Frank Feighan
Ceist:352. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding efforts to attract a suitable buyer for MBNA's UK loan book. [31399/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBanking Sector
Ceisteanna (352)
Freagraí scríofa
The position in relation to finding a suitable buyer for MBNA's UK loan book remains unchanged.
By way of background, the former MBNA Credit Card processing facility in Carrick-on-Shannon now comprises two operations.
Firstly, a new operation called AvantCard was established following the purchase of part of Bank of America’s Credit Card portfolio by Apollo Global Management. This operation employs approximately 250 staff, who manage the Irish card customers. These staff transferred from Bank of America to AvantCard (Apollo) under the EU Transfer of Undertakings Regulations on March 13 2013. This was a very positive development and provided more certainty regarding this part of the business.
The second operation remains in the ownership of Bank of America and employs approximately 200 people who manage the credit card customers located in the UK. The process regarding the possible sale of this UK credit card business remains on-going. Bank of America continues to look for a buyer for this part of the business.
On another positive note, Apollo has acquired the entire building in Carrick and has leased office space back to Bank of America. We welcome this investment in Carrick-on-Shannon by Apollo.
IDA Ireland has maintained regular contact with management at MBNA in Carrick, and with the parent company in the US, and has been working with both to promote the strengths of the Carrick operation to a broad range of potential investors.
My priority is that any decision taken by Bank of America (BOA) will have minimal impact on employees at the Carrick on Shannon operation and ensure that jobs are maintained at the facility. I emphasised this when I met with Senior Bank of America Executives in their Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, some time ago.
I appreciate that the length of time in trying to secure a buyer for this part of the BOA business operations at Carrick must be causing uncertainty for employees. I want to assure you that every effort will continue to be made to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties.
Enterprise Support Services Provision
Ceisteanna (353)
Damien English
Ceist:353. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update of efforts by Government to develop the social enterprise sector following the publication of a Forfás report in 2013 which illustrated that the sector has the capacity to double employment by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31432/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A report on the Social Enterprise sector in Ireland was published by Forfas in July 2013. The report, “Social Enterprise in Ireland: Sectoral Opportunities and Policy Issues”, profiles the sector and contains a number of recommendations for actions that could be taken to support the development of Social Enterprise in Ireland.
It is clear from the Forfas report that there are many different types of social enterprises in Ireland engaged in a wide variety of activities. These range from enterprises that are fully supported by State, through to a small number of commercially trading companies. The Forfas report indicated that of 1,400 Social Enterprises in Ireland in 2009, almost two-thirds did not generate any trading income.
Another feature highlighted in the report is that a number of Government Departments and agencies are engaged with the Social Enterprise sector, including the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Social Protection, and Health.
Following publication of the Forfas report, the Taoiseach assigned responsibility for cross-Departmental development of the Social Enterprise sector to Minister of State Sean Sherlock on a personal basis. Minister Sherlock established an inter-departmental group last October to provide a coordinated Government approach to the development of social enterprise in Ireland and to examine the recommendations of the Forfás report in greater detail with a view to their implementation. The Inter-Departmental Group is supported from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
A number of actions have been identified by the Group and are being progressed. These include:
- Inclusion of support for social enterprises in the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, under the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, which will be effective from January 2015.
- The Group is exploring mechanisms to develop capacity in the sector and examine how best to access EU funds e.g. the new EU Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme has a Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis dedicated to support for access to micro-finance and social entrepreneurship.
- Discussions with the Central Statistics Office have taken place on the inclusion of Social Enterprise in CSO data collection. The Group has also engaged with representatives from Credit Unions to discuss supports for Social Enterprises.
- Initial contact has also taken place with the Office of Government Procurement to examine the scope for inclusion of Social Impact Clauses in Public Procurement.
- The new Local Enterprise Offices have been established and will act as the first-stop-shop and sign-posting service to any enterprise that is commercially viable and meets the eligibility criteria set down by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.
