Written Answers Nos. 41-63
41. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the annual saving to his Department if spending on education and training was reduced by 2.5%, 5% and 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26913/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2014 Education and Training expenditure, my Department would achieve savings as set out in the following table:
|
Saving if spend was reduced by 2.5% |
Saving if spend was reduced by 5% |
Saving if spend was reduced by 10% |
|
€1,896 |
€3,792 |
€7,583 |
42. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the annual saving to his Department if spending on professional fees, including but not limited to legal, information technology, accountancy, and other advisory and consultancy services, was reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26941/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe annual savings to my Department if spending on professional fees, including but not limited to legal, IT-related, accountancy, and other advisory and consultancy was reduced by 10%, is provided in the following table:
|
Description |
Savings if spend was reduced by 10% |
|
Department |
€18,663.72 |
|
Commission of Investigation and Moriarty Tribunal |
€63,407.50 |
43. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the annual saving to the Exchequer if his and his Minister of State's Special Advisers' salaries were capped at the first point of the Principal Officer grade, that is at €75,647; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26970/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are five Special Advisers employed in my Department, four of whom are my Special Advisers and one of whom is Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.
The details requested in relation to their salaries are set out in the table.
The 1st point of the Principal Officer (standard scale) is €75,647.
The salary cost for special advisers employed in my Department is €566,878. The comparative full year figure for Special Advisers employed in this Department in 2010 is €1,072,920.
|
Title |
Salary |
|
Chief of Staff |
€156,380 |
|
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€156,380 |
|
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€84,706 |
|
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€84,706 |
|
Special Advisor to Chief Whip |
€84,706 |
44. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the annual saving to his Department and those bodies under its aegis if all the fees for all State agencies, non-commercial State sponsored bodies and commercial semi-State board members were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf the amount of the stipend was reduced by 25%, based on the amount paid to Board members last year the potential saving to the Exchequer would be €5,237.
There are no fees paid to members of the National Economic and Social Council which is only body under the aegis of my Department.
Although the National Statistics Board (NSB) is not classified as an agency under my aegis, I am including it in my response for the information of the Deputy. Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the National Statistics Board comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members. Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993.
The above figure is indicative only, and would vary depending on the make up of the board and the number of members entitled to and receiving stipends.
45. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form, the expenses incurred by him from 2011 to date in 2015, including the date, expense type, description and amount; if each expense was vouched; his plans to introduce changes to the expenses system to ensure all expenses are fully vouched for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27002/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department incurred no expenditure on expenses between 2011 and 3 July 2015 in relation to myself.
46. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has been in contact with the Greek Prime Minister since he promised a referendum in Greece; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27064/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome hours after the conclusion of the last meeting of the European Council on 26 June Prime Minister Tsipras announced his intention to hold a referendum on 5 July. I received a letter from the Prime Minister on 28 June, in which he asked for Ireland's support in extending the financial assistance arrangements for his country under the European Financial Stability Facility. Similar letters were received by Heads of State and Government in the other Euro Area Member States.
I replied to Prime Minister Tsipras the following day, expressing Ireland's deep empathy for Greece and its people and our continuing support for a mutually acceptable outcome that could help to end the current crisis. I made clear my regret that the decision by the Greek Government to withdraw from Eurogroup negotiations meant it had not been possible to reach an agreement, as set out in the Eurogroup statement of 27 June
Although I have had no further contact with Prime Minister Tsipras since the exchange of those letters, I will meet him again later today at the Special Euro Summit in Brussels.
I note the outcome of the referendum held in Greece on 5 July. It is my hope that the Greek Government will now put forward proposals which provide a real basis for renewed negotiations with fellow euro area Member States and the institutions with a view to providing certainty for the Greek people and returning stability to their economy. I hope today's Euro Summit will succeed in agreeing a framework for such discussions. Ireland will continue to engage actively in all efforts to reach a successful conclusion.
47. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach when the Central Statistics Office will resume publication of recorded crime statistics; his views on the office's review of the Garda Inspectorate Report on crime investigation which was published in November 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CSO resumed publication of recorded crime data on the 30th June 2015, with the release of statistics for Q3 2014, Q4 2014 and Q1 2015.
The CSO decision to resume publication follows the completion of a comprehensive review of the quality of Garda crime administrative data on PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively).
In addition the CSO published a quality report on Crime statistics.
48. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if her Department has accepted Labour Court recommendation No. 19293 of 22 July 2008; her current position on this ruling; the number of potential persons who would receive pension payments if the recommendation was brought into effect; the projected cost in a full year of both the pension liability and the gratuity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27008/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the individuals concerned are the employees of private companies. In the circumstances, it is not possible for the State to take over responsibility for funding pension arrangements for employees of private companies, even where those companies are reliant on State funding. This position was confirmed by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform to this Department in March 2015.
