Written Answers Nos. 40-47
40. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be entitled to an invalidity pension as he was previously approved for a disability payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34758/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
To qualify for IP claimants must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.
According to the Department’s records, it appears that the person concerned does not satisfy the PRSI contribution criteria for IP. However entitlement to IP can be definitively determined on receipt of a completed claim.
Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
The person in question was in receipt of disability allowance (DA) from 13 December 2006. Payment ceased with effect from 11 September 2011 as the person’s means exceeded the statutory limit for DA. If the person concerned thinks he now may be eligible for DA, it is open to him to make a new application and a decision on his eligibility will be made as soon as possible.
41. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Kerry who have applied for the back to work enterprise allowance; who were successful; who have launched their own business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34762/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two schemes to assist people on certain social protection payments who wish to become self-employed; namely the Short Term Enterprise Allowance and the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. The Short Term Enterprise Allowance provides immediate access to support where people who have lost their jobs and qualify for Jobseeker’s’ Benefit wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are on social welfare payments to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment over two years; 100% in year 1 and 75% in year 2.
Under both schemes, those taking up self-employment must first have their self-employment project approved as viable and sustainable. In partnership areas this will be done by the partnership company Integrated Development Company (IDC). A qualifying business must be approved in advance by (IDC) or a Case Officer of the Department. It must be deemed genuine and viable, and not displace an existing business. In assessing viability, cognisance is taken of the demand for, and supply of, the particular product or service at local level.
At the end of September 2015 there were 469 people availing of the Short Term Enterprise Allowance, 21 of whom are living in Co. Kerry and there were 11,825 people availing of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, 387 of whom are living in Co. Kerry. The Department does not collect information on the number of applications received or rejected.
42. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on the issue with the State pension (contributory) where persons whose average contributions over a greater number of years work out at less than those for persons whose average contributions over a shorter period will qualify them for a similar or reduced pension; that this is unfair, particularly in the case of women who commenced working in the 1960s and 1970s and who took time out to care for their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34789/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State pension contributory is a very valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the Irish pension system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that those qualifying have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. To ensure that the individual can maximise their entitlement to a State pension, all contributions paid over their working life from when they first enter insurable employment until pension age are taken into account when assessing their entitlement and the level of that entitlement.
Since 1961, when contributory pensions were first introduced, the average contributions test has been used in calculating pension entitlement. Once over 16 years of age, the date a person enters into insurable employment is the date used for averaging purposes.
To qualify for a state pension (contributory) a person must:
- have at least 520 paid contributions, and
- satisfy a yearly average condition (a yearly average of 48 contributions paid or credited is required for a full rate State pension (contributory), and reduced rates of payment may be payable for pensioners with lower averages).
The homemaker’s scheme makes qualification for State pension (contributory) easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994 allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age (or caring for incapacitated people over that age) to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes.
However the scheme will not, of itself, qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance ten years before pension age, pay a minimum of 520 contributions at the appropriate rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied.
For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), the State pension system provides alternative methods of support. Where someone over 66 does not qualify for a full rate contributory pension, they may apply for a non-contributory pension, which is based on need and is means tested. The maximum rate of this pension is €219 weekly, which is 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension.
Where it is more beneficial for the claimant, they may instead seek an Increase for Qualified Adult payment, on their spouse’s State pension contributory, the maximum rate of which is €206.30. This increase is, by default, paid directly to the Qualified Adult.
Work is underway to replace the ‘yearly average’ system with a ‘total contributions approach’. Under this approach, the number of contributions recorded over a working life will more closely reflect the rate of pension payment received. It is expected that the total contributions approach to pension qualification will replace the current average contributions test for State pension (contributory) for new pensioners from 2020, although that date is subject to change, as this is a very significant reform with considerable legal, administrative, and technical challenges to be overcome in its implementation. When proposals are agreed, legislation will be brought forward to underpin the necessary changes.
43. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when an application for a disability allowance will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34798/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of the entitlement of the person concerned, an increase in disability allowance has been awarded with effect from 29 April 2015. First payment at the higher rate and any arrears due will issue to the person concerned on 14 October 2015.
44. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age, by county, in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing on for credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34803/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
It should be noted that the county level statistics indicate the number of people signing-on for payment at an office located in the county indicated. As the catchment area of many local offices cross county borders this data is not equivalent to the number of people residing in each county who are signing-on.
Persons under 25 years of age who have been in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or signing for credits by County at the end of August 2015
|
County |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Credits |
|
Carlow |
841 |
39 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
810 |
33 |
3 |
|
Clare |
865 |
63 |
3 |
|
Cork |
3,115 |
198 |
11 |
|
Donegal |
2,377 |
95 |
4 |
|
Dublin |
9,845 |
627 |
58 |
|
Galway |
1,787 |
128 |
4 |
|
Kerry |
1,189 |
76 |
9 |
|
Kildare |
1,910 |
116 |
13 |
|
Kilkenny |
703 |
45 |
1 |
|
Laois |
1,027 |
40 |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
335 |
32 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
1,803 |
79 |
9 |
|
Longford |
516 |
12 |
2 |
|
Louth |
1,933 |
77 |
7 |
|
Mayo |
1,108 |
86 |
3 |
|
Meath |
927 |
51 |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
510 |
25 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
1,128 |
43 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
357 |
26 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
557 |
25 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
1,910 |
112 |
22 |
|
Waterford |
1,366 |
60 |
15 |
|
Westmeath |
1,179 |
56 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
1,967 |
100 |
14 |
|
Wicklow |
1,181 |
44 |
7 |
|
Totals |
41,246 |
2288 |
221 |
45. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of persons under 25 years of age who have been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and signing on for credits for 12 months or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34804/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
It should be noted that the county level statistics indicate the number of people signing-on for payment at an office located in the county indicated. As the catchment area of many local offices cross county borders this data is not equivalent to the number of people residing in each county who are signing-on.
