Written Answers Nos. 409-428
409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33125/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th April 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.
410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision can be expected to be reached in view of the fact that the person has no income in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33169/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 15 June 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.
The person in question is currently in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from this Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
411. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the family income supplement in the months of May 2017 and June 2017; and the estimated spend on FIS in 2017. [33172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of customers in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS) at the May and June 2017 is as follows:
|
May 2017 |
June 2017 |
|
57,025 |
57,050 |
The estimated expenditure on FIS for 2017 is €422.5 million.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
412. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for domiciliary care allowance applications; the reason for these delays; her plans to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently experiencing delays in the processing of Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) claims. We are extremely sorry for any worry or concern this may cause to parents/guardians of children with additional care needs. Processing times for DCA are currently not meeting the target of having 70% of applications processed within 15 weeks. At present it is taking up to 20 weeks on average to finalise an application. Applications are processed in date of receipt order. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the extended time required to process claims.
First, there is a significant increase in the volume of applications being received. The numbers applying for DCA have increased significantly since 2009, when the Department took over administration of the scheme from the HSE. The year on year increase in volumes over recent years has consistently been in the 15-20% range due to an increase in population and more awareness of the scheme. Over 1,000 claims were received in May, along with a further 700 in June; whereas the average would have been 400 per month a few years ago.
Second, following a High Court ruling in 2016, there is now a need for the Department’s medical assessors to provide the deciding officer with a more detailed opinion on the child’s eligibility for the scheme and for the deciding officer in turn to provide more detailed reasons for their decision when communicating this to the customer. These factors have resulted in the time taken to finalise applications increasing significantly and as a result the numbers that can be processed have reduced and the timescale to finalise each application has increased.
In response to the current situation, additional deciding officers have been assigned to the scheme in recent weeks, this extra processing capacity will allow for an improvement in processing times over the coming weeks and months. The position will continue to be monitored closely.
413. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that persons (details supplied) can have financial support while awaiting the outcome of the application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33229/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis man has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 5 July 2017. The first payment will be made by his chosen payment method on 12 July 2017.
Arrears of payment will issue by cheque in the next few days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
414. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State pension (contributory) and the State pension (non-contributory) with a gender breakdown for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33234/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Number of Recipients of State Pension Contributory and Non-Contributory at end of June 2017 are represented in the following tabular statement:
|
Scheme |
Male |
Female |
|
State Pension Contributory |
244,493 |
142,432 |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
36,529 |
58,215 |
415. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the community supports for persons caring for persons with dementia here; her plans to expand the support levels for those persons caring for persons with dementia; her plans to meet dementia advocacy groups to discuss increases in funding in the context of budget 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33245/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the crucial role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for a Partnership Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
My Department provides a range of schemes and payments that support those who are caring in their communities for family members, friends or neighbours, who as a result of an illness or disability require full-time care and attention.
The income supports for people who are providing full-time care are; carer’s benefit, carer’s allowance (including half-rate carer’s allowance), domiciliary care allowance and the annual carer’s support grant.
Budget 2017 changes include a €5 increase in the payment rate and a measure that extends the payment of carer’s allowance to 12 weeks following the permanent admission of the care recipient to a nursing home and the end of the full-time caring role. This builds on Budget 2016 improvements including extending the period when carers allowance can be paid following the death of a care recipient from 6 to 12 weeks and increasing the carer’s support grant to €1,700.
My Department hosts an annual pre- budget forum, due to take place on Friday 21st of July, which provides an opportunity for sectoral groups to provide submissions on their Budget priorities. As Minister, I also remain available to requests to meet advocacy groups to discuss issues relevant to the policies and responsibilities of my Department.
While there are no current plans to develop specific supports for dementia outside of the carer supports I have mentioned here, I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers and people with disabilities under review. Any additional improvements or additions to these supports would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
The deputy may be aware of the HSE plan for Dementia, Understand Together www.understandtogether.ie.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the deputy.
416. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason it is necessary for claimants of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance to be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment in order to be eligible for this benefit; her views on whether she considers this unfair to other claimants not in receipt of such payments but that are on low incomes and that would qualify under the means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33248/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but to provide assistance to parents towards these costs. The Government has provided €47.4 million for the scheme in 2017 which will operate from June to September.In order to qualify for the allowance claimants must be in receipt of a qualifying payment. There is a broad range of qualifying payments which includes:
- Weekly social welfare payments,
- Approved employment schemes,
- Recognised education or training courses such as Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) or Back To Education Allowance;
- Further Education and Training Courses (formerly Fás), Fáilte Ireland or LES training scheme
In-work income supports for low-income working families, including family income supplement and the back to work family dividend are qualifying payments for BSCFA and income under these schemes is not included in the means assessment for BSCFA.
