Wednesday, 12 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 429-448

State Pensions Payments

Ceisteanna (429, 430)

John Brady

Ceist:

429. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of restoring the State pension transition over two years. [33413/17]

John Brady

Ceist:

430. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of restoring the State pension transition over three years. [33414/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 430 together.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 provided that State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This began in January 2014 with the abolition of the State pension (transition), which had been available from 65 for those who satisfied the qualifying conditions, thereby standardising State pension age for all at 66 years. This is the current State pension age. It will increase to 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.

Reversing the abolition of State pension (transition) would have a significant Exchequer cost. In 2013, the cost of the State pension (transition) was €137 million. Its abolition was not expected to save that amount of expenditure in full, as some people who were affected would alternatively claim working age payments such as Jobseeker's Benefit (albeit at a lower rate than the rate of the State pension), or may claim an Increase for a Qualified Adult in respect of their spouse’s pension. However, it is estimated that well over half of the gross cost has been saved each year as a result of this measure, and this would be expected to increase as (a) the number of 65 year olds increases, (b) the change results in a higher percentage of people working while aged 65, and (c) there have been two Budget increases in the rate of the State pension since then. It is estimated that the net saving in 2018 is likely to be in the region of €84 million, and this is expected to rise to €87 million by 2020. These figures do not include future rate increases.

The cost of reversing this decision would depend on the effective date of such a measure and also on any resultant changes in behaviour. If it were to be introduced over a phased basis, it would depend upon how this was effected, but it might be expected that if there was some means used to achieve this over 2 years, the cost might be 50% of the annual cost in year one and 100% in year two, whereas if it was phased in over 3 years, the cost might be 33.3% of the annual cost in year one, 66.7% in year two, and 100% in year three. More detailed proposals would be required to examine the likely cost of such a proposal in greater detail.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits Data

Ceisteanna (431, 432, 453, 454)

John Brady

Ceist:

431. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing jobseeker's allowance, supplementary welfare allowance and the back to education allowance by €5. [33415/17]

John Brady

Ceist:

432. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing age reduced jobseeker's payments in line with the jobseeker's payments paid to those aged over 26 years of age over three years. [33416/17]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

453. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of each €1 increase to the age reduced JSA and SWA weekly rate of €102.70 in 2018. [33550/17]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

454. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of each €1 increase to the age reduced JSA and SWA weekly rate of €147.80 in 2018. [33551/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 431, 432, 453 and 454 together.

The full year cost of increasing jobseeker's allowance, supplementary welfare allowance and the back to education allowance by €5 per week is estimated to be €64.8 million in 2018.

The full year cost of increasing the age related reduced jobseeker's rates of €102.70 per week and €147.80 per week to the maximum jobseeker's rate of €193 per week is estimated to be €109.1 million in 2018. The cost of one third of this increase (if spread out over three years) is €36.4 million in 2018.

The full year cost of a €1 increase in the weekly rates of jobseeker’s allowance and supplementary welfare allowance paid to those who are under 25 years of age is estimated to be €1.1 million in 2018.

The full year cost of a €1 increase in the weekly rates of jobseeker’s allowance and supplementary welfare allowance paid to those who are aged 25 years of age is estimated to be €0.2 million in 2018.

The costings listed above include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant. It should also 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.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (433)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

433. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33426/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 30 March 2017.

The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 23 June 2017 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (434)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

434. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a person's (details supplied) application for carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33427/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Carer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned from 11 May 2017. The first payment is expected to issue to their nominated bank account on 13 July 2017.

Arrears of allowance due from 11 May 2017 to 12 July 2017, inclusive of the 2017 carer support grant, should also issue to her nominated bank account on 13 July 2017. She was notified in writing on 7 July 2017.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Carer's Benefit Applications

Ceisteanna (435)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

435. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a person's (details supplied) application for carer’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33428/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

An application for carer's benefit (CARB) was received from the person concerned on 23 June 2017.

The application is currently being examined by a deciding officer and once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Ceisteanna (436)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she has identified the hardship caused in circumstances in which various payments are cut off, in some cases leading to homelessness; her plans to amend the system to avoid further homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33498/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting some 41,200 recipients for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017.

