Seán Kenny
Ceist:258. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to have a trade mission to India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11362/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWritten Answers Nos. 258 - 275
258. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to have a trade mission to India; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11362/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and my Department are currently planning Trade and Investment missions for India for later this year with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. The Trade Mission is aimed at opening doors for Enterprise Ireland client companies, particularly in the software services sector in the Indian market. The Trade Mission will facilitate meetings with Indian decision makers and will include networking opportunities with potential partners and customers. The Investment mission will look to target companies with the potential to invest and locate new or expanding operations in Ireland. I will announce further details on these plans in due course.
259. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of appointments he has made from March 2011 to January 2013 to State boards; in the case of each appointment, the number of appointments that were made to members of the general public who submitted a curriculum vitae for the appointment; and the number of direct appointments he made. [11478/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince coming to Office I have made 64 appointments to the State Boards under my aegis. It should be noted that of these, only 21 of these were new appointments made at my discretion. 7 were reappointments, and the remaining 36 were allocated under legislation to Department Representatives, social partners, nominees of other Ministers, nominees of prescribed bodies and appointments on an Ex Officio basis and were not appropriate, therefore, for public advertisement. Of the 21 new appointments made at my discretion, I have made 14 appointments to State Boards arising directly from applications from the public.
A breakdown by type and details of all appointments made by me to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department since taking office, are listed in the tables below.
Breakdown of the State Board appointments made since March 2011
Reappointments |
7 |
Department Representatives |
7 |
Social Partners |
7 |
Nominated by other bodies in accordance with Legislation |
16 |
Discretion of Minister – From among individuals who made application |
14 |
Discretion of Minister- Other |
7 |
Ex Officio |
4 |
Staff Representatives |
2 |
Details of the State Board appointments made since March 2011
Labour Relations Commission
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees per annum |
Breege O'Donoghue, Chairperson |
Ministerial- Nominated by the Government |
01/04/2003 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€20,520 |
Brendan McGinty |
Ministerial -Nominated by IBEC |
06/11/2000 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
Fergus Whelan |
Ministerial – Nominated by ICTU |
05/07/2009 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
Gerard Barry |
Ministerial |
01/04/2006 |
Yes7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
Iarla Duffy |
Ministerial |
05/07/2009 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
John Hennessy |
Ministerial -Nominated by IBEC |
05/07/2009 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
Peter McCloone |
Ministerial – Nominated by ICTU |
29/03/2000 |
Yes 7/7/2012 |
06/07/2013 |
€11,970 |
Forfás
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Professor Mark Ferguson |
Ex Officio (DG of SFI) |
18/01/2012 |
No |
06/01/2017 |
None |
John Murphy |
Ministerial -Dept Rep (Sec Gen) |
18/01/2012 |
No |
None |
*The membership of the Forfas Board was reduced to an executive style board, with effect from 5th October 2012, to facilitate the integration of Forfas with the Department. The remaining Board members will continue in situ, to oversee the integration process.
Enterprise Ireland
Membership |
Method of Appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Amanda Pratt |
Ministerial |
10/10/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Clare Dunne |
Ministerial -Dept Rep (Asst Sec) |
10/10/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Colum Horgan |
Ministerial |
15/10/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Geoff Meagher |
Ministerial |
15/10/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
*In accordance with Section 9 of the Industrial Development Act, (Enterprise Ireland) 1998, on each anniversary of the establishment day (23 July, 1998), two members of the Board (other than the chairperson and the chief executive officer) shall retire from office. The members to retire in any year shall be those who have been longest in office since their appointment.