Public Relations Contracts Expenditure
Ceisteanna (354)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:354. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total cost of public relations-communications to his Department in 2013; the spend to date in 2014; the total estimate for 2014; the corresponding figures for each agency funded from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31532/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total public relation costs incurred by my Department and its Offices in 2013, 2014 and estimated in 2014 are as follows:-
|
Year |
2013 |
Expenditure to date in 2014 |
Total Estimated Expenditure for 2014 |
|
Total PR Costs Incurred |
€79,663* |
€1,476 |
€3,321 |
* €76,480 was incurred to provide the Department with Press and Media Relations Services for the Irish Presidency of the EU. This was a once off exercise/expenditure due to Presidency events.
While it is not possible to definitively predict the amount which will be spent on public relations costs for the remainder of 2014, the figure provided above represents projects of which I have been notified at this point.
My Department uses external public relations providers having regard to its business needs. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly strives to keep costs to the minimum.
Expenditure on public relations by the Agencies of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the individual Agencies concerned for which I have no direct function. I have asked all Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide me with the most recent information on public relations expenditure incurred by them and I will communicate this information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Small and Medium Enterprises Supports
Ceisteanna (355)
Pat Deering
Ceist:355. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures being put in place to reduce the costs of doing business for small and medium enterprises; and the incentives in place to encourage new business set-ups. [31559/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
SMEs are at the heart of Government policy and since coming into office this Government has maintained an unrelenting focus on alleviating the difficulties being experienced by this sector. Actions to support SMEs are set out in the Action Plan for Jobs. Since the Action Plan process was launched in 2012, a significant number of initiatives have been introduced to support the SME sector. These include:
- tackling the issue of late payments by transposing the EU Late Payment Directive into Irish legislation;
- the introduction of new financing models for SMEs, such as the Microfinance Loan Fund for start-ups and the Credit Guarantee scheme;
- Corporation Tax exemption to 2014 for companies that commenced, or will commence, trading in 2012, 2013 and 2014;
- the introduction of the JobsPlus scheme that provides a subsidy to employers who recruit a person who has been unemployed for 12 months or more;
- the reform of support structures for start-ups and micro-enterprises through the establishment of the new Local Enterprise Offices;
- the provision of advice and training by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to businesses that are looking to reduce their energy costs; and
- reductions in the administrative burden on business. To date, my own Department has achieved a 25% reduction in its administrative burden on business, amounting to a potential annual saving for business of over €207 million.
Budget 2014 also contained a number of additional initiatives to support SMEs. These include an increase in the cash receipts threshold for VAT, which will improve cash-flow for businesses, and a new subsidised Financial Training programme for SMEs. New legislation has provided for the streamlining of company law to make it easier for small and medium sized businesses to form and operate. We have also reformed the wage setting mechanisms removing inflexibilities which prevailed. Legislation to strengthen competition and consumer law, in particular, introducing the power to regulate practices in the grocery sector is currently going through the Oireachtas. We will continue to take actions to support SMEs, including by tackling costs, through the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs.
A further major source of jobs growth in the SME sector is start-ups. A key challenge we are now addressing is to create an environment where more people will choose an entrepreneurial career and start businesses, grow to scale and create employment opportunities. I shall shortly publish Ireland’s first Entrepreneurship Policy Statement. It will contain a set of cross-Governmental targeted actions to drive improvements in the overall environment for entrepreneurship, thereby demonstrating our commitment to increasing the prevalence of job creating start-ups.
Death Certificates
Ceisteanna (356)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:356. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if there has been any progress in the consideration being given to the introduction of a shortened version of a death certificate, omitting the cause of death when the death is death by suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31009/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very much aware that where a death occurs in tragic circumstances that the cause of death registered on the death certificate can cause distress to loved ones.
In this regard, I will shortly introduce, by regulation, a short form death certificate that will omit the cause of death.
Currently, under sections 41 and 42 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 a coroner or a medical practitioner provides the required particulars of a death, including cause of death, in order that the death can be registered in the register of deaths. The death certificate is a copy of an entry in the register and must include the details as laid out in that entry including cause of death.
Drafting of the regulations to allow for the omission of the cause of death from a death certificate is at an advanced stage.
