Written Answers Nos. 583-602
583. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the social welfare inspector who retired in Portlaoise some months ago will be replaced in view of the fact that the shortage of staff is causing long delays in processing claims for welfare benefits. [41614/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, like all Government Departments and agencies, is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget.
Within these constraints, my Department is focusing on prioritising the filling of critical posts. The staffing needs for all offices of my Department are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.
The Social Welfare Inspector vacancy in Portlaoise which recently arose through retirement has been approved for filling and a request has been made to the Public Appointments Service for a replacement.
584. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in registering an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); if a supplementary payment can issue in the interim in the absence of a one-parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41726/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is currently in receipt of a Jobseeker’s Transition payment. An application for Carer’s Allowance was disallowed in May 2017 as the person concerned did not satisfy the qualifying criteria for this payment. She was notified on 2 May 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review or appeal. According to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, an appeal has not been registered on behalf of the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
585. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an application by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41728/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this man on 10 August 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
586. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if legislation is required in respect of the identification card that is being rolled out, particularly in relation to the area of data protection in view of the multiple proposed uses for this card across Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41736/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of SAFE 2 registration is to verify a person’s identity to a substantial level of assurance. Once identity is verified, a Public Services Card can be issued. This is a physical token which proves that a person has had their identity verified to the SAFE 2 standard and enables them to gain access to public services more efficiently and with a minimum of duplication of effort, while at the same time preserving their privacy to the maximum extent possible.
The primary legislative provisions for SAFE registration and identity verification are set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 (as amended) as follows:
- Sections 262 and 263B provide for the verification of identity for issuance and use of a PPS Number;
- Sections 263, 263A and 263B provide for the verification of identity for issuance, use and cancellation of a PSC;
- Section 241 provides that a person must satisfy the Minister as to his or her identity when making a new claim and sets out how that can be done;
- Section 247C provides that an existing claimant must satisfy the Minister as to his or her identity, sets out how that can be done and provides for disqualification where an existing claimant fails to so do.
The process used to satisfy the Minister as to identity is the SAFE 2 registration process. The only data that is collected and verified in a SAFE 2 registration process is the limited set of data contained in the Public Services Identity, PSI, dataset which is defined in Section 262 (1) and listed at Section 262 (3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). This essentially includes a person’s PPS Number, surname; forename; date of birth; place of birth; sex; all former surnames (if any); all former surnames (if any) of his or her mother; address; nationality; photo; signature.
Only bodies specified in legislation and currently included in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) or their agents can share this data or elements of it or can ask for and use the PSC. The full list of specified bodies is contained in Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). It lists all Ministers, city and county councils, Education and Training Boards, the HSE, voluntary hospitals, schools, institutes of technology, universities, and a range of civil and public service bodies. Such specified bodies are in all cases required to process and store data in accordance with the Data Protection Acts.
The legislative basis for sharing this data is set out in Section 262 (6) of the Act and states, “where a specified body has a transaction with a person, the Minister may share the person’s public service identity with the specified body to the extent necessary in respect of that transaction for authentication by the specified body of the person’s public service identity”, and, “a specified body may use a person’s public service identity in performing its public functions insofar as those functions relate to the person concerned".
My Department has been implementing SAFE 2 identity verification on a phased basis since 2011. More recently, other public service bodies have begun implementing it for their services. As a consequence, and in addition to services from my Department, SAFE 2 identity verification is now required for:
- First time adult passport applicants in the state;
- Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged passports issued prior to January 2005, where the person is resident in the State;
- Citizenship applications;
- Driver Theory Test Applicants;
- Access to high-value or personal online public services, e.g. Social Protection’s MyWelfare and Revenue’s MyAccount services.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform recently published the eGovernment Strategy 2017-20, which lists a number of additional public services for which SAFE 2 registration will be required over the next 18 months or so, with others likely to be added over time. That Strategy is available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s dedicated website at: http://egovstrategy.gov.ie/. I have been informed by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that it is not mandatory for residents in Ireland to be SAFE 2 registered, though a growing number of public services that require proof of identity of individuals will be underpinned by the SAFE 2 standard, ensuring services are provided to the correct people in an efficient manner, while protecting their data. The transition plans, including communications, interim arrangements, exceptions, etc., will be worked through by those Departments and public bodies with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, OGCIO, in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
587. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41737/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 August 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 for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 7 September 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 Employment Affairs and 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.
588. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41738/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 July 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 Employment Affairs and 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.
589. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41739/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 June 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 Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 11 September 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 Employment Affairs and 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.
590. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied). [41742/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 23 August 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.
591. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41744/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 6 June 2017.
The application was awarded to the person concerned on 28 September 2017 and the first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 12 October 2017.