The provision of State funding for a CE pension scheme would result in potential claims from employees of other companies in the community sector. The State cannot afford this level of exposure to funding pension arrangements.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's position is that private companies contracted by the State to provide a service, including those in the community sector, must manage their expenditure pressures, including labour and pension costs, from within existing funding levels.
Employers (including CE Sponsoring Organisations) are legally obliged to offer access to at least one Standard Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) under the Pension (Amendment) Act 2002. All CE Sponsoring Organisations were apprised of their responsibilities under this Act at that time.
CE Supervisors may also qualify for the State Pension at 66 years of age. If they have accrued sufficient PRSI contributions (520 contributions @ full rate, equivalent to 10 years contributions) they will qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), which is not means-tested. In the event that there are insufficient contributions, the person will qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), provided they satisfy the means test.
49. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine and expedite an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27061/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 11 June 2015. Payment will issue to his nominated Post Office on the 16 July 2015. Any arrears due from 11 June 2015 to 15 July 2015 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on the 2 July 2015.
50. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when her Department will issue the application forms to post offices with the more neutral wording in respect of payment options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27106/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware I have asked the Department to update the forms in question to ensure that a neutral wording in relation to payment options is provided and to also ensure that one payment option is not favoured over another.
These amendments will be carried out over the next number of weeks. My officials have already commenced preparatory work on this process and I expect this work to be completed in a timely manner. However, given that the Department's forms are integrated into its automated systems the work must be done carefully and properly to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers. I do not wish to cause delays to our customers through loss of our automated systems due to improperly considered changes or modifications.
51. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason arrears are not payable in regard to invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick, having been awarded through the appeals office; the way her Department arrived at its figures; if arrears owed can be repaid at a reduced amount to assist with the financial situation of the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27117/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension (IP) with effective from the 17 April 2014 and was notified of this decision on the 20 May 2015. The first payment issued to her nominated bank account on the 11 June 2015. Arrears of €1,070.00 due from 17 April 2014 to 10 June 2015 (after overlapping social welfare payments in the period amounting to €20,836.60 and an outstanding overpayment of €387.90 have been offset) will issue to her nominated bank account on 9 July 2015.
The person in question was issued with a breakdown of the calculation of her IP arrears on 2 July 2015.
52. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of an age-related back to education allowance payment at the end of April 2014 and at the end of April 2015. [27122/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for the higher estimate indicated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 26 May 2015 compared to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 9 July 2014. [27509/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 95 together.
Officials in this Department are currently collating the statistics requested by the Deputy and examining the reason for the higher estimate provided in May 2015. Officials will revert directly to the Deputy when this information is available.
53. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding farm assist in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been waiting for an outcome on the matter since September 2014. [27128/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the person concerned applied for farm assist on 4th September 2014. His means for this claim were based on his assessed income during 2013. He appealed the means assessment of his farm income and an oral hearing was held on 11th March 2015. At the hearing, he indicated that he was particularly concerned that his expenditure for the lease of his farm had not been allowed for in the assessment. As he had not previously raised this expenditure with the Department in the course of the means assessment process, the Appeals Officer asked him to provide evidence of payments made during 2013 in respect of the farm lease. This evidence was outstanding on the date that the Appeals Officer, who had been assigned the case, retired.
I am advised that the file has been assigned to another Appeals Officer. I understand that although the person concerned has, in the meantime, provided a copy of a lease agreement dated 18 March 2014, no evidence has been provided to date to show that payments in respect of the lease were actually made in either 2013 or 2014. I understand that the appeals office will be writing to the person concerned shortly requesting that he provide evidence of any payments actually made in respect of the lease in order that the Appeals Officer can consider if these can be taken into account.
In the meantime the person concerned is quite entitled to request a review of his current farm assist payment, which at this stage would be based on a means test of his income in 2014.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
54. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the refusal of a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the appeal will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27134/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 June 2015. 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.
55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made in respect of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has submitted the requested documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27137/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring a recent review of the client's Rent Supplement, her rental rate was found to have increased to a rate outside of the maximum limit for her location and family composition and her payment was suspended. The client has been requested to seek a reduction to within the maximum limit. A Rent Supplement application has been issued to the client for confirmation of this reduction. This should be returned immediately to the Mid Leinster Rents Unit for re-assessment of her entitlement.
56. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of new community employment schemes that have been approved in each year since 2011; if she will provide a list of each one of these; their name and address; the number of supervisors and participants on each, as of 2015; the expected cost in each year since created; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27169/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following are Community Employment schemes that commenced for the first time since 2011. Projects that are currently in progress show the current numbers on the scheme as at 1July 2015 and the expenditure to date in the contract.
|
Sponsor |
Contract Start Date |
Contract Finish Date |
Address |
Current Supervisors |
Current participants |
Actual Cost to Date € |
|
Ballyfermot Partnership Co. Ltd. |
21/10/2013 |
13/02/2015 |
4 Drumfinn Park Ballyfermot Dublin 10 |
239,464 |
||
|
BRAY PARTNERSHIP |
22/04/2013 |
18/04/2014 |
4 PRINCE OF WALES TERRACE BRAY CO WICKLOW |
325,332 |
||
|
21/04/2014 |
22/01/2016 |
2 |
20 |
413,424 |
||
|
Deis Nua Limited |
20/01/2014 |
10/04/2015 |
2 Railway Road Cavan Town Co Cavan |
260,008 |
||
|
13/04/2015 |
08/04/2016 |
2 |
18 |
43,457 |
||
|
CILL DARA AR AGHAIDH TEO |
02/09/2013 |
29/08/2014 |
County Kildare Leader Partnership Jigginstown Commercial Park Naas CO KILDARE |
343,880 |
||
|
01/09/2014 |
28/08/2015 |
2 |
23 |
244,556 |
||
|
Deaf Village Ireland |
24/03/2014 |
20/03/2015 |
Ratoath Road Cabra Dublin 7 |
238,592 |
||
|
23/03/2015 |
18/03/2016 |
1 |
21 |
64,138 |
||
|
DONEGAL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CO L |
13/01/2014 |
09/01/2015 |
NO. 1 MILLENIUM COURT LETTERKENNY CO DONEGAL |
518,103 |
||
|
12/01/2015 |
08/01/2016 |
1 |
42 |
230,923 |
||
|
Drumshanbo/ Ballinaglera Amenity Co |
13/10/2014 |
09/10/2015 |
The Food Hub Drumshanbo Co Leitrim |
1 |
17 |
192,230 |
|
DTEN COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROJECT |
27/02/2012 |
22/02/2013 |
162 CHERRY ORCHARD AVENUE Ballyfermot Dublin 10 |
283,571 |
||
|
25/02/2013 |
21/02/2014 |
267,437 |
||||
|
24/02/2014 |
20/02/2015 |
261,754 |
||||
|
23/02/2015 |
19/02/2016 |
1 |
16 |
74,045 |
||
|
Falcarragh Community Organisation |
27/04/2015 |
22/04/2016 |
2 Shore Road Falcarragh Co. Donegal |
1 |
20 |
42,268 |
|
Finn Valley Community Scheme Ltd |
28/10/2013 |
24/10/2014 |
Oaktree Business Park Railway Road Killygordon Co Donegal |
485,125 |
||
|
27/10/2014 |
23/10/2015 |
1 |
32 |
312,761 |
||
|
INISHOWEN DEVELOPMENT |
13/01/2014 |
09/01/2015 |
ST. MARYS ROAD BUNCRANA Co. Donegal |
322,651 |
||
|
12/01/2015 |
08/01/2016 |
1 |
20 |
136,322 |
||
|
Larkin Unemp Ctr Ltd |
20/05/2013 |
01/08/2014 |
Horticultural Innovative CE Proj Larkin Centre 57/58 North Strand Road Dublin 3 |
302,441 |
||
|
04/08/2014 |
14/08/2015 |
1 |
14 |
226,954 |
||
|
SDC Partnership Ltd |
17/06/2013 |
13/06/2014 |
County Hall Block 3 Belgard Square North Tallaght Dublin 24 |
224,017 |
||
|
16/06/2014 |
04/09/2015 |
1 |
27 |
343,352 |
||
|
Swilly C.E.P. Ltd |
06/04/2015 |
01/04/2016 |
21-25 Lower Main Street BUNCRANA Co Donegal |
2 |
43 |
167,189 |
|
The Crann Support Group Ltd |
08/07/2013 |
04/07/2014 |
Trim Community Childcare The Maudlins Trim Co Meath |
390,857 |
||
|
07/07/2014 |
28/08/2015 |
1 |
21 |
332,014 |
||
|
TIPPERARY REGIONAL YOUTH SERV. |
30/09/2013 |
20/03/2015 |
CROKE STREET THURLES CO TIPPERARY |
335,140 |
||
|
23/03/2015 |
18/03/2016 |
1 |
30 |
67,456 |
||
|
Treo Portlairge Ltd |
02/03/2015 |
29/02/2016 |
Unit 34 Tycor Business Centre Waterford |
1 |
12 |
33,840 |
|
U-CASADH LTD |
18/11/2013 |
29/05/2015 |
The Solas Building Belmont Park Ferrybank Waterford |
480,494 |
||
|
01/06/2015 |
27/05/2016 |
2 |
20 |
23,176 |
||
|
WATERFORD CENTRE FOR INDEP LIVING |
14/01/2013 |
10/01/2014 |
BALLINVELLA DUNMORE EAST CO. WATERFORD. |
245,179 |
||
|
13/01/2014 |
03/04/2015 |
368,848 |
||||
|
06/04/2015 |
01/04/2016 |
2 |
16 |
40,988 |
57. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for an invalidity pension for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27181/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 23 April 2015. Payment will issue to her nominated bank account on the 16 July 2015. Any arrears due from 23 April 2015 to 15 July 2015 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on the 2 July 2015.
