Written Answers Nos. 558-576
558. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a State contributory pension by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48686/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA copy of the social insurance record relied upon by the Deciding Officer when making the initial decision was provided to the person concerned on 10 April 217. The person was asked to check that this record was in order and to notify the Department of any discrepancy.
Following a review of the person’s state pension (contributory), it was noticed that not all of the person’s social insurance contributions had been included in the initial pension eligibility calculation. The person’s social insurance record has been updated and a revised decision has been made awarding an increased rate of pension, effective from 2 May 2017, the person’s original date of pension award. The person concerned has been notified of this decision on 20 November and arrears have issued.
Additionally, the person’s employment record for the period 2002 to 2013 is being investigated by my Department’s Scope section. Scope section has written to the person’s previous employer on 28 September 2017 and a reminder issued on 15 November 2017. Once Scope section makes a decision on the insurability, or otherwise, of the queried period(s) of employment, the person’s pension entitlement will be reviewed. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome of that review, in writing, without delay.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
559. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will have a decision on their appeal for a disability entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48694/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
560. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will have a final decision on their application for a disability allowance. [48697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis gentleman has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 17 May 2017. The first payment will be made to his chosen payment method on 6 December 2017.
If he was in receipt of another social welfare payment, or an increase was paid to another for his benefit, during the period 17 May 2017 to 5 December 2017, the amount of social welfare already paid requires calculation and will be deducted from any arrears due. Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
561. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made regarding a person (details supplied) who submitted an appeal in August 2017 in respect of their carer's allowance. [48698/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8 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 of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 October 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.
562. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48714/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 October 2917. 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 9 November 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.
563. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to make changes in legislation that would give rights to employees (details supplied) in cases in which there is a status red weather alert in an area in order to prevent dangerous travel to work and to protect income for lost work resulting from such a weather alert; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48753/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national response to Storm Ophelia was coordinated by my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy T.D., and the National Emergency Coordination Committee. I understand that the response to Storm Ophelia is being reviewed and a report will be prepared which will be submitted to the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning for its attention before being submitted for the approval of Government in January 2018.
In relation to Occupational Health and Safety, policy responsibility for that remains with my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. It would be a policy matter for her Department on whether the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Acts require amendment should severe weather events like this occur in the future.
My Department issued a notice in relation to whether employees had a statutory right to be paid in the event of severe weather events like 16 October last:https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Do-employees-have-a-statutory-right-to-be-paid-for-non-attendance-at-work-due-to-severe-weather-conditions.aspx.
I have no plans to amend the Payment of Wages Acts at this time.
564. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons under 18 years of age with severe physical disabilities and living in their family home whose family was in receipt of rent supplement in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48758/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra578. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review rent supplement rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the control measures and operational provisions that are in place to ensure that increases in rent that will occur during the year are met and that additional payments by the tenant or topping up of rent does not occur for persons in receipt of rent supplement over the course of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48995/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 564, 578 and 579 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 36,200 recipients for which the Government has provided €253 million for in 2017.
Information on the number of people under-18 years of age with severe physical disabilities that are living in family homes supported by rent supplement is not maintained.
Under-the-counter ‘top-up’ payments occur where the landlord and tenant understate the actual rent agreed between both parties to secure a rent supplement tenancy. The tenant and landlord must complete the rent supplement application form declaring that the information provided is accurate. It is therefore very difficult for the Department to identify these types of arrangements where both the tenant and landlord have confirmed the information provided.
Rather than increasing rent limits at this time and in recognition of the ongoing difficulties in the rented market, my Department continues to implement a targeted, flexible, case-by-case approach where rents may exceed the maximum limits. The Protocol arrangement in place with Threshold continues to operate in the areas where supply issues are particularly acute covering Dublin, Cork, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and Galway City. Over 1,500 increased payments over the rent limits have been made this year to date.
The provision of flexibility above rent limits is providing a mechanism to address increasing rents, including those in ‘top-up’ payment arrangements. People in these situations are advised that their position can be regularised and that they should contact the Community Welfare Service for assistance.
The continued flexible case-by-case approach together with the recent reforms to the private rental sector, notably the cap in the Rent Pressure Zones, is providing increased certainty and security for rent supplement tenants.