I hope that this will provide some comfort to families where the details of the cause of death registered are upsetting.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (357)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:357. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the partial and full year revenue that would be raised for the Exchequer by introducing a new employers’ rate of PRSI of 15.75% on the portion of salary paid in excess of €100,000 per annum. [31227/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to the reply to PQ 30232-14. I will revert directly to the Deputy with the figure as soon as possible.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (358)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:358. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will amend the Protection of Employees (Employees Insolvency) Acts, 1984 to 2006, to ensure they encompasses the definition of deemed insolvency in line with paragraph 4 of EU Directive 2008/94/EC, which ensures employees have access to the insolvency payment scheme fund administered by the Department of Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31398/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of the insolvency payments scheme, which operates under the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Act, 1984, which, in turn, derives from EU Council Directive 987/80, is to protect certain outstanding pay-related entitlements due to employees in the event of the insolvency of their employer. These entitlements include wages, holiday pay, sick pay, payment in lieu of minimum notice due under the Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Acts, 1973-2001, and certain pension contributions. Various other statutory awards made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Rights Commissioners, etc., are also covered by the scheme.
Where a person’s former employer was a limited company, the company must be in liquidation or receivership in order for the person to be eligible to claim under the insolvency payments scheme.
In such circumstances, the liquidator or receiver becomes the relevant officer for submitting claims as he or she has access to the company records and can certify that the amounts claimed are in order.
I am aware that there are cases where companies have ceased trading without engaging in a formal winding-up process and that in some such cases those employers owe monies to their employees. Such employees are not eligible for payments under the insolvency payments scheme.
My Department is reviewing the position to establish what, if anything, can be done to progress payments to individuals in these situations. In progressing this review the Department must have regard to the integrity of the Social Insurance Fund (from which insolvency payments are made). Any policy development to deal with this issue must have measures which would contain potential abuse by employers. After all, directors of companies who avail of limited liability have responsibilities under company law to ensure that proper books of accounts are kept and that the appropriate returns are made in a timely manner to relevant authorities. The Department will consult with a range of interested parties in this review including the ODCE, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Revenue Commissioners. The Department has received submissions from ICTU on the issue. In its review the Department will also have to have regard to legal issues arising in the general area of insolvency law and the potential impacts that any proposed policy development will have in that area of law.
Unemployment Data
Ceisteanna (359)
Seamus Kirk
Ceist:359. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to tackle the high unemployment statistics in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31469/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the first instance, the Government’s primary strategy to tackle unemployment in County Louth, as with the rest of the country, is to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth.
However, the Government also recognises the need for additional measures to address unemployment in the interim while the economy recovers. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work Strategy which is being led by the Department of Social Protection.
As part of this strategy the Department’s North East Division is taking a very proactive approach to activation and employer engagement. A new employer engagement strategy has been developed for the North East Division and a dedicated employer engagement unit established to assist in the creation of opportunities for Jobseekers.
There have been a number of innovative initiatives undertaken recently which are creating real opportunities for people on the live register. A series of DSP Open/Kick Start training programmes have commenced aimed at long term unemployed young people and will see them much better placed to avail of work opportunities on completion of the programme.
The North East Division has provided on-going support for the National Development & Finance Authority schools refurbishment programme in the Louth/Meath area. A proactive approach to recruiting the full spectrum of construction and engineering employment requirements has led to 23 long term unemployed people securing full time positions. As a result of this positive partnership with DSP the main contractor has requested additional vacancy recruitment outside of main contract.
A Joint initiative between DSP, a large multi-national Dundalk based employer and Skillnets commenced in May 2014 to provide 13 young people from the live register with four FETAC Level 4 modules and Industrial Sewing Skills. The duration of the programme is 5 weeks followed by a 3 week intensive training programme onsite in-company. It is anticipated that job offers for many of the participants will be forthcoming.
Similarly Department officials have been working very closely with a large retailer in Dundalk in advance of a new superstore opening in August and have undertaken innovative joint initiatives aimed at under 24 year olds which has already led to a number of these people being offered full time positions in the new store. These pilot programmes will now be rolled out into other companies across the Division, allowing us to show companies the talent we have on the live register which in turn should lead to increased opportunities for participants.
Three major recruitment fairs were held in Dundalk and Drogheda with a further fair planned to take place in Monaghan in September this year. In addition DSP has hosted on-going employer briefing and breakfast sessions with local employers. The new employer unit is working very closely with local employers and offering a very hands-on proactive service, ensuring we are matching suitable people to vacancies. This approach is beginning to pay dividends with the employer unit fast becoming the first choice recruiter for many employers both large and small in the area.
