Written Answers Nos. 406 - 432
406. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress made in implementing the youth guarantee scheme; if data is available on the progress of the pilot programme under the scheme; when the scheme will be more widely introduced; and the lead agencies in its implementation. [31589/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the issue of youth unemployment continues to be tackled by her Department; if she has discussions with other relevant Departments in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31636/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 416 together.
The Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan was published in January. It provides for the introduction of earlier and more intensive engagement by INTREO with the young unemployed. It also provides for over 28,000 programme opportunities for unemployed young people in 2014, as set out in the appendix table, as follows. This figure excludes some 24,000 places provided for young people through PLC courses and apprenticeships. These PLC and apprenticeship places, together with the wide range of vocational third-level courses provided for the young, although not reserved for unemployed jobseekers, nevertheless contribute to the spirit of the guarantee.
In relation to the 28,500 places for unemployed young people, approximately 6,800 of these were taken up in the first half of 2014 (see table below for a detailed breakdown). This is broadly in line with expectations, as some programmes such as the student intake on programmes such as the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) and Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme (VTOS) are concentrated in September/October in line with the academic calendar. A new intake of young people to the second iteration of the Momentum programme for long-term unemployed jobseekers is also scheduled for later in the year. The following table displays the total number of under 25s who have started across the various programmes outlined in the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan in the first six months of 2014.
Under 25 starters on Youth Guarantee programmes, End June 2014
|
Programme |
2014 YTD |
Note |
|
Youthreach/CTC |
684 |
Only CTC starters – Youthreach figures not available for 2014 |
|
JobBridge (including planned reserve) |
1701 |
- |
|
Tús |
890 |
- |
|
JobsPlus |
362 |
As of 30th April 2014 |
|
Momentum |
13 |
As of 30th April 2014 |
|
BTEA (excl Momentum) |
Not available |
- |
|
BTWEA |
61 |
Including 5 persons on STEA |
|
VTOS |
Not available |
- |
|
FAS/Solas |
2813 |
Based on SST, Traineeship, Bridging & LTI starters YTD |
|
CEB youth Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring supports |
- |
Not yet commenced |
|
CEB/MFI micro-loans for young people |
2 |
|
|
International Work Experience and Training |
|
Not yet commenced |
|
Gateway |
22 |
- |
|
Community Employment |
270 |
- |
|
Total |
6,818 |
Excluding where figures are not available |
It is important to note that some of the initiatives planned under the guarantee require primary legislation to allow positive discrimination on age grounds in the provision of employment services and supports. This legislation is being enacted as part of the Spring Social Welfare Bill which has now passed all stages in the Oireachtas. Two employment schemes in particular, the Youth Guarantee developmental internship programme and the JobsPlus variant for young people, are dependent on this legislation being passed. The JobsPlus variant will be available as soon as possible after the relevant legislation has been cleared. The developmental internship, which will include a pre-internship training period, will be in place no later than autumn. Passage of the legislation will also permit the proposed introduction of earlier and more intensive engagement by INTREO with the young unemployed.
With specific reference to the Ballymun pilot, the latest data (June 24th ) shows that a total of 689 young people have attended Group Engagement sessions since the launch of the pilot. Of these a further 403 have been profiled. In total, there have been 1,388 guidance meetings conducted, with clients often attending multiple guidance meetings as part of an intensive guidance process prior to an appropriate offer being made. To date a total of 334 offers have been made, including 115 offers of employment and 187 offers of training or further education.
While the Youth Guarantee is being piloted in Ballymun it is also being rolled out nationally. Full implementation of the national Youth Guarantee will, as previously mentioned, only take place in the autumn. Implementation in specific areas of the country will be determined primarily by the level and trend of youth unemployment and the resulting demand for places, and the programme mix of such places, in each area. Local implementation of the Youth Guarantee will be a matter for the respective Department of Social Protection Divisions in each respective divisional area.
Prior to the design of the Youth Guarantee for Ireland, the Department of Social Protection set up an interdepartmental Youth Guarantee Implementation Group with officials and programme managers from the Department of Education and Skills, Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The terms of reference for this group were to review the current range of youth employment policies in Ireland to assess what measures were needed for the implementation of the Guarantee.