InterTradeIreland
Membership |
Method of Appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Thomas Hunter McGowan (CEO) |
Nominated by Ministers North and South and approved by NSMC |
23/07/2012 |
No |
22/07/2017 |
None |
Martin Cronin (Chair) |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
13/12/2011 |
No |
12/12/2015 |
€11,970 |
Brendan Butler |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
12/12/2007 |
Yes 13/12/2011 |
12/12/2015 |
€7,695 |
Patricia McKeown |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
12/12/2007 |
Yes 13/12/2011 |
12/12/2015 |
€7,695 |
Kevin Norton |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
13/12/2011 |
No |
12/12/2015 |
€7,695 |
Mairead Sorensen |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
13/12/2011 |
No |
12/12/2015 |
€7,695 |
John Corbett |
Nominated by Minister and approved by NSMC |
13/12/2011 |
No |
12/12/2015 |
€7,695 |
Personal Injuries Assessment Board
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Breda Power |
Ministerial -Dept Rep (Asst Sec) |
26/10/2011 |
No |
25/10/2016 |
None |
Ann Fitzgerald |
Ministerial |
12/09/2006 |
08/09/2011 |
17/10/2012 |
None |
Sean Murphy |
Ministerial |
20/12/2012 |
No |
- |
None |
Martin Naughton |
Statutory nomination by ICTU |
05/04/2012 |
No |
04/04/2017 |
€11,340 |
Dr. Fionnuala O'Loughlin |
Ministerial |
01/08/2012 |
No |
31/07/2015 |
None |
John Lynch |
Ministerial |
01/08/2012 |
No |
31/07/2015 |
€11,340 |
Health and Safety Authority
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
John Newham |
Ministerial- Dept Rep (Principal Officer) |
10/04/12 |
No |
19/12/13 |
None |
National Standards Authority of Ireland
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Terry Landers |
Ministerial |
06/03/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
Waived |
Barbara O'Leary |
Ministerial |
06/03/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Anne Clarke |
Ministerial -Staff Rep by lot |
14/04/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€7,695 |
Kieran Cox |
Ministerial -Staff Rep by lot |
14/04/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€7,695 |
Deirdre O’Hara |
Ministerial |
31/01/2013 |
No |
see attached note |
€7,695 |
Aedin Goggin |
Ministerial |
31/01/2013 |
No |
see attached note |
€7,695 |
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of first appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Mr Brendan Walsh Chairperson |
Ministerial Appointment |
21/12/12 |
No |
20/12/15 |
€11,970 |
Deirdre Behan |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Revenue Commissioners in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/12 |
No |
02/01/15 |
None |
Marie Daly |
Ministerial - Nominated by IBEC in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/06 |
Yes 3/1/2012 |
02/01/15 |
€7,695 |
Mairead Devine |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Central Bank in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/12 |
No |
02/01/15 |
None |
Sean Hawkshaw |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Irish Association of Investment Managers in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/06 |
Yes 03/01/2012 |
02/01/15 |
€7,695 |
David Martin |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/06 |
Yes 03/01/2012 |
29/05/14 |
€7,695 |
Sylvia McNeece |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Pensions Board in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/12 |
No |
02/01/15 |
None |
Kevin O'Donovan |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
30/05/11 |
No |
29/05/14 |
€7,695 |
Conor O'Mahony |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Director of Corporate Enforcement in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
01/03/12 |
No |
20/01/14 |
None |
Ms Bernadette McGrory-Farrell |
Ministerial - Nominated by the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/13 |
No |
02/01/2016 |
€7,695 |
Mr Paddy Keating |
Ministerial - Nominated by ICTU in accordance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 |
03/01/13 |
No |
02/01/2016 |
€7,695 |
Ms Helen Hall |
Ex-Officio Member |
18/12/12 |
No |
N/A |
None payable |
Ms Muireann O’Neill |
Ministerial Appointment |
01/09/12 |
No |
02/09/2015 |
€7,695 |
Shannon Development
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Stephen Curran |
Ministerial- Dept Rep (Principal Officer) |
23/02/2012 |
No |
April 2016 |
None |
National Consumer Agency
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Stephen Costello |
Ministerial |
01/05/2007 |
01/05/2012 |
30/04/2017 |
€20,520 |
Sean Murphy |
Appointed by the Board (CEO of NCA9 |
18/10/2012 |
No |
On appointment of CEO |
None |
Isolde Goggin |
Ministerial – Competition Authority Rep (Chair of Competition Authority) |
30/11/2011 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Robin O'Sullivan |
Ministerial |
01/05/2007 |
06/05/2012 |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Colleen Savage |
Ministerial |
06/05/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Eugene Gallagher |
Ministerial |
06/05/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Tina Leonard |
Ministerial |
31/01/2013 |
No |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
* Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act provides that on the anniversary of the establishment day of the Agency and on each subsequent anniversary of that day, two members of the Agency (other than the chairperson and the CEO) shall retire from office. The section further provides that a member of the Agency (other than the CEO) shall serve for not more than 10 consecutive years.