Department officials in the North East are also beginning work on many new initiatives for their area including establishing a tourism group to identify job opportunities, skills shortages and future need in this and are working closely with the local Chamber of Commerce, Louth economic Forum and Dundalk Business Investment District Scheme to help create opportunities for jobseekers in the area.
At present there are more than 7,000 people employed in companies based in Co. Louth and supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and LEO Louth - the Local Enterprise Office. In 2013 alone, almost 1,000 jobs were created in Co. Louth in companies supported by these three bodies, in comparison to just over 800 created in 2012. This pattern suggests that the jobs that are being created are adding value to the local economy and have every potential to be sustainable.
Rent Supplement Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (360)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:360. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if and when it will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30664/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The client is in receipt of their maximum entitlement to rent supplement based on location, family configuration and means.
Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility
Ceisteanna (361)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:361. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30713/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand the Deputy is referring to entitlement to a jobseeker’s scheme by persons who have completed a Youthreach programme. Youthreach is a programme directed at unemployed young early school leavers aged 15-20. It offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire certification.
The jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative employment. The revised estimates for the Department of Social Protection provide for expenditure of €3.3bn in 2014 in respect of the jobseeker’s schemes.
Legislation provides that persons shall not be entitled to receive a jobseeker’s payment for 3 months immediately following their completion, or leaving, of second level education, or the completion of the leaving certificate examination of the Department of Education and Skills, including a Youthreach programme.
If such provision did not apply, a draw to the programme could potentially be created, with students dropping out of regular education to access Youthreach.
Periods spent on Youthreach count towards the qualifying period for Back to Education Allowance provided the person establishes an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment either prior to or after completion of the Youthreach programme.
Question No. 362 withdrawn.
Work Placement Programmes
Ceisteanna (363, 374)
Jim Daly
Ceist:363. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have chosen to forego their social welfare payment rather that than take up a position on the Gateway scheme after being called for interview; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30753/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraPat Deering
Ceist:374. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of Gateway places that have been allocated on a county basis; and the number of these places that have been filled by 1 July in tabular form. [31025/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 374 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, Gateway is a work placement initiative for county and city councils. The initiative aims to improve the employability and maintain the work readiness of those who have been unemployed for 24 months or more. Similar to Tús, participants are selected by a random process conducted by the Department of Social Protection from those persons in receipt of a jobseekers allowance payment for 24 months or more. The selected jobseekers are informed when they have been selected and, if they agree to participate, have their contact details passed to the relevant county and city council. To further support the recruitment process, the Department has put arrangements in place for jobseekers meeting the scheme criteria to apply to the Department or councils for participation on Gateway and for Departmental case officers to nominate suitable candidates for recruitment.
Responsibility for delivery of this initiative rests with individual county and city councils. Sufficient resources are available to provide for 3,000 placements in 2014.
Data collected in respect of 6,430 jobseekers who have been selected to date for Gateway indicates that six jobseekers were subject to sanctions resulting in the temporary disallowance (up to a maximum of 9 weeks) of their jobseekers payments for failure to engage with the initiative. A further 87 jobseekers claims have been closed following engagement between officials and jobseekers. In some of these cases, a different DSP payment was deemed more appropriate to the individual’s circumstances. The Deputy should note that processes are ongoing in a number of other cases and these are not represented in the data to date.
The table below sets out the numbers of places allocated to each local authority together with the number of jobseekers engaged on Gateway as of Friday 4th July.