While the Department of Social Protection (DSP) has been identified as the lead co-ordinating organisation for the youth guarantee it will partner with other Departments and agencies in the roll out of the Guarantee. The main partner bodies, working alongside DSP, in the central administration will be:
- the Department of Education & Skills (DES), and its relevant agencies including SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority;
- the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation (DJEI), which will provide jobs for young people, including through the promotion of entrepreneurship;
- the Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA), responsible for state policy and provision on youth work services, and for securing good educational and welfare outcomes for young people through the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB);
- the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER), responsible for overseeing exchequer funding and ensuring that Youth Guarantee-related programmes will be thoroughly evaluated and will provide value for money.
The Department of Social Protection remains in constant contact with these government departments and agencies with regard to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee scheme and collates statistics monitoring the progress of the Youth Guarantee scheme.
Annexe Table
Expected participation, activation programmes, 2014
|
Programme |
Average participation |
Inflow of new participants |
Expected inflow of young people |
|
Youthreach/CTC |
6,000 |
3,300 |
3,300 |
|
JobBridge (including planned reserve) |
7,700 |
13,300 |
5,000 |
|
Tus |
7,500 |
7,500 |
1,000 |
|
JobsPlus |
4,000 |
2,000 |
1,500 |
|
Momentum |
6,500 |
6,500 |
2,000 |
|
BTEA (excl Momentum) |
18,500 |
9,300 |
3,300 |
|
BTWEA |
11,000 |
5,500 |
200 |
|
VTOS |
5,600 |
2,800 |
500 |
|
FAS/Solas |
10,300 |
25,000 |
9,500 |
|
CEB youth Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring supports |
- |
700 |
700 |
|
CEB/MFI micro-loans for young people |
- |
150 |
150 |
|
International Work Experience and Training |
250 |
250 |
250 |
|
Gateway |
3,000 |
3,000 |
450 |
|
Community Employment |
25,300 |
12,700 |
500 |
|
Total |
105,650 |
92,000 |
28,350 |
|
PLCs |
35,000 |
32,000 |
22,000 |
|
Apprenticeship |
8,000 |
2,500 |
2,000 |
|
Vocational Third Level |
It is estimated that at least 50% of the 41,000 entrants to third level each year are entering courses leading towards defined occupations |
- |
- |
407. Deputy John Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for carer's allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [31600/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question and that a decision has issued to the person concerned on 14 July 2014.
409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the number in receipt of jobseeker's allowance has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31628/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the number of persons in receipt of family income supplement has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31629/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 410 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statement.
Family Income Supplement Recipients
|
Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
30th June 2014 |
|
Number of Recipients |
25,963 |
28,223 |
28,876 |
32,307 |
44,159 |
46,267 |
Jobseeker's Allowance Recipients
|
Year |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012* |
2013 |
30th June 2014 |
|
Number of Recipients |
203,248 |
261,850 |
283,929 |
291,640 |
295,077 |
295,594 |
* Minor revision to previously published figures for JA for 2012 due to revised methodology.
411. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which adequate staff remain available to her Department with particular reference to extra administrative activity workload arising from the introduction of new schemes and the ongoing economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31630/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has to operate within an employment control framework (ECF) target, as determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. As part of the Department’s Workforce Plan, the staffing needs for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed, which includes identifying areas where there are downward pressures because of the localisation or cessation of a scheme or upward staff pressures due to the introduction of new schemes or areas of work. The Workforce Plan takes account of workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
The Department’s ECF for 2014 has been revised upwards by 100 posts on foot of correspondence between the Secretary General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In addition, the Department has received a sanction to recruit staff outside of the ECF to deliver the Public Services Card programme and the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Scheme. I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to monitor resources to ensure that we continue to provide a high quality service to customers.
412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the budget available to her Department remains adequate to meet requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31631/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s total expenditure allocation for 2014 is €19.6 billion. There was an under-spend of €23.6 million, or 0.2%, on the Department’s overall expenditure on schemes, services and administration at the end of June 2014. This performance is very close to target. Given the demand-led nature of the vast majority of the schemes operated by the Department, it is too early to predict an out-turn for the year. PRSI income in the year to end-June was €3,811 million or €114 million (3.1%) ahead of profile. While PRSI income performance in the year to date is encouraging and indicative of a strengthening labour market, it is also too early to predict the eventual out-turn given that six months collection is outstanding.