IDA Ireland
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Dermot Curran |
Ministerial- Dept Rep (Asst Sec) |
09/07/2012 |
No |
December 2016 |
None |
Alan W. Gray |
Ministerial |
25/01/2012 |
No |
December 2016 |
Waived |
Mary Campbell |
Ministerial |
23/05/2012 |
No |
December 2016 |
€11,970 |
Peter Cassels |
Ministerial |
23/05/2012 |
No |
December 2016 |
€11,970 |
Science Foundation Ireland
Membership |
Method of appointment |
Date of appointment |
Re-appointment |
Expiry of contract |
Fees |
Professor Mark Ferguson |
Ex Officio (DG of SFI) |
16/01/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Dermot Curran |
Ministerial- Dept Rep (Asst Sec) |
01/09/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Mary Doyle |
Ministerial – Nominated by Minister for Education |
05/12/2012 |
No |
*see attached note |
None |
Dr. Rita Colwell |
Ministerial |
31/03/2008 |
Yes 26 July 2011 |
*see attached note |
€11,970 |
Prof. Martina Newell-McGloughlin |
Ministerial |
25/07/2003 |
Yes 26 July 2011 |
July 2013 |
€11,970 |
Liam Madden |
Ministerial |
31/01/2013 |
No |
see attached note |
€11,970 |
*Section 9.3 of the 2003 Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003 determines that each year (on anniversary of formal establishment of SFI – 25 July 2003) that the two longest serving members of the Board shall retire from the Board with effect from July 24 each year. However, there is also a stipulation in the legislation that a member cannot serve more than ten years in succession.
260. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the visit made by the Industrial Development Agency to a town (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11491/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by IDA Ireland that it sponsored 18 site visits by potential investors to Galway city and county during 2012. These site visits were from new companies visiting the location for the first time and from senior executives of existing companies. For reasons of client confidentiality and commercial sensitivity IDA does not comment on site visits by individual companies or on site visits to specific locations.
As Ireland competes for high quality investments, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading global corporations require a significant population pool, access to qualified talent, world standard physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional and business support services. County Galway has been particularly successful in recent years in terms of attracting inward investment from FDI companies, particularly in the areas of Medical Technologies and ICT. There are currently 59 IDA Ireland client companies employing some 12,900 people in Galway, city and county. IDA Ireland has strong relationships with these companies and works closely with them to ensure their long term sustainability and to encourage their growth, development and continuing re-investment in their sites.
I am, however, mindful of the concerns that have been expressed by Deputies on all sides of the House about the relatively low level of site visits to certain regional locations and I have raised this matter with the CEO of IDA Ireland with a view to exploring what further initiatives can be taken to influence potential investors to invest in such locations. I am mindful that in order to ensure that Ireland can continue to compete globally for FDI, it will be necessary to undertake an in depth analysis of our FDI strategy with a view to informing the formulation of an appropriate strategy for the period post 2014. This analysis, which will be undertaken later this year, will take account of factors such as key trends emerging in FDI best practice internationally, Ireland’s strengths in attracting FDI, any changes to the EU’s State Aid rules that may be introduced in the near future and our agreed approach to regional development.
In the meantime, IDA Ireland has assured me that it will in 2013, in accordance with the Government’s recently announced 2013 Action Plan for Jobs, seek to target more than 130 new investments, secure €500 million of R&D expenditure and create 13,000 new jobs in its client companies.
261. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the criteria and process for a work permit giving particular details regarding the visa status required at the date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National (unless exempted) must, under the terms of the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006, hold a valid employment permit. It is an offence under the above mentioned legislation for both an employer and an employee to be party to the employment of a non-EEA national without a valid employment permit. Either the employer or employee may apply for an employment permit. The issue of an employment permit requires a job offer from a prospective employer.
