Written Answers Nos. 42-52
42. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 1002 of 26 May 2015, and in view of his awareness of the University of Ghent report on atypical employment in aviation and its potential impact on safety as indicated in his reply, if his Department or the Irish Aviation Authority made any specific contact with the airlines, or undertook any specific action. [23463/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy response to the Deputy's earlier questions on this report pointed out that it was produced under the European Social Dialogue Committee by social policy experts. Aviation safety matters are most appropriately addressed within the EU's extensive aviation safety regime. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has competence for all areas of aviation safety in the EU and is best placed to give an expert view on any potential safety impacts of various working arrangements.
In September 2014 last year EASA announced a new organisation structure, which aims at preparing the Agency for the challenges of the coming years. In doing so EASA pointed out that the aviation sector is constantly evolving with innovative business models and new technologies in order to achieve greater efficiencies. Earlier this year EASA established a working group to examine Developing Business Models in Aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority participates in the working group and its work is ongoing.
43. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reinstate the specific improvements grant scheme, with particular reference to his plans to specifically provide funding for a new bridge at Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23461/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn view of the significant safety concerns raised in relation to Cockhill Bridge I have reviewed the information submitted by Donegal County Council in respect of the bridge including the report dated 29th May 2015 which provides up to date traffic and pedestrian counts and sets out the case for an overall solution which caters for both traffic and pedestrians. On the basis of this review I have decided to give approval for this project to proceed. This approval takes account of the important safety considerations which the Council wishes to address through the provision of a realigned road and new bridge at Cockhill. These safety considerations in respect of a critical access route to the Inishowen peninsula (which has a population of 43,000) are paramount in my decision to proceed with this project despite the on-going financial constraints.
44. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the options available in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14, who has given up a part-time job because her one parent family payments are under review. [23969/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll claims for one parent family payment (OPFP) are subject to periodical review on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that the payment is being made in accordance with the relevant social welfare legislation governing the scheme.
In this regard a review was carried out on the OPFP claim of the person concerned specifically to clarify the position with regard to the living arrangement of a liable relative. This required visits by Social Welfare Inspectors to both the person concerned and her liable relative to establish and clarify the situation. This has been done following the review and no payments of OPFP were delayed or interrupted as a result of this process taking place and her payment is continuing.
45. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the total number of working-age adults who claim any welfare payment, with the exception of child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23971/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of May 2015 there were 1,029,296 recipients of weekly social welfare payments which are payable to persons of working age. Note that some people may be recipients of payments from more than one scheme, and that payments for a small number of these schemes can also be receivable by people over the age of 65.
A breakdown of this number is detailed in the tabular statement.
Number of Recipients of Weekly Social Welfare Payments May 2015
|
Type of Payment |
Recipients |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
22 |
|
Local Authority Mortgage Supplement |
28 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
62 |
|
Rent Allowance |
108 |
|
Interim Illness Benefit |
330 |
|
Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme |
376 |
|
Injury Benefit |
911 |
|
Job Initiative |
1,008 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
1,482 |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
1,531 |
|
Other Employment Supports(6) |
1,891 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
2,029 |
|
Gateway |
2,129 |
|
Rural Social Scheme |
2,519 |
|
Mortgage Interest Supplement |
3,882 |
|
JobBridge National Internship Scheme |
5,158 |
|
TUS - Community Work Placement |
7,800 |
|
Farm Assist |
9,142 |
|
Back To Work Enterprise Allowance |
11,523 |
|
Disablement Benefit |
11,870 |
|
Back To Education Allowance |
13,671 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
16,793 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
20,500 |
|
Community Employment Programme |
24,563 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
40,590 |
|
Family Income Supplement |
51,372 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
54,565 |
|
Illness Benefit |
56,682 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
61,294 |
|
Rent Supplement |
62,368 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
68,508 |
|
Disability Allowance |
115,233 |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension |
118,883 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
256,473 |
|
Total* |
1,029,296 |
* Due to system upgrades statistics for Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non-contributory Pension, Deserted Wife’s Allowance, Deserted Wife’s Benefit, Blind Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Non-contributory) and Guardian Payment (Contributory) are not currently available. In addition, employers are currently in receipt of JobsPlus payments in respect of 4,901 former unemployed jobseekers.
46. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of jobseeker's allowance who have continuously claimed for over one year, two years, three years, four years and five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23972/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tabular statement.
