Written Answers Nos. 29-51
29. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of self-employed persons who are not entitled to claim a State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5096/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSelf-employed persons pay PRSI at the class S rate of 4% and are covered for certain social insurance benefits and pensions, including the State pension (contributory). Employees pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4% and are covered for a range of benefits and pensions, including the State pension (contributory). In addition, their employers generally make a PRSI contribution of 10.75%, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A.
To establish entitlement to State pension (contributory), a contributor must, in the first instance, have paid at least 520 qualifying contributions by the time they reach pensionable age, currently 66 years. Once this condition is satisfied, a full or reduced weekly rate of pension is payable depending on the yearly average number of contributions paid over the period from commencement of employment/self-employment up to pension age (66).
The qualifying conditions for entitlement to State pension (contributory) apply to all classes of contributors and there is no differentiation in treatment for State pension (contributory) purposes between the self-employed and employees. In addition, it should be noted that the self-employed are awarded 52 contributions each year regardless of the number of weeks in which the self-employment was carried out in that year while employees are awarded contributions only in respect of the number of weeks worked.
Employees and the self-employed who reach 66 years and who do not satisfy the conditions for entitlement to the State pension (contributory) are eligible to apply for the means-tested State pension (non-contributory).
30. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will approve funding for the continuation of the RosFM community radio station under the community services programme given that management was informed that if it successfully reached targets for 2015, funding would be assured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5138/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe community services programme (CSP) is one of a number of programmes and schemes operated by the Department. It provides financial support to community companies that provide revenue generating services of a social inclusion nature. A core requirement of the programme is that service providers generate non-public revenue from their operations by charging fees for services delivered or by way of fundraising. Companies in contract with the programme must be not-for-profit, social enterprise or community business in nature. The services provided are wide ranging and include facilities and activities for older people and those with disabilities, rural transport, community media, childcare, leisure facilities, home insulation and environmental projects. The programme is funded by the Department with day-to-day management of contracts undertaken by Pobal.
The company referred to by the Deputy had a contract from 01/01/2011 until 31/12/2013 under the CSP. Since then this contract has been subject to a number of reviews, extensions and appeals. In December 2015, the company were advised that the grant agreement under the CSP would not be extended beyond 31/03/2016. The reason for this decision is due to the sustainability, financial viability and poor value for money issues that were identified not being addressed. As a result, the company are due to exit the CSP at the end of March 2016. However, it has been agreed that this date will be extended by a further two months to enable the company to plan appropriately to exit the programme.
31. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5200/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 18 February 2016. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
32. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the disability allowance scheme by a person (details supplied). [5201/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for disability allowance from the above named person on 3 March 2016. 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.
33. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the carer's allowance scheme by a person (details supplied). [5203/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 17 February 2016. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the carer's allowance scheme by a person (details supplied). [5204/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 15 February 2016. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the family income supplement scheme by a person (details supplied). [5206/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFamily income supplement (FIS) is not payable to a person who is either on jobseeker's allowance (JA) or where an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) on JA is being claimed in their respect.
The person in question is currently being claimed for as an IQA on her spouse/partner’s JA.
Once the FIS entitlement of the person in question was established, it was apparent that it was financially more beneficial for her spouse/partner to continue to claim an IQA in her respect on his JA.
The person in question was notified of her potential FIS entitlement on 11 February 2016 and advised that it was to her advantage to continue to be claimed as an IQA on her spouse/partner’s JA rather than relinquish that IQA and claim FIS.
36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application under the disability allowance scheme by a person (details supplied). [5207/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 12 January 2016.
I am informed that further medical evidence was received in this case on 3 February 2016 and is currently being reviewed. The person concerned can expect a decision on the review of her disability allowance application shortly.
37. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was found not medically suitable under the carer's allowance scheme when a different person for the same carer was found medically suitable. [5210/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach application for Carer's Allowance (CA) is dealt with on its own merits and a decision on entitlement is determined having regard to the most up to date evidence submitted with each application.
I confirm that the department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 10 July 2015. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The up to date evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and a deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 18 September 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
On foot of your representations, a deciding officer reviewed this decision. However, the review has resulted in the decision remaining unchanged. The person concerned was notified on 9 November 2015 of the outcome, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.
38. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5211/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person/persons and whose income falls below certain limits.
The department informs me that, to date, no application by the person concerned for CA has been received.
Accordingly, I have arranged for an application form (CR1) to issue, which the person concerned should complete and return as soon as possible, in order that the Department may determine their entitlement to CA. If the person in question has already submitted an application in the past few days, there is no need to re-submit a new application and the Department will be in touch in relation to the application in due course.
39. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5212/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 1 February 2016 and the first payment issued to the person’s bank nominated post office on 4 February 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 29 October 2015 were issued by cheque on 1 February 2016. The person concerned was notified on 1 February 2016.
40. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5213/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 24 February 2016 and the first payment issued to the person’s nominated bank account on 3 March 2016.
Arrears of allowance due from 9 July 2015 were also issued to the person’s bank account on 3 March 2016.
The person concerned was notified on 24 February 2016.
41. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the invalidity pension scheme. [5214/16]
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.
The department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on the 16 November 2015. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that, based upon the evidence supplied, the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 26 January 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. As the person concerned has appealed the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), a submission is being prepared by the Department and will be forwarded to the SWAO for determination.
The SWAO will be in touch with the person in question in due course in relation to the progress of their appeal.
42. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite a review of an application by a person (details supplied) under the invalidity pension scheme. [5215/16]
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.
The department received a claim for IP from the person concerned on the 09 December 2015. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that, based upon the evidence supplied, the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person in question was notified on the 25 January 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her rights of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence on the 27 January 2016 in support of her request. Following a review of all the information available it has been decided that there is no change to the original decision. The person concerned was notified on the 18 March 2016 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5216/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 11 November 2015. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment including a qualified adult increase.
The person concerned was notified on 27 January 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme. [5217/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 16 September 2015.
Further information which is necessary in order to complete a means test on the person in question was requested from him on 23 January 2016 and again on 29 January 2016. The Department is unable to make a decision on his eligibility for CA in the absence of this information.
Once received the application will be processed and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
45. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an adult dependant allowance in a claim for a State pension (contributory) by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5236/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn increase for qualified adult is a means-tested increase payable to a state pension (contributory) recipient, which takes into account any assets, investments and income held by the adult dependant.
A Social Welfare Inspector has been requested to carry out a means assessment in this case. On receipt of the Inspector’s report, entitlement to an increase for qualified adult will be determined by a Deciding Officer and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay.
46. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will establish a welfare officer as a point of contact for homeless persons within the Kildare, Wicklow and Meath areas to enable homeless families to obtain help with social protection claims where no address provision is available; if she is aware that no homeless persons unit exists in this region to advise and assist persons in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5241/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection, through the Community Welfare Service (CWS) provides assistance with income maintenance to homeless persons. The first point of contact for homeless clients to access this service is their local community welfare service.
The Rent Supplement Unit for Mid-Leinster has a number of Rent Supplement Designated Officers who deal with the issue of threatened homelessness and they liaise with homeless agencies and homeless representatives to provide immediate support by way of the Rent Supplement scheme to prevent homelessness.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 59,000 people for which the Government has provided a budget of approximately €267 million for 2016. There were over 20,100 rent supplement tenancies awarded during 2015 and over 2,000 rent supplement tenancies awarded during the first two months of 2016.
The Department introduced a Divisional Framework on preventing Tenancy Loss for Rent Supplement Recipients in January 2015 to ensure consistency in dealing with Rent Supplement recipients who are at risk of homelessness or tenancy where rents are increased in excess of prescribed limits. The circumstances of tenants are considered on a case-by-case basis and Rent Supplement is paid at rates above the prescribed maximum rent limits where homelessness or the threat of homelessness is a factor. This flexible approach has assisted over 7,100 households nationwide to retain their rented accommodation through increased rent payments, with over 750 households assisted in Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. A detailed breakdown for the relevant Counties is provided.
The Department’s strategic policy direction is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support scheme. In July 2013, the Government approved the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Under HAP, the responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with long-term housing needs transferred from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to Local Authorities. This applies both to existing customers on the Rent Supplement scheme and also to new customers who have been assessed by the Local Authority as having a housing need. Officials in the Department of Social Protection continue to engage with those in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Local Authorities, including Kildare and Meath, to support the on-going transfer of persons with long term housing needs to HAP. There are now over 7,700 persons in receipt of HAP of which over 200 are in the Kildare and Meath areas. Support is also available to assist persons under the Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) scheme towards rent deposits or rent in advance for both rent supplement and HAP recipients. In 2015, DSP made a total of some 2,500 rent deposit payments at a cost of €1.4 million.
Persons in danger of becoming homeless should make immediate contact with the Community Welfare Service of the Department of Social Protection or the Threshold Tenancy Sustainment Service.
Total Increased Rental Payments by County as at 21/03/2016
|
County |
Awards under National Tenancy Sustainment Framework |
Awards under protocol with Threshold |
Total no. of increased payments by County |
|
KILDARE |
326 |
326 |
|
|
MEATH |
283 |
283 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
146 |
146 |
47. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she has evaluated the JobPath contract performance; what key performance indicators are used to measure performance; what targets have been met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5242/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobPath is a new approach to employment activation that will support people who are long-term unemployed and those most at risk of becoming long-term unemployed to secure and sustain paid employment. The key performance indicators against which JobPath will be measured are:
- the number of JobPath clients moving into employment (objective: more people getting jobs);
- the duration of sustained periods of employment (objective: fewer people moving back onto the Live Register);
- the average duration of unemployment for JobPath clients (objective: reduction in duration as measured by time in receipt of a jobseeker related income support payment); and
- the level of JobPath client satisfaction as part of the public employment service (objective: achieve a high level of JobPath client satisfaction).
