Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on JobPath providers' websites (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5507/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobPath Data
Ceisteanna (302)
Freagraí scríofa
Each JobPath Provider’s website lists a service guarantee which will be offered to every participant, this covers a baseline level of service including frequency of engagement, personal progression planning, geographic accessibility and in-employment support.
On referral, each jobseeker is assigned a personal adviser who assesses the person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. A Personal Progression Plan is agreed which includes a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are provided with a range of internal training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills, and work experience as required. They may also be referred to relevant, employment focused external training opportunities provided by ETBs and others while on JobPath. The JobPath service is provided for a year, but if a jobseeker is perusing a suitable training or educational course which is longer than 4 weeks, the referral period will be extended for up to 9 months to take account of the break in the service.
Up to 31 December 2016, just over 87,000 jobseekers had been referred to the JobPath service and approximately 139,000 educational or training interventions had been provided, most of which were predominantly internal courses delivered by the Contractors (on interview skills, CV preparation etc.). Some 6,500 clients have undertaken programmes or courses delivered by providers external to the JobPath Contractors including the ETBs.
Providers are also subject to regular audits and inspections. My Department has commissioned regular client satisfaction surveys to ensure that services are being delivered satisfactorily. The first of these independent surveys was published in January 2017 with a representative sample of over 2,000 participants which shows that the majority of jobseekers feel that:
- They are receiving a good service under JobPath (76 – 81% satisfaction vs 5 – 8% dissatisfaction).
- JobPath staff make them feel valued (90%+) and they have a good relationship with their JobPath adviser (90 %+).
- The JobPath service has improved their chances of getting a job (68% - 77%).
- The service is as good as or better than the service provided in Intreo centres (80%+).
A separate analysis of employment outcomes for JobPath participants show that they have a higher chance of securing and remaining in a job than participants of a similar duration of unemployment. Given that only a small number of people have completed their full engagement with the JobPath service these results can only be treated as indicative, nevertheless they are encouraging. The results together with a copy of the survey findings together are available at http://www.welfare.ie/en/pressoffice/pdf/pr170117.pdf.
If the Deputy has details of a particular case where training or education identified as necessary for employment has not been provided, he can provide the details and I will arrange for an official of my Department to investigate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (303)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:303. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [5534/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This gentleman submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 6 October 2016.
The 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 December 2016. The person concerned submitted further medical evidence and applied for a review of the decision. This review has now been completed and the original decision confirmed. The person concerned has been notified directly of the outcome and advised of his right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes Eligibility
Ceisteanna (304)
James Lawless
Ceist:304. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who wishes to continue in a community employment scheme position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned commenced on Community Employment (CE) on 24th September 2012. He has an entitlement of up to six years (312 weeks) on CE, which would allow him to remain on CE until September 2018, subject to the renewal of the current scheme which is due to end on 2 June 2017 and the agreement of the Sponsoring Body.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes Eligibility
Ceisteanna (305)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:305. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons who are in receipt of payment from his Department and would like work experience and training suited to them are not allowed on the community employment scheme when the spaces cannot be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5572/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Community Employment (CE) is a labour market activation programme which helps long-term unemployed people (those 12 months or more in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment) and other disadvantaged groups to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. The programme assists participants to enhance and develop skills which can then be used in the workplace. The Department’s priority in supporting CE is ensuring access to schemes that can provide jobseekers and other vulnerable groups with good quality work experience and training qualifications to support their progression into employment.
The criteria for participating on CE are based on age and length of time in receipt of various qualifying working age social welfare payments.
Those persons not meeting the criteria, for example, those who are signing for credits, or are receiving social welfare benefits from a different country, are not eligible to participate on CE. Persons who are engaged with the JobPath programme are also ineligible for CE for the duration of their participation on JobPath, but are immediately eligible upon exiting this programme.
