Written Answers Nos 154-175
154. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of social housing units that will be built by local authorities and approved housing bodies and which will be ready for occupation in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23890/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of social housing units under construction by local authorities and approved housing bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23891/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
To support the implementation of Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, I have secured €5.35 billion in investment to deliver 47,000 social housing units through build, refurbishment, acquisitions and leasing, over the period to 2021. This €5.35 billion investment comprises some €4.5 billion in capital funding and €844 million in support of programmes funded from current expenditure. In addition, €200 million is being provided for the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund through investment in key enabling infrastructure.
Under Rebuilding Ireland, the needs of over 19,000 households were met in 2016 through a range of housing programmes, supported by expenditure of over €935 million. Under the Plan, an additional €1.3 billion has been provided for 2017, of which some €0.428 billion has been expended to date. This funding will support the accelerated delivery of social housing and the achievement of the 2017 target to meet the needs of over 21,000 households, one element of which involves a target of 2,000 units to be constructed and readied for occupation by local authorities and AHBs.
Details on the number of properties constructed, purchased and leased by all local authorities, for letting to those on their social housing waiting lists are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordable/overall-social-housing-provision. Information on quarter four of 2016 is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
156. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the scheme of rapid build housing which will be completed next and ready for occupation; when this scheme will be complete; the number of units of accommodation which will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including rapid build/delivery homes. At the end of 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 such homes being delivered and occupied in 2016. Over 500 rapid build homes are now advancing and work is underway at advancing a further 500 rapid build homes in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.
In relation to the 350 rapid build homes that were advancing at the end of 2016, the following are the 11 projects concerned:
|
Projects |
Units of accommodation |
|
George’s Place, Dun Laoghaire |
12 homes |
|
St. Aidan’s, Brookfield |
71 homes |
|
Poppintree, Ballymun |
22 homes (completed) |
|
Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot |
24 homes |
|
Mourne Road, Drimnagh |
30 homes |
|
St. Helena’s, Finglas |
39 homes |
|
Belcamp, Dublin, 17 |
38 homes |
|
Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot |
52 homes |
|
Woodbank, Rathvilly |
18 homes |
|
Wellview, Mulhuddart |
20 homes |
|
Pinewood, Balbriggan |
24 homes |
Of these projects, the following are currently on site and are due for completion this year:
|
Projects |
Units of accommodation |
Completion date |
|
St. Helena’s, Finglas |
39 homes |
June |
|
Mourne Road, Drimnagh |
30 homes |
July |
|
Cherry Orchard |
24 homes |
July |
|
Belcamp, Dublin 17 |
38 homes |
September |
|
Wellview, Mulhuddart |
20 homes |
November |
It should be noted that Dublin City Council is in negotiation with the contractors in order to accelerate delivery and ensure a phased hand-over of these rapid build homes. The next phase of 70 rapid build homes will commence in Dublin City with the award of contracts in June 2017, with work then commencing on site.
A further 5 schemes, which will deliver 177 units, were approved under the Rapid Delivery Programme in Quarter 1, 2017. They are:
|
Projects |
Units of accommodation |
|
Hansfield, Dublin 15 |
36 homes |
|
Avondale, Mulhuddart |
44 homes |
|
Killininney, Firhouse |
24 homes |
|
St. Cuthberts, Clondalkin |
59 homes |
|
Glenamuck/Rockville, Dun Laoghaire |
14 homes |
I expect further projects, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, to be brought forward shortly.
157. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of the contract between An Post and the Department of Social Protection to deliver social welfare payments; and when it will be renegotiated. [23609/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection operates its contract for cash payment services with An Post. The Department signed this contract with An Post in December 2013 and it came into effect in January 2014. The contract ran for an initial two years, expiring at the end of 2015. However the contract can be extended for up to a further four years on an annual basis, i.e. to the end of 2019. The contract has been renewed each year since 2015 and will be considered for renewal again in late 2017.
In line with EU procurement rules the Department will issue a tender for a replacement contract to take effect no later than the end of 2019.
158. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of reducing the necessary PRSI contributions to qualify for a State contributory pension from 520 to 260. [23652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of reforms have been made over the years to the State pension (contributory) scheme to provide for sustainable pensions in the future.
“Developing the National Pensions System – Final Report of the National Pensions Board” published in 1993, recommended that the number of paid contributions required to qualify for a contributory pension should be increased to 520, i.e., 0 years' contributions. The necessary legislation to effect these recommendations was contained in Section 12 of the Social Welfare Act 1997 which standardised the paid contribution requirement at 260 from 2002, rising to 520 from April 2012.