Continued entitlement to rent supplement is not linked to entitlement to other social welfare schemes, however the rent supplement claim may be reviewed following a decision to suspend or disallow a primary social welfare payment as there may be a change to the claimant’s circumstances that could affect eligibility. During a review of a rent supplement claim, the Community Welfare Service (CWS) officer will engage with the claimant to establish continued eligibility as quickly as possible and limit any delay to payments. Any person in this situation is encouraged to contact the Department’s CWS office responsible for their rent supplement claim to discuss their situation, if there is a specific risk of homelessness this should be communicated to the CWS officer at the earliest opportunity.

I can assure the Deputy that every effort is made so that rent supplement tenants are supported by my Department ensuring where possible that they can remain in their homes. In view of the ongoing difficulties in the rental market, my Department provides a targeted case-by-case policy approach that allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the rent limits, which were increased in July 2016. In addition, the Protocol arrangement in place with Threshold is operational in the areas where supply issues are particularly acute covering Kildare, Dublin, Cork, Meath, Wicklow and Galway City. Since the introduction of this flexible approach, over 11,800 tenants at imminent risk of homelessness have been supported through increased rent supplement payments.

Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to a basic weekly SWA payment, due to their primary payment being suspended / discontinued, or an ENP to address their immediate housing commitments should contact the Community Welfare Service of the Department at their local Intreo centre.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Ceisteanna (437)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

437. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will take steps to ensure that persons applying for means-tested social protection payments following family law settlement in respect of the family home are not forced to spend the entire proceeds of their settlement before being awarded rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33499/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Department operates a range of statutory means tested schemes, taking account of the income a claimant has in terms of cash, property (other than the family home) and capital. The combination of the means test and awarding differentiated rates of payment is premised on ensuring that social welfare payments are paid to those most in need and reflects the position that persons with reasonable amounts of income, capital and property are in a position to use that resource to support themselves.

The rent supplement scheme is supporting some 41,200 tenants for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017. The scheme is generally available to people whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and do not have alternative accommodation available. Rent supplement’s means test is calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay. The standard weekly minimum contribution is €30 for a single adult household and €40 for coupled households. Many recipients pay more than this amount because recipients are required, subject to income disregards, to contribute a proportion of assessable means towards their accommodation costs. As part of this means test, a capital assessment is completed which includes savings, investments, property (other than the family home) and would include any monies realised following a settlement.

The Deputy will be aware that the strategic policy direction of the Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support with the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, which is available nationally since 1st March 2017.

The Department has no role in financial and other settlements made between couples on separation, divorce or otherwise. Any capital owned by a person involved in such a settlement is assessed in the normal way for the purposes of means tested schemes and the appropriate disregards apply. I have no plans to change these conditions at this time.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals Waiting Times

Ceisteanna (438)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she can continue to improve the time taken to process appeals in respect of various social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33500/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The average appeal processing times for all appeals determined from 2014 to date in 2017 broken down by all social welfare scheme types is outlined in the following tables.

The time taken to process an appeal reflects all aspects of the appeal process including the time spent in the Department preparing the appeal submission. The quasi-judicial nature of the system impacts on appeal processing times which are proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal which often require a high level of judgement, in addition to the need to ensure due process and natural justice.

Overall appeal processing times peaked in 2011/2012 and have improved year on year since then. For example, the average time taken to determine an appeal requiring an oral hearing reduced from 52.5 weeks in 2011 to 28.6 weeks in 2014, 25.5 weeks in 2015, 24.1 weeks in 2016 and 25 weeks to date in 2017. The average time taken to finalise an appeal decided by way of a summary decision reduced from 25.1 weeks in 2011 to 21.1 weeks in 2014, 18.1 weeks in 2015, 17.6 weeks in 2016 and 18.5 weeks to date in 2017.