With the ongoing welcome reductions in the Live Register, the Deputy will appreciate that issues such as the appropriate level of expenditure, the number of places and the criteria for participation on employment schemes, such as CE, all need to be considered. I hope to bring a Memo to Government in the coming weeks about these matters. If there are changes to be made, consultations with stakeholders will be facilitated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes Eligibility
Ceisteanna (306)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:306. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the practice in which persons in receipt of jobseeker's payments who take up temporary employment for a period are then prevented from entering a community employment scheme until they are on jobseeker's payments again for 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Community Employment (CE) is an employment programme with the aim of helping the long-term unemployed to re-enter the workforce by breaking their cycle of unemployment through a return to a regular work routine. CE also provides training and development to participants.
The basic eligibility requirement is that a person is currently in receipt of a CE-qualifying payment from my Department for the requisite period of time, for example jobseeker’s allowance for a minimum period of twelve months. Breaks off the Live Register (worked days) up to a maximum of 30 days within the 12 months prior to the CE application are allowed in assessing eligibility for the CE programme. The 30 days can be any combination of single days or consecutive days. In these circumstances, a person does not have to wait 12 months on a jobseeker’s payment after their last worked day to be eligible for CE.
Persons who are not eligible for the CE programme may be eligible for other interventions from my Department. The eligibility criteria for CE are kept under review to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and that there is the maximum utilisation of CE places.
With the ongoing welcome reductions in the Live Register, the Deputy will appreciate that issues such as the appropriate level of expenditure, the number of places and the criteria for participation on employment schemes all need to be considered. I hope to bring a Memo to Government in the coming weeks about these matters. If there are changes to be made, consultations with stakeholders will be facilitated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (307)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:307. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity 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 gentleman referred to on 13 December 2016. His claim for IP was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on 2 February 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Jobseeker's Benefit Applications
Ceisteanna (308)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:308. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for jobseeker's benefits in respect of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect a decision on their case. [5595/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The client concerned made an application for jobseeker’s allowance on 4th October 2016. Her file was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector in order to fully establish her means from self-employment, casual work and property. Unfortunately there was a delay with this process and the Department apologises for this. A Deciding Officer contacted the client on 3rd February 2017 regarding her application which is being processed by the Intreo Centre.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tús Programme
Ceisteanna (309)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:309. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to, in specific and exceptional cases, extend the Tús programme from a one-year programme to a two-year programme which will help local supervisors on the ground to utilise efficiently, and in line with the objectives of the programme, the participants available to them in a particular area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5612/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tús was set up to provide short-term work opportunities for those who are unemployed for more than a year. It is designed to break the cycle of unemployment and maintain work readiness, thereby improving a person’s opportunities of returning to the labour market. In addition, as a community work placement scheme, Tús provides valuable services to local communities.
The twelve-month duration of a Tús work placement reflects a number of inter-related issues. These include the need to ensure that the places on the scheme are open to the maximum number of people on the Live Register. It also ensures that weaknesses identified in other work programmes resulting from longer duration placements are not replicated. Furthermore, the twelve-month term ensures that the scheme fits with the objectives set out in the Government’s activation policies, including Pathways to Work.
In this context the existing twelve months placement period on Tús is considered to be optimal in meeting the scheme’s objectives and I have no plans to change it.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
National Internship Scheme
Ceisteanna (310)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:310. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the initiative he plans to bring forward to replace the JobBridge programme; the timeframe he envisages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5613/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
JobBridge was introduced in July 2011 in response to the unprecedented collapse of our economy and particularly the sharp and dramatic increase in unemployment. Its main aim was to help unemployed jobseekers to break the vicious cycle of ‘no experience no job, but no job no experience’. Since then over 19,000 Host Organisations have offered work placement opportunities to over 48,000 participants.
The findings of the recent external evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon Economic Consultants show that the scheme has been very effective in improving the employment outcomes of jobseekers. It indicates that 79% of participants – about 38,000 people – have had some period of employment since completing their placement, with over 64% still in employment. Jobseekers who participated in JobBridge improved their employment outcomes by 32% when compared with non-participants. By any measure this is a significant uplift and shows that placements with a direct link to an employer deliver higher employment outcomes than other options.