413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which her Department continues to monitor the level of rent support available to applicants on local authority housing waiting lists having particular regard to current market trends; if she is in a position to make any provision to assist persons likely to become homeless in the current situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31632/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 review of the maximum rent limits has commenced 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 administering the scheme, relevant Departments and Agencies and non-Government organisations such as Threshold, Focus Ireland and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
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 Department has agreed a protocol with the Dublin local authorities and voluntary organisations so that families on rent supplement who are at risk of losing their accommodation can have more timely and appropriate interventions made on their behalf. A key element of these arrangements is the statutory discretion available to officers, to award a supplement at a rate higher than the prevailing maximum rent limits where the circumstances of the case so warrant.
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.
In July 2013 the Government approved the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Under HAP, responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with a long-term housing need will transfer from the Department of Social Protection to housing authorities. Officials are working closely with those in the lead Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in piloting HAP in Limerick City and County Council with further roll out to selected housing authorities during the year.
414. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the various jobs, training, internship or other similar opportunities remain to be availed of by those on the live register and-or in receipt of jobseeker's allowance; the extent to which experience indicates the success of the various schemes annually since their inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31633/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the extent to which provisions continue to be made to address the issue of long term unemployment; the number of individual cases satisfactorily addressed in this regard in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31635/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414 and 415 together.
The Government’s primary strategy to reduce long-term unemployment has been through policies to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth. This strategy is working. Employment has risen by about 70,000 since the recovery began in 2012. Despite the progress that has been made on the jobs front, the Government acknowledges that unemployment remain unacceptably high. Hence, the Government also recognises the need for additional activation measures in the interim while the economy recovers. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy.
The most recent figures for participation on the main activation programmes are set out in the following table:
Activation Programmes (May 2013 and May 2014)
|
- |
MAY - 13 |
MAY - 14 |
|
Back to Work allowance scheme – Employee strand.[1] |
16 |
6 |
|
Back to Work Enterprise allowance scheme – self-employed strand. |
10,406 |
10,419 |
|
Short-term Enterprise Allowance[2] |
1,041 |
546 |
|
Total - Back to Work schemes |
11,463 |
10,971 |
|
Part-time Job Incentive |
258 |
343 |
|
TÚS - Community Work Placement Initiative |
5,059 |
7,379 |
|
JobBridge -National Internship Scheme |
6,137 |
6,977 |
|
Total - Other Activation Programmes |
11,454 |
14,699 |
|
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
Back to Education Allowance[3] |
17,830 |
13,300 |
|
Total - Back to Education Courses: |
22,830 |
18,300 |
|
Community Employment Schemes (excluding Supervisors) |
21,252 |
23,142 |
|
FAS full time training for the unemployed – Provisional for May 14 |
9,395 |
7,475 |
|
TOTAL |
76,394 |
74,587 |
[1] This scheme was closed to new applications from 1st May 2009.
[2] This scheme was introduced from 1st May 2009. It provides immediate support for someone in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit who wants to start a business.
[3] BTEA figures include all schemes but participants from JA & JB are not entitled to BTEA during the summer holidays. Includes MOMENTUM participants from February 2013.
Within this wide range of programmes and services to help jobseekers back to employment, the Department of Social Protection operates four main schemes whose purpose is to provide a pathway to employment:
- JobsPlus is targeted specifically at encouraging employers to recruit people who are long-term unemployed. Over 2,600 long-term unemployed people have been placed in employment as a result of JobsPlus and over 60% of these have been unemployed for 2 years or more;
- Community Employment and Tús provide work experience opportunities for long term unemployed jobseekers mainly within the community and voluntary sector. The numbers of participants on Community Employment and Tús as of May 2014 were 23,142 and 7,379 respectively up from 21,252 and 5,059 in May 2013;
- The JobBridge scheme provides a stepping stone for unemployed people to employment in the wider economy. As of the end of May there were just under 7,000 participants on the Scheme, up 14% from 6,137 in May 2013. To date nearly 30,000 people have participated in the scheme. Evaluation results indicate that 61% of leavers from JobBridge find employment within 5 months of leaving their internship;
With specific reference to the long-term unemployed, targets were set for participation by this group in DSP activation schemes and Department of Education and Skills Further Education and Training for 2013. Taken together approximately 80,462 places out of 263,788 were reserved for the long term unemployed in 2013. Progress in meeting this target is shown in the following table:
2013 Outturn
|
- |
Total Number of Starters |
LTU Starters (Year End Estimates) |
|
Total DSP |
43,442 |
23,291 |
|
Total DES Part Time provision |
149,207 |
36,373 |
|
Total DES Full Time provision |
67,576 |
23,282 |
|
Total DES |
216,753 |
59,655 |
|
Overall Total |
260,195 |
82,946 |
Overall for both Departments, it is estimated that 82,946 places were filled by the long term unemployed. This represents 103% of the 2013 LTU target and a 78% increase in LTU participation in 2013 compared to 2012.
