Written Answers Nos. 335-358
335. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding Ireland's regional aid discussions and the new 2014-2020 regional aid map with the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53045/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process of Member States agreeing the 2014-2021 Regional Aid Guidelines is under way and initial multilateral discussions between Member States and the Commission, which has responsibility for the Regional Aid Guidelines, have taken place. The Commission is scheduled to forward proposals to Member States in December 2012, documenting the structure and provisions that will form the basis of the revised Guidelines. Further discussions will then ensue.
For the 2014-2021 Regional Aid Map, economic data for all counties will once again be analysed afresh. My Department is actively engaged in this process in close consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The current Regional Aid Map for 2007-13 was drawn up in accordance with the Commission’s Current Regional Aid Guidelines. The details of the support in terms of aid intensity for each county are available on my Departments website www.djei.ie.
336. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of spend per head of population, on a county basis, by Enterprise Ireland and by the Industrial Development Agency since 2006. [52167/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUsing population breakdown by county and region as a measure of industrial activity is not an appropriate method of presenting spend by the Enterprise Development Agencies.
While Enterprise Ireland can break down data on a county basis (see Table 1), the Industrial Development Agency only collect data on a regional basis (see Tables 2 and 3).
With regard to Enterprise Ireland the table reflects the fact that payments under the temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund terminated in 2010 in accordance with the rules governing the temporary State Aids Framework.
Table 1 - Enterprise Ireland
|
County |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Carlow |
415,385 |
494,218 |
1,505,564 |
2,474,270 |
3,854,592 |
1,893,411 |
|
Cavan |
2,730,841 |
2,897,764 |
2,629,879 |
8,452,986 |
9,509,764 |
3,333,883 |
|
Clare |
10,000 |
947,269 |
1,555,143 |
1,644,108 |
3,267,837 |
1,123,660 |
|
Cork city |
4,844,912 |
1,987,401 |
4,704,498 |
7,377,961 |
8,399,450 |
4,562,661 |
|
Cork County |
4,104,339 |
7,360,185 |
16,029,248 |
20,798,682 |
13,973,645 |
7,801,342 |
|
Donegal |
3,106,780 |
2,765,340 |
2,646,111 |
3,358,109 |
5,350,472 |
2,793,673 |
|
Dublin City |
13,137,793 |
13,613,921 |
22,228,794 |
31,624,784 |
39,431,197 |
21,823,293 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
2,344,505 |
2,862,942 |
2,938,418 |
11,422,411 |
9,264,870 |
4,888,852 |
|
Dublin South County |
2,396,865 |
2,470,112 |
3,739,329 |
11,606,845 |
16,007,994 |
5,241,796 |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
7,577,818 |
6,579,434 |
7,068,587 |
9,758,601 |
10,304,179 |
8,053,644 |
|
Galway |
4,734,201 |
7,086,446 |
6,881,686 |
8,527,609 |
12,060,529 |
5,306,313 |
|
Kerry |
960,823 |
2,264,165 |
4,125,090 |
7,512,136 |
3,424,849 |
2,422,961 |
|
Kildare |
2,302,806 |
2,008,777 |
3,837,461 |
12,093,417 |
7,439,782 |
3,854,637 |
|
Kilkenny |
639,820 |
1,291,717 |
11,075,767 |
8,214,917 |
6,007,018 |
2,244,961 |
|
Laois |
461,973 |
1,364,661 |
1,113,987 |
1,796,384 |
2,289,457 |
815,168 |
|
Leitrim |
433,820 |
874,845 |
380,827 |
1,037,613 |
942,437 |
53,869 |
|
Limerick |
230,578 |
2,516,432 |
5,476,068 |
6,149,182 |
8,878,153 |
4,123,458 |
|
Longford |
260,946 |
215,221 |
1,715,510 |
2,674,985 |
1,822,459 |
2,825,588 |
|
Louth |
1,512,482 |
1,884,308 |
1,948,982 |
5,750,297 |
6,436,017 |
2,617,431 |
|
Mayo |
1,476,833 |
1,070,305 |
2,583,181 |
8,099,160 |
3,956,789 |
2,099,363 |
|
Meath |
969,314 |
1,631,337 |
1,485,364 |
2,165,136 |
5,762,191 |
1,678,397 |
|
Monaghan |
1,824,119 |
2,475,839 |
2,591,356 |
6,134,007 |
6,925,838 |
2,598,817 |
|
Offaly |
1,190,234 |
1,013,276 |
4,689,726 |
2,086,211 |
2,897,868 |
1,434,904 |
|
Roscommon |
700,605 |
625,268 |
719,803 |
726,874 |
2,593,524 |
1,240,080 |
|
Sligo |
731,807 |
1,114,943 |
1,308,340 |
2,232,801 |
2,433,456 |
1,258,144 |
|
Tipperary Nth |
17,191 |
1,816,250 |
3,149,246 |
3,352,468 |
1,458,055 |
|
|
Tipperary Sth |
1,044,511 |
3,885,008 |
1,149,910 |
5,518,629 |
4,370,397 |
3,377,090 |
|
Waterford |
1,022,855 |
1,279,119 |
2,018,838 |
2,742,763 |
8,962,747 |
2,848,642 |
|
Westmeath |
1,026,657 |