Most importantly, the scheme is viewed positively by participants. A majority of over the 10,000 respondents to a survey rated the scheme positively on 18 out of 20 aspects. For example, 70% of participants felt that the placement provided them with a quality work experience and gave them new skills.
The complete Indecon evaluation can be found at: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/JobBridge-Evaluation.aspx.
While acknowledging that success, it is clear that we can do better. For example, jobseekers feel that the payment could be improved, and employers indicated a willingness to contribute to the cost of the scheme. As a ‘catch-all’ type of programme, there are some deadweight and displacement costs associated with it that can be tackled.
So, having considered the evidence and suggestions put forward by Indecon and the Labour Market Council, I announced my intention to replace JobBridge with a new work experience programme that is better suited to the much-improved labour market and addresses criticisms of the scheme.
In taking this path, I am conscious that any new scheme needs the support, trust and confidence of employers, jobseekers and the public. That is why I instructed my officials to consult with key stakeholders on the design principles that should underpin any new work experience programme.
I closed JobBridge to new applications from October 2016 to facilitate this consultation and an orderly wind-down of the existing scheme. These consultations are well underway and I expect my officials to report back to me on the outcome shortly. I will then announce my detailed intentions on a new programme.
Household Budget Facility
Ceisteanna (311)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:311. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5639/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Deductions from social welfare payments through the Household Budgeting facility are only available to customers who receive their payments at An Post. Where Household Budgeting is not an option, alternative arrangements should be made between the tenant and the housing body regarding the collection of rent.
My Department is committed to ensuring customer choice in social welfare payment method and offers a choice, where available, between payments direct to accounts in financial institutions or payments at Post Offices.
TÚS payments are made to persons in employment and are not social welfare payments as such.
The Payments Accounts Directive provides that financial institutions operating in Ireland must provide free or low cost banking to those without a bank account. Financial institutions will provide information in relation to the products they offer.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (312)
Tom Neville
Ceist:312. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if moneys due to a person (details supplied) will issue following an appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5649/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 4 February 2016.
As a result of an appeals officer’s decision the application was awarded to the person concerned on 3 February 2017, with effect from 9 June 2016, and the first payment will issue to her nominated post office on 9 February 2017. Arrears for the period 9 June 2016 to 8 February 2017 have issued to the post office.
The person concerned was notified on 3 February 2017 of this decision.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.
Question No. 313 withdrawn.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (314)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:314. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the current delay in files being sent from the carer's allowance section to the appeals office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5715/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment made to carers who are providing full-time care and attention to someone who has a disability such that they require that level of care. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision made on their entitlement to CA, they can appeal that decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In recent years, the increasing rate of applications for CA applications has seen a corresponding increase in the number of appeals to the SWAO. The department received 22,722 applications for CA in 2016. In the same year the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office received 3,887 appeals in respect of CA.
When the Social Welfare Appeals Office receives a request for an appeal, the case is first referred back to the department for review. This review may involve the consideration of further information provided by the applicant, which was not available to the deciding officer when making their original decision.
In 2016 there were 815 decisions revised by deciding officers in CA section following such a request from the SWAO. In cases where the review does not result in a revised decision by the deciding officer, a submission is prepared for the SWAO.
Some delays in processing submission occurred last year due to the high volume of claims received and processed. Additional resources have been assigned to the CA section to help improve the processing of appeals submissions for the SWAO. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department to ensure that appeal submissions are dealt with promptly.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Delays
Ceisteanna (315)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:315. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the current wait time in processing carer's allowance applications; the number of carer's allowance applications processed since January 2016 to date, broken down by month and decision. [5716/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Please see the following table outlining the requested information from January 2016 to December 2016, the latest month for which figures are available. The average processing time is currently 11 weeks.