The roll-out of JobPath is not yet completed. It is expected to be finalised towards mid-year. Given that clients will spend 52 weeks on JobPath it is necessary to allow sufficient time to elapse before a meaningful assessment can be carried out. At the present time it is too early to undertake an evaluation of performance. As indicated in “Pathways to Work 2016 – 2020” the Department intends to publish JobPath performance statistics from Q3 2016.
48. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the evaluation of workers’ rights she has undertaken in the case of casual workers on low-hours contracts who do not qualify for the re-assessment of their claims when they take a holiday from work, as against those who are on full-time equivalent social protection incomes and who are entitled to a two-week paid holiday in the duration of a 12-month claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5243/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker’s allowance schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. The 2016 Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseekers’ schemes of €2.8 billion.
It is a fundamental qualifying condition of both schemes that a person must be fully unemployed for four days in any period of seven consecutive days. A person working four or more days a week will not qualify for a jobseeker’s payment, even if they work only a small number of hours on those days.
All jobseeker customers can take up to two weeks' paid holiday days per calendar year, that is, for any period (consecutive or non-consecutive) of 12 days. Jobseekers are entitled to payment in respect of their claim (including dependants where applicable) for the holiday period without being subject to the normal conditions of the scheme.
The jobseeker schemes are paid weekly in arrears with the customer certifying that they did satisfy the conditions of the scheme. Where a customer avails of the holiday option, payment continues to be in arrears, with the customer presenting to their Intreo Centre on return from holidays to have their payment for the holiday period issued.
There is no situation where a claimant can be automatically classified as a casual worker. Each case must be examined on its own merits. During the course of a jobseeker’s benefit claim, however, a change in circumstances may necessitate a re-classification from a casual worker to a part-time worker. If Deputy Murphy has a specific case in mind, please furnish me with the details and I will ask my officials to investigate.
49. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence concerning a JobBridge scheme and a secretarial position (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5250/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years – paid in monthly instalments provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed.
Persons pursuing internships under JobBridge - who were in receipt of a qualifying payment prior to their internship - may be employed directly from the scheme once the required qualifying period and conditions are fulfilled by both the employee and employer.
An employer deemed as a public service body is not eligible for JobsPlus. A person or body funded by the Oireachtas or by the Central Fund and in respect of which a public service pension scheme exists or may be made is defined as a public service body. This includes schools, boards of management and education providers wholly or partly funded by the Department of Education and Skills.
Having looked at the details supplied, the employer is deemed as a public service body and is therefore not eligible for the incentive.
50. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for refusing participation in community employment schemes to those persons not in receipt of social protection; her views on whether this penalises stay-at-home parents who are signing for credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5305/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) is the largest employment programme administered by the Department and is a valuable resource for both jobseekers and communities. Currently, there are almost 22,500 participants and nearly 1,400 supervisors employed on the programme at a cost of approximately €376.5m for 2016.
As the Deputy is aware, CE aims to enhance the employability and mobility of disadvantaged and unemployed persons by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their communities. In addition, it helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a regular work routine.
In general to be eligible for CE, a person must be in receipt of a social welfare payment, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or One Parent Family Payment, for 52 weeks. This is in keeping with commitments in Pathways to Work to target initiatives at those who are long-term unemployed.
There are a range of options available to unemployed people who do not qualify for CE, including upskilling and training provided by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Springboard and Skillnets courses funded through the Department of Education. The Department’s Intreo offices are also in a position to advise clients on the interventions that best suit their individual needs, regardless of their social welfare status.
The Government is committed to supporting as many people as possible to participate more fully in employment and to become more self-sufficient by providing supports that address any barriers they may encounter in finding and sustaining employment.
51. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of vacancies which exist within her Department for candidates who must display competence in the Irish language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5439/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality customer service in both Irish and English. The Department’s Irish Language Scheme 2015 – 2018 took effect from the 16th March 2015 and will remain in force for a period of 3 years or until a new Scheme has been confirmed by the Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This Scheme, which sets out the Department’s commitments to customer service in Irish and advises of the availability of services through Irish, is published on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.
The Department are currently in the process of arranging to fill three vacant posts which require the assignment of a bilingual staff member. A review is currently under way to determine the overall number of functional bilingual posts that are required in the Department and assignments will be made to fill vacant bilingual posts as they arise.
