Emer Higgins
Question:380. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection how child benefit payments are paid per area in Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart County Dublin and Celbridge, County Kildare. [7829/24]
View answerSocial Welfare Payments
Questions (380)
Written answers
Child 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 16,17 and will include 18 from May 2024 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
Breakdown by area is not available but nationally 87% are paid directly into a financial institution with the remainder paid at their Post Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
Departmental Funding
Questions (381)
Catherine Murphy
Question:381. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the 2023 and 2024 current budget funding allocated towards the humanitarian support scheme, in tabular form. [7844/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme was approved by Government in November 2009 with a fund of €10m made available. In October 2023, Government approved an additional €3 million in funding for the scheme and agreed to increase the income limit levels for the scheme, giving access to those most in need.
The 2023 Revised Estimates provided for expenditure of €0.2 million on the scheme in 2023. Due to flooding in certain parts of the country in October 2023, an additional €2.9 million was approved by the Dáil as part of the Supplementary Estimate in November 2023, bringing the allocation for the scheme to €3.1 million.
The 2024 Revised Estimates has made an initial provision for expenditure of €0.125 million on the scheme this year.
The funding allocations for 2023 and 2024 are set out in the table below.
|
2023 Revised Estimate |
2023 Supplementary Estimate |
2024 Revised Estimate |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
200 |
3,103 |
125 |
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme provides means tested financial assistance to households affected by a severe weather event. As such, expenditure on the scheme is dependent on the occurrence of extreme weather events, and is therefore demand lead and can fluctuate significantly each year as a result.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (382)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:382. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7910/24]
View answerWritten answers
Disability 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.
My Department received correspondence from the person concerned, notifying a change of circumstances regarding her DA. I can confirm that following a review, it was found that the person concerned had an increase in her means from her previous assessment and has been assessed with weekly means of €51.50.
Based on the information provided to my Department, a reduced rate of DA will be awarded with effect from 6 March 2024.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 15 February 2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Questions (383)
Pauline Tully
Question:383. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has plans to increase the wage subsidy scheme in line with the minimum wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7924/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is an employment support to private sector employers, the objective of which is to encourage employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market.
There are currently some 1,504 employers availing of the subsidy in respect of some 2,437 participant employees. Estimated expenditure on the Wage Subsidy Scheme in 2024 is €25 million.To claim a subsidy under the scheme, the private sector employer must offer employment to a person with a disability for at least 21 hours per week and up to 39 hours per week. The contract of employment must be for a minimum of 6 months and the employee should be subject to and have the same conditions of employment as any of the employer's other employees. It should be noted that the subsidy rate contribution under this scheme is not linked to the statutory minimum wage; it is a subsidy provided, subject to certain conditions, to encourage greater employment participation by disabled people.As part of Budget 2022, I increased the rate of the Wage Subsidy Scheme paid to employers, from €5.30 to €6.30 per hour. This gives a total annual subsidy available of €12,776 based on a 39-hour week. Where an employer employs between 3 and 6 employees, a 10% top-up is applied to the hourly rate increasing the payment rate to €6.93 for each employee. In the case of an employer who has more than 23 employees the payment rate is €9.45 per hour for each employee. This is a significant contribution to an employer’s wage costs.My department is currently undertaking a review of the scheme under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with Disabilities. As part of this review, an extensive public consultation was undertaken during June and July 2024, with over 1,000 responses received.
My officials are currently compiling the analysis from the consultation and working on completing the report, which I expect to be finalised over the coming months. In the meantime, in anticipation of recommendations in the review, I have made provision in Budget 2024 to decrease the minimum hours from 21 to 15 hours, which was a key issue raised by stakeholders in the consultation. I expect this change to be operationalised at the start of April this year.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 364.
Social Welfare Appeals
Questions (385)
Niamh Smyth
Question:385. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the review/appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7953/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
I have been advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal for the person concerned has only recently been received in the Office. Once the appeal is registered the person concerned will be notified, and the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought, which is a statutory requirement of the appeals process.