The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that every effort will be made to continue to improve appeal processing times and that this will continue to be a priority for her office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2014 – 31/12/14

-	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Adoptive Benefit	17.1	-
Blind Pension	20.5	24.9
Carers Allowance	30.1	34.4
Carers Benefit	22.9	23.1
Child Benefit	23.8	32.9
Disability Allowance	20.8	26.7
Illness Benefit	29.5	34.8
Domiciliary Care Allowance	22.6	29.1
Deserted Wives Benefit	-	64.7
Deserted Wives Allowance	-	41.8
Farm Assist	23.2	28.3
Bereavement Grant	25.6	31.9
Family Income Supplement	26.0	32.6
Invalidity Pension	25.9	31.2
Liable Relatives	21.5	33.2
One Parent Family Payment	24.4	33.5
Maternity Benefit	22.4	44.7
Partial Capacity Benefit	48.5	48.5
State Pension (Contributory)	25.2	41.9
State Pension (Non-Cont)	20.3	29.4
State Pension (Transition)	27.0	35.1
Occupational Injury Benefit	33.6	33.7
Disablement Pension	23.6	30.6
Occupational Injury Benefit (Medical)	-	53.9
Incapacity Supplement	21.5	59.6
Guardian's Payment (Con)	25.9	24.9
Guardian's Payment (Non-con)	19.7	30.3
Pre Retirement Allowance	17.3	-
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	18.1	27.5
Jobseeker's Allowance	16.2	21.1
JA/JB Fraud Control	12.1	-
Jobseeker's Benefit	16.7	21.1
Treatment Benefit	20.8	-
Respite Care Grant	24.9	27.1
Insurability of Employment	45.0	62.3
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	14.4	22.1
Survivor's Pension (Con)	20.2	32.5
Survivor's Pension (Non-Con)	24.7	24.6
Widowed Parent Grant	22.2	-
All Appeals	21.1	28.6

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2015 – 31/12/2015

-	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Blind Person’s Pension	21.1	30.7
Carers Allowance	20.6	25.9
Carers Benefit	19.7	21.8
Child Benefit	24.8	34.7
Disability Allowance	15.8	21.4
Illness Benefit	26.3	33.1
Partial Capacity Benefit	25.7	43.4
Domiciliary Care Allowance	21.7	28.7
Deserted Wives Benefit	19.7	26.2
Deserted Wives Allowance	-	16.2
Farm Assist	21.0	28.6
Bereavement Grant	65.7	26.0
Death Benefit (Pension)	-	22.6
Family Income Supplement	19.4	27.7
Invalidity Pension	26.2	28.4
Liable Relatives	22.8	31.2
Maternity Benefit	22.6	17.5
One Parent Family Payment	22.9	33.9
State Pension (Contributory)	26.0	46.0
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	20.4	30.8
State Pension (Transition)	80.1	53.4
Occupational Injury Benefit	20.3	35.0
Disablement Pension	23.7	35.3
Incapacity Supplement	41.2	51.5
Guardian's Payment (Con)	18.2	27.5
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con)	18.7	31.0
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	15.8	26.0
Jobseeker's Allowance	15.2	21.9
JA/JB Fraud Control	-	46.1
BTW Family Dividend	14.1	-
Jobseeker's Transitional	12.9	21.3
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance	21.0	30.3
Jobseeker's Benefit	14.3	21.2
Pre-Retirement Allowance	15.0	-
Treatment Benefit	17.9	-
Carer’s Support Grant *	21.2	23.6
Insurability of Employment	47.6	69.4
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	13.1	23.5
Survivor's Pension (Con)	24.1	46.6
Survivor's Pension (Non-con)	23.7	38.3
Widows Parent Grant	18.4	-
All Appeals	18.1	25.5

