Written Answers Nos. 194-213
194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application for sports capital funding by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme. All of the 2,320 applications received are being assessed by officials in my Department. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process. I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for a group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29290/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPresently, the Department provides a small number of annual grants (22 in all) to certain designated land and maritime entities that are known as 'declared resources' which can immediately be tasked by an appropriate state agency in a search and rescue incident.
Where maritime declared resources are concerned, the Department provides an annual grant of €5,000 to 12 community boat rescue organisations. CRBIs are categorised as 'Declared Resources' to the Coast Guard in that they form part of resources immediately available to respond and assist in Maritime Search and Rescue at the Coast Guard's request. The grants are not EU funded and are funded solely from this Department's exchequer vote.
The Coast Guard has no plans to take in any additional resources at this time.
196. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding options available for feasibility studies for potential tourism projects with specific reference to the agritourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects. These are operational matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. While the Department provides funding to Fáilte Ireland to develop tourism offerings, it does not have a role in the administration of those capital programmes. Similarly, the Department does not have discretionary funds at its disposal to assist with individual tourism proposals. Fáilte Ireland provides a range of practical supports to help businesses and communities better manage and market their products and services. Fáilte also provides supports for investment in tourism attractions as well as advice on the supports available from other agencies.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
197. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on Irish Rail's strategy to make train stations staffless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29325/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is presumably aware that staffing at train stations is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and not one in which I have any statutory function. I understand that the Company is keeping staffing under review as there have been changes in customers' purchasing preferences. Overall, only 17% of revenue is now via the traditional booking office, and booking office volumes dropped by as much as 55% in a single year in some locations, as overall passenger numbers rose.
Iarnród Éireann's priorities in determining staffing levels are:
- To ensure busier stations are manned at all times.
- To provide a more flexible resourcing to respond to customer demand, and improve response for customers requiring assistance.
- To ensure a safe and secure environment, working with live monitored CCTV system, contracted private security resources and Garda liaison.
- To ensure revenue is protected, working with the Company's Revenue Protection Unit.
As previously noted, the issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
198. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of his Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations including hiring and interviewing of staff, disciplinary procedures and workplace related issues such as allegations of bullying and so on or dignity at work issues in each of the years 2015 and 2016. [29345/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations matters in my Department was €22,386 in 2015 and nil costs in 2016. In relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, I have asked the agencies to provide the Deputy with the information requested. If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days please advise my private office.
The referred replies under Standing Order 42A were forwarded to the Deputy.
199. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding an application for 1:1 support under the access inclusion model in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29263/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), is a programme of supports to enable children with a disability to access and fully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. It was introduced in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. AIM supports children with disabilities to attend mainstream pre-school where they can learn and socialise with their peers. It includes 7 levels of progressive support, moving from the universal to the targeted. The degree of support provided depends on the needs of the child in the context of the pre-school setting they are attending.
A pre-school provider, in partnership with a parent, can apply for AIM Level 7 - additional capitation. Where the AIM Early Years Specialist considers that a Level 7 support is critical to a child's participation in the pre-school setting, they will further consider the degree of Level 7 support required having regard to whether the child has complex or highly complex needs. Where a child is deemed to have complex needs, payment of Level 7 capitation at the lower rate will enable the setting to supplement their staffing by 10 additional staff hours per week. Where a child is deemed to have highly complex needs, payment of Level 7 capitation at the higher rate will enable the setting to supplement their staffing by 15 additional staff hours per week. This can be used to reduce the adult to child ratio in the pre-school room or can be used to buy in additional assistance.
In relation to this particular child, Pobal has advised that an application was received on 23rd May 2017 for support under AIM Level 7 . The Early Years Specialist (EYS) conducted an observation visit on 14th June and met with the pre-school provider and the child's parents. The EYS is currently finalising the relevant information on the application and it will then be sent to the AIM Pobal team for appraisal. The decision will be formally communicated to the pre-school provider and the child's parents as soon as possible.