I am continuing to keep these matters under review.
565. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the preparations made in her Department in the event of no agreement being reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU; if such preparations involve the drawing up of detailed and specific contingency plans in the event of a hard Brexit and a trade regime based on WTO tariffs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48776/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government‘s contingency planning.
In relation to the areas under my remit, the key area of concern is the impact of Brexit on the current reciprocal arrangements for social insurance (which includes pensions) and social assistance (means tested schemes linked to residency rights) and child benefit between Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The Department is continuing its assessment of the implications of Brexit, including where no withdrawal agreement is concluded, on these areas on a scheme-by-scheme and client basis. This is part of ongoing Brexit analysis and scenario planning for input into larger Government deliberative processes and it is considered that all of these areas merit equal prioritisation as they fundamentally relate to the rights, entitlements and wellbeing of our citizens.
566. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost per year of providing external coaching or training services, or both, for staff development in her Department over the past five years and to date in 2017, in tabular form; the company that delivered the training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48805/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is very active in the delivery of learning and development to staff with the aim of assisting their ongoing continuing professional development. In addition to these external training supports, a comprehensive suite of training- the One DEASP Learning and Development Programme – is delivered internally by Departmental training staff to colleagues in frontline roles.
The Department’s spend on external staff training, coaching and development and the companies that have delivered training from 2012 to date are as follows:
|
Year |
Total |
Supplier Name |
|
2012 |
€785,848.00 |
Abbey Conference & Corporate |
|
Achilles Procurement Services Ltd. |
||
|
All Hallows College |
||
|
Auditware Training & Consultancy |
||
|
BearingPoint Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Bernard Hallinan T/A Safe Work |
||
|
Beverley Webster Workplace Rehabilitation |
||
|
bmf Business Services |
||
|
Brendan Casey |
||
|
Career Decisions Ireland |
||
|
Carr Communications Ltd |
||
|
Carraig Safety Consultants Ltd |
||
|
Caveo Information Systems Ltd |
||
|
Chartered Accountants Cork Society |
||
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
||
|
Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development |
||
|
City of Galway VEC |
||
|
Clear & Critical Thinking |
||
|
CMD Group |
||
|
Communications and Natural Resources (786 FISH) |
||
|
CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISES LTD. |
||
|
Construction Industry Training Ltd |
||
|
Crisis Prevention Institute Inc |
||
|
CSTDC TRAINING (307) |
||
|
Cutter Consortium |
||
|
Damar Consultancy Ltd |
||
|
DATA DISPLAY CO LTD |
||
|
Dublin City University |
||
|
Dermot O'Neill Consulting |
||
|
Desmond Walsh |
||
|
Dublin City Council Fire Brigade |
||
|
eCom solutions Ltd |
||
|
Energy Action Limited. |
||
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
||
|
First Aid & Medical Training Services |
||
|
Gartner Ireland Limited |
||
|
Gerard Dunne First Aid |
||
|
Gerard Mallon |
||
|
Henderson Fire & Safety Ltd |
||
|
IACT |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IEEE |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
|
Institute of Certified Public Accountants |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
IP Forensics Ltd |
||
|
Irish Academy of Computer Training |
||
|
Irish Centre For European Law |
||
|
Irish Computer Society |
||
|
Irish Management Institute |