1,236,019 |
1,178,978 |
1,856,444 |
4,036,361 |
1,476,835 |
|
Wexford |
1,845,470 |
538,647 |
2,272,252 |
2,999,315 |
7,600,454 |
3,944,442 |
|
Wicklow |
1,156,846 |
2,109,528 |
3,414,839 |
5,968,098 |
4,100,385 |
1,790,637 |
|
TOTAL |
65,195,938 |
78,581,639 |
126,829,788 |
205,953,981 |
225,657,177 |
110,986,007 |
Table 2 – Industrial Development Agency
|
Regions |
North West |
West |
Mid West |
South West |
Midlands |
|
2006 |
€2,176,514 |
€11,770,199 |
€5,432,622 |
€28,466,211 |
€2,693,203 |
|
2007 |
€2,712,400 |
€8,658,845 |
€2,367,535 |
€10,354,690 |
€1,862,404 |
|
2008 |
€836,217 |
€13,035,766 |
€3,343,562 |
€14,465,108 |
€1,707,837 |
|
2009 |
€1,835,587 |
€10,272,311 |
€6,385,694 |
€16,734,473 |
€2,388,917 |
|
2010 |
€3,845,440 |
€14,142,020 |
€5,866,962 |
€20,336,201 |
€2,691,098 |
|
2011 |
€1,504,986 |
€15,308,360 |
€8,645,736 |
€15,245,281 |
€2,288,466 |
Table 3 - Industrial Development Agency
|
Regions |
South East Region |
East Region |
North East Region |
|
2006 |
€7,558,915 |
€38,373,892 |
€246,434 |
|
2007 |
€13,928,920 |
€39,201,479 |
€348,127 |
|
2008 |
€7,947,182 |
€37,691,166 |
€1,245,000 |
|
2009 |
€2,652,596 |
€39,721,446 |
€870,882 |
|
2010 |
€19,738,753 |
€52,440,158 |
€1,379,552 |
|
2011 |
€5,364,688 |
€47,712,539 |
€689,164 |
337. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the grant aid or other payments made by his Department to Chambers Ireland, IBEC, ISME and the SFA for each of the past five years. [52173/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of grant-aid or other payments
|
- |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
|
Chambers Ireland |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
IBEC |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
€329,298 from the Workplace Innovation Fund. The Workplace Innovation Fund consisted of three Strands. Strand 2 provided ‘Support for Capacity Building among Social Partners’ and was intended to support a range of social partner practices impacting on workplace innovation. IBEC used the Fund for the following publications- HR Best Practice Series, Essential Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution, Essential Guide to Employee Engagement, Essential Guide to Change, Essential Guide to Reward and Recognition, HRM Survey, and focused on the following areas Development Programme: High Performance through Emotional Intelligence, New Approaches to Change Management, Innovation in 3rd Level Education, Innovation in Education and Training Provision, HR Best Practice (Launch Seminar), Engagement Seminar Information and Consultation: Regional Workshops Employee Financial Involvement: Regional Workshops Project Support: Executive Support, Resource Person
|
|
ISME |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
SFA |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
€3,722 sponsorship of Work Life Balance Seminar. The National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies, formerly known as the National Framework Committee for Family Friendly Policies was originally established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness in 2000. The Committee was disbanded in 2010. The Committee comprised representatives from IBEC, ICTU, the Equality Authority, a number of Government Departments including the Departments of the Taoiseach, Finance, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Social and Family Affairs and was chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Committee was charged with supporting and facilitating the development of family friendly policies at the level of the enterprise through the development of a package of practical measures. In this context the Small Firms Association received financial support from the Committee for organising a Work Life Balance seminar in June 2008. |
338. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will confirm when the Employment Appeals Tribunal will hear claims (details supplied) which have been referred to the Department in March 2012. [52175/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in its day to day operations. It is long established practice that Ministers do not get involved with its adjudication function. However, I understand that the Tribunal received a claim from this claimant on 12th March 2012, under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007, the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Minimum Notice Acts 1973 to 2005. A notice of appearance has been entered by the employer and a notice of hearing will issue in due course.
