Written Answers Nos. 350-381
350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of appeal for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32280/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9th May 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 9th July 2014 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
351. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of determination of an appeal in respect of overpayment of carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32287/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 29th April 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.
352. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the total number of appointments to State boards under the aegis of her Department since March 2011; the total number of appointments that have been advertised on her Department’s website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32306/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a Board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
Citizens Information Board
There have been five appointments to the Board since March 2011. One member was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011, following an advertisement for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals on the Department’s website, www.welfare.ie, which invited applicants to register their interest through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) website, www.publicjobs.ie. 72 applications were received through PAS and, following a selection process, the appointment was made in accordance with the legislation governing appointments to the Board. This member was re-appointed to the board on 27 April 2014, in accordance with Section 9 (10) of the Comhairle Act 2000. The other three appointments did not require public advertisement. A representative of the Department was appointed to the Board on 1 November 2011. A new representative of the Department was appointed in March 2014. The CIB’s staff representative to the Board was appointed with effect from 5 November 2012.
Pensions Authority
The Pensions Board was superseded by the Pensions Authority in March 2014. There were no appointments to the Pensions Board between March 2011 and March 2014. The Chairperson of the Pensions Board continued in her role in the Pensions Authority. There were two departmental nominees also appointed, one was appointed by me as the representative from my Department and the other was appointed by the Minister for Finance. These positions were appointed in accordance with the legislation governing the Pensions Authority, and were not advertised on my Department’s website.
Social Welfare Tribunal
The Social Welfare Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and four ordinary members, two on the nomination of Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two nominated by Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC). Legislation provides that the four ordinary members are appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the two relevant bodies and consequently the advertising of the positions is not appropriate. There were 6 appointments made since March 2011. One member was appointed with effect from 24 October 2011 as a replacement for a member who resigned. The term of office for the board expired in October 2012 and 5 appointments were made at that time. The position of Chairperson is filled by way of a recommendation from the Labour Court with regard to a particular candidate’s suitability. The Chairperson, who was re-appointed in 2012, has held the position since 2003.
353. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of her Department since March 2011 who have appeared before the relevant joint Oireachtas committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32321/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Ombudsman (which does not have a board) and the Social Welfare Tribunal. None of the chairpersons of the boards of the bodies under the aegis of the Department have appeared before the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection since March 2011.
354. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of retired public servants who have been awarded temporary or term-time posts in her Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [32336/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraEight retired former public servants were recruited on short term contracts in the Department from June 2010. These officers were employed on a part time basis as Appeals Officers and their contracts terminated at the end of December 2011. One of the Department’s Medical Assessors was retained beyond the normal retirement age on a temporary contract which ended in January 2012. The acting Deputy Chief Medical Advisor was retained beyond his normal retirement age on a temporary contract which ended in December 2012. The Chief Medical Advisor in the Department was also retained beyond his retirement date of February 2012 and is currently employed on a temporary contract. The Department held a competition to recruit a new Chief Medical officer in late 2013, however, no candidate was deemed suitable at interview.
The decision to re-employ or retain this small number of staff was taken due to their specific skills, the difficulty and long lead-in time for replacing such skills, and the critical importance of ensuring continuity and a high level of service to customers of the Department. As an exception to the current moratorium on recruitment, the Department has limited sanction to recruit temporary clerical officers to cover some critical staff absences, shorter working year leave, and to assist with the roll-out of the new Public Service Card. Between 2011 and to date in 2014, 3 Temporary Clerical Officers were recruited who were former civil servants. They were recruited on foot of open competitions run by the Public Appointments Service. Abatement of pension applies, if applicable, for the duration of all of these temporary contracts.
355. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will include persons in receipt of farm assist for eligibility on JobsPlus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32365/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobsPlus 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.
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 farm assist 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, eligibility requirements, and if changes are needed to improve access and administration. Any changes will, of course, be subject to budgetary considerations.
356. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular format, the commitments under the programme for Government for which her Department is responsible; the progress made to date with regard to each commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32401/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled in my Department and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
357. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22 have been asked to provide a range of documents and the relevance these documents have to the persons social welfare claim. [32403/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review has commenced of the jobseekers allowance payment of the person concerned. The documentation has been requested by the Social Welfare Inspector to enable him complete his investigation to establish the continuing entitlement of the persons concerned to the jobseekers payment.
358. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the amount her Department spent in 2013 on family income supplement, jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit to workers not in full-time employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32434/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker’s benefit and allowance are not payable to persons working more than three days per week, and, accordingly, are not paid to persons in full time employment. At the end of last June, there were 15,414 recipients of jobseeker’s benefit (32.3% of total) and 47,039 recipients of jobseeker’s allowance (15.9%) engaged in part-time employment of three days per week or less. Expenditure data is not maintained for these schemes by reference to the incidence of part-time employment. Family income supplement (FIS) is payable, subject to certain conditions, to persons with a child or children who are in employment for 19 hours or more per week (or 38 hours per fortnight). Expenditure data is not maintained for these schemes by reference to the number of hours worked per week/fortnight. The Department carried out a sample survey of FIS recipients in September, 2013, in relation to the number of hours worked per week. The survey found the following in relation to the sample examined:
Hours worked by FIS recipients (sample), September, 2013
|
Hours worked |
Number |
Percentage |
|
19 - 25 |
195 |
42.4% |
|
26 – 30 |
33 |
7.2% |
|
31 – 35 |
47 |
10.2% |
|
36 – 40 |
158 |
34.3% |
|
41 + |
25 |
5.9.% |
|
Total |
458 |
100% |
The overall expenditure on each of the relevant schemes in 2013 was as follows:
|
Scheme |
2013 Provisional Outturn - €m |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
3,109 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
560 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
262 |
359. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the fuel allowance in each year from 2010 to 2013; the annual cost of the scheme; the cost that would be associated with restoring the scheme to 32 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32444/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average numbers of recipients of fuel allowance for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 were approximately 333,100, 387,700, 397,900 and 403,500, respectively. Expenditure on fuel allowance was €228.8m in 2010, €265.8m in 2011, €211.4m in 2012 and €226.7m in 2013. An extension of the fuel allowance season from 26 weeks to 32 weeks would cost an estimated €45.4 million in 2015 and in a full year. Any changes to the fuel allowance scheme could only be considered in a Budgetary context.
360. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost that would be associated with restoring the Christmas bonus; the number of persons who would benefit if it was reinstated on the basis and previously applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32445/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates for the Department of Social Protection in 2014 do not include any provision for payment of a Christmas Bonus. The estimated cost of re-introducing a bonus payment for Christmas (analogous to the bonus payment which applied up to 2008 and based on the projected number of beneficiaries in late 2014) is in the order of €254 million. It would benefit approximately 1.16m recipients.
361. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on reports that large amounts of private sector pension assets are effectively unclaimed; her plans to simplify the pensions system to ensure beneficiaries receive their full entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32482/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that work patterns have changed significantly over the years. It is not uncommon today for employees to regularly switch jobs and accrue pension entitlements through a number of employments. It is recognised that it will become more common in future years for prospective retirees to have to ‘trace’ their accrued pension entitlements from multiple employers dating back over their working life. It is also recognised that a scheme member may change his/her address during their working life and that this will give rise to difficulties for the trustees of pension scheme when they are trying to discharge a person’s pension entitlement.
My Department currently provides a service to the trustees of pension scheme which assists them trace a scheme member by forwarding correspondence to the address recorded by the Department for a scheme member. This service can be accessed through the Pensions Authority website at http://www.pensionsauthority.ie/en/News_Press/News_Press_Archive/Host_Mailing_Service_for_tracing_pension_members1.pdf .
Consideration is being given to developing more streamlined mechanisms to assist both scheme trustees and individuals trace accrued pension rights. This will also include consideration being given to establishing a State fund into which companies who cannot trace former employees would lodge the accrued benefits.
362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the changes that have taken place in the spend of her Department in each year since 2004, broken down by programme (details supplied); the percentage of the total expenditure spent on each programme each year; the projected trends of expenditure in the next two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32513/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy in respect of the period 2004 to 2014, inclusive, is outlined in the tables. Estimates of expenditure for 2015 and later years are not available at this stage as they are currently under preparation as part of the Estimates process.