||
|
Irish Red Cross |
||
|
Irish Times |
||
|
IRN Publishing Ltd |
||
|
Joseph Ganley |
||
|
Kearney Training & Consultancy (KTC) Ltd |
||
|
Keytrainer Ireland Ltd. |
||
|
Legal-Island |
||
|
Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
|
Martin Mc Hugo |
||
|
Martina Brennan |
||
|
Mazars |
||
|
Mediateam Ltd |
||
|
Mel Cousins & Associates |
||
|
Mental Health Ireland |
||
|
MNF Training & Business Consultants |
|
New Horizons Ireland |
||
|
NIFAST |
||
|
NUI Maynooth |
||
|
O'Herlihy Access Consultancy |
||
|
Olas Software Training & Development |
||
|
Oscailt |
||
|
PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd |
||
|
Pathway |
||
|
PDP |
||
|
PFH Technology Group |
||
|
Phoenix Safety Ltd |
||
|
Plural Sight LCC |
||
|
Prodata Business Systems Ltd |
||
|
Professional Development Ltd. |
||
|
Right Coaching & HR Solutions |
||
|
Robert Carty, |
||
|
Sean O’Brien |
||
|
Second Sight Development & Training |
||
|
Sligo Park Hotel |
||
|
Social Justice Ireland |
||
|
Social Research Association |
||
|
StayAhead Training Ltd |
||
|
SureSkills Limited |
||
|
Taylor Bennett Partners LLP UK OUG |
||
|
The Business Analysts Association of Ireland |
||
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
|
Trinity College Dublin - School of Law |
||
|
Valerie Pierce t/a Valerie Pierce Business |
||
|
Waterford Chamber |
||
|
Western Management Centre |
||
|
Whyte Swan Developments Ltd |
||
|
Zinopy Ltd |
||
|
2013 |
€728,835 |
Achilles Procurement Services Ltd. |
|
Age & Opportunity |
||
|
Aidan Browne |
||
|
Aiim International Ltd. |
||
|
Alistair Tosh |
||
|
All Hallows College |
||
|
Auditware Training & Consultancy |
||
|
Barnardo's |
||
|
Bibby Financial Services Ireland LTD |
||
|
Bridget Lawlor & Sheila O'Leary t/aNua Training & Development |
||
|
BT Communications Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Carmel Farnan |
||
|
Central Health & Safety Services Ltd |
||
|
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion |
||
|
Centre for Software Engineering |
||
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
||
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors Ireland |
||
|
City of Galway VEC, |
||
|
Common Purpose Ltd |
||
|
Consolidated Enterprises |
||
|
Core International |
||
|
Crisis Prevention Institute Inc |
||
|
CTEC t/a Sectec Ltd |
||
|
Cutter Consortium |
||
|
Dublin City Council Fire Brigade |
||
|
EAP Institute |
||
|
E-Bridge Training Ltd |
||
|
Energy Action Ltd |
||
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
||
|
Exceltraining & Designs Ltd |
||
|
First Aid & Medical Training Services |
||
|
Frank Nugent |
||
|
Fusion Training & Development |
||
|
Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board |
||
|
Gartner Ireland Limited |
||
|
Health Training |
||
|
Henderson Fire & Safety Ltd |
||
|
High Performance Training |
||
|
IACT |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IFAL |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
|
Independent Colleges |
||
|
Inspire Quality Services Ltd |
||
|
Institute of Certified Public Accountants |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
IP Forensics Ltd |
||
|
Irish Computer Society |
||
|
Irish Red Cross |
||
|
IRN Publishing Ltd |
||
|
ISL Academy |
||
|
Kelron Health and Safety |
||
|
La Touche Training |
||
|
Lean Sigma Systems Ltd |
||
|
Legal-Island |
||
|
Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
|
Margaret O'Dwyer |
||
|
Markisma |
||
|
Maynooth Campus Conference & Accommodation |
||
|
Mental Health Ireland |
||
|
Microsoft MIOL |
||
|
Mongey Communications |
||
|
National College of Ireland |
||
|
Netfort Technologies LTD |
||
|
New Horizons Ireland |
||
|
NUI Maynooth |
||
|
PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd |
||
|
PDP |
||
|
People Resources |
||
|
Phoenix Safety Ltd |
||
|
Procad Technology Ltd t/a TrainingPoint |
||
|
Prodata Business Systems Ltd |
||
|
Professional Development Ltd. |
||
|
Professional Training Solutions Ltd |
||
|
Reading Development Institute |
||
|
Robert Carty |
||
|
Safetech Consulting and Training Ltd |
||
|