|
County/City Council |
No of places allocated |
Persons engaged as of 4/7/14 |
|
Carlow |
55 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
55 |
0 |
|
Clare |
80 |
2 |
|
Cork City |
110 |
0 |
|
Cork |
215 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
80 |
10 |
|
Fingal |
215 |
15 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
110 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
295 |
3 |
|
Galway City |
55 |
15 |
|
Galway |
80 |
19 |
|
Kerry |
80 |
15 |
|
Kildare |
110 |
10 |
|
Kilkenny |
80 |
8 |
|
Laois |
55 |
9 |
|
Leitrim |
55 |
26 |
|
Limerick |
110 |
68 |
|
Longford |
55 |
0 |
|
Louth |
80 |
12 |
|
Meath |
110 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
55 |
13 |
|
Mayo |
80 |
54 |
|
Offaly |
55 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
55 |
18 |
|
Sligo |
55 |
7 |
|
South Dublin |
215 |
5 |
|
North Tipperary |
40 |
16 |
|
South Tipperary |
40 |
17 |
|
Waterford City |
40 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
40 |
10 |
|
Westmeath |
80 |
14 |
|
Wexford |
80 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
80 |
11 |
|
Totals |
3,000 |
387 |
Invalidity Pension Appeals
Ceisteanna (364)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:364. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied|) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30772/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 11 June 2014, 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (365)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:365. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30773/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on 15 May 2014. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Upon receipt of this opinion, a decision will be made and notified to the person concerned. It can currently take up to 12 weeks to process an application for DCA.
Housing Data
Ceisteanna (366)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:366. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of the 2,756 persons accommodated by the new communities unit who had a letter of housing need from a local authority; and the number of the 2,756 that were on a waiting list for social housing with a local authority. [30846/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is not a requirement for persons for whom temporary emergency accommodation is arranged by the New Communities Unit to have a letter of housing need from their Local Authority; therefore this Department does not hold such information. Furthermore, this Department is not party to the details of those in such circumstances who may be registered or on a waiting list for social housing as such information is held by Local Authorities.
Questions Nos. 367 and 368 withdrawn.
Back to Education Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (369)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the measures she has implemented to ensure college applicants for the back to education schemes for the 2014 and 2015 year will be advised of their eligibility prior to the commencement of courses in 2014-15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30941/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The back to education (BTEA) programme is a second-chance education scheme for jobseekers, lone parents and people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. Under the BTEA, income support is provided to allow jobseekers undertake a second-level or third-level course to improve their education and skills.
In May 2014, I announced a number of enhancements to the BTEA designed to further support the policies outlined in the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy, which seeks to help 75,000 long-term unemployed people return to work by the end of 2015. The key enhancements expanded the BTEA to support (a) the new Professional Master’s in Education; (b) opportunities for those holding Level 5 or 6 qualification under the National Framework of Qualifications to undertaken further study at either of these levels, subject to the additional study furthering their professional/career development and work prospects; and (c) the Department of Education and Skills’ Springboard and Momentum initiatives.
In addition, and in line with Pathways to Work, revised application and selection processes have been introduced.
Primary responsibility for establish eligibility for BTEA for the forthcoming academic year rests with the jobseeker. Jobseekers wishing to pursue a course of study should contact their local DSP office/Intreo centre to enquire about the eligibility requirements for the particular course of study. Revised application and selection processes have been introduced to support jobseekers, to advise them on eligibility requirements and the implications, if any of summer/seasonal and part-time employment. Potential applicants are being advised to make early contact with the Department and not to wait until course offers are confirmed by the Central Applications Office or other educational providers.
Rent Supplement Scheme Expenditure
Ceisteanna (370)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:370. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider the implementation of an increase in rent supplement payments to alleviate the accommodation crisis for families enduring a housing crisis in north Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30943/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation. There are approximately 76,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €344 million for 2014.
A new review of the maximum rent limits has commenced within the Department and will feed into the budgetary process. This review involves a comprehensive analysis of information from a range of external sources in addition to seeking the views from a number of stakeholders including staff, relevant Departments and Agencies and non-Government organisations such as Threshold, Focus Ireland and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Despite pressures on the social protection budget, there were increases in the rent limits in some areas following the 2013 review of maximum rent limits. New increased maximum rent limits were established for North Kildare, reflecting the higher rental values for this particular area.
All prospective tenants, including those seeking to access rent supplement, particularly in urban areas, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure appropriate accommodation due to the reduced availability of rental properties. The number of rental properties available in North Kildare is somewhat lower than the numbers available in the rest of the county.
I can assure the Deputy that officers administering rent supplement throughout the country have considerable experience in dealing with customers and make every effort to ensure that their accommodation needs are met. A notice reminding all staff of their statutory discretionary power to award a supplement for rental purposes in exceptional cases, for example, when dealing with applicants who at risk of losing their tenancy, has recently been circulated.