Arrears of allowance due from 8 June 2017 to 11 October 2017 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 28 September 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
592. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41763/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance, DA, from this lady on 18 September 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 DA 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 her claim.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
593. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for refusal of an application by a person (details supplied) for carer's allowance; if this application will be reviewed as a matter of urgency with particular reference to the level of care provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for carer's allowance, CA, was received from the person concerned on 9 May 2017.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least 12 months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence was insufficient to indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 2 August 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
594. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of the additional 500 rural social scheme posts announced in budget 2017 by the former Minister for Social Protection which have been filled to date; the number that remain unfilled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41868/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rural social scheme, RSS, is an income support initiative to provide part-time employment opportunities in the community and voluntary organisations for farmers or fishermen in receipt of certain social welfare payments and underemployed in their primary occupation. As the Deputy is aware, in recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the RSS and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2017, an additional 500 places were made available with effect from 1 February, 2017 increasing the overall number of places on RSS from 2,600 to 3,100.
Participation is by voluntary self-selection and is dependent on the availability of vacancies in the relevant locality. While the overall responsibility for the operation of the RSS rests with the Department, it is implemented at a local level by 35 Local Development Companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in the Gaeltacht areas (known as the Implementing Bodies, IB). Accordingly, the relevant IB has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of each scheme.
Since 1 February 2017, all participants commencing on the RSS have to be over 25 years of age and a six-year overall participation limit on the work scheme also applies. The new measure ensures that places become available to provide opportunities for other farmers and fishermen to take part in the scheme. To be eligible to participate on the scheme, an individual must satisfy the qualifying criteria for the scheme. This includes having an entitlement to one of the qualifying social welfare payments and maintaining an underlying entitlement to Farm/Fish Assist.
As of 11 September 2017, of the additional 500 RSS places, 201 have been filled and a further 299 remain to be filled.
While the Implementing Bodies have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, I want to assure the Deputy that my Department is working closely with them to ensure that all the places are rolled out as quickly as possibly over the coming months.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
595. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to cap the amount of hours to eight, ten or 12 hours which BTEA (details supplied) recipients can work without being means tested and whereby hours worked in excess of the expected hours would be means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41872/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll Back to Education Allowance, BTEA, participants, with eligibility based on a qualifying payment, must re-establish their entitlement to the qualifying payment at the beginning of each and subsequent academic year. The conditionality attached to the qualifying payment must be examined at the beginning of each academic year in order for BTEA to be approved.
BTEA participants who engage in part-time work within the academic year have their earnings assessed in accordance with their primary payment while in receipt of BTEA. A BTEA participant may engage in part-time work for more than three days per week without losing their entitlement as long as their average weekly means is below the rate payable, based on their family circumstances. BTEA participants are not permitted to work full-time, as the courses of education supported under BTEA are full-time.
The BTEA is not intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third-level education system. The student universal support Ireland, SUSI, grant payable by the Department of Education and Skills represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
Overall, the priority for my Department is that the BTEA scheme remains focused, targeted and suitable for the needs of jobseekers and of the future skills needs of the economy.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
596. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) whose social welfare appeal in respect of refusal of an application for disability allowance was recently allowed will receive payment of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41923/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department was recently notified by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal for this gentleman was successful.
His case is currently with a deciding officer to implement the appeals officer’s decision and he will be notified in writing as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
597. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when construction is due to commence on the new extension to Drumshanbo Fire Station, County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on the current annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres.
With regard to Drumshanbo fire station, correspondence was initially sent to my Department in January 2016 outlining works required. This fire station project has been included under the five-year Fire Services Capital Programme and is listed as one of the stations to undergo remedial/upgrade works.
In April 2017, the Council submitted drawings and a cost plan of the proposed extension to the fire station at a total cost of €110,000. Following the receipt and evaluation of this information, it has been decided to approve Leitrim County Council to proceed to tender stage. Upon receipt of a tender proposal, my Department will continue working with Leitrim County Council to progress this project. The projects in the capital programme are reassessed on an annual basis and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account of the state of readiness of the projects.
598. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the fees payable by persons (details supplied); the rules in place regarding development charges on farm buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41690/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fee payable for a planning application for the provision or retention of an agricultural building, other than an agricultural structure exempted from the requirement to obtain planning permission under section 4 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or Articles 6 to 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, is set out in Class 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 9 to the 2001 Regulations.
The fee is calculated on the number of buildings, the gross floor space of such buildings and the number of other structures involved and is subject to a maximum fee of €300 for the provision of a structure(s), or €900 for the retention of a structure(s).
Development contributions provide critical resources to facilitate the provision of essential public infrastructure and facilities that support the implementation of local authority development plans. My role as Minister with regard to development contributions is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority.