All claims are listed for hearing in accordance with their date of lodgement with the EAT. I am informed that the waiting periods at the end of September, 2012, ranged from 9 weeks to 94 weeks. The reason for the variance in these waiting times is because the Tribunal conducts hearings in about 36 locations. Where the number of cases is relatively small, the Tribunal may wait until a sufficient number of cases are on hand so as to maximise value for money. Once a critical mass of hearings is assembled, 5 days of hearing in a single location can reduce the waiting time in the area concerned significantly. I have asked the Tribunal to examine if further efficiencies can be achieved through rationalizing their hearing venues. Delays are also impacted upon by the number of postponement or adjournment applications made by either party. I understand that the Tribunal targets areas with the longest waiting period and highest level of claims outstanding; using the resources it has currently available. The Tribunal is actively working to meet this challenge, notwithstanding the high level of claims in recent years and the administrative resources available.
I believe it is essential that we have efficient and effective mechanisms to develop harmonious and productive workplaces and to assist employers and employees to avoid and resolve disputes.
When I came into office last year I inherited a system for resolving employment disputes that did not achieve this. The system was frustrating for employers, employees and professionals representing them. Notwithstanding the efforts of the EAT and others to reduce backlogs, I believe the delays that users of the service are experiencing are unacceptable.
It is for these reasons I am undertaking a root and branch reform of all five Workplace Relations Bodies. The Reform Programme I have commenced will deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations structure. I propose to establish a two-tier Workplace Relations structure. This means that from next year two statutorily independent bodies will replace the current five. We will have a new single body of first instance to be called the Workplace Relations Commission and a separate appeals body, which will effectively be an expanded Labour Court. All complaints will be dealt with by a single body of first instance where the aim will be to have a hearing within three months from the time the case is lodged.
The activities of the Labour Relations Commission, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the first instance functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Court will be merged into the new Body of First Instance, to be known as the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The appellate functions of the Employment Appeals Tribunal will be incorporated into an expanded Labour Court. Work has commenced on the drafting of a Workplace Relations Bill to give effect to the new two-tier structure. I fully expect the work that I have commenced with regard to the reform of the Workplace Relations Bodies, including the EAT, to significantly improve the quality of service to users including a reduction in waiting times.
Since I announced my reform proposals we have undertaken two public consultation processes; published two policy documents; published a new website; introduced a single complaint form and single contact portal and commenced delivery of an Early Resolution Service. In addition we have prepared the Scheme of the Workplace Relations Bill and secured Government Approval for priority drafting of the Bill.
I am extremely happy with the pace and quality of the delivery of this important Reform Programme. It is proof that the public sector can be reformed in a way that can save money for the tax payer, while at the same time greatly improving services for users. The significant progress to date means we now have:
A new single contact portal called “Workplace Relations Customer Services” dealing with all Workplace Relations complaints which has replaced the five separate entry points.
- Complaints are now acknowledged, on average, within a week of receipt. This was previously taking up to eight months in some cases.
- The employer is also notified, on average, within a week of the complaint being lodged thus increasing the possibility of a resolution being reached without the need for a hearing. Again this was taking up to eight months.
- There are now no backlogs for Rights Commissioner hearings.
- A Single Complaint Form that deals with over 100 first instance complaints has replaced the 30 forms previously in use.
- A new workplace relations interim website www.workplacerelations.ie is in place.