200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process in place if a group wishes to establish a family resource centre in a town; and when can an expression of interest be placed for same. [29282/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. As the FRC Programme is managed by Tusla, it is a matter for that organisation to make decisions regarding the inclusion or non-inclusion of Family Resource Centres to the programme.
Tusla has advised that when an expression of interest is received from a group to establish a Family Resource Centre, a meeting with the group in question is arranged. There is significant demand from many established Family Resource Centres, as well as new groups that wish to join the Programme. Tusla has advised that all applications to join the Programme are kept on file.
I would like to acknowledge the valuable work of Family Resource Centres (FRCs), and I very much value the positive impact of their work in supporting families and local communities.
201. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the monetary value of all work contracted out under the aegis of her Department to external agencies or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations including hiring and interviewing of staff, disciplinary procedures and workplace related issues such as allegations of bullying and so on or dignity at work issues in each of the years 2015 and 2016. [29333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to my Department, I can confirm that the costs for work contracted out to external agencies and/or consultancies for work completed or investigations undertaken in human resources and industrial relations was €1,732.50 in 2015 and €8,766 in 2016.
With regard to four agencies under the aegis of my Department, I can confirm that the costs for work contracted out relating to these matters are as follows:
- Oberstown Children Detention Campus: €24,767.26 in 2015 and €32,075.57 in 2016.
- The Adoption Authority of Ireland: no costs in 2015 and €27,060 in 2016. As the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is independent in its function and reports to the Oireachtas on matters within its remit, as required by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, I have forwarded the question to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and asked that they reply directly to you. I also have forwarded the question to Tusla and asked that they reply directly in this matter also.
The referred replies were forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A.
202. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for a domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that they have been waiting 16 weeks for a decision. [29258/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 23rd February 2017. The application will be examined by a Deciding Officer and the decision notified as soon as possible. Applications are processed in date of receipt order. Due to the large volume of applications currently being received, it can currently take 18 weeks to process an application for DCA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
203. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to the restoration of both the full or partial bereavement grant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29266/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent Budgets my Department has protected primary social welfare rates. Abolishing the bereavement grant provided a significant annual saving and allowed my Department to protect other core social welfare payments such as the State pension.
Any decision to reinstate the Bereavement Grant would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
It’s worth noting that there are a range of supports available for people following bereavement which provide more significant support than the grant. These include weekly-paid widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner’s (contributory and non-contributory) pensions, which are based on contributions or a means test, and a once-off widowed or surviving civil partner grant of €6,000 where there is a dependent child. A number of social welfare payments, including State pension, continue in payment for six weeks following a death. In Budget 2016, the Government increased the payment after death period to 12 weeks for carer’s allowance. Guardian payments are available where someone cares for an orphaned child. A special funeral grant of €850 is paid where a person dies because of an accident at work or occupational disease.
Additionally, the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. Under the SWA scheme, the Department of Social Protection may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income, which may include help with funeral and burial expenses. The Government has provided €31.5 million for exceptional and urgent needs payments in 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
204. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for a domiciliary care application will be processed and decided upon for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29274/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.
Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
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.
205. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has carried out a financial analysis as to the impact on companies operating defined benefits pension schemes arising from her plans as outlined in head 12 and 13 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2017; if so, if she will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe possible implications, both positive and negative, of the proposed measures have been subject to considerable deliberation by my Department. It is not feasible to carry out a financial analysis given the variability of schemes, employers and market conditions. All defined benefit (DB) schemes are different, with their own trust deeds and scheme rules, setting out contribution rates for employers and employees. The circumstances of each scheme may change over time depending on investment strategies and market conditions and it is not possible to estimate the number of schemes that will not satisfy the funding standard in the future and by how much. In addition it is not possible to ascertain the likelihood of sponsoring employers changing their support for their schemes as this is likely to be driven by a combination of financial issues, investment decisions and industrial relations matters.
Notice periods for the termination of employer contributions are normally set out in trust deeds and rules vary from scheme to scheme. Head 12 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill obliges employers sponsoring DB schemes to give 12 months’ notice of their intention to cease contributions, irrespective of those scheme rules.
It should be emphasised that these provision do not result in an increase in the rate of contributions payable by an employer but merely stipulates that the employer contributions must continue for a period of 12 months from the date of notice.