In terms of impact, there are definite signs of improvement in the labour market since the launch of Pathways to Work in 2012. Official figures from the CSO show that long-term unemployment has been falling over this period. Since the lowest point of the jobs crisis, the unemployment rate has fallen from a peak of over 15% to 11.6% at present while the long-term unemployment rate has fallen from 9.5% to 7.3%. The number of long-term unemployed has fallen from 204,000 in early 2012 to 156,000 at present. In terms of the Live Register, a target was set in Pathways to Work that 75,000 of those who were long-term on the Register at the beginning of 2012 would move into employment by the end of 2015; the number who have already done so is now almost 50,000.
The impact of Pathways to Work cannot be precisely separated from the impact of other factors affecting the decline in long-term unemployment (such as the general improvement in the economy and the labour market resulting from the government’s overall economic and employment policies). A full evaluation of the Pathways to Work programme will be commissioned next year which will seek to quantify what aspects of Pathways to Work are most effective and the reasons for their effectiveness.
417. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the degree to which applications for various forms of assistance or allowance including jobseeker's allowance from the self-employed continue to be processed by her Department; the number of such applications that have been successful in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31637/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of claims registered and awarded in each of the past five years to date is set out in the following tabular statement. Claims from self-employed persons are not segregated from other claimants for reporting purposes.
Claims Registered in Each Year 2009 To May 2014
|
Scheme |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
May 2014 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
10,802 |
9,835 |
7,344 |
9,035 |
9,429 |
4,162 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
30,595 |
32,940 |
36,281 |
35,198 |
39,215 |
19,017 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
15,401 |
20,184 |
22,719 |
22,430 |
19,270 |
2,784 |
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
7,662 |
7,534 |
7,549 |
7,451 |
7,574 |
3,386 |
|
Bereavement Grant - Sligo |
17,320 |
17,568 |
18,763 |
19,252 |
24,991 |
3,507 |
|
Bereavement Grant - Longford |
6,873 |
6,511 |
6,987 |
6,714 |
2,385 |
81 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
273,653 |
263,942 |
239,667 |
225,262 |
227,722 |
83,972 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
18,769 |
17,325 |
16,943 |
15,385 |
14,232 |
5,432 |
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non-Contributory Pension |
748 |
792 |
556 |
428 |
526 |
N/a |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
N/a |
578,035 |
643,526 |
453,833 |
386,161 |
89,781 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
365,094 |
267,271 |
223,938 |
192,965 |
165,457 |
64,786 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
48,980 |
50,078 |
50,430 |
47,875 |
46,692 |
19,941 |
|
Treatment Benefit(1)(2) |
1,058,107 |
229,928 |
473,123 |
453,236 |
492,127 |
225,029 |
|
Disability Allowance |
20,794 |
21,409 |
24,264 |
25,887 |
20,538 |
8,228 |
|
Blind Pension |
N/a |
219 |
208 |
198 |
181 |
46 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
16,574 |
18,212 |
17,758 |
15,493 |
12,060 |
4,874 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
N/a |
5,529 |
5,191 |
4,079 |
4,464 |
2,114 |
|
Respite Care Grant (Once off) |
N/a |
6,420 |
6,574 |
5,854 |
5,188 |
N/a |
|
Illness Benefit |
309,031 |
289,962 |
296,730 |
286,534 |
288,052 |
105,461 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit/Occupational Injury |
14,739 |
15,157 |
14,177 |
13,641 |
13,838 |
5,605 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
7,475 |
8,774 |
14,621 |
11,510 |
9,640 |
3865 |
|
Disablement Pension |
N/a |
1,652 |
1,775 |
1,436 |
1,215 |
346 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
N/a |
2,080 |
2,060 |
1,788 |
1,804 |
833 |
|
Child Benefit - Domestic & Formerly Resident Abroad(1)(3) |
40,468 |
21,400 |
30,417 |
33,723 |
31,678 |
13,784 |
|
Child Benefit - EU Regulation(1) |
4,773 |
1,146 |
1,267 |
2,436 |
3,576 |
1,629 |
|
Child Benefit - Over 16(1) |
87,543 |
36,648 |
72,226 |
69,639 |
71,870 |
31,764 |
|
Child Benefit - Additional Child(1) |
36,210 |
19,009 |
40,476 |
39,830 |
38,846 |
15,942 |
|
Family Income Supplement - New Claims |
22,190 |
22,472 |
23,453 |
20,341 |
24,965 |
10,918 |
|
Family Income Supplement - Renewals |
24,369 |
25,638 |
27,761 |
29,589 |
32,879 |
16,658 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
N/a |
176 |
173 |
172 |
183 |
42 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
N/a |
431 |
498 |
456 |
452 |
134 |
|
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant |
N/a |
1,224 |
1,178 |
1,130 |
1,185 |
487 |
|
Household Benefits |
85,890 |
107,353 |
101,812 |
82,480 |
89,463 |
27,616 |
|
Living Alone and Island Allowances |
N/a |
10,105 |
11,093 |
11,040 |
11,151 |
5,149 |
|
Free Travel(4) |
55,292 |
9,065 |
8,668 |
9,258 |
7,652 |
3,523 |
|
7,652 |
3,523 |
(1) 2010 Child Benefit and Treatment Benefit statistics are lower than usual due to incomplete returns for the year.