Expenditure by Programme, 2004 to 2007
|
Programme |
2004 €000 |
2004 % |
2005 €000 |
2005 % |
2006 €000 |
2006 % |
2007 €000 |
2007 % |
|
Administration (Includes CWS Admin) |
390 |
3.5 |
409 |
3.4 |
448 |
3.3 |
464 |
3.0 |
|
Pensions |
3,560 |
31.7 |
3,863 |
31.9 |
4,281 |
31.7 |
4,983 |
32.3 |
|
Working Age Income Supports |
2,713 |
24.1 |
2,817 |
23.2 |
3,112 |
23.0 |
3,492 |
22.6 |
|
Working Age Employment Supports |
116 |
1.0 |
107 |
0.9 |
118 |
0.9 |
145 |
0.9 |
|
Illness, Disability and Carers |
1,822 |
16.2 |
2,084 |
17.2 |
2,426 |
17.9 |
2,848 |
18.5 |
|
Children |
1,862 |
16.6 |
2,012 |
16.6 |
2,219 |
16.4 |
2,460 |
15.9 |
|
Supplementary Payments, Miscellaneous Services and agencies |
781 |
6.9 |
826 |
6.8 |
918 |
6.8 |
1,031 |
6.7 |
|
Total DSP expenditure on schemes, services and administration |
11,244 |
- |
12,119 |
- |
13,523 |
- |
15,422 |
- |
|
Year on Year Change |
- |
- |
875 |
- |
1,404 |
- |
1,899 |
- |
Expenditure by Programme, 2008 to 2011
|
Programme |
2008 €000 |
2008 % |
2009 €000 |
2009 % |
2010 €000 |
2010 % |
2011 €000 |
2011 % |
|
Administration (Includes CWS Admin) |
497 |
2.8 |
537 |
2.6 |
527 |
2.5 |
580 |
2.8 |
|
Pensions |
5,508 |
31.1 |
5,854 |
28.6 |
5,899 |
28.4 |
6,092 |
29.1 |
|
Working Age Income Supports |
4,393 |
24.8 |
6,292 |
30.7 |
6,669 |
32.1 |
6,182 |
29.6 |
|
Working Age Employment Supports |
161 |
0.9 |
194 |
0.9 |
300 |
1.4 |
861 |
4.1 |
|
Illness, Disability and Carers |
3,293 |
18.6 |
3,527 |
17.2 |
3,557 |
17.1 |
3,443 |
16.5 |
|
Children |
2,736 |
15.4 |
2,778 |
13.6 |
2,535 |
12.2 |
2,430 |
11.6 |
|
Supplementary Payments, Miscellaneous Services and agencies |
1,140 |
6.4 |
1,289 |
6.3 |
1,311 |
6.3 |
1,330 |
6.4 |
|
Total DSP expenditure on schemes, services and administration |
17,728 |
- |
20,481 |
- |
20,798 |
- |
20,918 |
- |
|
Year on Year Change |
2,306 |
- |
2,753 |
- |
317 |
- |
120 |
- |
Expenditure by Programme, 2012 to 2014
|
Programme |
2012 €000 |
2012 % |
2013 €000 |
2013 % |
2014 REV €000 |
2014 % |
|
Administration (Includes CWS Admin) |
575 |
2.8 |
564 |
2.8 |
574 |
2.9 |
|
Pensions |
6,283 |
30.3 |
6,451 |
31.9 |
6,507 |
33.2 |
|
Working Age Income Supports |
5,994 |
28.9 |
5,504 |
27.2 |
4,883 |
24.9 |
|
Working Age Employment Supports |
954 |
4.6 |
994 |
4.9 |
1,078 |
5.5 |
|
Illness, Disability and Carers |
3,346 |
16.1 |
3,405 |
16.8 |
3,334 |
17.0 |
|
Children |
2,393 |
11.5 |
2,269 |
11.2 |
2,301 |
11.7 |
|
Supplementary Payments, Miscellaneous Services and agencies |
1,182 |
5.7 |
1,051 |
5.2 |
926 |
4.7 |
|
Total DSP expenditure on schemes, services and administration |
20,729 |
- |
20,238 |
- |
19,604 |
- |
|
Year on Year Change |
-190 |
- |
-491 |
- |
-634 |
- |
It should be noted that:
i. Responsibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance transferred from the Health Service Executive to the Department in 2009;
ii Responsibility for the administration of Rural Social Scheme and Community Service Programme to the Department transferred in 2010;
iii The Department took over responsibility, in 2011, for the budget for the Community and Employment Services previously operated by FÁS.
iv. The 2013 figures are provisional. The 2014 figures are those published in the REV.
363. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the increase or reduction that took place in the number of persons in receipt of unemployment payments or on activation schemes between March 2011 and June 2012, broken down between those above and below 25 years of age; the reason for these trends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32514/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reason for trends in recipient and participant numbers on schemes is not routinely collated by my Department. Seasonal variations are large in the schemes highlighted by the Deputy, and thus June 2011 numbers are included to highlight such variations. The Central Statistics Office publishes a monthly breakdown of the number of persons who are on activation schemes, but does not report an age breakdown for these schemes. I have for the Deputy’s convenience detailed the number of activation scheme participants by scheme at March 2011, June 2011 and June 2012 in the attached tabular statement. The introduction of new employment schemes had a significant impact on participant numbers in this period.
With regard to the number of persons in receipt of unemployment payments I have also detailed the number of recipients broken down by age (under 25 years and 25 years and over) and scheme in the tabular statement.
Activation Scheme Participants
Source: www.cso.ie
|
- |
Scheme |
March 2011 |
June 2011 |
June 2012 |
|
- |
Back to work allowance scheme - employee strand |
632 |
480 |
44 |
|
- |
Back to work enterprise allowance scheme - self-employed strand |
8,789 |
9,601 |
11,062 |
|
- |
Short-term Enterprise Allowance |
1,206 |
1,229 |
1,175 |
|
- |
DSP Part-time Job Incentive |
161 |
161 |
190 |
|
- |
TUS - community work placement initiative |
- |
- |
4,363 |
|
- |
JobBridge |
- |
- |
4,899 |
|
- |
Community employment schemes (excluding supervisors) |
21,822 |
21,937 |
21,545 |
|
- |
FAS full time training for unemployed people |
8,663 |
9,407 |
8,783 |
|
- |
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)* |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
- |
Back to Education Allowance |
24,749 |
6,472 |
4,855 |
|
- |
Total activation programmes |
71,022 |
54,287 |
61,916 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
Unemployment Payment Recipients |
|
- |
Under 25 years |
59,137 |
62,651 |
61,452 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
25 years and over |
209,667 |
224,675 |
241,792 |
|
- |
Under 25 years |
10,066 |
9,483 |
6,322 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
25 years and over |
106,538 |
99,883 |
85,838 |
*Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS): VTOS figures are estimated at 5,000 each year.
364. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer's allowance appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32561/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 30th June 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.
365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the circumstances whereby a debt arising from overpayment incurred 13 years ago is now deemed to be recoverable, notwithstanding an indication at the time that in the circumstances recovery would not take place in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32581/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn overpayment was incurred by this client and notified to her in April 2003 which became the subject of an appeal that was disallowed in June 2004. The client made application for a further Social Welfare payment in March 2003. The overpayment was not adjudicated on at the point and was therefore not applied at that time. There is no record on file to suggest that the recovery of the overpayment would not proceed as normal. The Department has the right to pursue all debt irrespective of the date the debt occurred or the actions (communications or recoveries) taken by the Department since the debt arose. This Department can always recover a debt from future benefits/payments a debtor may become entitled to up to pension age and thereafter from any remaining Estate following death of a debtor.
366. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent in respect of which rent support is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32585/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of rent supplement entitlement, which recognised a reduction in means from income, the client is now in receipt of the full maximum entitlement based on their circumstances.
367. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if and when a one-parent family allowance may be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32590/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in previous responses, the person concerned has been advised on more than one occasion to make an application to her Local Social Welfare Office in order to determine her entitlement to the one parent family payment. The person concerned has also been advised that if she is currently homeless she should call to the homeless unit in Castle Street where her circumstances can be examined. No contact has been made by the person concerned with the Department. The person concerned needs to engage with the Department if she wishes to have her entitlement to a payment assessed.
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate the entitlement to jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32595/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no records of a recent claim for jobseeker’s allowance from the person concerned. The person concerned should contact the Social Welfare Local Office at Bishop’s Square and enquire about making such an application whereupon his entitlement can be determined.
370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent support payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32596/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe client made an application for rent supplement on 20th May 2014 after which the Department requested further information to allow the claim to be processed. If the information is forwarded the claim may be processed.
372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of an appeal for jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32607/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn appeal by the person concerned against the decision to disallow her jobseeker’s allowance application was disallowed by the appeals officer. The person concerned was notified of the appeals officer’s decision in writing on 14th February 2014.
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress in respect of an appeal for correct level of jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32637/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe client concerned was awarded a reduced rate jobseeker’s allowance payment in January 2014 due to means from self-employment. The case has subsequently been reviewed and the maximum rate has been applied from 7th May 2014. Arrears issued on 8th July 2014.
374. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of people in Cork city and county who have availed of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in 2012, 2013, and to date in 2014. [32638/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, provides a high quality personal service to assist people who are over indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments. The table provides details of the number of people in Cork City and County who have availed of the MABS services for each of the years 2012, 2013 and up to the end of June 2014.
|
- |
2012 |
- |
2013 |
- |
2014 (end June) |
- |
|
MABS Service |
New Clients |
Other Info Requests |
New Clients |
Other Info Requests |
New Clients |
Other Info Requests |
|
Cork MABS |
1,294 |
34 |
1,191 |
180 |
492 |
51 |
|
Cork MABS North |
419 |
84 |
385 |
78 |
168 |
59 |
|
Cork MABS West |
329 |
18 |
336 |
19 |
152 |
16 |
|
Charleville MABS |
192 |
46 |
190 |
62 |
57 |
18 |
375. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of the work of the group established to examine charges in the pensions industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32670/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report on Pension Charges, published in October 2012, was undertaken by my Department, working with the Central Bank and the Pensions Authority, and with support from PWC and was the first comprehensive Government report on this subject. The purpose of the report was to gather information on pension charges levied to assess whether charges are reasonable and transparent, and make recommendations. The report highlighted a wide range of issues in relation to pension charges and identified a number of problems. While the provision of pension schemes cannot be cost free, it is clear that there are major challenges to be addressed in the two main areas of reasonableness and transparency of charges.
Following the Report’s publication and a consultation with stakeholders, it was agreed by Government in April 2013 that the recommendations contained in the report would be implemented. A group comprising the Department of Social Protection, the Pensions Authority and the Central Bank is in place to initiate actions that follow up on these recommendations. Each has a core role to play in delivering on the recommendations contained in the report and work is progressing in this regard.
In line with the report’s recommendation to monitor the implementation of the Consumer Protection Code, the Central Bank recently published findings of a review of annual pension statements. This review found the vast majority of firms were in compliance with the code. Where the Bank identified a small number of firms where the format of annual statements were not as required, the firms concerned were required to submit implementation timelines for full compliance. Work is also ongoing in relation to other recommendations of the report such as consideration of a single standard measure that would assess all charges as well as investigation of the drivers behind take up of PRSAs.
In parallel, my Department is involved in complementary EU negotiations in relation to a review of the IORPs (Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision) Directive which lays down basic requirements for occupational pensions and their supervision. It is anticipated that agreement would result in improvements for consumers in the areas of member information regarding charges, trustee competencies, scheme governance and risk management. In addition, progress on the issue of charges will be supported by recent actions to restructure the Pensions Authority and strengthen governance and regulation and give consumer representatives a greater input into pensions policy. I have previously highlighted that the first task of the new Pensions Council will be to monitor the implementation of the recommendations in the Report on Pension Charges and advise if further actions are needed.
376. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons formerly employed in construction trade categories, particularly electrical or mechanical, who are in receipt of jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32677/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of persons in receipt of either jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance at the end of June 2014 was 47,707 and 295,594 respectively; of these totals, 3,330 jobseeker’s benefit recipients and 59,410 jobseeker’s allowance recipients had occupations in construction-related trade categories. When other trades are added which may include some people who had worked in the construction industry the number of recipients of jobseeker’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance increases to 6,448 and 78,237 respectively. A tabular statement detailing the breakdown of these recipients by occupation group is provided for the Deputy’s information.
