Written Answers Nos. 222-231
222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the schemes under the remit of his Department to assist in restoring vacant and derelict buildings to habitable use for housing purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/24]
View answerAddressing vacancy is a key priority for this government. The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which was launched in January 2023, outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back into use as possible.
There are now a range of schemes and supports in place to support addressing vacancy.
Among the measures in the Action Plan, I announced a €150 million Urban Regeneration Development Fund for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties and sites for re-use or sale. The Fund will then be replenished from the proceeds received from the sale or reuse of a site, allowing a local authority to establish a rolling programme to tackle vacancy and dereliction. Local authorities, when applying for the funding, have indicated that they could identify projects generating some 4,850 residential units.
A key initiative to address vacancy and dereliction has been the introduction of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. From May 2023, up to a maximum of €50,000 in grant funding is available to support the refurbishment of a vacant property into a home. Where the property is confirmed as derelict, up to a maximum of €70,000 in grant funding is available.
The Repair and Leasing Scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding required to bring the property up to the standard for rental property. The local authority (or AHB) pays for the repairs upfront and the home is leased to the local authority / AHB for the provision of social housing stock for between 5 and 25 years. The property owner repays the cost of the repairs funded by the local authority as a reduction in the rent over an agreed term.
The Buy and Renew Scheme provides capital funding to local authorities to deliver social housing while also tackling vacancy and dereliction, by supporting local authorities in purchasing and renewing housing units in need of repair and making them available for social housing use.
Planning regulations, introduced in 2018, which exempted certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes have been extended until 2025. The scope of the exemption was also extended to include ‘public houses’.
All local authorities now have a dedicated Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), funded by the Department of Housing, Local and Heritage, ensuring a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy.
My Department launched a new CPO Activation Programme in April 2023, which provides for a planned, proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. This Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful. My Department will be collating data in relation to the number of properties entering the programme, activity being undertaken and outcomes in relation to these properties. This will include data on the scheme or support used to bring the property back into use. Once compiled, this data will be published.
The most efficient home to deliver is one which already exists. I firmly believe that the commitment this Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and revitalising local communities.
223. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2147/24]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of DA at a basic rate of €182.00 as weekly means of €55.45 are assessed. In addition to their basic personal rate, this individual receives €46.00 per week in respect of a Qualified Child.
They are also in receipt of Fuel Allowance and were awarded the €300 Fuel Bonus and the €400 Cost of Living Bonus on 22 November 2023.
My Department received correspondence from the person concerned, notifying a change of circumstances regarding their DA.
I can confirm the application for the person concerned was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. Once the SWI has submitted their report, a decision on the persons means will be made as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
224. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of women who have been affected by the change from the old 'W' PPS to a new PPS format; and the steps her Department has taken to ensure these women, particularly older adults, are notified and assisted during this transition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2156/24]
View answerUnder previous taxation law, the husband of a married couple was considered the assessable spouse and the wife was considered a dependant of the husband. Accordingly, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (Revenue) allocated the husband’s Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number to the wife and appended a “W” to the end, as a second check character, so that they could be separately identified but linked for joint assessment.
The Finance Act 1993 provided that either spouse could be the assessable spouse, and the practice of allocating “Level W” numbers ceased. From then on, all persons were allocated individual, unique numbers. However, it was decided, at that stage, not to ask all individuals with “Level W” numbers to change them until there was an actual need to do so.
The Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) was introduced in the Social Welfare Act 1998, replacing the RSI Number, and my Department was given legislative responsibility for allocating and managing these new numbers. In practice, the RSI numbers in existence were retained and became PPSNs, including “Level W” numbers. In other words, Level W numbers are PPSNs in their own right.
It is the case that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners request people with “Level W” numbers to change them once they need to engage with them on taxation matters. The process of replacing a “Level W” number is relatively straightforward and there is no need for the person to attend any office or to queue for service. As part of the process, my Department verifies the identity of the individual, secures their consent, purges the existing number and replaces it with either a new PPSN or the PPSN that the individual had prior to marriage. All pre-existing records relating to that individual are transferred over to the new number.
Statistics on the number of individuals who have had a new PPSN allocated or their original PPSN reinstated on foot of these arrangements are not maintained.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
225. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2170/24]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP from the person concerned on 21 November 2023. Her claim was refused on 15 January 2024 on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person concerned was notified on 15 January 2024 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and/or appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
226. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an appeal for carers allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2175/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 26th September 2023. 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.
These papers were received on 5th October 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 15th November 2023, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing. The Appeals Officer has been contacted to expedite the appeal in this case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate the correct level of payment payable to persons (details supplied) in their particular circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2180/24]
View answer232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate the current position in regard to the appropriate pension entitlements in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2304/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 232 together.
The person concerned is in receipt of the State Pension (contributory) at the maximum rate payable. He is also in receipt of an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) in respect of his spouse.
The IQA is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment.
Following a review of the IQA on 7 February 2023, it was decided that the IQA was payable at the reduced weekly rate of €134.40 based on the means of their spouse. The decision was appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The person concerned was notified on 3 January 2024 that the decision was upheld.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
228. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of financial aid paid out by the Department to date under the scheme to assist those affected by flooding in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2222/24]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my Department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated to assist householders affected by a number of recent weather events across the Country. This scheme remains open to those affected by these weather events to apply for assistance.
The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide income- tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
The income test for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance (including non-Social Welfare recipients).
During 2023, some 1,100 payments have been made nationally to members of the public under the scheme, with a provisional total expenditure of just over €1.96 million. These figures represent a snapshot of claims as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid and are subject to revision.
If any household affected by the severe weather events in 2023 needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
229. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will allow an appeal for domiciliary care allowance (details supplied). [2256/24]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 15th November 2023. 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.
These papers were received on 28th November 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 16th January 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an exceptional needs payment to assist with hospital treatment travelling costs by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2284/24]
View answerThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).
My Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Supports from my Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility.
Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person is experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to the person's home address on 17/01/2024. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person's claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account he can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Further information on all of the Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate the extent to which an appropriate payment is in place and arrears paid up to date in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2303/24]
View answerOne Parent Family Payment (OPFP) is a payment for parents under 66 who are not cohabiting, and whose youngest child is under 7. Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) is a is a special arrangement under the Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme which a person may qualify for if they do not live with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant and their youngest child is between 7 and 14 years old.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned was in receipt of OPFP from 27/07/2023 until their youngest two children turned 7 years of age on 23/12/2023 and the person’s OPFP payment ceased.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANP)s. The basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
Departmental records show that when the person’s OPFP claim ended, they applied for a basic SWA which was awarded in order to allow the person time to submit a JST application. As the person concerned did not apply for JST, their basic SWA was suspended and they were contacted by a Community Welfare Officer. The person concerned advised my Department that she no longer wished to submit a JST application as her partner had moved back into her home and she had found employment. As a result, the person’s basic SWA was closed and they were advised to apply for Working Family Payment (WFP).
Under the SWA scheme, my Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person’s claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