(2) 2010 Treatment Benefit figures represent the changes in entitlements introduced in the 2010 Budget.
(3) Domestic Claims only, 2009.
(4) From 2010 Free Travel Statistics refer to Stand Alone Free Travel applications.
Claims Awarded in Each Year 2009 To May 2014
|
Scheme |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
May 2014 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
7,811 |
7,191 |
5,730 |
7,243 |
7,445 |
3,091 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
21,478 |
23,194 |
25,964 |
25,586 |
28,129 |
13,098 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
10,467 |
11,243 |
12,775 |
12,599 |
10,598 |
1,114 |
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
6,110 |
5,872 |
5,870 |
5,783 |
5,709 |
2,558 |
|
Bereavement Grant - Sligo |
15,431 |
15,862 |
16,993 |
17,451 |
21,179 |
4,451 |
|
Bereavement Grant - Longford |
5,428 |
5,918 |
5,926 |
5,342 |
2,537 |
77 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
176,912 |
191,144 |
174,491 |
167,623 |
180,009 |
65,721 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
13,967 |
12,127 |
12,178 |
11,151 |
11,025 |
4,492 |
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non-Contributory Pension |
449 |
533 |
377 |
287 |
283 |
74 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
N/a |
193,014 |
292,641 |
253,652 |
225,509 |
34,718 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
317,620 |
234,020 |
197,369 |
169,755 |
148,480 |
59,720 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
48,367 |
48,806 |
48,827 |
45,415 |
45,491 |
18,196 |
|
Treatment Benefit(1)(2) |
1,006,232 |
217,854 |
447,908 |
430,778 |
465,583 |
213,103 |
|
Disability Allowance |
10,179 |
8,306 |
9,246 |
10,400 |
12,497 |
5,269 |
|
Blind Pension |
N/a |
117 |
106 |
96 |
77 |
29 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
10,730 |
8,769 |
7,465 |
9,880 |
16,011 |
4,590 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
N/a |
3,103 |
2,686 |
1,586 |
1,877 |
878 |
|
Respite Care Grant (Once off) |
N/a |
5,486 |
4,965 |
4,575 |
4,218 |
N/a |
|
Illness Benefit |
262,864 |
249,166 |
259,008 |
245,319 |
245,456 |
75,865 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit/Occupational Injury |
11,516 |
12,289 |
11,616 |
10,927 |
11,428 |
4,241 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
4,580 |
3,597 |
2,657 |
6,352 |
9,494 |
2,825 |
|
Disablement Pension |
N/a |
1,293 |
1,310 |
1,384 |
731 |
247 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
N/a |
1,965 |
1,941 |
2,021 |
1,917 |
782 |
|
Child Benefit - Domestic & Formerly Resident Abroad(1)(3) |
44,244 |
22,382 |
34,735 |
34,576 |
31,151 |
14,123 |
|
Child Benefit - EU Regulation(1) |
4,272 |
724 |
1,371 |
2,487 |
3,277 |
1,294 |
|
Child Benefit - Over 16(1) |
88,054 |
36,488 |
72,248 |
69,576 |
71,205 |
30,505 |
|
Child Benefit - Additional Child(1) |
36,594 |
18,940 |
40,501 |
39,837 |
38,870 |
15,952 |
|
Family Income Supplement - New Claims |
12,573 |
14,328 |
13,631 |
13,264 |
20,156 |
6,608 |
|
Family Income Supplement - Renewals |
20,539 |
22,101 |
23,787 |
28,118 |
33,091 |
14,891 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
N/a |
106 |
117 |
95 |
111 |
34 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
N/a |
309 |
350 |
265 |
318 |
82 |
|
Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant |
N/a |
995 |
1,091 |
1,036 |
1,108 |
444 |
|
Household Benefits |
66,793 |
90,990 |
83,889 |
65,844 |
72,578 |
21,751 |
|
Living Alone and Island Allowances |
N/a |
9,157 |
10,425 |
10,323 |
10,441 |
4,796 |
|
Free Travel(4) |
52,638 |
7,200 |
7,086 |
6,754 |
6,087 |
2,799 |
(1) 2010 Child Benefit and Treatment Benefit statistics are lower than usual due to incomplete returns for the year.