Safety Solution Ltd |
||
|
SMT Consultants Ltd |
||
|
Social Justice Ireland |
||
|
Social Research Association |
||
|
SQL Server Magazine |
||
|
SQS Software Quality Systems (Ire) Ltd |
||
|
SureSkills Limited |
||
|
Sureskills Ltd |
||
|
The Communications Clinic Ltd |
||
|
The Irish College of General Practitioners |
||
|
The Men's Development Network Ltd |
||
|
The Performance Partnership |
||
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
|
University College Cork |
||
|
University College Dublin |
||
|
Western Management Centre |
|
2014 |
€815,388.00 |
Accenture |
|
Achilles Procurement Services |
||
|
All Hallows College |
||
|
Ashville Media Group |
||
|
Astro Computer Training |
||
|
Auditware Training & Consultancy |
||
|
Bibby Financial Services Ireland LTD |
||
|
Big Wave Media Training |
||
|
bmf Business Services |
||
|
BT Communications Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Carr Communications Ltd |
||
|
Carraig Safety Consultants Ltd. |
||
|
Centre for Software Engineering |
||
|
Centre for Software Engineering |
||
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
||
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
||
|
Chris Mee Safety Engineering |
||
|
Common Purpose Ltd |
||
|
Common Purpose Ltd |
||
|
Computer Based Training (CB Training) |
||
|
CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISES LTD. |
||
|
Core International |
||
|
CPL Training Ltd t/a Nifast |
||
|
Crosswood Development t/a Olive Safety |
||
|
Digital Marketing Institute |
||
|
Dublin City Council Fire Brigade |
||
|
Durrow Communications Ltd (CareersPortal) |
||
|
E-Bridge Training Ltd |
||
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
||
|
Frank Communication Ltd |
||
|
Frank Nugent |
||
|
FRS Training Ltd |
||
|
Gaelchultúr |
||
|
Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board |
||
|
Galway County Council |
||
|
Gartner Ireland Limited |
||
|
Gartner UK Limited |
||
|
Geraldine Grady t/a Step Consulting |
||
|
Hartley People |
||
|
Harvest Training Resources |
||
|
Headway Ireland Ltd |
||
|
High Performance Training |
||
|
HONORABLE SOCIETY OF KING'S INNS |
||
|
IACT |
||
|
IBEC 1 |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
|
IICP Education & Training Ltd |
||
|
Inspire Quality Services Ltd |
||
|
Institute of Certified Public Accountants |
||
|
Institute Of Project Management |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
Irish Computer Society |
||
|
Irish Red Cross |
||
|
Irish Times |
||
|
IRN Publishing Ltd |
||
|
IT & Electronic Services Ltd |
||
|
John Swan |
||
|
Kelron Health and Safety |
||
|
La Touche Training |
||
|
Legal-Island |
||
|
Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
|
Maire Halpin & Associates |
||
|
Marie Keating Foundation |
||
|
Markisma |
||
|
McMahon CSM Ltd |
||
|
Microsoft European Events |
||
|
National College of Ireland |
||
|
National Training Solutions NTS |
||
|
Neil Donaghy |
||
|
New Horizons Computer Learning Centres |
||
|
New Horizons Ireland |
||
|
NIFAST |
||
|
North West Mental Health Alliance |
||
|
NSAI |
||
|
Olas Software Training & Development Ltd |
||
|
Omniplex Group Ltd |
||
|
PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd, |
||
|
PDP |
||
|
People Resources |
||
|
PFH Tech Group |
||
|
Phoenix Safety Ltd |
||
|
Procad Technology Ltd t/a TrainingPoint |
||
|
Professional Development Ltd |
||
|
Reading Development Institute |
||
|
Robert Carty |
||
|
Safetech Consulting and Training Ltd |
||
|
Seven - Psychology at Work |
||
|
Shannon and District Chamber of Commerce |
||
|
Smart Skills |
||
|
SMT Consultants |
||
|
Social Justice Ireland |
|
Social Research Association |
||
|
Step Performance Group |
||
|
The Finlay Consultancy |
||
|
The Imperial Hotel |
||
|
The Irish College of General Practitioners |
||
|
The Knowledge Academy Limited |
||
|
The Performance Partnership |
||
|
The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland |
||
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
|
University College Cork |
||
|
University College Dublin |
||
|
Western Management Centre |
Tables contd.