|
Month |
Awarded |
Disallowed |
Total |
|
Jan 2016 |
1,023 |
802 |
1,825 |
|
Feb 2016 |
1,325 |
813 |
2,138 |
|
Mar 2016 |
1,087 |
712 |
1,799 |
|
Apr 2016 |
1,190 |
800 |
1,990 |
|
May 2016 |
1,405 |
878 |
2,283 |
|
Jun 2016 |
1,608 |
1,021 |
2,629 |
|
Jul 2016 |
2,137 |
1,436 |
3,573 |
|
Aug 2016 |
1,934 |
1,371 |
3,305 |
|
Sep 2016 |
2,366 |
1,497 |
3,863 |
|
Oct 2016 |
1,848 |
1,293 |
3,141 |
|
Nov 2016 |
2,107 |
1,255 |
3,362 |
|
Dec 2016 |
1,278 |
695 |
1,973 |
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (316)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:316. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive a decision on their carer's allowance application. [5717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 27th January 2017, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (317)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:317. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will be granted payment of disability benefit in view of the fact they are suffering with acute rheumatoid arthritis and are currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. [5766/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This gentleman submitted an application for disability allowance on 11 November 2016.
The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and the person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 14 January 2017 and of his rights of review and appeal. As of this date, my Department has not yet received an appeal.
If the person in question believes they may qualify, it is open to him to re-apply by completing and submitting to the Department the relevant application form (DA1).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Farm Assist Scheme
Ceisteanna (318)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:318. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the frequency with which a person on farm assist may have their claim reassessed; if there is a defined period of time after a claim is awarded before it can be reassessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5835/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Decisions on farm assist are made by statutorily appointed deciding officers. The rules of natural justice and fair procedures are applied by deciding officers when making decisions that could have an adverse effect on the person concerned. When a person makes a claim for farm assist or where their claim is reviewed they are notified in writing of the decision and of their right to seek a review and/or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. The right to request a review of any decision made by a deciding officer is in addition to their right to appeal a decision.
If a person considers the decision is incorrect, it is open to them to send any documentary evidence that they think is relevant to their case to their local Intreo office and the decision will be reviewed by the Deciding Officer. The Deciding Officer will then consider any new evidence or new facts that have come to light, whether there was a mistake made in relation to the law or the facts, or any relevant change in the claimant’s circumstances that warrants a more favourable decision. Where a deciding officer revises a previous decision, notification of the revised decision is sent to the claimant.
Reviews are also initiated by my department that are not a result of information provided by the customer. These are reviews on claims that are in payment to examine and ensure continued compliance with all conditions for receipt of payment and that the customer is in receipt of the correct rate of payment. Any decision resulting from a departmental review can also be reviewed at the request of the claimant and/or appealed.
There is no defined period of time after a decision is made on a claim before it can be reviewed. A person can request a review of their farm assist claim at any time by contacting their local Intreo centre.
Jobseeker's Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (319)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a jobseeker's allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) who has submitted all required documentation and is still awaiting a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5837/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for a jobseeker’s allowance from the person concerned was disallowed as his means could not be determined due to outstanding documentation. The person concerned appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. As part of the process the application was reviewed within the Intreo Centre and the original decision was upheld. The application papers and report will now be submitted by the Intreo Centre to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes Administration
Ceisteanna (320)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:320. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the consideration being given by him to allow participants on community employment schemes and the Tús scheme remain for extended periods on these schemes in areas in which it is proving difficult to fill vacancies on these schemes due to the JobPath programme, in view of the statement made by An Taoiseach in Dáil Éireann in regard to this matter during Leaders' Questions on 31 January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5838/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides a range of activation supports catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market. These supports include JobPath and employment programmes such as Community Employment (CE) and Tús schemes.
The JobPath service aims to place people into full-time sustainable employment. The period of engagement with JobPath for any individual is typically 52 weeks. During that time they receive intensive individual support to help them to overcome barriers to employment and are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills.