* Previously called Respite Care Grant

Appeal processing times by scheme 01/01/2016 – 31/12/2016

-	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Blind Person’s Pension	18.2	33.8
Carers Allowance	17.6	21.6
Carers Benefit	20.7	22.4
Child Benefit	22.1	38.2
Disability Allowance	14.6	20.1
Illness Benefit	27.2	34.3
Partial Capacity Benefit	27.3	33.6
Domiciliary Care Allowance	24.3	30.6
Deserted Wives Benefit	13.0	32.8
Farm Assist	21.9	26.0
Bereavement Grant	23.1	-
Death Benefit (Pension)	19.7	-
Liable Relatives	14.0	16.9
Family Income Supplement	20.4	25.5
Invalidity Pension	21.3	28.2
Maternity Benefit	18.9	21.7
One Parent Family Payment	21.7	31.9
State Pension (Contributory)	25.6	45.9
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	22.7	32.9
State Pension (Transition)	67.7	61.3
Occupational Injury Benefit	25.0	31.9
Disablement Pension	25.8	26.8
Incapacity Supplement	27.7	50.9
Guardian's Payment (Con)	15.8	24.5
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con)	18.4	23.3
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	16.7	25.5
Jobseeker's Allowance	16.0	20.9
BTW Family Dividend	21.0	-
Jobseeker's Transitional	19.0	22.3
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance	32.5	31.6
Jobseeker's Benefit	16.0	27.2
Treatment Benefit	17.1	-
Carer’s Support Grant *	18.1	23.3
Insurability of Employment	36.6	85.7
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	15.0	24.1
Survivor's Pension (Con)	16.6	28.8
Survivor's Pension (Non-con)	18.4	23.4
Widows Parent Grant	23.5	63.8
All Appeals	17.6	24.1

* Previously called Respite Care Grant

Appeal processing times by Scheme 01 January 2017- 30 June 2017

-	Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions	Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings
Blind Person’s Pension	16.0	24.4
Carers Allowance	20.6	23.0
Carers Benefit	15.5	21.5
Child Benefit	21.1	26.6
Disability Allowance	16.9	21.9
Illness Benefit	28.2	31.0
Partial Capacity Benefit	38.8	33.1
Domiciliary Care Allowance	24.1	30.7
Deserted Wifes Benefit	-	13.7
Farm Assist	22.6	24.2
Bereavement Grant	15.1	-
Death Benefit (Pension)	102.1	-
Family Income Supplement	17.7	30.4
Invalidity Pension	16.4	20.9
Liable Relatives	18.9	24.1
Maternity Benefit	18.9	20.0
One Parent Family Payment	23.6	32.4
State Pension (Contributory)	25.7	37.7
State Pension (Non-Contributory)	21.6	35.3
State Pension (Transition)	-	81.4
Occupational Injury Benefit	14.3	28.4
Disablement Pension	19.7	31.9
Incapacity Supplement	54.2	41.5
Guardian's Payment (Con)	25.0	22.4
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con)	12.9	28.9
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means)	16.6	24.3
Jobseeker's Allowance	15.9	24.5
BTW Family Dividend	18.0	41.1
Jobseeker's Transitional	19.3	29.4
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance	30.3	-
Jobseeker's Benefit	15.8	18.1
Carer’s Support Grant *	17.9	23.7
Treatment Benefit	14.0	-
Insurability of Employment	37.8	93.1
Supplementary Welfare Allowance	16.5	24.3
Survivor's Pension (Con)	21.8	33.1
Survivor's Pension (Non-con)	24.2	21.9
Widowed Parent Grant	14.1	-
All Appeals	18.5	25.0

* Previously called Respite Care Grant

Live Register Data

Ceisteanna (439)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

439. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she and her Department continue to monitor the age profile of those on the live register long term with a view to initiating measures to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33501/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The official measure of unemployment is sourced from the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS). Measures of unemployment from the QNHS are based on International Labour Office (ILO) definitions. To be ‘ILO unemployed’ a person must in the week before the survey be without work but available for work and have recently taken specific job-search steps. The Live Register, which captures those registering for unemployment benefits (including those working part-time and in casual work who draw partial unemployment payments), is an administrative record. It is not the official measure of unemployment, but can give indicative trends. My Department uses both Live Register and QNHS data for reporting and monitoring trends and adjusting policies accordingly at national level.

This includes providing data and trends broken down by age categories and by duration of unemployment. The QNHS data, being prepared as part of the EU-wide Labour Force Survey, also allow Irish trends to be compared with international developments.

The Pathways to Work strategy, the key document setting out policy to facilitate the unemployed of all ages back into work, is underpinned by analyses of the labour market situation based on the statistical sources mentioned above.