- A pilot Early Resolution Service is now seeking to resolve disputes at an early stage without the need for adjudication.
I am determined to progress the next phase of the reform and the enactment of the legislation with the same determination and priority that has delivered excellent results so far.
340. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department or in bodies which fall under the remit of his Department whose annual remuneration including salary, pension and benefits at 31 December 2011 fell into bands of €400,000 and above, between €300,000 to €399,999, between €200,000 to €299,999 and between €150,000 to €199,000; and if he will provide a breakdown of the positions held by the staff in relevant pay brackets. [52514/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra341. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has made any contacts requesting staff whose annual salary is more than €200,000 in his Department or in any body under the remit of his Department, to waive 15% of their salary or such amount in excess of €200,000 whichever is the lesser; if he has, the date on which he first made this contact; the number of staff who acquiesced to the request for the waiver; the number of staff who refused the request for the waiver and the number of staff who have not responded to the request for the waiver. [52515/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
The following table identifies the number of persons employed in my Department and its offices, broken down by annual remuneration including salary, pension and benefits at 31 December 2011 as requested by the Deputy. There are no staff with remuneration of more than €200,000.
|
Annual remuneration including salary, pension and benefits at 31 December 2011 |
Numbers Employed |
|
€150,000 to €199,000 |
4* |
|
€200,000 to €299,999 |
0 |
|
€300,000 to €399,999 |
0 |
|
€400,000 and above |
0 |
The details of remuneration, pensions and benefits of staff in the Agencies under the remit of my Department, is a day to day matter for the respective agencies. I have asked the Agencies to respond directly to the Deputy concerned.
*This figure comprises the Secretary General of my Department, the Chairman of the Labour Court, the Chief Executive of Labour Relations Commission and one of the Deputy Chairmen of the Labour Court.
342. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the action he and the agencies under the remit of his Department are taking to ensure that the shift in the technology market away from PCs towards mobile devices has no adverse effect on employment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52543/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is recognised internationally as an excellent ICT business location. There are almost 97,000 people employed in ICT firms in Ireland. Of these, almost 74,000 are employed in ICT companies that are clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta. These client companies exported goods and services to the value of almost €50 billion in 2010, representing 30% of national exports.
In terms of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), the ICT sector is one of the country’s leading sectors and continues to be an active source of investment and employment. 9 of the top 10 US ICT companies and 9 of the top 10 global software companies have a presence in this country.
The Government’s 2012 Action Plan for Jobs identified the ICT sector as having potential for further significant growth in job creation. The Action Plan, with its focus on, amongst other things, cloud computing, digital games, ICT skills enhancement and broadband connectivity enhancement, will play an important role in helping win new international investment and job creation. Research Prioritisation in future networks and communications, data analytics, digital platforms and applications, and in enabling technologies such as nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics and software engineering will also have a role in job creation and new investment.
Both the Jobs Action Plan and Research Prioritisation Strategy will ensure that our country fully capitalises on the shift in technologies in the ICT sector, including the growth in mobile devices and will assist PC companies to adapt to changing technologies in the sector.
The Action Plan for Jobs outlines a range of short, medium and long term measures to develop a sustainable domestic supply of high quality ICT graduates to support the further expansion and development of the ICT sector. It also identifies a number of other challenges that must be addressed in order for Ireland to realise the potential for future growth in the ICT sector:
- Maintaining cost competitiveness in the midst of intensifying competition globally, especially in manufacturing, vis-à-vis low cost economies where more mature sectoral activities continue to be outsourced.
- The need to ensure ongoing availability of competitively priced high speed broadband networks.
- The limited scope for software SME’s to engage in public procurement initiatives from which strong reference clients and partnerships can emerge.
- Supporting and fostering digital innovations and the emergence of digital start- up companies.
These challenges are being addressed by a number of Departments and Agencies in the context of implementing the 2012 Action Plan for Jobs. A report outlining progress made in this regard will be published shortly.
343. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there is any legislation governing the establishment of federations or associations representing an entire business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52722/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a legislative basis for a number of different corporate entities, including companies, industrial and provident societies and trade unions. There is no legislative obligation on representative federations or associations to register, although many do so to avail of the various protections and privileges offered by the corporate form.