Employment schemes, such as CE and Tús, provide part-time temporary work in the communities, as a stepping stone back to employment, for people in receipt of a range of social welfare payments including those on a long term jobseeker’s payment. However, these placements are not full-time sustainable jobs. People who have completed their year long engagement with JobPath may, if eligible, apply to partake in a CE scheme after they have been assessed by a departmental case officer.
My Department is very conscious of the valuable contribution employment schemes, such as CE and Tús, are making in the provision of services to individuals and communities across Ireland. With the welcome fall in the numbers on the Live Register, some schemes may have issues filling available places. In this regard, my Department’s Intreo staff can assist in ensuring maximum utilisation of places and if any scheme is experiencing particular difficulties filling vacancies, they should contact their local Intreo office as soon as possible.
With the ongoing welcome reductions in the Live Register, the Deputy will appreciate that issues such as the appropriate level of expenditure, the number of places and the criteria for participation on employment schemes all need to be considered. I hope to bring a Memo to Government in the coming weeks about these matters. If there are changes to be made, consultations with stakeholders will be facilitated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (321)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal on a decision on a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5851/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 24 January 2017, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Back to Education Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (322)
Martin Kenny
Ceist:322. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person's (detail supplied) application for back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5898/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The objective of the back to education allowance scheme (BTEA) is to assist those who are distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. The BTEA, which is designed to support second chance education, enables eligible persons to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions including being in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period.
The person concerned commenced her course of study on 5 September 2016, however as her Jobseeker's Allowance application (dated 16 September 2016) and subsequent BTEA Application form (dated 19 September 2016) were received after the commencement date of her full-time course of study she was deemed not eligible for BTEA in this instance.
The person in question was advised of this decision on the 27 September 2016 and afforded the opportunity to bring any further facts or evidence to the attention of the Department and to have decision reviewed by another officer. The person in question did not avail of this opportunity.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Drug Rehabilitation Projects
Ceisteanna (323)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:323. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which participants will be chosen for the Kilkenny city community employment scheme which is being run by an organisation (details supplied); and the type of work participants will be engaged in through the programme. [5902/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A new application for a Community Employment (CE) Drug Rehabilitation Scheme was received from the Kilkenny Amárach Nua CE Training Scheme Company Ltd., in November 2016. This application is currently under consideration and has not yet been approved by my Department therefore I cannot confirm any details.
All CE Special Drugs Schemes have to comply with the CE Drug Programme Framework Guidelines, including the Nine Points Conditions for Drug Rehabilitation.
The overall objective of the CE Drug Rehabilitation places is to provide opportunities for people in recovery from substance misuse to re-engage into active community and working life. Nine special conditions for the delivery of the CE Drug Rehabilitation places have been agreed as follows:
1. Entry Requirements
- The age of entry is reduced to 18 years of age for referred clients
2. Referral Procedures
- The normal DSP CE referral requirements are waived based on evidence of an appropriate referral following an assessment of the applicant as part of their Care Plan in the context of the National Drug Rehabilitation Framework (HSE).
- Referral documentation should be kept at Scheme level and be made available to DSP for monitoring purposes.
3. Training and Development
- The training and development budget allocated is agreed with DSP on the approval of the 3 year application for the Scheme and is based on the development of the CE Individual Learner Plan (ILP) process.
4. Programme Duration
- Referred participants are eligible for up to a maximum of 4 years participation on CE based on quarterly and annual reviews and with the approval of the Scheme Sponsor and DSP.
- In exceptional circumstances and subject to DSP approval, a participant may be eligible for one additional year on a Mainstream CE programme.
5. Programme Participation
- A referred participant can re-engage with a Drug Rehabilitation CE project without the 12 month qualifying period.
- In the case of a relapse, a referred participant on a CE Scheme can avail of an absence (a recovery period) of a maximum of 4 weeks leave in any one 52 week period, based on the written approval of the Sponsor Chairperson. Back up documentation must be retained at Scheme level and made available to DSP for monitoring purposes.
- A participant who has previously been on a CE Scheme can be considered for a CE Drugs Rehabilitation Programme provided they have not been on CE in the previous five years.