When these papers are received from the Department the case will be assigned to an Appeals Officer, 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.
School Meals Programme
Questions (386)
Paul Murphy
Question:386. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that children with coeliac disease are properly catered for in the school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6385/24]
View answerWritten answers
The objective of the School Meals 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. Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.
Funding under the School Meals Programme can be provided for breakfast, snack, cold lunch, dinner, hot school meals and afterschool clubs and is based on a maximum rate per child per day, depending on the type of meal being provided. These meals must meet the nutritional standards for the school meals programme.
The Nutritional Standards for School Meals were developed by a working group led by the Health and Well-being Programme in the Department of Health, in consultation with Safefood and the Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme in the Health Service Executive.
Each school is required to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day and where required, provide a vegetarian or vegan option and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements. The food provided for those with allergies must comply with the Standards. Guidance on allergies such as coeliac disease and gluten intolerance is available from Safefood.net
Schools are responsible for choosing their own School Meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with Public Procurement rules. Under tender documentation as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the menu is to accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, from lactose-free to vegetarian to gluten-free for example. In addition, the supplier is to check with the school upon award of the contract, the details of such to accommodate those potential customers and the supplier must provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
The Department provides the funding directly to the schools, who are then required to procure the provision of the food in compliance with Government procurement rules and with relevant Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, Food Safety regulations and the Nutritional Standards for School Meals. It is the responsibility of the school to source a supplier that can meet the dietary requirements of all of their pupils.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Schemes
Questions (387)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:387. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details of education/upskilling courses available under the back to education scheme; what measures are being taken to expand on courses available under this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7971/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at further and higher level. The focus of the scheme is to assist people to improve their qualifications and as a result improve their access to sustainable employment. The Government has provided €35.73 million for the scheme in 2024.
Under the Back to Education Allowance a qualified person can take up a full-time course of study leading to a recognised qualification subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of the scheme. The scheme covers participation in a wide range of education and upskilling courses and the Employment Personal Advisor works with the applicant to consider their options in line with their personal progression plan.
At the further education level, the course of study can include the Junior Certificate, the Leaving Certificate, Post Leaving Certificate courses and courses up to QQI level 6 provided through the Education Training Boards.
For higher education courses, jobseekers can be supported to take undergraduate courses up to honours degree level (QQI level 8). At the postgraduate level, Back to Education Allowance may be approved to undertake studies leading to a Higher Diploma (Level 8) in any discipline and the Professional Masters in Education (Level 9). The scheme does not generally support studies at masters level. There is a limited exemption for a person who is being admitted to the programme based solely on life experience where they hold no other third level qualification.
The Government's Springboard+ programme is an upskilling initiative in higher education. It offers courses at certificate, degree and masters level, leading to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. Jobseekers can apply under the Back to Education Allowance to take part in full time Springboard+ funded programmes. In addition, jobseekers may be able to retain their payment under the Part Time Education Option when they take part in Part-Time Springboard programmes.
Any person seeking to return to education should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Questions (388)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:388. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if parents have any action to take on the change to child benefit being rolled out in May 2024 for dependants up to the age of 18 years and still in full time education; how will these dependants be recognised to continue in payment of child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7972/24]
View answerWritten answers
Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, the payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability.
I have secured approval to bring forward, from September to May, the extension of Child Benefit for 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or who have a disability.
From May 1st, Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education (including 3rd level), or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.
The measure is expected to benefit some 60,000 children annually.
In the case of a child who is 18 and still in full-time education, they will be eligible again from May 2024 up to their 19th birthday.
My Department will be in contact with all recipients of Child Benefit over the coming months to advise of the next steps.