Carer's allowance (CA) is a payment made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to certain people with disabilities and whose income falls below certain limits.
This CA application is currently being processed and the person concerned has agreed to furnish outstanding financial documents. Once received her entitlement will be determined and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if payment of a disability allowance and arrears owed will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27184/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability allowance payment and arrears will be issued to the person in question, by their chosen payment method, on 8 July 2015.
59. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the changes contained in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 in respect of the entitlements of deferred members of pension schemes in the event of the schemes being wound up; if a scheme (details supplied) comes under the provisions of this Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27188/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst I am not in a position to comment on individual schemes, I can confirm any defined benefit schemes which are required to meet the funding standard obligations of the Pensions Act are subject to the changes contained in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2013 in respect of the entitlements of deferred members of pension schemes in the event of the schemes being wound up. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the trustees of a pension scheme to ensure compliance with the funding standard obligations of the Pensions Act.
The Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act 2013, which came into operation from 26th December 2013, amended the Pensions Act 1990 to change the manner in which the assets of a defined benefit pension scheme are distributed in the event of the wind up of a pension scheme. It also broadened the options available to trustees in any consideration of a restructure of scheme benefits under section 50 of the Pensions Act. The amendment essentially provides for the sharing of the risk of scheme underfunding across all scheme members and beneficiaries. The issue of how these changes might be applied is a matter for the trustees of the scheme who are required under trust law to act in the best interests of all scheme beneficiaries.
Any consideration of a restructure of pension scheme benefits under section 50 of the Pensions Act must comply with the provisions in the Act and with guidance issued by the Pensions Authority. This guidance makes provision for the notification of all scheme members in advance of any proposed restructuring of scheme benefits. In such circumstances, scheme members will have at least one month to make a submission to the trustees of the scheme in relation to such a proposal. The Pensions Authority must be satisfied that all the provisions in the guidance are complied with before a restructuring of scheme benefits can take place.
60. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when arrears of an approved disability allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27199/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 9 July 2014. The first payment was made to the person in question on 24 June 2015.
Once a decision is made and an application is put into payment, arrears are held for a period so that any necessary adjustment can be made in respect of other overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding payments.
61. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange a meeting with representatives of an association (details supplied) regarding the classification of pensioners within legislation. [27203/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Finance stated previously in the House that an additional levy on pension funds was introduced for 2014 and 2015 to help fund the Jobs Initiative and to make provision for potential State liabilities emerging from pre-existing or future pension fund difficulties. Therefore, the application of the pension levy is a matter for the Minister for Finance.
In general, pension schemes in Ireland are set up under trust and, in that context the trustees of a pension scheme are required to act in the best interest of all scheme members. Earlier this year, I introduced regulations and approved an amendment to guidance issued by the Pensions Authority to provide for the recognition by the trustees of a pensions scheme of groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred members of pension schemes. These changes mean that all groups representing the interests of the various categories of pension schemes membership are treated the same in the context of the provisions in the Pensions Act. These changes will facilitate engagement between groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members and the Pension Authority and the trustees of a pension scheme.
I understand that my officials have previously met with representatives of the association referred to by the Deputy.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding payment of a disability allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27206/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability allowance is not payable for any period in respect of which the claimant is resident outside of the state, except for two or three weeks holiday entitlement in any twelve month period. On this basis, payment will be suspended.
The person in question should forward evidence of his travel details to reflect date he left the state and date of return.
63. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27216/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 12 June 2015. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The processing time for individual disability allowance claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person's circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