Further information on the BSCFA scheme, including details of qualifying payments, household income limits and a frequently asked questions section are provided on the Departments website: www.welfare.ie/backtoschool.
The Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, has recently published a new circular on the measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs, as part of a range of measures to take greater account of the needs of parents and students in the school system.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
417. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will remove the means test on income generated through the rent a room scheme for those in receipt of one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33288/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial welfare legislation provides that, for means testing purposes, rental income received by a claimant and his or her spouse/partner where it derived from a property other than the family home is not assessed. However, the yearly value of such a second property is assessed on a notional basis based on the market value of the property less any outstanding mortgage. This reflects the position that the individual possesses a capital asset which can be realised to provide income support.
Where an individual is renting part of their family home, the cash value of the rental income is assessed. Such rental income is reduced by a range of deductions. These include:
i. a proportion of any mortgage interest paid by the claimant on the part of the property rented,
ii. a 15% deduction for voids (i.e. periods when the accommodation is vacant between lettings), and,
iii. if the rooms let are furnished, a 5% deduction for wear and tear.
These arrangements are outlined on the Department’s website at the following link: www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Means-Assessment.aspx.
In addition, a special provision exists for claimants of the State Pension (Non-Contributory) and Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, whereby no assessment is made of any money received in respect of rent from a person who lives with the pensioner where, but for that person, the pensioner would be living alone.
Fully disregarding all rental income would run contrary to the policy of ensuring that social welfare expenditure is targeted to those who need it the most. It could also potentially negatively impact on the incentive to work for working age recipients. Any change to my Department’s means policies would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
418. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on the work conducted by her Department to identify the potential impacts of Brexit on those in receipt of social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33302/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; the publication date of these plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33345/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
Following on from publication of the document setting out the Government's approach to the Brexit negotiations, work is underway across departments to prepare adaptive Sectoral Brexit Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will encompass the following themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
All of this work is ongoing and must also respond to the emerging developments in the Brexit negotiations. There is no decision as yet on publication dates.
The Department is continuing with its assessment of the implications for relevant social security schemes and services including pensions, Child Benefit and services between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland. This is part of the ongoing Brexit analysis for input into the Government’s wider deliberative process. Clearly, however, this analysis will have to be informed by the UK’s intentions in this area.
It is very important to emphasise that the current arrangements for social security between Ireland and the UK, and the UK and EU27, have not changed. All social welfare payments continue to be paid as normal.
I can strongly reiterate that this Government’s long-term objective is to ensure that the reciprocity of civil rights and social welfare rights and entitlements which currently exist for Irish and UK citizens moving within Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain, under the Common Travel Area are preserved and maintained
420. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33371/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 6 October 2016. His first payment issued to his nominated post office on the 25 May 2017 and all arrears due issued to him by cheque on 6 July 2017. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 10 May 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
421. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer’s benefit by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33387/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s benefit (CARB) from the person concerned on 24 May 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
422. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33388/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 4 November 2016.
The application was disallowed on the grounds that she was not providing full-time care and attention as required. The application was also disallowed on the grounds that she failed to disclose requested information to an officer of my department and therefore it could not be established that her means were less than the statutory limit.
The person concerned was notified on 25 May 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The Department received notice from Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 10 July 2017 that the person concerned had appealed the decision. A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
423. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33389/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 22 May 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
424. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33390/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned from 5 May 2016. The first payment is expected to issue to their nominated bank account on 20 July 2017.
Arrears of allowance due from 5 May 2016 to 19 July 2017 will also issue on that date. The person concerned was notified on 11 July 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
425. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if the redress awarded to a person from the Residential Institutions Redress Board should be included in a means assessment for a supplementary welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33400/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
Social welfare legislation provides for the disregard of certain compensation awards, including awards by the Residential Institutions Redress Board when assessing the means of a person for social assistance schemes including supplementary welfare allowance.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
426. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33401/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th March 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 have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 19th June 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.
427. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33408/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 4th July 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.
428. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33409/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on the information provided to the department, this gentleman was awarded disability allowance (DA) at €209.50 per week. This consists of €178 basic rate, €9 living alone allowance and €22.50 fuel allowance (payable during the fuel season). The basic rate is a reduced rate as the person in question is also in receipt of a private pension. The income from this pension is €16.83 per week. The department rounds this figure down to €15. This amount is then deducted from the maximum rate of DA of €193.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