(2) 2010 Treatment Benefit figures represent the changes in entitlements introduced in the 2010 Budget.
(3) Domestic Claims only, 2009.
(4) From 2010 Free Travel Statistics refer to Stand Alone Free Travel applications.
418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received and approved for dental benefit in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31638/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe numbers of Dental Benefit claims received and paid over the past five years were as follows:
|
Year |
Recd |
Paid |
|
2009 |
833,844 |
733,234 |
|
2010 |
339,595 |
388,938 |
|
2011 |
346,480 |
272,865 |
|
2012 |
292,147 |
270,602 |
|
2013 |
324,134 |
298,658 |
The apparent discrepancy in the number of customers qualifying and having claims paid in 2010 is as a result of a surge in applications in the last weeks of 2009, following changes to the scheme announced in the budget, which were then processed in early 2010.
419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the length of time taken to process applications for dental or ophthalmic benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31639/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOptical and dental benefit is normally paid directly to the practitioner who provided the examination to the qualified person. Claims received in one calendar month are paid in the subsequent month, with payment sent to the practitioner’s bank account on the second Friday of the month. Applications from individuals to establish if an entitlement exists, which account for approximately 25% of the total claims are usually dealt within with 7-10 days.
420. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding social welfare grants or financial assistance with burial costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31661/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department of Social Protection may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Government has provided €31.3 million for the ENP scheme in 2014. An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses. The Department has supported some 1,500 applicants with financial assistance towards these costs in the first six months of 2014, at a cost of €2.3 million.
An ENP is a means tested payment payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the applicant and that of the deceased person including any savings, property, insurance policies, etc. The Department official will also consider if a bereavement payment is available from any other source including former employer, credit union or trade union. Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to an ENP under the SWA scheme should contact the Department.
421. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason mortgage interest relief has been reduced or terminated in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the decision in this case is in accord with general policy in that, if pursued nationally will lead to large scale home repossessions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31667/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review, the client was requested, in line with Departmental guidelines, to contact her mortgage provider with a view to restructuring her loan and to inform the Department of the outcome. In addition, following an earlier parliamentary question on this matter, an officer of the Department contacted the client to offer assistance and again requested certain documents to be forwarded to the Department. There is no record in the Department of any communication from the client to date.
422. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide full disclosure of the terms under which the State seaweed processing company, Arramara Teoranta, was sold to Acadian Seaplants; and for this disclosure to include the sum for which the company was sold. [31487/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the sale of Arramara Teoranta was not put out to tender; the reason Údarás na Gaeltachta advised an Oireachtas joint sub-committee to regulate the industry even as it was trying to dispose of Arramara; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31489/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.
The sale of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo to Acadian Seaplants Ltd was approved by the board of Údarás on 1 March 2013, subject to Ministerial approval being obtained and legal details being agreed. Following an assessment of the proposal, I granted approval for the sale on 29 July 2013, subject to a number of specific conditions being fulfilled. I am advised that the sale of Arramara Teo was concluded on 7 May 2014 and that Údarás na Gaeltachta is satisfied that the conditions laid down have been fully complied with.
With regard to the sale process itself, I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta considered that the most appropriate mechanism was to engage consultants to identify potential strategic partners in the seaweed industry for the purpose of securing the future development of Arramara Teo. I am advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that that process was carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2009).