Jobseeker’s Allowance Recipients at the end of May 2015
|
Less than 1 Year |
1 to 2 Years |
2 to 3 Years |
3 to 4 Years |
4 to 5 Years |
Greater Than 5 Years |
Total |
|
80,655 |
46,311 |
29,767 |
22,038 |
18,879 |
58,823 |
256,473 |
47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the widespread concern of the Irish Postmasters' Union in relation to the recent issue of revised application forms from her Department; if she will ensure that these forms are officially withdrawn and replaced with the previous issue of forms, where payment at the post office is the first option listed, and no recommendation is made; if she will ensure that these changes are made without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24001/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 247, 248 and 249 of 9 June 2015, and in view of her reiteration in her reply that it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company which will be in a position to provide a high quality postal service, and maintain a nationwide customer focused network of post offices in the community, the reason her Department persists with a policy on the payment of benefits which is so diametrically opposed to overall Government policy; if she will direct her Department to provide practical effect to Government policy by making the option of being paid at a post office available on all benefit application forms, making the forms at least neutral as to the payment option potential recipients may select, and end her Department's blatant promotion of for-profit commercial financial institutions, to the detriment of a nationwide public service, that is An Post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24056/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 58 together.
Successive Governments and this one most notably, have consistently stated their commitment to maintaining the post office network as set out in the Programme for Government. The post office is seen as a key piece of financial and social infrastructure for both urban and rural areas. Part of the strength of the post office brand, and one of its chief selling points, is that it reaches all parts of the country and can be accessed by anyone. It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer focussed network of post offices in the community.
My Department’s continuing support for An Post is apparent, both in terms of the cost of postage services and the value of the contract for welfare payments. In this regard, we anticipate this year that we will pay over €50 million to An Post under a contract for cash payment services to welfare customers. This contract is very substantial in terms of its reach, value and impact.
As you are aware my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Alex White, T.D., formally launched the Post Office Network Business Development Group under the independent Chairmanship of Mr Bobby Kerr in February, 2015 to explore potential commercial opportunities available to the post office network. I look forward to viewing the report from this Group.
I understand An Post is anxious to grow its existing levels of services in the light of emerging market pressures which extend beyond the delivery of welfare payments. In this context I am pleased to note An Post has tendered for the provision of a new payment and transaction account. I look forward to that becoming available in the not too distant future as it will provide alternative payment opportunities for my Department’s customers.
In order to recognise the general societal trend to electronic payments the Department has been changing some of its application forms. The option to be paid at the post office remains on the forms.
I want to emphasise that the amendments do not remove the option to be paid at the post office. This option will remain on the forms. Therefore, customers are free to opt to receive their payment at the post office if they wish. I also want to emphasise that the department continuously reviews its forms to ensure that they are amenable and relevant to all customers. I have asked the Department to review forms and update them to ensure that a more neutral wording in relation to payment options is provided.
The Department is conscious of the important role of the post office around the country, not only in respect of social welfare payments but also in offering other financial services such as paying bills and carrying out a range of banking services. The Government has consistently stated its commitment to maintaining the post office network as set out in the Programme for Government.
48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the amount of payment received in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24004/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first person concerned is in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance at the weekly rate of €296.80 and comprises:
|
Personal rate |
€188.00 |
|
Increase for Qualified Adult |
€124.80 |
|
Sub Total |
€312.80 |
|
Less Means |
€ 16.00 |
|
Total weekly rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance |
€296.80 |
The second person concerned is not in receipt of a social welfare payment in her own right as she is the qualified adult on the payment of the first person concerned.
50. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the cost associated with a €10 increase in the State pension (contributory) and the State pension (non-contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24008/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of increasing the State Pension Contributory (SPC) and the State Pension Non Contributory (SPNC) by €10 per week is €204.3 million and €50.8 million respectively in a full year.
The cost of increasing all pension rates – SPC, SPNC, Widow/er/Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension (aged 66 and over), Death Benefit (aged 66 and over) and Carer’s Allowance (aged 66 and over) – by €10 per week is circa €303 million in a full year.
These costs also include proportionate increases for any qualified adults, where applicable.
It should be noted that these costings are subject to change over the coming months in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2016.
51. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the cost to the State of providing rent supplement for 2014 and to date in 2015. [24014/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra52. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the number of recipients of rent supplement currently. [24015/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she envisages the roll-out of the tenancy sustainment protocol to County Donegal; if so, when she envisages this will take place; if not, if she will be extending increased supports to those on rent allowance who are struggling to find appropriate accommodation due to the limited cap per month in counties like Donegal which are also struggling with housing supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24073/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if figures are available regarding the number of landlords in Dublin who are currently accepting tenants under the rent allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24141/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to confirm the number of persons living in Dublin who receive rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24142/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans on making changes to the rent allowance scheme, in order that payment is made directly to the landlord; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24143/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients under the rent allowance scheme in Dublin who have contacted her Department highlighting difficulties they are having in securing a property with under the scheme, considering that property rental prices have steadily increased in the city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24144/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 52, 62 and 64 to 67, inclusive, together.