The Trade Union Acts, in particular, provide for the registration of trade & employer associations, not just the more commonly understood employee trade unions. If a representative organisation wishes to engage in negotiations for the fixing of wages or other conditions of employment it must, unless it is an excepted body, hold a negotiation licence, which may only be held by an authorised trade union (as defined in Section 7 of the Trade Union Act, 1941).
It is, of course, open to each individual entity to choose the corporate model, if any, which best suits its ethos and the nature of its business.
344. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support the matter of a reinstatement of an employment application with the Labour Relations Commission in respect of a person (details supplied). [52730/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the matter to which your constituent refers relates to a claim before the Rights Commissioner Service under the Unfair Dismissals Acts. The Rights Commissioner Service which is operated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) is independent in the exercise of its quasi-judicial function and I have no direct involvement in the day to day exercise of its functions.
Where a claim is heard by a Rights Commissioner under the Unfair Dismissals Acts, the Rights Commissioner will issue a recommendation and either party may appeal that recommendation to the EAT. It is long-established practice that I as Minister do not get involved with the adjudication/mediation process and as such, you will appreciate that as Minister I can have no role in the handling or conduct of individual cases. It would therefore be totally inappropriate for me to comment on the case concerned.
345. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) who manufactured and installed sewerage treatment plants have stopped making and selling the system since March 2009 and the implications this will have for the over 900 tanks that were sold, now that they are no longer certified. [52922/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe company in question manufacture a whole range of treatment plants. The National Standards Authority of Ireland certified one of the range, namely "Biofilter Package sewage treatment system". It was certified until March 2009, when it was withdrawn at the manufacturer’s request.
The Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government use NSAI Agrément as a mechanism to show compliance with the Building Regulations. NSAI Agrément certifies that a product is fit for purpose at the time of installation. The householder is obliged to register the treatment system with the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government.
The NSAI has no role in the ongoing monitoring of the unit.
346. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits the Industrial Development Agency has arranged and undertaken in County Kerry in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53046/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra347. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the percentage of County Kerry jobs that have come from Industrial Development Agency companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53047/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 347 together.
I am informed by IDA Ireland that in the period 1st January 2011 to 31st October 2012 there were two IDA sponsored site visits by potential investors to County Kerry.
Through its network of overseas offices IDA Ireland markets the linked hub locations of Killarney in South Kerry and Tralee in North Kerry for new foreign direct investment (FDI). In addition, IDA Ireland actively promotes other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client queries on an opportunistic basis.
Based on the strengths of the region, IDA is particularly targeting the ICT, International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors. IDA Ireland also works closely with educational institutions and with FÁS to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county.
At the end of 2011 there were 12 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kerry employing 1,294 permanent staff. Statistics are not maintained on job numbers in IDA client companies as a percentage of total employment in a county.
348. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding the number of new State agencies, forums and task forces that have been established in 2012; the number of new employees there are as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53701/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out details of the new State Agencies, Forums and Task Forces that I have established in 2012 and the associated number of new employees in each case.
|
Name of New State Agency / Forum / Task Force |
No. of New Employees |
|
Implementation Working Group on Restructuring of the County and City Enterprise Boards |
0 |
|
Shannon Airport Development Change Management Task Force |
0 |
|
Manufacturing Development Forum |
0 |
|
Games Cluster Development Team |
0 |
349. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will commit to the restoration of the cost of education once off payment, paid to those in receipt of the back to education allowance, from €300 to €500; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52336/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates for the Department of Social Protection provide for expenditure in 2012 of nearly €20.55 billion. These include expenditure of just over €183million on the back to education allowance including some €8 million on the cost of education allowance.
The Government is considering the appropriate level of expenditure on the wide variety and schemes and services to be operated by the Department in 2013, including back to education allowances and grants, in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The outcome will be announced next week on Budget Day.
350. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection the strategies in place to address youth unemployment; if she is considering any further initiatives in this area; if she has had discussions at a European level in relation to this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52484/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the first instance, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth. Past experience suggests that youth unemployment, which tends to rise relatively rapidly in a downturn, can be expected to fall relatively rapidly during the recovery.
In addition to promoting economic recovery, the Government recognises the need for interim measures to support the young unemployed and keep young jobseekers close to the labour market. There are five main approaches being taken to tackle youth unemployment: education, training, job search assistance/guidance, work experience, and encouraging job creation. These actions range across a number of Departments and Agencies.
