Written Answers Nos. 64 - 86
64. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27253/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision on eligibility can be made by the Department once an application has been received. In cases where a person does not qualify for JB an application for Jobseeker's Allowance, which is a means tested payment, may be made.
65. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27254/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 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.
66. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27272/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 28 May 2015. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
67. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age in receipt of jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance, or signing on for credits for less than one year; more than one and up to two years; more that two and up to three years; more than three and up to four years; more than four and up to five years; and more than five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27276/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of June 2015 a total of 42,313 persons under the age of 25 years old were in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance or signing on for credits. A breakdown of this number is detailed by scheme and duration in the following table.
Under 25 year old recipients of jobseeker’s allowance, jobseeker’s benefit or signing for jobseeker’s credits by duration June 2015.
|
- |
<3mths |
3-6mths |
6-12mths |
12-24mths |
>24mths |
Grand Total |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
7,295 |
5,548 |
8,327 |
8,657 |
10,105 |
39,932 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
1,120 |
745 |
225 |
60 |
3 |
2,153 |
|
Jobseeker’s Credits |
53 |
45 |
70 |
45 |
15 |
228 |
|
Totals |
8,468 |
6,338 |
8,622 |
8,762 |
10,123 |
42,313 |
68. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the First Steps internship programme; her plans to proceed with the proposal to make the programme mandatory for participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27277/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when the evaluation and review of the JobBridge scheme will be complete; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27278/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of participants currently on the JobBridge scheme; the number under 25 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27279/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of participants on the JobBridge scheme; the number under 25 years of age, since the introduction of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27280/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 71, inclusive, together.
The First Steps programme is specifically targeted at those 18-24 year olds on the Live Register who are most distant from the labour market. The aim of the programme is to provide this cohort of young people with a work placement experience, where they gain the opportunity to learn and develop basic work and social skills in organisations in the private, public, voluntary and community sectors, that will help bring them closer to the labour market.
These are people who even at the peak of the Celtic tiger would have had difficulty securing employment. Employers are being asked to sponsor work experience opportunities for these young people, to give them a chance over an extended period and to stick with them, even if in the initial weeks the experience is less than good. The Department will also be working to support the participants. It will source pre-employment training and will assign a dedicated case officer to work with them for the duration of the internship.
Given the commitment that is being asked of employers and being offered by the Department, it is not unfair to ask that young people selected for the programme will offer a similar commitment. The Department will not be taking a heavy-handed approach, but failure to commit to a suitable opportunity must be considered in the context of the obligation on all persons in receipt of a jobseeker payment to demonstrate that they are making serious efforts to find work.
The scheme was formally launched in February 2015, and to date a total of 73 companies have signed up to First Steps offering 122 internship positions. There are currently 26 individuals on the scheme.
An econometric evaluation of the JobBridge Scheme will be undertaken by independent external consultants. The Request for Tender is due to issue later this month and we expect to have the contract awarded by early September. Preliminary findings from the evaluation should be available later in the year.
As of 25 June, a total of 40,993 individuals started a JobBridge internship since the scheme commenced, of which, 11,346 were under 25 years of age.
As at 25 June, there were a total of 5,258 individuals on a JobBridge internship, of which, 1,369 were under 25 years of age.
72. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons who have been offered and completed a personal progression plan as part of the Youth Guarantee in 2014 and to date in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27281/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 1 January 2014 to 6 July 2015, a total of 9,073 jobseekers completed a Personal Progression Plan (PPP), while under 25 years of age on the date of completion. The completion of a PPP is a unique feature of the activation and case management process within the INTREO service model. The figure does not, therefore, include clients who availed of employment supports outside the INTREO service, for example, through the Local Employment Services.
73. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of case officers in her Department working directly with jobseekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27282/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCase officers employed by the Department deliver activation and case management services through Intreo centres and through the network of Departmental offices which are currently transitioning to a full Intreo service. Case officers generally work in teams dedicated to activating clients and supporting them in various ways in their efforts to regain employment. The team-based approach helps to maximise efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure that a streamlined service is provided to jobseeker clients.
The total number of staff dedicated to providing activation and case management support services is currently 500 (Whole-Time Equivalents), not including clerical support. This number is subject to change over time as staff retire, are re-assigned, are promoted etc. and is kept under review. In addition, there are 42 case officer vacancies at present.
In common with all Government Departments, this Department must operate within an Employment Control Framework target, set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and within this, activation and control functions are prioritised as resources allow.
The Local Employment Service, which the Department contracts annually, supplements its own employment service provision and provides vocational guidance, employment supports and mediation to jobseekers and others. In the region of 160 mediators are currently employed by 21 Local Development Companies and 1 Community Group as part of the contractual arrangements in place with the Department.
74. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the eligibility criteria of community employment for jobseekers under 25 years of age, arising from the experience in a pilot programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27283/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe evaluation of the pilot programme to which the Deputy refers is currently being reviewed by Departmental officials. Eligibility criteria in general for the Community Employment (CE) scheme are kept under review to meet Government priorities.
The Ballymun Youth Guarantee Pilot Scheme allowed for the temporary relaxation of the age criteria for jobseekers clients, 18 years of age or older and resident in the Ballymun area, who were in receipt of a qualifying jobseekers payment for the requisite period of time (12 months). One hundred participants were admitted onto CE schemes over the course of the pilot scheme as a direct consequence of the relaxation of the eligibility criteria in the Ballymun catchment area.
75. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal of a decision to refuse a supplementary welfare allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if it will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27290/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal by the person concerned having been received by that office.
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.
76. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to a jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if that person's entitlement to a Foras Áiseanna Saothair – the Irish National Training and Employment Authority training scheme will be restored, on foot of the person's social welfare status; if the person concerned is eligible for a payment under the back-to-work enterprise scheme, as the person has not received payment for ten weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27296/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs advised to the Deputy in reply to parliamentary question Nos. 67 on 11 June 2015 and 84 on 25 June, 2015, the jobseeker’s allowance claim for the person concerned, was suspended, pending receipt of bank statements as requested by a Social Welfare Inspector in March, 2015. The required documentation has now been received and has been examined by an Inspector who has identified a number of areas that require further clarification. A further request for clarification was sent on 30th June 2015 and a reply is required on or before 13th July 2015. Claim will remain suspended pending clarifications.
77. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a payment to a person (details supplied) under the jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27389/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been receiving jobseeker’s benefit from this Department since 11 March 2015. To qualify for this payment a person must be available for and actively seeking employment, and where appropriate the Department can provide guidance with this. In this regard a Case Officer is currently engaged with the person concerned as part of the Intreo process in an effort to assist her in her efforts to obtain employment. If she has any concerns that her caring duties impinge on her ability to seek, and be available for, full-time work she should contact her Intreo Centre in relation to this as soon as possible.
78. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding her Department's forms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27392/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm for the Deputy that when the new editions of these forms are available they will be forwarded to An Post for onward circulation to post offices. Post offices will then be able to ensure that their customers have the newest editions of Department of Social Protection forms.
The new forms will also be available from Intreo offices, Local offices, Branch offices, Citizen Information Centres, and on the Department’s website.
79. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27403/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of her child on the 30th March 2015. The application was disallowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to her on the 3rd July 2015 advising of the decision.
In the case of an application which is refused the applicant may submit additional information and ask for the decision to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned has been advised of these options in the decision letter.
80. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal of a refund for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27413/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 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.
81. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determining rent support for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who sent in confirmation of his housing need in mid-June 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27414/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe client’s rent is in excess of the maximum limit applicable for a person of this family composition living in this location. The Department is in ongoing contact with the client with a view to assessing eligibility.
82. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for a carer's allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27437/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s allowance (CA) is a payment made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to people who require such care. The carer must also satisfy a means test.
I confirm that the department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 25 June 2014. Following a thorough investigation which included a referral to a local social welfare inspector, this application was refused on the grounds that the person concerned was not providing full-time care and attention as required.
He was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal. The person concerned has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The department is arranging to send all the relevant papers in relation to the case to the SWAO for determination.
The SWAO will be in touch with the person concerned in relation to the progress of the appeal.
83. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to have a child included under the back to school allowance. [27438/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn.
The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 (and between the ages of 18 and 22 where the child is in full-time second level education), in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid with the social welfare payment of the child’s parent. The allowance is not generally payable where a qualified child allowance is not being paid in respect of the child.
The young person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own right. This means that a qualified child allowance is not payable, so the person concerned is not entitled to BSCFA in respect of this young person.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determining an appeal in respect of an alleged overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if an oral hearing will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27459/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7th October 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 have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2nd June 2015 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.
85. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being asked to repay a social welfare payment, which has already being repaid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27470/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 24 June 2015, the person concerned, advised the Department that the outstanding debt had been repaid by bank transaction. She was advised to submit evidence of that transaction. A written reminder issued on 6 July 2015. On receipt of evidence of the repayment, the overpayment debt will immediately be removed from the client’s record.
86. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for a carer's allowance will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27471/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 13th April 2015.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector on 22 June 2015 for assessment of the level of care being provided, assessment of means and confirmation that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied.
Once the inspector has completed their investigation and submitted the report, a deciding officer will process the claim without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