In most cases, where older people do not have very high means, those who have less than 520 paid contributions will qualify for an alternative payment instead, such as an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) on their spouses pension, which is paid at up to 90% of the State pension (contributory), or they may qualify for a State pension (non-contributory), which is paid at up to 95% the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory).
At the time this measure was introduced, the annual exchequer net savings were expected to be in the region of €6m per annum but rising substantially on a cumulative basis in the long term. Therefore, the true figure now would be significantly higher.
However, as people with between 260 and 519 paid contributions no longer make claims to State pension (contributory), the data is not available to update this costing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
159. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of doubling expenditure on the reasonable accommodation fund. [23653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reasonable Accommodation Fund assists employers to take appropriate measures to enable a person with a disability/impairment to have access to employment by providing a range of grants.
These grants and supports include the Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant, the Personal Reader Grant, the Job Interview Interpreter Grant and the Employee Retention Grant.
The purpose of the scheme is to assist unemployed people with disabilities to gain access to the open labour market by providing grants for “reasonable accommodations” in the private sector only and to support private sector employers in the employment of people with disabilities. Based on the average spend since 2012, the estimated full year cost of doubling the expenditure would be just over €180,000.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
160. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing the disability allowance by €20. [23654/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing the State pension by €20, €25, €30 and €35 respectively. [23655/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra162. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of restoring all working age payments for those under 26 years of age to the full rate of €193. [23656/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 162, inclusive, together.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment which is paid to persons aged 16 to 66 who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). The estimated cost in 2018 (and a full year) of increasing the weekly personal rate of Disability Allowance by €20, from €193 to €213 per week, is €140.3 million. Each €1 increase in the weekly personal rate would cost €7.03 million in 2018 and a full year.
There is an analogous social insurance payment, Invalidity Pension, which is paid to persons who are permanently incapable of work (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria and a minimum number - 5 years - of paid Class A PRSI contributions). Each €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3.2 million in 2018 and a full year.
In addition, Blind pension is available for those aged 18 to 66 who are blind or visually impaired. The cost of a €1 weekly personal increase in the Blind Pension is €0.07 million in 2018 and a full year.
The state pension costings sought by the Deputy are detailed in the following table:
Table 1: Cost of increasing all payments for those aged 66 and over by varying amounts
|
Scheme |
Full year cost of a €20 increase €m |
Full year cost of a €25 increase €m |
Full year cost of a €30 increase €m |
Full year cost of a €35 increase €m |
|
State Pension Contributory |
392.4 |
490.5 |
588.6 |
686.7 |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Con) Pension – aged 66 and over |
88.4 |
110.5 |
132.6 |
154.7 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit – aged 66 and over |
2.4 |
3 |
3.6 |
4.2 |
|
Death Benefit Pension – aged 66 and over |
0.4 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
|
State Pension Non Contributory |
101.2 |
126.5 |
151.8 |
177.1 |
|
Carer's Allowance – aged 66 and over |
2.0 |
2.5 |
3 |
3.5 |
|
Half Rate Carer's Allowance – aged 66 and over |
5.2 |
6.5 |
7.8 |
9.1 |
|
OVERALL TOTAL |
592.0 |
740.0 |
888.0 |
1,036.0 |
The cost of increasing the reduced weekly rates of €102.70 and €147.80, which are payable to recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance who are under 26 years of age, to the maximum rate of €193 per week is estimated at €117.8 million in a full year.
These costs include the cost of proportionate increases for qualified adults, and those on reduced rates of payment, where applicable. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change over the coming months in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2018.
163. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will reinstate the telephone allowance as part of the household benefit package;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe savings arising from the initial reduction and subsequent discontinuance of the telephone allowance meant that my Department was able to retain the other valuable elements of the household benefits package such as the electricity and gas allowance and the television licence. My Department will spend approximately €232 million this year on these elements of the household benefits package for over 426,000 customers. The cost of the telephone allowance scheme had risen significantly each year, as the number of eligible customers grew. At the end of September 2013 there were almost 396,000 receiving the telephone allowance compared to approximately 316,000 people in 2007. This was an increase of 25%, or an average increase of approx. 4% per annum.
The Government is keenly aware of the impact of Budget decisions on the Department’s clients, and strives to ensure that the money available is targeted in the most effective way. In Budget 2016, the first increase in the basic rate of the State pension in seven years was given. This increased the personal rate of the non-contributory pension to €222, and that of the contributory pension to €233.30. There was also a €2.50 increase in the rate of the Fuel Allowance, from €20 to €22.50 per week.
In Budget 2017, I announced a further increase in the rate of State pensions by €5, bringing the maximum personal rate of the State pension (contributory) to €238.30.
