct benefit to approximately 16,000 lone parents at a cost of approximately €10 million per year.
These are very significant reforms of the social welfare system which will be of great benefit to lone parents. These changes require amendments to both primary and secondary legislation as well as changes to some of my Department’s systems, application forms and processes.
My officials are working on advancing the legislative provisions and associated issues at present to ensure full implementation as early as possible. In the meantime, as I have outlined, a number of the recommendations are being implemented on an administrative basis.