By allocating activation resources to persons on the Live Register, the government’s policy tends automatically to focus on those areas and age-groups in which unemployment is most concentrated. The focus on those most in need is further reinforced by the use of profiling to identify, among the newly unemployed, those most likely to face severe difficulties in re-entering employment. People identified as having a low PEX (probability of exit from unemployment) score are prioritised for intensive engagement and support from the Intreo employment service.

State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Ceisteanna (440)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which progress has been made in addressing the issue whereby women are deprived of contributory pensions, having retired from the workplace while raising their families or due to the marriage ban, and who have made a major contribution to society in the course of their working lives; if their cases will be re-examined with a view to crediting them with sufficient contributions to enable them to qualify for State or retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33502/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The State pension is a valuable benefit and is the bedrock of the pension system. There are two State pensions. The State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested pension funded from taxation, whereas the State pension (contributory), is not means-tested and is paid from the Social Insurance Fund. Accordingly, it is important to ensure those qualifying for the latter have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives. To 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.

The homemaker's scheme makes qualification for a higher rate of State pension contributory easier for those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. The scheme, which was introduced in and took effect for periods from 1994, allows up to 20 years spent caring for children under 12 years of age, or caring for incapacitated people over that age, to be disregarded when a person’s social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes, subject to the standard qualifying conditions for State pension contributory also being satisfied. This has the effect of increasing the yearly average of the pensioner, which is used to set the rate of his or her pension.

The marriage bar describes a rule that existed in most of the public service, and some private sector employments, where women were required to leave their employment upon marriage. The practice was abolished in 1973 when Ireland joined the EEC. As it was a rule rather than law, women who were required to leave their employment upon marriage were entitled to take up alternative employment in the private sector, and many did.

It is worth remembering that public servants affected by the marriage bar had paid a reduced PRSI, with no State pension (contributory) coverage. Accordingly, their continued employment in the public service would never have created an entitlement to the State pension (contributory). Instead, by impacting upon their continuing public service employment, the marriage bar’s pension implications, where they exist, more generally relate to their eventual entitlement to a public service pension. Any questions regarding this issue are a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

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 means-tested State pension non-contributory, which amounts up to 95% of the maximum contributory rate.

Work is under way to replace the yearly average system with a total-contributions approach. Under this approach, the rate of pension paid will more closely reflect the total number of contributions made by people, not when they paid them. The position of homemakers is being carefully considered in developing this new system of calculating the contributory State pension.

It is expected that this approach to pension qualification will replace the current one from 2020. Following completion of the actuarial review of the Social Insurance Fund later this year, a refined proposal will be developed. My Department will conduct a period of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including interest groups, representative bodies and the Oireachtas. Following the consultation period, I will submit a proposal to Government seeking approval for the new approach.

Departmental Functions

Ceisteanna (441)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

441. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the functions which her Department has or will assume from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation following the appointment of the new Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33512/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Following the announcement by An Taoiseach on 14 June of the transfer of labour affairs and labour law responsibilities from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to the Department of Social Protection, the process of identifying the functional areas, staff and resources that will transfer to my Department has begun. This is being done in accordance with the Transfer of Functions Guidelines and Best Practice Handbook, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2016.

In accordance with those guidelines, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is taking the lead in this process. When the details have been agreed in consultation with the Department of the Taoiseach, a Transfer of Functions Order will be brought to Government by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to give effect to the changes involved.

Job Initiatives

Ceisteanna (442)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

442. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the development and introduction of a new scheme to replace JobBridge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33513/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

JobBridge 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 these 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, my predecessor as Minister for Social Protection announced his intention to replace JobBridge with a new work experience programme that would address criticisms of the scheme and would be better suited to the much improved labour market.

JobBridge was closed to new applications from 27th October 2016 to allow for a period of consultation with key stakeholders on design principles for any proposed new work experience programme and to facilitate an orderly wind down of the current scheme.

The consultation process is completed and I am currently considering options on how best to proceed.

JobsPlus Scheme

Ceisteanna (443)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

443. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 26 years of age who have applied for and been eligible for the JobsPlus scheme since its introduction, by county, in tabular form [33514/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who recruit employees from the Live Register and those transitioning into employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 over two years - paid in monthly instalments provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person is unemployed.