Section 48(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a development contribution scheme, applied by a planning authority in respect of its functional area, may make provision for payment of different contributions in respect of different classes or descriptions of development. The Act also requires that schemes state the basis for determining contributions and that they have regard to the actual estimated cost of providing the various classes of public infrastructure and facilities. The level of contribution, and the types of development to which development contributions should apply, including any exemptions from charging in specific circumstances if that is deemed appropriate, are therefore determined at local authority level, in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in this regard.
My Department issued statutory guidelines to planning authorities in January 2013 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on the implementation of development contribution schemes. Adherence to a consistent cost allocation methodology outlined in the guidelines is strongly recommended. The guidelines further advise that, in deciding within the non-residential categories of development works how costs are to be attributed, the intensity of infrastructural usage by different categories of, for example, employment related activity should be taken into account.
The majority of development contribution schemes adopted by planning authorities currently provide for charges in respect of certain agricultural buildings or development within their functional areas. In line with this consistent approach, the County Monaghan Development Contributions Scheme applies development contribution charges for new farm buildings (including silos, concrete yards/aprons, silage bases and slurry pits or towers), on the basis that they are a form of development, with such charges being required for the purpose of contributing toward the provision of Community, Recreation and Amenity facilities. At present, the development charge levied on an agricultural building in County Monaghan is €2 per square metre with an exemption for the first 300 square metres. Unlike planning application fees, no increased charges are applied for retention of development.
Section 48(4) of the Act of 2000 requires planning authorities to publish a draft development contribution scheme for public consultation, while section 48(5) provides that the Minister may make recommendations in relation to a draft scheme. However, it is ultimately a matter for the elected members of a planning authority to adopt a development contribution scheme as a reserved function, having regard to any recommendations made by the Minister and the Chief Executive's report on the public consultation process.
I am satisfied that the existing statutory and policy framework in this regard strikes the right balance between ensuring a transparent and broadly consistent levying of development contributions across the country, while also affording each local authority sufficient flexibility and discretion in the application of development contributions within their own respective functional areas.
599. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will extend the time period in which farmers are allowed to spread slurry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41689/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to Questions Nos. 278 and 280 of 28 September 2017. The position is unchanged.
600. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of completed tenant purchase scheme applications by each local authority since its introduction in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are by law (Section 63(1) of the Local Government Act 2001) independent in the performance of their functions. The operation of the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is a matter for the local authority concerned, in line with legislation, including the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015.
The new Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme for existing local authority houses came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme.
In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the Tenant Purchase scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The review is now complete and a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. This includes data on sales and applications to purchase during the calendar year 2016. Following consultation with relevant Departments on implementation arrangements, I expect that definitive proposals will be submitted to me very shortly; after which the report referred to will be published.
601. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of housing and family hubs in Dublin to date in 2017; the location of each; the number of housing and family hubs planned for the remainder of 2017 for Dublin; the proposed locations of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41301/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the response to the commitment contained in Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness that commercial hotels and B&B's should only be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families in limited circumstances, housing authorities are delivering a number of family-focused, supported temporary accommodation facilities, also referred to as family hubs.
These custom-developed facilities provide temporary family accommodation arrangements with a greater level of stability, than is possible in a hotel or B&B, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning including on-site access to required services, such as welfare, health, housing services, cooking and laundry facilities and appropriate family supports.
There are currently nine such facilities operating in the Dublin region providing temporary accommodation for almost 300 families. A further six facilities are currently scheduled to become operational shortly providing accommodation for approximately 300 further families. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with the individual housing authorities, accordingly the specific detail with regard to location, etc. is a matter for the relevant housing authority.
602. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the large number of elderly persons' apartments unoccupied in complexes for elderly persons, for example, those in Glasanaon Court and Mellowes Court, Finglas; if such empty bedsits or apartments can be renovated to a standard to accommodate the large number of elderly persons awaiting accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41302/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin City Council has advised that they have a policy in place since 2013 of amalgamating existing two bedsit units (26m2) into more substantial one-bed units. This policy has been supported by both the Council and my Department. Over 300 units have now been amalgamated giving a much improved living environment for the residents concerned. In order to carry out these amalgamations, it is necessary to have a minimum number of vacancies to allow the work to proceed. The council have therefore been maintaining vacancies in identified complexes to facilitate this work. This is the case with the units at Glasanaon, where a contractor has been appointed to carry out the amalgamations at this location.
Dublin City Council has informed my Department that there is currently one void property in Mellowes Court, which is currently being refurbished by the city council maintenance team. There are other vacant senior citizens properties at various locations, which the city council plans to redevelop through the Two into One Amalgamation Programme or through the Voids Programme and will be re-let as soon as possible.
To date in 2017, Dublin City Council has refurbished and re-let 575 properties, 194 of which are senior citizens’ properties. These refurbishments have been substantially assisted by funding from my Department.
