Pat Breen
Ceist:573. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20013/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (573)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
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.
Community Employment Schemes Eligibility
Ceisteanna (574)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:574. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider changing the rules for participation in community employment schemes in order that persons 55 years of age may continue to participate in a scheme until retirement if they fail to secure alternative employment in view of the review of community employment scheme eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, 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.
A pilot initiative was announced in December 2015 to enable those aged 62 or over to extend their participation beyond the standard maximum participation limits (currently set at 6 years cumulative lifetime participation for those aged 55 or over) providing the eligibility conditions are met. Participants are allowed to participate on a continuous basis up to the State Pension age, subject to satisfactory performance on the scheme and to annual approval by the Department. The places allocated for these participants within each individual CE scheme are limited to 7% of each scheme’s overall budgeted places.
Following the recent publication of my Department’s report An Analysis of the Community Employment Programme, I signalled my intention to review the rules governing the participation of older people on schemes. This review will take place within the next 3 months.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Fuel Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (575)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:575. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason his department failed to notify a person (details supplied) of the outcome of a review, submitted on 16 December 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the decision was made in February 2017; and if he will ensure that in future a person that seeks a review of a decision made is notified of the outcome. [20020/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that this gentleman was refused an increase for fuel allowance as he did not satisfy the qualifying conditions. A review of this decision was requested by the Deputy. As the circumstances of this case were unusual, the deciding officer sought advice on her decision. On receipt of the clarification sought by the deciding officer, a decision was made and notification of this decision issued on 25 April 2017.
Free fuel allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating your home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs.
A person may qualify for this allowance if they are getting disability allowance and they live alone or only with other people getting one of the qualifying payments who would also be eligible for a fuel allowance in their own right.
As this gentleman is not living alone, he does not qualify for a fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
One-Parent Family Payment Applications
Ceisteanna (576)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:576. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a one parent family payment can be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The case of the person concerned is being actively reviewed at present. It is expected that a decision will issue to her imminently.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Maternity Benefit
Ceisteanna (577)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:577. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a recently awarded maternity benefit payment includes a dependent allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The maternity benefit payment awarded to the customer concerned does not include a dependent allowance, as she indicated on her application that she did not wish to apply for any additional allowance in respect of a dependent. If the customer believes that she is entitled to such an allowance she should contact Maternity Benefit section directly using the contact information on the award letter she has received, or through completing the query form available under the maternity benefit guidelines on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (578)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:578. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20072/17]
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 22 March 2017. 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Illness Benefit Applications
Ceisteanna (579)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:579. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for illness benefit by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20080/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I confirm that an application from this gentleman for disability allowance (DA) was received by my Department on 1 March 2017.
The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the application and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (580)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:580. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20081/17]
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.
A claim for IP was received from the lady concerned on the 18 January 2017. The department is currently assessing her medical eligibility for IP and an appointment with a Department Medical Assessor has been arranged for the lady in question for the 08 May 2017. She was notified of the appointment on the 13 April 2017. On receipt of the completed medical report a decision will be made on her claim and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (581)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:581. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20110/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman was disallowed by a deciding officer (DO) who decided that he did not satisfy the medical conditions for the scheme. Notification of this decision issued on 19 November 2016.
Following a request for a review of this decision and following a review of all the available evidence, a DO upheld the original decision to disallow on medical grounds. The outcome of this review was notified to the person concerned on 14 March 2017.
The person in question has lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the relevant papers requested by that Office are currently being prepared by my department and will be submitted shortly. The SWAO will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Employment Support Services
Ceisteanna (582)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:582. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons by county currently on employment schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department offers a wide range of employment initiatives including Community Employment (CE) and Tús which provide income support and activation supports catering for long-term unemployed jobseekers and those most distant from the labour market.
The number of participants, by county, for these schemes at the end of March 2017 is presented in a tabular form.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
|
County |
CE |
Tús |
|
Carlow |
399 |
168 |
|
Cavan |
320 |
112 |
|
Clare |
470 |
133 |
|
Cork |
1,980 |
707 |
|
Donegal |
1,097 |
398 |
|
Dublin |
5,053 |
1497 |
|
Galway |
1,367 |
394 |
|
Kerry |
998 |
237 |
|
Kildare |
722 |
280 |
|
Kilkenny |
436 |
119 |
|
Laois |
306 |
100 |
|
Leitrim |
158 |
88 |
|
Limerick |
1,251 |
272 |
|
Longford |
333 |
80 |
|
Louth |
743 |
184 |
|
Mayo |
730 |
286 |
|
Meath |
443 |
269 |
|
Monaghan |
396 |
117 |
|
Offaly |
359 |
158 |
|
Roscommon |
312 |
131 |
|
Sligo |
465 |
154 |
|
Tipperary |
861 |
364 |
|
Waterford |
771 |
310 |
|
Westmeath |
564 |
136 |
|
Wexford |
1,018 |
290 |
|
Wicklow |
569 |
278 |
|
TOTAL |
22,121 |
7,262 |
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (583)
Pat Breen
Ceist:583. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20116/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This lady submitted an application for disability allowance on 13 February 2017.