Community Welfare Services
Questions (389)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:389. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection for consideration in ensuring that local community welfare officers can be available for in-person appointments at local social welfare branch offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7973/24]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of crucial and locally based community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for me and for my Department. The Community Welfare Service (CWS) continues to provide a flexible service to meet the different needs of clients, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.
Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) are physically on site daily in over 50 Intreo Centres across the country where they are available to be seen without an appointment, during business hours, Monday to Friday. In addition to meeting citizens in Intreo Centres and DSP offices, CWOs also can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home or indeed where facilities are in place, or at their local Social Welfare Branch Office.
While local face-to-face engagement with clients continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. This service is proving very popular with customers in rural areas, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.
Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed on the same day. CWOs are very experienced and can generally assess when a case is so urgent that it requires an immediate response. They have the facility to issue an immediate manual cheque payment to clients and approximately 19% of clients who present to CWOs in person each week receive a payment on the day that they attend.
A person can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payment 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. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
Where a person has a verified MyGovID they can also apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) at www.MyWelfare.ie. The provision of the ANP online application allows a person make an application online whilst also providing documentation in support of their claim.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Payments
Questions (390)
Catherine Connolly
Question:390. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of submissions received to-date to the consultation on the Green Paper on Disability Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8032/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government committed as part of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion to develop and consult on proposals to restructure long-term disability payments and to simplify the system. The proposals developed are set out in the Green Paper on Disability Reform.
The Green Paper is a consultation document. No final decisions have been made. The Paper’s purpose is to invite discussion, debate, and suggestions.
My officials also held a stakeholder event and four public consultations events in October and November last year. My Department are also holding bilateral meetings with Disabled Persons Organisations and disability groups. The feedback from these events and meetings will also be considered as part of the public consultation.
My Department has received 274 submissions to date; 261 submissions from individuals and 13 submissions from Disabled Persons’ Organisations and disability groups.
We want to hear from as many disabled people and their representatives as possible. For this reason, I have extended the closing date for the public consultation to 15 March 2024. People can make a submission in writing or by video. I encourage everybody with an interest in improving lives of people with disabilities to engage in the consultation process. I am open to all ideas and suggestions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 391 answered with Question No. 364.
Question No. 392 answered with Question No. 364.
Public Sector Pay
Questions (393)
Duncan Smith
Question:393. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection when employees in the Citizens Information Centre will receive approved pay rises given that its sister service, MABS, has had pay rises in place since 2022, even though both are funded by the same organisation, the Citizens Information Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8043/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, with responsibility for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice) and advocacy on a wide range of public and social services.
CIB provides some services directly to the public and funds and supports a number of different Service Delivery Companies to provide services on its behalf. These Service Delivery Companies are not homogenous and provide a broad range of very different supports and services on behalf of CIB Their structure, staffing levels and service delivery models also vary significantly between different Service Delivery Companies. The Citizens Information Service (CIS) and MABS as well as the range of other Service Delivery Companies are entirely independent of each other and provide very different services.
I absolutely recognise and value the essential work carried out by staff of the CIS and their dedication to their role in ensuring that people have access to quality and independent information, advice and advocacy services across the country.
My Department allocates annual Exchequer funding to CIB to deliver its services and the services of its Service Delivery Companies, including the CIS companies. However, it is important to point out that employees of the CIS are not employees of my Department nor are they public servants. They are employees of independent companies that provide important services to CIB, which are delivered under a Service Level Agreement between each company and CIB.
In July 2023, as part of the Estimates process, a funding request for 2024 was submitted to my Department, which included additional funding for an 11% pay increase for employees of the CIS. My Department understands that this followed a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) process that directly involved both SIPTU and the CIS Employers Group. There was no involvement of CIB in the WRC process. Neither was my Department aware of this pay request in advance.
It is important that any pay requests, which impact important services, are carefully considered well in advance and have the involvement of all relevant stakeholders from early in the process. My Department has relayed this to CIB and encouraged further engagement on this issue by CIB, the CIS Employers Group and CIS staff representatives.