Where an employer proposes to cease making contributions to a DB scheme an alternative pension arrangement is usually put in place, such as a DC scheme. Any alternative pension arrangements will also result in employer costs. Accordingly, any contributions arising in respect of the 12 month notice period, in excess of the notice period already set out in the scheme rules, must take account of the costs of any alternative pension arrangements that would have been put in place.
The serving of notice to cease contributions is, in the ordinary course, a precursor to winding up the scheme. Given that any such action will have a fundamental impact on the members’ benefits the purpose of the introduction of a notice period is to give employees and trustees sufficient notification of this event.
Head 13 of the Bill enables the Pensions Authority to determine a funding obligation that will restore DB pension schemes, which do not satisfy the funding standard or funding standard reserve, to an adequate funding position, in circumstances where a funding proposal has not been agreed.
The funding standard defines the basis on which the liabilities of DB schemes must be calculated. The funding standard provides a benchmark against which the ‘health’ of a scheme can be tested. Where a scheme fails the funding standard it means that unless some action is taken the scheme will not be in position to pay the benefits promised. A funding proposal, which must be approved by the Pensions Authority, should be designed to ensure that the scheme will have sufficient assets to meet its liabilities within an acceptable period.
It should be noted that Head 13 does not fundamentally change the current voluntary system underpinning DB schemes to a mandatory one where the obligation to fund all, or most, of a deficit arising in a scheme would rest solely with the employer. The existing mechanisms/processes provided for in the Pensions Act such as the development of a funding proposal, remain in place. It is only where this process is not successful in supporting a scheme that the new provisions will apply. The provisions are designed to encourage engagement between employers and trustees in a defined timeline to put in place measures to address a funding deficit.
According to the latest available returns made to the Pensions Authority, approximately 70% of the 677 DB schemes operating as of 31st December 2016 are satisfying the funding standard. Of the schemes that do not meet the funding standard, almost all have funding proposals in place to address funding shortfalls. Of the 677 schemes 22 are currently in wind-up.
Head 13 will not result in any additional costs on employers who remain committed to fulfilling their obligation to their DB scheme. Accordingly, the provision will not result in any additional costs to the sponsoring employers of the 70% of schemes currently meeting the standard or to employers of those schemes which do not meet the funding standard but where a funding proposal is in place.
The provisions seek a middle road between the current position where employers can abandon DB schemes and full and immediate debt on employer provisions. They are to ensure the sustainability of DB schemes for scheme members and continued trust in the pensions system as a whole.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
206. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of fathers that have taken paternity leave since the introduction of the scheme by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaternity benefit was introduced in September 2016 to support new fathers to take time off work within the first 26 weeks following the birth of their child. The benefit covers two 2 weeks leave and is available to employed and self-employed fathers who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. It is payable at a rate of €235 per week with possible increases for adult and child dependents.
Application for paternity benefit is available online and customers should be encouraged to use this option as it facilitates the speedy automated determination of entitlement.
Details on the number of people who have received paternity benefit since its introduction in September 2016 to the end of May 2017, by county, are set out in the table below:
Paternity Benefit Claims by County
207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the disability allowance by €20 in budget 2018 with immediate effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29287/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability allowance (DA) 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).
All DA recipients are eligible for the Free Travel Pass, which entitles the bearer to free travel on public transport in Ireland (and certain private services). Depending on the household composition, DA recipients may also be eligible for secondary benefits, such as the Fuel Allowance (€22.50 for the duration of the fuel season) and the Household Benefits Package (€35 per month towards their gas or electricity costs and the free television license worth €160).
Recipients of DA who are living alone also qualify for the Living Alone Allowance (a €9 per week increase to their weekly payment).
Decisions about the appropriate level of the Disability Allowance payment are most appropriately made in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
208. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is being refused the documents they need to certify that they are a jobseeker in Ireland in view of the fact that if they wish to leave and return home they will require such documented certification. [29288/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned made an application for jobseekers allowance in the Kilbarrack Intreo Centre in April 2017. This application was refused on the basis that he was not habitually resident in the State. The applicant was informed of this decision in writing and afforded the right of appeal, which he declined.