|
2015 |
€551,346.00 |
Abbey Conference & Corporate |
|
All Hallows College |
||
|
Allone Corporate Solutions Ltd |
||
|
ANDREW DOYLE SAFETY CONSULTANTS LIMITED |
||
|
Ann Dinnigan t/a Mobile HR |
||
|
Apex Fire Ltd. |
||
|
Arcline Ltd. |
||
|
Auditware Systems Limited |
||
|
Auditware Training & Consultancy |
||
|
B Safe |
||
|
Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon |
||
|
Bernard Hallinan T/A Safe Work |
||
|
Bibby Financial Services Ireland LTD |
||
|
Big Wave Media Training |
||
|
bmf Business Services |
||
|
C.C.I.C.C. Ltd |
||
|
Career & Life Planning Ltd |
||
|
Carr Communications Ltd |
||
|
Carrigaline Court Hotel |
||
|
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion |
||
|
Chartered Accountants Ireland |
||
|
CHRIS MEE SAFETY ENGINEERING |
||
|
College of Computing Technology |
||
|
Commercial Media Group |
||
|
Common Purpose Ltd |
||
|
Computer Based Training (CB Training) |
||
|
CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISES LTD. |
||
|
Core International |
||
|
Deebert House Hotel |
||
|
Deloitte & Touche |
||
|
Dept Justice Equality & Law Reform (933 MNJX) |
||
|
Dublin City Council Fire Brigade |
||
|
Durrow Communications Ltd (CareersPortal) |
||
|
E-Bridge Training Ltd |
||
|
ERA Academy of European Law |
||
|
Frank Communication Ltd, |
||
|
Gerard Corrigan & Hugh O'Neill T/A Breakthrough |
||
|
Gerard Mallon |
||
|
Henderson Fire & Safety Ltd |
||
|
IACT |
||
|
IBEC |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
|
IICP Education & Training Ltd |
||
|
Institute of Certified Public Accountants |
||
|
Institute of Public Administration |
||
|
Irish Computer Society |
||
|
Irish Institute of Training & Development |
||
|
IRN Publishing Ltd |
||
|
Kelron Health and Safety |
||
|
La Touche Training |
||
|
LISA RAFFERTY |
||
|
Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
|
MACKIN CONSULTANCY LIMITED |
||
|
McGrath Barrett & Associates |
||
|
Mental Health Ireland |
||
|
Midas Training & Business |
||
|
National Adult Literacy Agency |
||
|
National Association for the Deaf |
||
|
National Council for the Blind |
||
|
New Horizons Computer Learning Centres |
||
|
New Horizons Ireland |
||
|
NSAI |
||
|
NUI Maynooth |
||
|
Oscailt |
||
|
PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd |
||
|
PDP |
||
|
People Resources |
||
|
Phoenix Safety Ltd |
||
|
Procad Technology Ltd t/a TrainingPoint |
||
|
Professional Development Ltd |
||
|
Professional Training Solutions Ltd |
||
|
Pulse 8 Training |
||
|
Renaissance Contingency Services Limited |
||
|
Robert Carty |
||
|
Rossan College |
||
|
Safety Ireland First Response Ltd. |
||
|
SAS Institute Ltd |
||
|
Seven - Psychology at Work |
||
|
Smart Skills |
||
|
Social Research Association |
||
|
Step Performance Group |
||
|
The Honorable Society of King's Inns |
||
|
The Irish College of General Practitioners |
||
|
The Irish Computer Society |
||
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The Learning Curve Institute |
||
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The Rickter Company Ltd |
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Total Focus Ltd |
||
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Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
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University College Dublin |
||
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Western Management Centre |
|
2016 |
€768,977.00 |
Adapt Domestic Abuse Services |
|
Allone Corporate Solutions Ltd |
||
|
Ann Dinnigan T/A Mobile HR |
||
|
Anne Walsh T/A Abaltacht Services |
||
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Apex Fire Ltd |
||
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Arcnline Ltd |
||
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Auditware Systems Ltd |
||
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Ayrton Consultancy Ltd T/A Ayrton Group |
||
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Baker Tilly Ryan Glennon |
||
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Barnardos |
||
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Bibby Financial Services Ire Ltd |
||
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bmf Business Services |
||
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Carr Communications Ltd |
||
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Castlebridge Associates |
||
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
||
|
Chartered Institute of Pers |
||
|
Chris Mee Safety Engineering |
||
|
Christopher O'Shea T/A PPA |
||
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Christopher O'Shea T/A PPA Trading |
||
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Clardex Systems Ltd |
||
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CMIT Learning Ltd |
||
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Commercial Media Group |
||
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Common Purpose Ltd |
||
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Connexus Recruit Ltd |
||
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Consolidated Enterprises Ltd |
||
|
Cork Education and Training Board |
||
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Crosswood Developments |
||
|
CSTDC Training |
||
|
DCM Learning |
||
|
Dept. of Justice Equality & Law Reform |
||
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Dublin City Fire Brigade |
||
|
Durrow Communications Ltd |