In terms of education , the Youthreach programme provides integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella.
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) scheme, operated through VECs, provides a range of courses to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people over 21 years of age (particularly early school leavers). The most recent data indicate that there are almost 1,000 participants on VTOS who are under 25 years of age.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme run by my Department provides income maintenance, along with a contribution to education costs, for unemployed people returning to further or higher education. Over 6,500 young people participated in the BTEA in the last academic year.
Approximately 10,000 persons aged under 25 completed a training course with FÁS in 2011 (excluding apprenticeships and evening courses). Training allowances on eligible courses exceed what a young person would receive in jobseekers’ payments, providing an incentive to take up training programmes.
The Labour Market Education & Training Fund (LMETF) is part of the Government’s 2012 Action Plan for Jobs initiative. The Department of Education & Skills has committed €20m to fund a range of education and training interventions for up to 6,500 individuals who are long term unemployed. There are four themes to the funding, one of which is dedicated to the cohort of under 25s.
In terms of job search assistance, some 17,000 young people registered with Employment Services this year up until September 2012, representing 37% of all registrants. Registering with Employment Services gives job-seekers access to guidance interviews, job search assistance, and training courses, as well as self-service job-seeking options.
Under the National Employment Action Plan (EAP) persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register are identified by the Department of Social Protection and referred to Employment Services for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market. Last year, there were 35,400 referrals of under 25s to the EAP, affecting approximately 25,000 individual jobseekers (those who do not attend initially are referred again). Of those referred, 62% of clients had signed off the Live Register by the end of the year. For the first eight months of this year, there were 23,700 referrals affecting 18,300 young jobseekers. The EAP process is being changed on a progressive basis across the country to one where referral will take place immediately on becoming unemployed for those identified, through profiling, as being at greatest risk of remaining unemployed for long periods.
There are a number of schemes/programmes available that are focussed on work experience. The most relevant for young people are JobBridge (the National Internship Scheme), and its predecessor the Work Placement Programme. Over 1,500 young people are currently participating on these schemes. The total number of placements of young people on JobBridge during its first year of operation was 2,600. Young people will also benefit from the reduced rate of employer’s PRSI, the purpose of which is to support job creation, as well as from the impact of Revenue Job Assist and the Employers PRSI Incentive Scheme.
Finally the European Commission is currently reviewing relevant youth policies across the Member States with a view to making proposals for a European-wide approach to a "youth guarantee" that are to be discussed during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council. The Commission’s proposals are expected to be published in December, and achieving political agreement on these proposals in the Council will be a major objective of Ireland’s Presidency in the first half of 2013.
351. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be a derogation provided to her Department from European competition law to continue using post offices to administer social welfare payments into the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52702/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post currently issues payments on behalf of the Department in respect of various social welfare schemes. The contract under which An Post provides this service will expire on 31st December 2013.
The award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to various EU directives and are usually awarded following a competitive tender process. This ensures that the taxpayer receives value for money and it also ensures that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward efficient, effective and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation.
Because of the financial value of this particular service, the Department is required to tender for any new contract for the delivery of social welfare payments when the current contract with An Post expires in 2013. It will of course be open to the current provider to bid for any new contract. The procurement process will be completed in advance of the termination of the contract in order to ensure continuity of service to the Department’s customers. In the circumstances, the question of seeking a derogation from EU competition requirements in regard to the provision of social welfare payments through An Post facilities does not arise.
352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision on a Carers Allowance application will be reviewed in respect of a person (details provided) in Co. Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52168/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 17th February 2012. The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on the basis that they were deemed not to be habitually resident in the State. A letter issued on the 7th November 2012 notifying the person concerned of the decision, the reasons for it, and of his right of review or appeal.
If additional or supplementary evidence is forward to carer’s allowance section the decision will be reviewed by a deciding officer. Alternatively, the person may appeal the decision in writing to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, setting out the grounds for the appeal.
353. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider making supplementary welfare allowance available to those who are awaiting their student grants. [52188/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraApart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test, has applied for any other benefit or allowances s/he may be entitled to, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment may qualify for a weekly payment of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA).