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (371)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:371. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has made allowances for the hardship faced by families applying for social welfare schemes who are not entitled to supports under the supplementary allowance scheme regulations but where they must wait for more than 12 months for a decision on their case in total; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30944/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants.
SWA is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes or who are awaiting a decision on a social welfare application.
If the Deputy has a particular case where the person has been left with no income for a period of 12 months, they should forward details to the Department for follow up.
Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme
Ceisteanna (372)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:372. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the Irish airlines superannuation scheme pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30952/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very aware of the issues arising in Irish airlines superannuation scheme. However, you will appreciate that is it is not appropriate for me to comment on matters relating to an individual pension scheme as these are matters for the management of a company and the trustees of the relevant pension scheme.
I can advise that the trustees of a pension scheme are required under trust law to ensure that the scheme is administered at all times in accordance with the trust deed and scheme rules and in compliance with the requirements of the Pensions Act.
The Pensions Act makes provision in section 50 of the Act for the restructure of scheme benefits in circumstances where the scheme has funding difficulties. Any consideration of a restructure of pension scheme benefits under section 50 of the Pensions Act must comply with the provisions in the Act and with guidance issued by the Pensions Authority. This guidance makes provision for the notification of all scheme members in advance of any application to the Pensions Authority to issue a notice to the trustees of a pension scheme to restructure scheme benefits. In such circumstances, scheme members will have at least one month to make a submission to the trustees of the scheme in relation to such a proposal. The Pensions Authority must be satisfied that all the provisions in the guidance are complied with before the Authority will consider issuing a notice to restructure scheme benefits.
The provisions in section 50 of the Pensions Act were amended in 2009 and again in 2013. Prior to the amendments made in 2009, the benefits of active scheme members could only be considered in the context of a restructuring of scheme benefits under section 50 of the Act. This provision was broadened in 2009 to include the benefits of deferred scheme members and future increases in scheme benefits for all scheme members. The Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act 2013 made further changes to section 50 of the Pensions Act and extended the provisions to include a portion of pensioner benefits in any consideration of the restructure of scheme benefits. These changes essentially provide for the sharing of the risk of scheme underfunding across all scheme members. The issue of how these changes might be applied will be a matter for the trustees of the scheme who are required under trust law to act in the best interest of all scheme members. Section 50 of the Pensions Act provides for a higher level of protection for pensioner benefits as it is considered that pensioners are less likely to be in a position to respond to a restructure of scheme benefits.
Question No. 373 withdrawn.
Question No. 374 answered with Question No. 363.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (375)
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:375. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the yield from the extension of PRSI to unearned income for first six months of 2014; the projected outturn for this period and for the year as a whole; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31032/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2013 it was announced that from 1 January 2014, the exemption from PRSI applying to employed contributors and occupational pensioners aged under 66 years, whether that pension arises from that person’s own employment or the employment of his or her spouse or civil partner, whose only additional income is unearned income, will be abolished. This means that unearned income such as rental income, investment income, dividends and interest on deposits and savings will be liable to PRSI at 4% provided the person is a chargeable person in accordance with the Revenue definition.
At the time the measure was announce it was estimated that the yield for this measure would be €14m in 2014 and €20 million in a full year. At this point it is not possible to provide the actual yield as a breakdown of PRSI receipts for the year to date is not available.
JobsPlus Scheme
Ceisteanna (376, 378, 379, 380)
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:376. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the success of JobsPlus to date; the amount of funding available; the number of positions it covers; her plans to extend or increase the funding available to increase the number of places; if she will consider reducing the eligibility requirements to less than 12 months but with less of a subsidy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31033/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ciara Conway
Ceist:378. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason persons in receipt of the one-parent family payment are not currently eligible for the JobsPlus incentive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31079/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCiara Conway
Ceist:379. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the JobsPlus pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31080/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCiara Conway
Ceist:380. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department is considering broadening the eligibility of the JobsPlus scheme to include persons who are in receipt of the one-parent family payment; when this review will be completed and recommendations implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31081/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 378 to 380, inclusive, together.
JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from those who are long-term on the Live Register. The incentive is payable, on a monthly basis, over a two year period if the employee is retained in full-time employment for two years. JobsPlus is biased in favour of those who are longer term unemployed. The value of the aggregate monthly payments is €7,500 for employing a jobseeker 12 to 24 months on the Live Register and €10,000 if the jobseeker was on the Live Register for over 24 months.
Since its launch in July 2013 to the end of June 2014, JobsPlus has supported 2,634 jobseekers in full-time employment with 2,007 employers nationally. Around 60% of jobseekers being supported had been on the Live Register for over 24 months at the time of recruitment. Up to the end of June 2014, payments under the JobsPlus scheme have amounted to just over €4.4 million. Overall, payments under the scheme have amounted to €5.5 million since the first payments were made in August 2013. The table below gives a breakdown of expenditure on a monthly basis since the scheme commenced.
A provision of €13.5 million has been included in the Vote for the Department for the scheme in 2014. On the basis of the current pace of applications and expenditure, this provision is considered to be adequate to meet projected costs of the scheme in 2014.
In line with Pathways to Work, jobseekers on the Live Register are a particular focus for intervention and the JobsPlus Incentive is, therefore, exclusively targeted at this cohort. As a result, a person in receipt of a one parent family payment is not considered eligible. The Department is completing a review of the initial phase of implementation of JobsPlus and this will inform any proposals for its development and expansion. The review will consider a range of matters, including uptake, costs and benefits, altering eligibility requirements, and if changes are need to improve access and administration. Any changes will, of course, be subject to budgetary considerations.
Table: JobsPlus - Number of Employee Supported
|
Month |
Employees supported |
Businesses supported |
Grants paid - € |
|
August 2013 |
85 |
78 |
31,771 |
|
September 2013 |
235 |
208 |
88,031 |
|
October 2013 |
517 |
456 |
194,063 |
|
November 2013 |
844 |
707 |
316,772 |
|
December 2013 |
1,114 |
888 |
418,856 |
|
January 2014 |
1,286 |
1,117 |
483,440 |
|
February 2014 |
1,589 |
1,230 |
596,357 |
|
March 2014 |
1,874 |
1,434 |
704,066 |
|
April 2014 |
2,115 |
1,611 |
794,691 |
|
May 2014 |
2,385 |
1,811 |
896,254 |
|
June 2014 |
2,634 |
2,007 |
989,901 |
|
Expenditure for 2014 only |
- |
- |
4,464,709 |
|
Cumulative expenditure to date |
- |
- |
5,514,202 |
Back to Education Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (377)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:377. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the qualifying criteria for back to education allowance; if a person who has previously received the allowance may reapply if undertaking studies at the same level as when previously receiving the allowance; if certified illness will be considered in the circumstance whereby illness prevented an applicant from completing the initial course while on the allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31050/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Back to education allowance (BTEA) is an education scheme for people in receipt of certain social welfare payments who wish to pursue a full-time second level or third level course of education.
A person wishing to pursue BTEA will have to satisfy a number of conditions such as being a certain age, in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period, commencing a full-time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college. In general, the person must be commencing the first year of an approved full-time course and progressing in the level of education held with reference to the national framework of qualifications among others.
The BTEA eligibility has been extended for the forthcoming academic year to include applicants who already hold a level 5 or 6 qualification under the national framework of qualifications and who satisfy all the other scheme eligibity criteria.
To qualify an applicant, in general, must be 21 years of age before the start date of an approved course of study (or between 18 and 21years of age and out of formal education for at least 2 years) or at least 24 years of age for an approved postgraduate course. Participation may also be permitted at age 18 or over where the applicant is in receipt of an illness related payments.
All applicants must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least 3 months for second level option, 9 months for courses at level 7 or level 8 and 12 months if pursuing a professional masters in education (PME). Full details of the qualifying payments are available on the website.
Persons awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study.
A BTEA participant who fails to complete, or drops out of a course will not be permitted on to the scheme to pursue a different course unless the Department is satisfied that certain circumstances pertain. The condition may be waived where there are mitigating circumstances such as illness, for which evidence must be provided, that would make it unreasonable to expect a person to have continued the course.
Question Nos. 378 to 380, inclusive, answered with Question No. 376.