The number of persons under 26 years of age who have applied for and been eligible for JobsPlus since the scheme began, by county, is shown in the following table.

Table 1: JobsPlus applicants under 26 years of age who have established eligibility - (July 2013-July 2017)

County	Number
Carlow	236
Cavan	237
Clare	201
Cork	968
Donegal	536
Dublin	2,228
Galway	384
Kerry	401
Kildare	629
Kilkenny	337
Laois	289
Leitrim	105
Limerick	459
Longford	128
Louth	855
Mayo	326
Meath	482
Monaghan	249
Offaly	408
Roscommon	164
Sligo	215
Tipperary	715
Waterford	701
Westmeath	341
Wexford	824
Wicklow	411
Total:	12,829

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

JobsPlus Scheme

Ceisteanna (444)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

444. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has carried out an analysis or evaluation of the JobsPlus scheme to ascertain if employers subsidised under the scheme have retained staff in the period after the subsidy is withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33515/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

As the Deputy is aware, the JobsPlus incentive is designed to encourage employers and businesses to focus their recruitment efforts on those who have been out of work for long periods, or on young people seeking employment. It provides employers with two levels of payment - €7,500 or €10,000 - over two years, paid in monthly instalments, provided the employment is maintained. The rate of payment depends on the length of time the person employed has been on the Live Register.

My Department is currently undertaking a Focused Policy Assessment (FPA) on the incentive. As part of this assessment, an analysis of a sample of JobsPlus employees was conducted between 30 and 36 months after their commencement date on the scheme. This analysis has shown that for employees who complete 24 months on the scheme, 79% remain with their current employer and 95% remain off the Live Register. The FPA will be finalised over the coming weeks.

I consider this a very favourable result and I believe it demonstrates the positive effect that JobsPlus has in getting people who are long-term unemployed into work.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes Data

Ceisteanna (445)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

445. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons aged 18 to 21 and 22 to 24 years of age respectively on a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33516/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The number of persons aged 18 to 21 and 22 to 24 years respectively, currently participating on CE are presented in tabular format.

Community Employment figures as at end of March 2017

Age	Total number of Participants
18-21	340
22-24	591
Total	931

Community Employment Schemes Eligibility

Ceisteanna (446)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

446. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider widening eligibility to the community employment schemes for young persons under 25 years of age who are on a social welfare payment for 12 months or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33517/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Following the publication of my Department’s Report - An Analysis of the Community Employment Programme – earlier in the year, the Government approved a number of changes to the terms and conditions around participation on Community Employment (CE). The main purpose of these changes is to broaden the availability of CE to a greater number of people on the live register and to standardise other conditions around the length of time a person can participate on the programme. The changes will see the general qualifying age for CE for those in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 12 months or more, reduced from 25 to 21 years. It will also be easier for previous participants who have exhausted their CE entitlement to requalify, as participation prior to the year 2007 will be disregarded. Those aged between 21 and 55 years are entitled to one year on the programme, however, this can be extended by up to 2 more years if they are engaged in a recognised training or education award that is helping them progress towards employment. There will be an overall lifetime limit of 6 years from 2007 (or 7 years if on a disability payment).

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Data

Ceisteanna (447)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

447. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 26 years of age who are in receipt of disability allowance; the number of males and females in receipt of this payment in this age cohort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33518/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The following table is a breakdown of persons in receipt of disability allowance (DA) under 26 years of age at the end of June 2017.

Male under 26	Female under 26	Total number of DA recipients under 26
10,969	6,856	17,825

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

One-Parent Family Payment Data

Ceisteanna (448)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

448. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 26 years of age who are in receipt of the one-parent family payment; the number of males and females in receipt of this payment in this age cohort; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33519/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.

Number of Recipients of One Parent Family Payment under 26 years of age at end of June 2017

Age	Male	Female
15	0	6
16	0	35
17	0	80
18	1	204
19	0	435
20	1	652
21	2	955
22	1	1,245
23	5	1,687
24	6	1,887
25	6	2,106