The rent supplement scheme provides support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 68,000 rent supplement recipients for which the Government has provided over €298 million for 2015. In Dublin, there are currently over 25,300 landlords in respect of over 25,400 tenancies supported by a rent supplement payment. A detailed breakdown of rent supplement recipient numbers by county and information on expenditure for 2014 and to date in 2015 is provided in the tabular statements.
All prospective tenants, including those seeking to access rent supplement, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure appropriate accommodation due to the reduced availability of rental properties. In response to these difficulties, the Department has put in place a number of preventative measures to ensure that people at risk of homelessness or loss of their tenancy are supported under the rent supplement scheme where increased rental payments are required. The Department’s preventative policy allows for flexibility in assessing customers’ individual accommodation needs through the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework. Under this approach, each tenant’s circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis, and rents are being increased above prescribed limits throughout the country, as appropriate. Staff in the Community Welfare Service of the Department who administer the rent supplement scheme have a statutory discretionary power to award or increase a supplement for rental purposes, for example, when dealing with applicants who are at risk of losing their tenancy. This flexible approach has already assisted over 2,100 rent supplement households nationwide to retain their rented accommodation through the payment of increased rent payments. The number of rent supplement recipients in Dublin who contacted the Department highlighting difficulties in securing properties is not maintained. However, a total of some 1,400 rent recipients in Dublin have been supported through increased rental payments.
A Tenancy Sustainment Protocol in conjunction with Threshold was introduced in the Dublin region and Cork city where supply is particularly acute. The primary objective of the Protocol is to ensure a speedy intervention to ensure that families and persons at immediate risk of losing their tenancy get rapid assistance. Of the 2,100 households referred to above, almost 700 households in Dublin have been supported as a result of engagement under the Protocol and over 20 households in Cork City.
The Department’s response to the current housing difficulties, including any extension of the Protocol, remains under review at this time to ensure that the appropriate supports continue to be provided. The Department has also undertaken a communications campaign to ensure that persons in receipt of rent supplement worried about losing their home are provided with information on the supports available which includes issuing text messages to over 50,000 rent supplement recipients, issuing monthly tweets to Department followers, updating the website and the distribution of posters to Department Offices, Post Offices, Citizen Information Centres, MABs offices and Oireachtas members.
Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department’s relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme. However, social welfare legislation provides for the payment of a rent supplement payment to a nominated payee such as a landlord on behalf of the tenant. This arrangement is entered at the tenant’s request and subject to the consent of the Department. Nominated payments are made under the rent supplement scheme in some 20% of cases.
The efficiency of the rent supplement scheme would be significantly affected if all payments were to be made directly to landlords, for the provision of short-term support. The Department’s strategic policy direction is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support by transferring responsibility for persons with long-term housing needs to the local authorities under the new Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP). HAP is being designed so as to bring all of the social housing services provided by the State together under the local authority system and is currently being rolled out in selected local authority areas to over 2,200 households. Under HAP, the local authority pays the rent directly to the landlord.
Table 1: Rent Supplement Expenditure
|
Year |
Cost €000 |
|
2014 |
338,3471 |
|
2015 |
107,2022 |
1. 2014 Revised Estimate
2. End April 2015
Table 2: Rent Supplement Recipients by County, End of May 2015
|
County |
Recipients |
|
DUBLIN |
25,427 |
|
CORK |
7,782 |
|
KILDARE |
3,604 |
|
GALWAY |
3,521 |
|
WEXFORD |
2,486 |
|
WICKLOW |
2,067 |
|
LIMERICK |
2,021 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1,923 |
|
LOUTH |
1,913 |
|
DONEGAL |
1,686 |
|
KERRY |
1,660 |
|
MEATH |
1,633 |
|
MAYO |
1,607 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1,498 |
|
CLARE |
1,317 |
|
WATERFORD |
1,311 |
|
CARLOW |
1,064 |
|
LAOIS |
1,003 |
|
OFFALY |
960 |
|
KILKENNY |
782 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
656 |
|
SLIGO |
482 |
|
CAVAN |
421 |
|
LONGFORD |
421 |
|
LEITRIM |
326 |
|
MONAGHAN |
316 |
|
Total |
67,887 |