Therefore, over the past two Budgets, the maximum weekly rate for State Pensions has increased by €8 per week, which is the equivalent of over €34 per month. The value of these increases is significantly in excess of the value of the telephone allowance previously provided.
Any decision to restore the telephone allowance would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
164. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will have their farm assist appeal decision issued; his views on whether the appeal is taking an excessive amount of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23691/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appeal of the person concerned was registered with the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16 November 2016. I am advised that it is likely that his appeal will be determined within the next week or so.
The quasi-judicial nature of the appeal system impacts on appeal processing times which are proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal and often require a high level of judgement, in addition to the need to ensure due process and natural justice.
The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that appeal processing times are closely monitored and every effort continues to be made to ensure that appeals are processed as promptly and efficiently as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
165. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider amending the regulations for persons applying for the State contributory pension; his views on whether examining a situation in which persons had contributions up to 47 to 48 years during that period but had no contributions resulting in their pensions being reduced, notwithstanding the fact that they could have easily had over 1,500 reasonable contributions during their lifetime is equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23715/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo ensure that the individual can maximise their entitlement to a State pension (contributory), all contributions paid or credited 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.
At the moment, to qualify for the State pension (contributory) a person must have at least 520 paid contributions and satisfy a yearly average test (a yearly average of 48 contributions paid and/or credited is required for a maximum rate pension). The yearly average test has been in existence since 1961 when contributory pensions were first introduced. The scheme was designed with a view to ensuring that people could qualify for contributory pensions immediately and to suit a system where social insurance coverage was limited.
Entitlement is banded, with the maximum rate payable to those with a yearly average of 48-52 contributions, and the minimum rate payable to those with a yearly average in the range of 10-14 contributions per year. Even if someone has only 10 years (520 weeks) of paid reckonable contributions between their 16th and 66th birthdays, they would generally qualify for a State pension (contributory), although the rate payable would vary depending on their contribution record. As is generally the case with contributory pension systems, people with greater numbers of contributions tend to qualify for higher rates of payments, depending on their circumstances.
If a person started work at age 18, reaching pension age 48 years later at age 66 and had 1,500 contributions paid or credited (i.e. just under 29 years' contributions over a period of 48 years), this would equate to a yearly average of approximately 31 contributions, and attracts a 90% pension. Had the same person a greater number of contributions in the same period, they might qualify for a higher rate of payment. Similarly, if they had fewer contributions over the same period, they might qualify for a lower rate of payment.
Where someone does not qualify for a full rate contributory pension, they may qualify for an alternative payment. If their spouse has a contributory pension, they may qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult amounting up to 90% of a full rate pension. Alternatively, they may qualify for a State pension (non-contributory), which amounts up to 95% of the maximum contributory rate. While this payment is subject to a household means-test, there are very significant disregards which mean that over 70% of such pensioners qualify at the full rate.
The National Pensions Framework (2010) proposed that a “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) should replace the yearly average approach for new pensioners from 2020. The aim of this approach is to make the rate of contributory pension more closely match contributions made by a person. Officials of my Department are currently working on the detailed development of the TCA with a view to making proposals for consideration later in the year. This is a very significant reform with considerable legal, administrative, and technical elements in its implementation.
Following completion of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund later this year, my Department will conduct a consultation of relevant stakeholders. Thereafter, I will submit a proposal to Government seeking approval of the new approach.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
166. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Social Protection when self-employed persons can claim invalidity pensions as announced in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23811/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government for an improved PRSI scheme for the self-employed, I announced, as part of Budget 2017, the extension of cover for Invalidity Pension to the self-employed on the same basis as employees. This measure will have effect from December 2017.
This is a major reform as, for the first time, self-employed people will have access to the safety net of State income supports, without having to go through a means test, if they become permanently incapable of work as a result of an illness or disability.
Furthermore, since March 2017, self-employed people now have access to the treatment benefit scheme which includes free eye and dental examinations, and contributions towards the cost of hearing aids.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
167. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific documentary evidence deemed acceptable in circumstances in which a British citizen does not have a driving licence or passport as identification for the purposes of securing a public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn circumstances where a British citizen applying for a Public Services Card does not have acceptable photographic ID, such as a driving licence or a passport, they are interviewed by a supervisor and asked to provide information in relation to their employment, social welfare and address history. Where the person has been living in the State, the answers can then be checked against the information held on the Department’s systems. Where the person has recently come to the State, the answers given are recorded and checked with the British authorities.
Any other evidence of identity which the person has should be provided as, while it may not be acceptable in its own right, it may serve to support the verification of identity in conjunction with other documents and information collected during the interview process.
I hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for a scheme to replace JobBridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23833/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobBridge was introduced in July 2011 in response to the sharp and dramatic increase in unemployment. A robust external evaluation of the scheme conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants in 2016 found that it is one of the most effective labour market programmes – increasing participants’ employment outcomes by 32%. It also found that while participants rated the scheme positively on 18 out of 20 aspects measured, most were dissatisfied with the level of payment and a sizable minority rated the scheme negatively on some aspects, for example the quality of training offered. Based on the findings, and taking account of the improvement in labour market conditions, Indecon recommended that JobBridge be discontinued in its current form and replaced with a new scheme. A copy of the full evaluation can be found at: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/JobBridge-Evaluation.aspx.
The Labour Market Council welcomed the report and noted the positive employment impact of the scheme. A majority of the Council similarly recommended that JobBridge be replaced.
Having considered the evidence and the suggestions put forward by Indecon and the Labour Market Council, I announced the closure of JobBridge to new applications from 27th October 2016 and my intention to replace it later this year with a new work experience programme better suited to the much-improved labour market and that addresses criticisms of the scheme.
I am very conscious that any new scheme would need the support, trust and confidence of employers, jobseekers and the public. That is why I instructed my officials to consult with key stakeholders before making a final decision on any potential replacement scheme. That process has recently concluded and I will make an announcement after I have a chance to consider the feedback.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an exceptional needs payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23858/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has not lodged an application for an Exceptional Needs Payment. The Designated Person in the Intreo Office concerned has forwarded an application to them today to complete and return. On receipt of same, their claim will be processed and a decision made on their application.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision regarding eligibility for a disability allowance, carer's allowance and domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23860/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 21 April 2017. 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.
According to our records, we have not received a carers allowance claim or a domiciliary care allowance claim to date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23861/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of this Department the person concerned made an initial claim on 24/4/2017 on the basis that she had a difficulty budgeting for school expenses and examination fees. Details were later provided of arrangements made to fund the cost of travel for her mother’s funeral. On this basis an Exceptional Needs Payment was made to the person concerned on 8/5/2017.
It is open to the person concerned to make an application to have this decision reviewed by submitting a request to the SWA Review Officer, Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, The Murrough, Co. Wicklow.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review an application for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there is no record of any appeal by the person concerned having been received in that office. In light of your request, an appeal will be registered and in accordance with statutory requirements the Appeals Office will contact the person concerned to ask her to set out her complete grounds of appeal i.e. the reason why she disagrees with the conclusions of the Deciding Officer. On receipt of her response the relevant Department papers will be requested from the Carer’s Allowance Section. When these are received the appeal will be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
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.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (Rent Supplement) appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 11 May 2017. The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
I am further advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a Jobseeker’s Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 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. According to information available from the Department, the case in question has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for further investigations. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
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.
174. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection when his Department will publish its report into bogus self-employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23901/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn interdepartmental working group, comprising officials from the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners, has been examining the issue of disguised employment.
To inform the work of the group, a public consultation on the use of intermediary-type employment structures and self-employment arrangements and their impact on income tax and PRSI was undertaken in 2016. This includes situations where an individual, who would otherwise be an employee, establishes a company to provide his or her services to an employer but who, though classified as self-employed, is dependent on, and under the control of, a single employer.
The consultation received 23 submissions from interested parties, including employers, trade unions, professional bodies and individuals. The working group is preparing a report which will present the views of these organisations and individuals, together with an analysis of the issues arising. I understand that the working group is currently finalising the report.
I look forward to seeing the report and I will then consider, along with my colleague the Minister for Finance, what steps may be required to address any issues arising.
175. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of Defence Forces personnel who received family income supplement in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [23903/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Income Supplement (FIS) is an in-work support, which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. FIS is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependants and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment. There are nearly 57,000 families with almost 127,000 children in receipt of FIS. The estimated spend on FIS this year is approximately €422 million.
To qualify for FIS, a person must be engaged in full-time insurable employment, which is expected to last for at least 3 months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria. The applicant must also have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them or is supported by them. Furthermore, the average family income must be below a specified amount, which varies according to the number of qualified children in the family.
According to FIS data as of week ending Fri 6 May 2017 there are currently 194 customers in receipt of FIS recorded under the occupational code covering members of the defence forces.
The figures for families in receipt of FIS for previous years as requested by the Deputy are as follows:
- 2013 - 240
- 2014 - 241
- 2015 - 243
- 2016 - 216
For the purposes of consistency it is important to note that the figures above are based on the amount of families in receipt of FIS at week 52 of the relevant year. As such the figures may go up or down depending on the week in the year.