|
Category |
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Total |
|
Architects, Town Planners and Surveyors |
67 |
527 |
594 |
|
Construction Trades |
2,243 |
40,687 |
42,930 |
|
Draughtspersons, Quantity and Other Surveyors |
50 |
221 |
271 |
|
Other Occupations in Construction |
503 |
12,606 |
13,109 |
|
Woodworking Trades |
467 |
5,369 |
5,836 |
|
Sub-Total |
3,330 |
59,410 |
62,740 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Electrical/Electronic Trades |
435 |
2,740 |
3,175 |
|
Engineers and Technologists |
827 |
2,305 |
3,132 |
|
Metal Forming, Welding and Related Trades |
210 |
2,051 |
2,261 |
|
Metal Machining, Fitting and Instrument Making Trades |
394 |
1,966 |
2,360 |
|
Metal Making and Treating Workers |
8 |
98 |
106 |
|
Metal Working Process Workers |
39 |
217 |
256 |
|
Other Craft and Related Occupations not elsewhere classified |
383 |
4,456 |
4,839 |
|
Other Occupations in Mining and Manufacturing |
25 |
146 |
171 |
|
Road Transport Workers |
797 |
4,848 |
5,645 |
|
Overall Total |
6,448 |
78,237 |
84,685 |
377. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of child care places provided under community employment schemes; the way this has varied over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32685/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) programme is a valuable resource in the provision of a range of services to communities, including childcare services. To support the delivery of these essential services, the ring-fencing and prioritisation of places for childcare was introduced on CE in 2002. Total CE expenditure on childcare amounted to €24.8m in 2013. In order to support the delivery of community childcare services, places on CE are dedicated to childcare. These places support community and voluntary organisations in the provision of childcare services. In 2012, there were 1,696 childcare places taken up on CE and over the intervening period, this increased to 2,007 as of June of this year.
The Department introduced a new CE Childcare Strand at the beginning of 2013 under which there is a dedicated childcare educational programme at FETAC Level 5 for CE participants who work directly with children. This programme has led to the re-structuring of CE childcare provision and it will improve the career path for participants who wish to pursue a career in childcare. These improvements provide a more tailored and valuable support to the provision of community childcare. The FETAC Major 5 Award is the entry level requirement to work as a basic practitioner in childcare.
The take-up of CE childcare places has become more challenging due to the impact of the removal of the dual payment for one parent families and persons with disabilities introduced in January, 2012. However, every effort is being made by the Department to encourage take-up of these places.
378. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has made allowances for the hardship faced by homeless families who are refused social welfare; if she has made emergency provisions for such families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32712/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is considered 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. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. The Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance. Under the social welfare system, homeless people have entitlements to the full range of social welfare schemes, including SWA subject to the normal qualifying conditions.
Under the SWA scheme, the Department 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. Assistance through ENPs may be provided towards rent deposits. This form of assistance is very important to those on low incomes who are at risk of, or who are homeless, or who rely on the private rented market to meet their housing needs. If the Deputy has a particular case where homeless families have been refused social welfare she should forward details to the Department for follow up.
379. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of single persons and families in each county whose jobseeker's allowance and one-parent family allowance claims have been closed due to being unable to provide an address due to a homelessness crisis to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32719/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statistics as requested by the Deputy are not available. The jobseekers allowance and one-parent family schemes are subject to a means test and in order to carry out a means test the customer must be available and contactable at a given address. Where it is not possible to discern the means of an applicant, the claim may be suspended or closed. The specific closure reason outlined by the Deputy is not recorded on the Department’s systems.
380. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the provision of emergency income allowances being made for homeless families presenting in County Kildare; the process for these families in crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32720/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra382. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views whether it is fair and equitable that homeless families and single persons who are presenting in Dublin are being accommodated in emergency accommodation, that provision is made for them to collect social welfare payments and that they are entitled to access advice from housing specialists, while those in commuter towns, including in County Kildare, are prevented from accessing any such emergency supports; the way she intends to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32730/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 382 together.
The primary responsibility for provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with local authorities. Kildare County Council have staff and arrangements in place to provide emergency support to persons who find themselves homeless. The Community Welfare Service and Mid-Leinster rents unit work closely with County Council staff in these situations to ensure all necessary service and entitlements are provided in each instance to ensure a process that is as seamless as possible.
The range of emergency supports is broadly similar in all areas. Because of the scale of homelessness in Dublin, services are organised centrally. Similar emergency supports are available to homeless people within Kildare and other areas outside of Dublin, though accessed differently. In instances where persons present as homeless they are normally referred to the Homeless Service of Kildare County Council where an assessment of their accommodation need is made and emergency accommodation provided where necessary. The Department’s role with regard to persons who are homeless is mainly income maintenance which is considered by departmental staff in liaison with the Kildare County Council homeless officers.
381. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an issue regarding provision of parking for staff at the Government offices (details supplied) in County Longford. [32725/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA meeting between OPW and DSP officials was held in Longford in January to discuss, inter alia , the issue of traffic congestion on the Government Buildings site and options to ameliorate same. A number of options were discussed, however not all are practical or cost effective. In this context, some further consideration of the matter has been required by OPW following the meeting. I am now advised that OPW expect shortly to be in a position to present what will hopefully be a feasible option to relieve the congestion on the site.