6. Supervisor/Referred Participant Ratio
- The supervisor to referred participant ratio is 1:7.
7. National Programme Approval
- The application for a Drug Rehabilitation Scheme is noted by the CE National Monitoring Committee. Applications will be submitted on a 3 year cycle for approval by DSP.
8. Accredited Certification
- Access to recognised accreditation is a key objective of CE in order to support progression. In recognition of particular needs, DSP will facilitate up to 30% non-accredited activities where this is shown to benefit the referred participant.
9. Support Workers (Mainstream CE participants)
- In addition to the referred places on a CE programme, there is a facility for mainstream jobseekers to act as support workers in the delivery of the CE Scheme, where the scheme can provide development opportunities for the jobseeker with a view to their progression into employment. This means a ratio of 7:1+2. Support workers must comply with mainstream CE eligibility conditions.
- Support workers are eligible for up to 3 years continuous participation, subject to quarterly and annual reviews and must be engaged in training leading to a Major Award as approved by DSP. The progression rate for Support Workers will be in line with mainstream CE requirements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
National Internship Scheme
Ceisteanna (324)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the effectiveness of the JobBridge scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
JobBridge was introduced in July 2011 in response to the unprecedented collapse of our economy and particularly the sharp and dramatic increase in unemployment. Its main aim was to help unemployed jobseekers to break the vicious cycle of ‘no experience no job, but no job no experience’. Since then over 19,000 Host Organisations have offered work placement opportunities to over 48,000 participants.
The findings of the recent external evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon Economic Consultants show that the scheme has been very effective in improving the employment outcomes of jobseekers. It indicates that 79% of participants – about 38,000 people – have had some period of employment since completing their placement, with over 64% still in employment. Jobseekers who participated in JobBridge improved their employment outcomes by 32% when compared with non-participants. By any measure this is a significant uplift and shows that placements with a direct link to an employer deliver higher employment outcomes than other options.
Most importantly, the scheme is viewed positively by participants. A majority of over the 10,000 respondents to a survey rated the scheme positively on 18 out of 20 aspects. For example, 70% of participants felt that the placement provided them with a quality work experience and gave them new skills.
The complete Indecon evaluation can be found at: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/JobBridge-Evaluation.aspx.
Over 1,500 jobseekers in Kerry have participated in JobBridge since 2011. The findings of the Indecon evaluation would indicate that almost 1,200 of these would have gone on to find some paid employment.
While acknowledging that success, it is clear that we can do better. The Deputy will be aware that I intend to replace JobBridge with a new work experience programme that is better suited to the much-improved labour market and addresses criticisms of the scheme. JobBridge was closed to new applications from October 2016 to allow for a period of consultation with key stakeholders on design principles that I announced and to facilitate an orderly wind-down of the existing scheme. These consultations are well underway.
JobBridge is just one of the measures to help jobseekers to improve their employment prospects. Case officers based in my Department’s network of local Intreo Centres throughout the country are happy to advise jobseekers on the full range of supports available and the most appropriate pathway for them. Further information on all schemes, programmes and supports can be found on the Department’s website at www.welfare.ie.
Jobseeker's Benefit Appeals
Ceisteanna (325)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:325. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a jobseeker's benefit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5965/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd January 2017. 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1 February 2017 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.
Carer's Benefit Applications
Ceisteanna (326)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:326. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer's benefit for a person (details supplied), in view of the fact that all documentation required has been submitted. [5970/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 5 August 2016.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. The SWI attempted to arrange a meeting with the person concerned some time ago but she was not available to attend this meeting.
The SWI will arrange another meeting shortly. Once the SWI has completed their report, a decision will be made as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (327)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:327. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6110/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no record of an application for disability allowance having being made by this gentleman. If the person concerned wishes to make an application, he should fully complete and submit an application form (DA1) so that his eligibility may be determined.
If he has submitted an application for DA in the last few days, there is no need to reapply and the Department will be in touch with him in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.