In terms of general eligibility new employment permit applications are normally only considered for highly skilled, highly paid positions or for positions where there is an officially recognised scarcity of supply in relation to a particular qualification or occupation type. Irish labour market policy is to ensure that general labour and skills needs are met from within the workforce of the European Economic Area (EEA). Current Government policy is to issue employment permits for the employment of non-EEA nationals for specific vacancies and in response to employer demand for strategic skills and labour shortages in designated occupations in key economic sectors such as healthcare, information technology and financial services. Eligibility criteria are set out on my Department’s website.
The holder of an employment Permit is permitted only to work for the employer and in the employment stated on the permit. Should the employee named on the permit, for any reason, cease to be employed by the employer and in the employment stated on the permit during the period of validity specified, the permit and any copies thereof must be returned immediately to the Employment Permits Section .
There are four main Employment Permit categories, i.e. Work Permits, Green Cards, Spousal Dependent Permits, and Intra Company Transfer Permits. While requirements vary from one employment permit category to another, in general terms each employment permit application must be made on the appropriate application form, include the appropriate processing fee, details of the employer’s registration with Revenue and Companies Registration Office, colour copies of the employee’s passport, and finally, confirmation of the employee’s immigration status in cases where the employee is residing in the State. When a third country national who has been issued with an employment permit arrives in this State they must produce their valid employment permit at the point of entry. They are then given a landing stamp facilitating entry. However the onus lies on the permit holder to contact INIS (the Irish Naturalisation Service) with a view to finalising their immigration status.
Finally, I should advise the Deputy that in response to changes in the Irish labour market, the desire to enhance the user friendly profile of the process and in particular to address shortages in certain employment categories my Department is finalising a review of all Employment Permit related practice and procedures. This review addresses all aspects of Employment Permit policy and administration, its rules in respect of the processing of permits as well as a reappraisal of the eligible categories of employment in respect of which permit applications will be considered. I will be making a statement shortly with regard to the improvements to be made.
262. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the interaction, if any, he has had with employer groups regarding the alignment of compulsory retirement age with the new State pension age. [11620/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no statutory compulsory retirement age for employees in Ireland. A contract of employment may stipulate a compulsory retirement age and this is generally a matter of contract law between the relevant parties.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has made rulings in a series of age-discrimination cases concerning Directive 2000/78/EC, which prohibit work-related discrimination on various grounds, including age. The CJEU has clarified that mandatory retirement ages may be set down within the context of national law, whether by contract, custom and practice or other means, which must be objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate social policy aim, with the means of achieving that aim being both appropriate and necessary. Directive 2000/78/EC is given effect in national law by the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011, which come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Mr Alan Shatter, T.D.
As regards my Department’s interaction with employer groups on this issue, my Department participated in a Working and Retirement Forum in Croke Park on 12 December 2012, which was organised and chaired by the Department of Social Protection, which has lead responsibility for the State pension and pension age policy. Employers were among the stakeholder groups represented at the Forum, at which there was a discussion of issues relating to the alignment of mandatory retirement age practices with the new State pension age. My Department will continue to interact on this issue with the Department of Social Protection, in the context of its on-going outreach initiatives with relevant stakeholders.
263. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will make every effort to build on the 90,000 local jobs created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11687/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe combined wholesale and retail sector in Ireland employs 273,000 people. The sector also supports employment in other related services, such as transport and logistics. The retail sector has a diverse profile, encompassing large international players, some large indigenous companies and a sizeable number of small businesses and franchises, often family owned and owner-managed. It is an employment-intensive sector, and covers every community in the country, creating local jobs.
In recognising the importance of the retail sector to the economy, the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs contains a number of measures aimed at supporting the sector. These include an initiative to increase the number of small businesses trading on-line and an initiative to streamline business licence application procedures. The retail sector has been chosen to pilot the licensing initiative as it is one of the sectors which requires a multiplicity of licences and where the positive impact of streamlining the application process can be realised. The intention is that an integrated licensing application system, incorporating up to 25 licences in the retail sector, will be developed in 2013.