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 24 April 2017 and of her rights of review and appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (584)
Robert Troy
Ceist:584. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal date will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20123/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 11 May 2017. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the 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.
Maternity Benefit Applications
Ceisteanna (585)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:585. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Maternity Benefit is paid by my Department to women who have made sufficient paid PRSI contributions and who are in insurable employment up to the first day of their maternity leave. My Department received 45,280 claims in 2016 and a similar number is expected this year.
The Department is currently experiencing some delays in processing claims in advance of their maternity leave commencement date. As claims are processed in leave commencement date order it is not possible to give an accurate timeframe for the processing of individual claims. However, the average time to process a paper claim is 6 weeks. Processing claims by leave commencement date order ensures that those whose maternity leave is imminent receive priority.
While the majority of claims are ready for payment in advance of the customer commencing her leave, regrettably, there are a number of customers that receive their first payment up to 3 weeks after they commence their maternity leave.
Actions have been taken to ensure that claims are ready for payment in advance of customers commencing their leave. Additional resources are being assigned and staff have been working overtime to ensure as many claims as possible get processed and paid by their commencement date.
My Department has also recently developed a new online service at MyWelfare.ie. Customers can now apply for online Maternity Benefit using this website (www.MyWelfare.ie). This channel is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for Maternity Benefit and customers can receive a confirmation of their award of benefit, within minutes, where their claim has met with all the conditions of the scheme.
Availing of this claim option will ensure that the customer receives a prompt decision and timely payment of maternity benefit.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Appeals
Ceisteanna (586)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:586. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in relation to a social welfare appeal by a person (details supplied) which was allowed in relation to an application for invalidity pension; if all arrears due to this person following the award of their claim has been paid to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The lady referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 11 August 2016. Payment issued to her nominated bank account on the 09 March 2017. Arrears due from 11 August 2016 to 08 March 2017 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) issued on 30 March 2017. The lady in question was notified of this decision on the 20 February 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (587)
Pat Breen
Ceist:587. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20160/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision
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.
Family Income Supplement Applications
Ceisteanna (588)
Pat Deering
Ceist:588. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a FIS application by a person (details supplied). [20161/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Family Income Supplement (FIS) claim was registered for the person concerned on 3 April 2017.
In order to process this application, further payslips were requested from the person concerned on the 26 April 2017. On receipt of this information, the FIS claim will be processed without delay.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Social Insurance Fund
Ceisteanna (589, 590, 592)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:589. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the date a tender was published (details supplied); the name of the body which has been appointed to carry out the review; and the likely date of publication of the review. [20230/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:590. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the appointment of a qualified actuary at assistant secretary level to his Department to advise both his Department and the Government on pensions and related issues. [20231/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:592. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the creation of a State actuary's office reporting to the Houses of the Oireachtas similar in format to the Comptroller and Auditor General's role or that of the UK Government's actuary's department to provide independent information and analysis. [20233/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 589, 590 and 592 together.
The Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 makes provision for the carrying out of actuarial reviews of the Social Insurance Fund at five yearly intervals. Each five-yearly review must be completed within 5 years of the completion of the previous review and a copy of the report is to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within 6 months of the completion of each Review.
The first Actuarial Review was completed in 2002 (with an effective date of 2000). The fourth Actuarial Review, as at 31 December 2015, is currently being undertaken by KPMG. The request for tender was published on the 31st of October 2016. Four tenders were received and after an evaluation of all tenders received, KPMG was appointed to undertake the review.
It is expected that the Actuarial Review as at 31 December 2015 will be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by mid-August 2017.
In terms of my Department’s requirements for actuarial support, the legal requirement to carry out an Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund which arises at 5 yearly intervals, and other issues which arise including those related to pensions, have been satisfactorily met by the appointment of external independent actuaries. In addition, the Department has access to the dedicated actuarial resources in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with which the Department consults on a regular basis. I therefore do not intend to make a specific appointment within my Department to meet the Department’s actuarial needs.
The creation of a State actuary’s office reporting to the Houses of the Oireachtas, is, in the first instance, a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, under the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act, 2003. The provision of such a dedicated actuarial service would have to be take account the demands for such a service and the necessity to provide funding for such a service.