With the exception of those participating in approved education schemes, such as back to education allowance, people who are in full-time education are not eligible for assistance under the terms of the SWA scheme.
354. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new family income supplement applications and renewal applications from County Louth that were awaiting a decision from before the 5 November; if these applications have been transferred to be processed in Letterkenny County Donegal; if she expects these applications to be processed before Christmas; the longest waiting time among those applicants; and the average waiting time. [52205/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers.
FIS claims, both new and renewal, received on or after the 5th November 2012 are currently being processed on receipt.
There are 266 new family income supplement (FIS) applications and 294 renewal applications from the County of Louth pending decision since before 5th November. Almost all of these cases date from between 1st June and 2nd November 2012. There are some earlier cases which have already been actioned by FIS section but which are awaiting further information or have been referred to a social welfare inspector for investigation.
An in-depth business process improvement (BPI) project has recently been completed for the FIS scheme. This project focused on optimising output, improving customer service and the elimination of backlogs. Part of the project was a detailed examination of workloads and a full assessment of existing capacity within the area and what capacity is needed in order to process the volumes of claims, both new and renewal, being received on a weekly basis.
The outcome of this review is a detailed plan outlining the process required to manage both the continuous weekly intake and backlog claims clearance. This plan sees the current weekly new claim and renewal intake processed by one team, while the backlog is ring-fenced and a focused team assigned to this work with a clear plan for its elimination.
The team including additional temporary resources has been identified and is already assigned and working on the backlog claims. In order to reduce the time it will take to eliminate the backlog, some claims are being processed outside of Longford Social Welfare Services Office. This team is fully focussed on the elimination of the backlog of claims in the shortest possible timeframe, concentrating in the first instance on those claims which were previously in payment but where payment has expired and continuing on to first-time new claims. Within those categories, those waiting the longest will be processed first.
While it is not possible to clear all claims in the backlog before Christmas, every effort will be made to pay as many eligible claims as possible in that timeframe. It is expected that the backlog will be fully eliminated by the end of March 2013. Claims which are approved by the backlog team will be backdated to the date of claim or the date of expiry of the previous claim, as appropriate, and all arrears due will be paid.
355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the basis it could be reasonably assumed that entitlement to family income supplement can now be determined by reference to the earnings of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare from the period December 2010 to December 2011, now almost two years previous; and if she will further examine the reason reference was not made to his earnings in the year 2011-2012 the current year, in view of the fact that in a short time a new tax year will become relevant. [52207/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied to have his FIS payment renewed from 30th August 2012. His average earnings were calculated having regard to his earnings in the year ended 31 December 2011, the latest available P60. His most recent payslips were also examined but these gave him a higher weekly net income than his P60. The income from his P60 was used in his FIS assessment as this gave a more representative view of his net income over a longer period of time and resulting in him qualifying for a more favourable rate of FIS.
It appears that the income of the person concerned changed again from October 2012. However as his entitlement to FIS is determined from 30th of August 2012 for 52 weeks, income changes from October 2012 will not be taken into account until his renewal application in August 2013.
An integral part of the FIS scheme is that once the level of payment is determined, it continues to be payable at that rate for a period of 52 weeks, provided that the person remains in full-time employment. The rate of payment may be increased if an additional child is born during the 52 week period.
On the other hand, the rate of payment will not change if there is an increase or decrease in the recipient’s earnings. A key advantage of this approach, which is unique to the FIS scheme, is that claimants can be certain that they will receive a guaranteed level of income support throughout the period. This certainty is important to the success of the scheme as it provides a real incentive to workers with families to avail of employment opportunities.
356. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if any steps will be taken to address the backlog in application for family income supplement as applicants are informed that these will not be dealt with until January 2013 at the earliest, even though some people applied over six months ago and having regard to the anxiety and hardship accruing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52210/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures being taken to address the backlog of family income supplement payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52599/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra424. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current waiting time for family income supplement applicants; if applicants who have been waiting for 18 or 19 weeks for their application to be processed will not now be dealt with until after Christmas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52891/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 393 and 424 together.
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers.
FIS claims, both new and renewal, received on or after the 5th November 2012 are currently being processed on receipt.