Persons under 25 years of age who have been in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit or signing for credits for 12 months or more at the end of August 2015
|
County |
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
Credits |
|
Carlow |
394 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
401 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
349 |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork |
1,348 |
3 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
1,145 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
4,207 |
5 |
16 |
|
Galway |
821 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
491 |
2 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
834 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
332 |
0 |
1 |
|
Laois |
501 |
3 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
103 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
812 |
4 |
3 |
|
Longford |
229 |
0 |
2 |
|
Louth |
803 |
3 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
505 |
4 |
1 |
|
Meath |
434 |
1 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
244 |
3 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
533 |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
150 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
227 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
862 |
1 |
7 |
|
Waterford |
591 |
2 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
605 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
952 |
4 |
4 |
|
Wicklow |
510 |
0 |
3 |
|
Totals |
18,383 |
41 |
57 |
46. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when the proposed evaluation of the JobBridge scheme, which is currently out to tender, will be completed and published; if the evaluation will include consultation with participants on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34805/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe JobBridge Scheme was introduced in July 2011 as a response to the unprecedented collapse in employment and the sharp increase in unemployment (a Live Register of 460,000). As a consequence of this economic shock, jobseekers were finding it increasingly difficult to secure work experience which was specified as a requirement for many jobs. JobBridge was designed to address this issue.
It has attracted the voluntary participation of almost 18,000 host organisations that have provided work experience opportunities to over 43,000 interns and helped many to secure full-time employment afterwards.
The economic environment today is very different than four years ago, when JobBridge commenced. Unemployment has fallen to 9.4%, and the recovery is very much jobs-led. The Department is keen, therefore, to review the scheme to take account of the changed economic circumstances and feedback from host organisations and citizens.
A commitment was given in Pathways to Work 2015 to develop and implement a robust evaluation programme to assess the impact of Pathways to Work initiatives and identify potential areas for future attention. This includes an evaluation of the JobBridge scheme.
The purpose of the review is to assess the effectiveness of the scheme to date. The results will also be considered in relation to any future changes to the scheme.
The review will be an independent external evaluation. It will comprise an econometric review and both quantitative and qualitative analysis, including surveys of host organisations and interns.
A formal request for tender issued on 7 September 2015 and the closing date for receipt of submissions is 19 October 2015. It is expected that the evaluation will be completed and a final report published in early 2016.
47. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection for a breakdown of the number of education, training and work experience places which the Government is committed to delivering on the various programmes as part of the Youth Guarantee in the calendar year 2015; the number of education, training and work experience places which have been delivered under each programme in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34806/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s primary strategy to tackle youth unemployment is to create the environment for a strong economic recovery by promoting competitiveness and productivity. Economic recovery will underpin jobs growth and the availability of productive employment for young people.
However, the Government recognises that as the recovery takes hold, there is a need for additional measures to ensure that as many as possible of the jobs created are taken up by jobseekers and young jobseekers in particular. This is the rationale behind the Government’s Pathways to Work strategy and the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan.
Within this framework, the Youth Guarantee sets a medium-term objective of ensuring that young people receive an offer of employment within four months of becoming unemployed. The main plank of the guarantee is assistance to young people in finding and securing sustainable jobs. For those who do not find employment, additional offers are provided for. Most such offers (over 70%) are in further education or training. Others are in community-based employment programmes such as CE, Gateway and Tús, or through the JobsPlus employment subsidy for private employment.
Overall, the Youth Guarantee provided nearly 25,000 places for young people in 2014 (a similar number are expected to be provided in 2015). This figure excludes some 24,000 places provided for young people through PLC courses and apprenticeships. These PLC and apprenticeship places, together with the wide range of vocational third-level courses provided for the young, although not reserved for unemployed jobseekers, nevertheless contribute to the spirit of the guarantee. The following table details the expected full year intake for 2015 as well the number of Youth Guarantee starters, where data is available.
Youth Guarantee Progress 2015 Starters
|
Programme |
Expected full-year intake |
2015 information to date |
Note |
|
Youthreach |
688 |
Expected full year intake combines Youthreach and Community Training Centres. Youthreach places as of end May 2015 |
|
|
Community Training Centres |
3,300 |
916 |
Supersedes Youthreach from July 2015. As of end August 2015 |
|
JobBridge |
5,000 |
1,784 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
Tús |
1,000 |
1,070 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
JobsPlus ( including JobPlus Youth) |
1,500 |
445 |
As of end August 2015 |
|
Momentum |
2,000 |
971 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
BTEA (excl Momentum) |
3,300 |
N/A |
|
|
BTWEA |
200 |
151 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
VTOS |
500 |
N/A |
Enrolment begins in September |
|
Former FÁS/SOLAS* |
9500 |
4,534 |
Based on Specific Skills Training, Traineeship, Bridging & Local Training Initiative starters end August 2015. |
|
County Enterprise Board Youth Entrepreneurship Training and Mentoring supports. |
700 |
This programme has been superseded by Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur 2014/5 competition |
|
|
Micro Finance Ireland micro-loans for young people. |
150 |
N/A |
Age-specific breakdowns not yet available. |
|
International Work Experience and Training |
250 |
6 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
Gateway |
450 |
272 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
Community Employment |
500 |
540 |
As of end September 2015 |
|
Total |
28,350 |
11,375 |
Excluding where figures are not available |
*FÁS – Former Training and Employment Authority/SOLAS – Further Education and Training Authority
*NB The figures above refer to the cumulative starters under 25 upon entry to the programme, from 1 January 2015.