Employers in the retail sector can also avail of the JobsPlus initiative which will provide financial assistance to employers who recruit people who have been out of work for 12 months or more. The Government has also committed, in the Action Plan for Jobs, to establishing an Interdepartmental Group to consider further possible measures to assist the retail sector.
265. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will make every effort to build on the 90,000 local jobs created; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare she has an entitlement to jobseeker's allowance allowance or part thereof in conjunction with her entitlement to one-parent family allowance at full or partial rate in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10946/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the person concerned is in receipt of one parent family payment she does not have an entitlement to a jobseeker’s allowance payment.
267. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a full review will be carried out on a family income supplement approval rate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo as had been promised by her Department officials. [10947/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 21 January 2013, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
268. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) on a community employment scheme may not receive a scheme payment or sickness benefit if the person has a certified illness. [11005/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) Operating Guidelines allow the grant aiding of participant wages by the Department to the CE Sponsor organisation/employer for up to 56 working hours of medically certified sick leave (the hourly equivalent of 7 full days). Only when that 56 hour threshold has been exhausted is grant aid for wages suspended for any further certified sick leave by that participant during the 52 weeks of their CE contract.
Parallel to the above is the provision of illness benefit which is available to any employee who is medically certified unfit for work for 4 or more consecutive days (the first three days of illness are always unpaid on this benefit). CE participants will not receive any illness benefit for any day they are in receipt of CE allowances while medically certified unfit for work, but if they are no longer receiving CE allowances due to exceeding the 56 hour limit, then illness benefit will be payable for any qualifying days sick.
269. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons retiring next year at the age of 65 years will have to wait a full year before they are eligible for their pensions; and the action she will take regarding same. [11018/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State pension (transition) (SPT) is paid for a maximum of 12 months and is currently available to people who retire from work on reaching age 65 provided they satisfy the necessary PRSI contributions. This will change in 2014 as provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011. SPT will cease to be paid from 2014 which will standardise the payment of State pension at age 66. In addition, the age at which State pension (contributory) (SPC) will be payable will increase to 67 years from 2021 and to 68 years from 2028.
The decision to increase State pension age was taken in the context of changing demographics and the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives. The abolition of SPT removes the retirement condition which acts as an incentive to leave the workforce and has been widely criticised as a barrier to older people remaining in employment. There is no retirement condition attached to SPC. Currently, a person who retires from work on reaching age 65 and who does not have sufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for SPT may apply for another social welfare payment, depending on their individual circumstances. This will remain the case when SPT is abolished in 2014. The State pension is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. These reforms are essential to ensure its sustainability and to address the challenges of changing demographics such as increasing life expectancy. There are no plans to change the date of implementation.
270. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons retiring next year are only entitled to nine months jobseeker's benefit while waiting a year to become eligible for their pensions. [11019/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker's benefit (JB) is a weekly payment to people out of work and covered by social insurance (PRSI). If a person does not qualify for JB they may qualify for means tested jobseeker's allowance. In 2012 my Department spent some €737 million on the scheme and at the end of 2012 there were some 85,000 persons in receipt of a JB payment. Budget 2013 provided that the duration for which JB is paid will, with effect from April 2013, be reduced from 12 months to 9 months for recipients with 260 or more contributions paid and from 9 months to 6 months for recipients with less than 260 contributions paid.
The reduction in duration from 12 months to 9 months will apply to new claimants from April, 2013, and existing recipients who, in April, 2013, have been getting JB for less than 6 months. The reduction in duration from 9 months to 6 months will apply to new claimants from April, 2013 and existing recipients who, in April, 2013, have been getting JB for less than 3 months. Legislation provides that, subject to the person having paid 156 or more qualifying contributions and satisfying the general scheme conditions, a person whose JB expires in their 65th year will continue to be paid benefit up until the age of 66. On this basis, workers who suffer a substantial loss of employment at age 65 will not be subject to the reductions in duration provided they have paid at least 156 qualifying contributions.
271. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11117/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 January 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
272. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [11118/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
273. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for domiciliary care allowance and carer's benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11122/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a Domiciliary Care Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 November 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
A Carer’s Benefit appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
274. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11137/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 31 January 2013, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
275. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11215/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 November 2012. 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. When received, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.