I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta engaged consultants RSM FGS in July 2010 to assist in identifying a potential strategic partner for Arramara Teo. I understand that RSM FGS compiled a list of nine potential partners, who were invited to submit expressions of interest. Six expressions of interest were received, which were assessed and shortlisted to three preferred potential partners, ranked first, second, and third. I understand that the first-ranked preferred potential partner was granted a period of exclusivity in order to enable it to undertake a process of due diligence and that it subsequently indicated that it was no longer interested in Arramara Teo. As the next ranked preferred potential partner, I understand that negotiations were opened with Acadian Seaplants Ltd, which culminated in the sale to it of Údarás na Gaeltachta's shares in Arramara Teo. The identification process and the negotiations with the potential partners identified took place during the period from July 2010 to February 2013.
I am satisfied that the best value that could be obtained for Arramara Teo was achieved through this course of action. As a multinational company based in Nova Scotia, Canada with significant experience in the seaweed processing sector, I am satisfied that Acadian Seaplants Ltd has the expertise to develop Arramara Teo and secure its long-term future for the benefit of its stakeholders. I believe that this strategic partnership will secure Arramara's future in Connemara and will result in the development of the seaweed processing sector here.
In that context, I particularly welcome the announcement made by Acadian Seaplants Ltd on 4 July that it is to make an initial investment of €2 million in Arramara Teo as a first step and that further investment will follow in areas of research, development of value-added products, market development, processing technologies and capital expenditure. I am confident that these investments will ensure a continuous demand for seaweed from the local harvesters and will provide additional employment in the area.
While I am unable to give any further details with regard to the terms of the sale of Arramara Teo because of the confidentiality provisions of the contract, I am advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that continuity of supply to Arramara's existing Irish customers is assured. One of the conditions of the sale agreement between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Acadian Seaplants Ltd related to existing Irish customers of Arramara Teo being guaranteed supply of product on reasonable terms and conditions into the future. In that regard, Údarás na Gaeltachta has confirmed that the sale agreement provides for the protection of future supply to existing Irish customers of Arramara Teo, with no increase in price for Year 1 and with prices advantageous to the Irish customers as against international customers being secured. It is also understood that Acadian Seaplants Ltd has covenanted to continue to supply the Irish customers. In the event of a breach of covenant, Údarás na Gaeltachta has advised that penalties would apply.
With regard to the hearings of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on the licensing and harvesting of seaweed on 8 July, I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta advocated that the harvesting of wild seaweed should be regulated in the interest of attracting investment to develop the sector. I understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta has been advocating regulation in the sector since 2006, when it first made submissions to the relevant Departments on the issue of licensing. I also understand that this position was underlined in work carried out in 2007 on A Resource Development Strategy for the Gaeltacht Coastal Zone by Dr. Valerie Cummins, Director of the Coastal and Marine Research Centre (CMRC), University College Cork. Accordingly, I hope the Deputy will appreciate that this issue is independent of the sale of Arramara Teo.
424. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide detail of all grants and public funds allocated to an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick over the past 20 years; the corporate structure of this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30719/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe annual administration grants provided to the organisation referred to by the Deputy from 2004 to date are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Grant |
|
2004 |
€50,000 |
|
2005 |
€70,000 |
|
2006 |
€80,000 |
|
2007 |
€90,000 |
|
2008 |
€150,000 |
|
2009 |
€140,000 |
|
2010 |
€110,500 |
|
2011 |
€100,000 |
|
2012 |
€110,000 |
|
2013 |
€110,000 |
|
2014 |
€110,000 |
In addition to the above allocations, the organisation in question also received a number of project-specific grants from my Department. In view of the constraints imposed by a "details supplied" Question, I am arranging for the information in regard to the allocations for those projects to be forwarded directly to the Deputy. The organisation in question is a not-for-profit charitable institution and is operated by a board of directors.
425. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the legal owners of the Drumanagh Promontory site in north County Dublin. [31013/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the conditions regarding not interfering with the Drumanagh Promontory site have been altered in any way in recent times; and, if so, by whom the conditions were altered and the reason for same. [31014/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has granted an order allowing for the fencing off and grazing of the Drumanagh Promontory site and, if so, whether there are any obligations on the legal owners under the protection order for the site. [31176/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 425, 426 and 428 together.
The promontory fort at Drumanagh, Lusk, Co. Dublin, is in private ownership but is subject to a Preservation Order under the National Monuments Acts. Because of the Preservation Order, my consent, as Minister, is required for any works at or in proximity to the monument. I have recently given consent under section 14 of the National Monument Act 1930 Act (as amended) for the erection of a replacement fence around the perimeter of the promontory fort and for works to improve pasture at the site.
427. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when her Department will publish its annual report for 2013. [31121/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Annual Report for 2013 is finalised and has been noted by Government. It is being prepared for publication online and will be formally laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.
429. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 10 June 2014, pertaining to the proposed Waterways Ireland canal by-laws, when she proposes to make a final decision on the proposed new by-laws; if she will ensure that such proposals are not restrictive and punitive for users of the waterways and that user concerns and submissions are taken cognisance of in his final decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31179/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Waterways Ireland is continuing its work on finalising its proposals in relation to the proposed new by-laws, This includes taking into account the submissions received in the course of the statutory public consultation exercise undertaken earlier this year. When the draft by-laws are finalised and formally submitted to my Department by Waterways Ireland, they will then be referred to me, as Minister, with recommendations for consideration and final decision.
I know the Deputy will agree that it is important that sufficient time is given to review and examine the draft by-laws at each stage of the process. Neither I nor my predecessor set any deadline in relation to that work, preferring instead to give the process whatever time is required to devise the best possible set of arrangements. In line with the commitment given during a debate in Seanad Éireann on Wednesday 26 February 2014, I will afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft by-laws.
430. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total cost of public relations and communications to her Department in 2013; the spend to date in 2014; the total estimate for 2014; the corresponding figures for each agency funded from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31523/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my Department that no payments were made for public relations or communications services last year and that no costs have occurred to date in 2014 or are estimated to occur for the remainder of the year. With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the matters raised are part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
431. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress of the investment in Pearse's Cottage, Rosmuc, which was included in the Government stimulus programme this year; and if there will be further opportunity for public consultation on the plans for the important heritage building. [31583/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, under the Capital Stimulus Package announced in the Budget, funding of €6m was provided in 2014 in respect of the 1916 Commemorations Programme. A number of flagship capital projects come under the scope of this programme, including Kilmainham Courthouse, the GPO, the Military Pensions Archives and Teach an Phiarsaigh. As part of this programme, an allocation of €0.5m has been provided in my Department's Vote in 2014 to advance the development of a cultural centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc. Furthermore, the Deputy will also be aware that the Government recently announced as part of the Phase 4 Infrastructure Stimulus an allocation of €22 million in 2015 for the Commemorations Programme. This funding will help, inter alia, to finance the costs associated with the flagship commemoration projects in 2015, including Teach an Phiarsaigh.
The development of a cultural centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh is being progressed by a steering group comprising the various stakeholders, including Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway County Council, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland and my own Department. The project has been developed through a collaborative process with all stakeholders with regard to linguistic, social, sustainable and economic considerations. I understand that all the stakeholders have indicated their full support to ensuring that the project is brought to fruition. With regard to the progress made to date, an economic appraisal of the project has been prepared and procurement of the various services for the project is under way.
In addition to being one of the flagship projects of the Commemorations Programme, I am advised that the project location has been chosen by Fáilte Ireland to be a key 'discovery point' on the Wild Atlantic Way project. I am also advised that Teach an Phiarsaigh is afforded special recognition in Fáilte Ireland's Connemara Destination Plan and Connemara Driving Tour and is a key component of its strategy to develop the tourism sector in Connemara.
432. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress of the built heritage scheme; if there are figures available on the percentage of the applications for which funding has been drawn down; if it is envisaged that a second such scheme will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31587/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Built Heritage Jobs Leverage scheme operated by my Department in 2014 is being administered by the local authorities for the repair and conservation of protected structures under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012. This fund will support a significant number of projects across the country, as well as employment in the conservation and construction industries. The closing date for receipt of claims for reimbursement under the scheme to local authorities by my Department is in November 2014. To date, no draw down claims have been received by my Department from the local authorities. Due to the nature of the projects being supported, it is anticipated that the majority of draw down requests will be in Quarters 3 and 4 2014 on substantial completion of works.
Preliminary figures from progress reports provided to my Department by the local authorities indicate that, to date, for the 240 projects currently under way, 8,253 days of employment have been supported (on average 34 days of employment per project) and private funds of over €1.5 million has been leveraged under the scheme. As the Deputy can appreciate, the continuation of this, or a similar, scheme in 2015 and beyond is a matter to be considered in the context of the budgetary and estimates processes, having regard to the many competing priorities for the conservation, preservation and presentation of the State’s heritage.