If a person is unemployed and does not qualify for an unemployment payment, they can sign-on for credits at their local Intreo Centre. A person will get a credit for each full week of proven unemployment.
The person concerned subsequently moved to Leitrim and visited the Carrick-on-Shannon Intreo office in May 2017 where he made a claim for credited contributions. The Carrick-on-Shannon Intreo Centre has advised that they wrote to the person concerned on Wednesday 21st June, outlining that his claim for job seekers credits has been awarded.
If there is any further clarification the person concerned requires he should be encouraged to contact Carrick-on-Shannon Intreo office.
I trust that this clarifies the matter.
209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an illness benefit application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29303/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllness Benefit is a payment for persons who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions.
The Illness Benefit claim of the person concerned has been approved and payment was due to go into their bank account on Wednesday, 21st June.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
210. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for a domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied) will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29305/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 29th March 2017. The application will be examined by a Deciding Officer and the decision notified as soon as possible. Applications are processed in date of receipt order. Due to the increased volume of applications currently being received, it can currently take 18 weeks to process an application for DCA.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
211. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be entitled to fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29306/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA fuel allowance (FA) is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are in receipt of certain qualifying social welfare payments and who also satisfy certain other conditions.
The person concerned is in receipt of carer’s allowance from my Department. Carer’s allowance is not one of the qualifying payments which may qualify a person for receipt of fuel allowance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
212. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce an allowance for refuse collection for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29310/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of an allowance for pensioners for domestic refuse collection by my Department would not be feasible given the wide range of charging regimes and cost structures that exist in respect of waste management throughout the State. As you know charges vary across local authorities and within local authorities where there is more than one provider. In addition, some local authorities and private operators already operate waiver schemes but again the qualifying conditions for these schemes also vary. Any system put in place to assist people with waste collection charges would have to take account of the different local arrangements.
Furthermore, any decision to introduce a refuse allowance for pensioners would also require extra resources and expenditure and would have to be considered in the context of overall budgetary negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
213. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to facilitate persons with disabilities that have been told that their existing free travel cards must be replaced by November 2017 with the new public services card; the further steps that are in place for persons in rural or isolated areas with mobility or sight issues for whom travelling to their nearest welfare office means confronting significant difficulties and potential costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29311/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not yet set any definitive date for the replacement of the old form of paper free travel pass with the new Public Services Card- Free Travel variant (PSC-FT). I am anxious to do this as soon as possible given the benefits of the PSC-FT to both the customers and travel operators. I will not withdraw the use of the old type pass, however, until I am satisfied that all those customers, having regard to their particular circumstances, have had reasonable opportunities and accommodations made available to them to enable them to register for the PSC-FT and to continue to avail of their free travel entitlement.
To date some 2.63 million Public Services Cards (PSC) have been issued and over 80% of customers with a free travel entitlement have been issued with the PSC-FT. Customers not yet registered for the PSC-FT can continue to use the old form of paper free travel pass as it continues to be valid for use with transport operators who are participating in the free travel scheme.
Registration for the PSC usually involves in-person attendance at an office of the Department. PSC registration stations are in place at over 100 locations nationally. Appointments for registration can be made online, by phone or by simply dropping in. The registration process takes about 15 minutes once all relevant documents are presented.
Where customers are unable to attend in person, other options for registration are available. Selected cohorts have been invited to avail of postal registration including utilisation, with consent, of information already provided to other Government agencies, for example, a photograph supplied in connection with an application for a passport or driving licence. To date, 323,000 people offered this opportunity have been registered via this postal registration process.
In addition, a further 56,000 free travel customers responded recently to a targeted communication from my Department about their particular requirements to complete registration for the PSC-FT. Registration of these customers is now being progressed. Additionally, a mobile registration facility is being rolled out to register customers who face substantial challenges in presenting at a Department location. Group registration at community venues is the preferred mode of utilising these mobile registration facilities but in very exceptional circumstances, single individuals may be registered at their place of residence.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