An in-depth business process improvement (BPI) project has recently been completed for the FIS scheme. This project focused on optimising output, improving customer service and the elimination of backlogs. Part of the project was a detailed examination of workloads and a full assessment of existing capacity within the area and what capacity is needed in order to process the volumes of claims, both new and renewal, being received on a weekly basis.
The outcome of this review is a detailed plan outlining the process required to manage both the continuous weekly intake and backlog claims clearance. This plan sees the current weekly new claim and renewal intake processed by one team, while the backlog is ring-fenced and a focused team assigned to this work with a clear plan for its elimination.
This team including additional temporary resources has been identified and is already assigned and working on the backlog claims. In order to reduce the time it will take to eliminate the backlog, some claims are being processed outside of Longford Social Welfare Services Office. This team is fully focussed on the elimination of the backlog of claims in the shortest possible timeframe, concentrating in the first instance on those claims which were previously in payment but where payment has expired and continuing on to first-time new claims. Within those categories, those waiting the longest will be processed first.
While it is not possible to clear all claims in the backlog before Christmas, every effort will be made to pay as many eligible claims as possible in that timeframe. It is expected that the backlog will be fully eliminated by the end of March 2013. Claims which are approved by the backlog team will be backdated to the date of claim or the date of expiry of the previous claim, as appropriate, and all arrears due will be paid.
357. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if child benefit payments in relation to multiples will be maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52255/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children up to their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a physical or mental disability. The estimated expenditure on child benefit for 2012 is around €2 billion and it is paid to around 600,000 families in respect of some 1.15 million children.
Parents of multiple birth children receive an additional monthly premia paid at one and a half times the monthly child benefit payment rate for each twin and double the monthly payment rate for each child in other multiple births. While Budget 2012 maintained this additional monthly payment, the multiple births grant of €635 paid at birth, at 4 years of age and at 12 years of age was discontinued.
As a universal payment child benefit assists parents with the cost of raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. The Government is also conscious that child benefit is an important source of income for all families, especially during a time of recession and high unemployment. Bearing this in mind, any plans to change the amount paid in respect of such payments will be a matter to be decided in a budgetary context and announced on Budget day. I do not therefore propose to speculate on any possible approaches to child benefit payment rates changes.
I am conscious that achieving a better design of the overall system of child income supports, including child benefit, raises complex issues about the effectiveness of the full range of income supports currently provided to families and their children. In this context and in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare last year, which has been tasked with recommending cost-effective solutions as to how employment incentives can be improved and better poverty outcomes achieved, particularly child poverty outcomes. The Advisory Group prioritised the area of family and child income supports and has completed its work on this area. Their report is currently receiving my consideration and will assist the Government in its deliberations.
358. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there is only a 2.5 day service provided in a Citizens Information Service instead of a full time service in a town (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52269/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonegal Citizens Information Service (CIS) is funded through the Citizens Information Board to provide information, advice and advocacy services to the citizens of Co. Donegal. There are offices in Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Dungloe, Milford and Donegal Town as well as a number of outreach services.
Between 2002 and February 2011, a full time information officer service was provided in Buncrana. The combination of funding available under the Jobs Initiative Scheme operated by Inishowen Development Partnership Ltd and a funding allocation from Donegal CIS equivalent to a 0.5 post allowed for the delivery of a service five days a week in Buncrana Citizens Information Centre.
Since February 2011, the Jobs Initiative Scheme resource is no longer available. In order to provide a service in Buncrana, Donegal CIS reallocated resources to provide cover on two days each week pending recruitment to fill the 0.5 post allocated to the Centre. Following recruitment in October, a part-time Information Officer has now been permanently allocated to the Buncrana office so that a service can be provided on three days per week.
In addition information and assistance on the range of services and schemes offered by my Department can be obtained in Buncrana Social Welfare Local Office.
Donegal CIS also provides targeted information sessions to local groups and communities where a need is identified or to meet specific requests.
The Citizens Information Board also operates a national helpline, telephone 0761 07 4000, which provides a comprehensive and confidential information service to people throughout the country, Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm. Further information is provided on a broad range of subjects on the citizen’s information website www.citizensinformation.ie, which aims to meet customer demands for fast, easy access to comprehensive information on rights and entitlements.
I am satisfied that Donegal CIS is monitoring demand and keeping the level of service provided in all its locations under regular review in line with available resources.