||
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e-bridge Training Ltd |
||
|
Eleanor Wogan T/A Work Wise |
||
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ERA Academy of European Law |
||
|
European Academy for Taxes, Economics & Law |
||
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Exceltraining & Designs Ltd |
||
|
Fire & Industrial Safety Training |
||
|
Fujitsu Services Shared Services Centre |
||
|
Gaelchultúr |
||
|
Global Knowledge Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Harvest Training Services |
||
|
Haywood Associates Ltd |
|
IACT |
||
|
IBEC |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
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ILM |
||
|
Inspire Quality Services Ltd |
||
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Institute of Public Administration |
||
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InterAccess Ltd |
||
|
Irish Association of Pension Funds |
||
|
Irish Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (IIPMM) |
||
|
Irish Institute of Training & Development |
||
|
Irish Times |
||
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IRM Publishing Ltd |
||
|
Kelron Health & Safety |
||
|
Kerry County Council |
||
|
La Touche Training |
||
|
Legal-Island |
||
|
Liam O'Brien |
||
|
Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
|
Mackin Consultancy Ltd |
||
|
Maire Halpin & Associates |
||
|
Mental Health Ireland |
||
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MGT Training Ltd |
||
|
Munster HR Associates Ltd |
||
|
National Association for the Deaf |
||
|
National Council for the Blind |
||
|
National Recruitment Federation |
||
|
NCU Ltd (northside centre) |
||
|
New Horizons Ire |
||
|
NUI Maynooth |
||
|
PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd |
||
|
PDP |
||
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Pluralsight LCC |
||
|
Professional Development Ltd |
||
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Public Affairs Ireland |
||
|
Public Relations Institute of Ireland |
||
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Pulse8 Training |
||
|
Queens University Belfast |
||
|
Renaissance Contingency |
||
|
Resolve Ireland |
||
|
Robert Carty |
||
|
Safetech Consulting & Training |
||
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Safety Ireland First Response Ltd |
||
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SAS Institute Ltd |
||
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Smart Skills |
||
|
Social Research Association |
||
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South West Counselling Centre |
||
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St John of God Hospital Ltd |
||
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Sureskills Ltd |
||
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The Analytics Store |
||
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The Honourable Society of King's Inns |
||
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The Irish College of General Practitioners |
||
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The Irish Computer Society |
||
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The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland |
||
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This Is Six Two Digital Ltd |
||
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Torc Consulting |
||
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Total Focus Ltd |
||
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
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UCD |
||
|
Waterford Restorative Practice Network |
|
2017 |
€1,168,084.00 |
Absolute Safety |
|
ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services |
||
|
Agile Networks Ltd |
||
|
Allone Corporate Solutions Ltd |
||
|
Anne Walsh T/A Abaltacht Services |
||
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Arcline Ltd. |
||
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Ardee Community Development Co Ltd |
||
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Auditware Systems Limited |
||
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Avtek Solutions Ltd |
||
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Ayrton Consultancy Ltd t/a Ayrton Group |
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Barnardos |
||
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Barrow Consultancy & Training |
||
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bmf Business Services |
||
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BOSS Metric Ltd. T/A Connector |
||
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Brady Johnston Ltd |
||
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Bring Your Own Laptop Ltd |
||
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Byrne Wallace |
||
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Carr Communications Ltd |
||
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Chartered Accountants Ireland |
||
|
CHRIS MEE SAFETY ENGINEERING |
||
|
Christopher O'Shea T/A PPA Training |
||
|
CMD Group |
||
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CMIT Learning Ltd. |
||
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Common Purpose Ltd |
||
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Connexus Recruit Limited |
||
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Consolidated Enterprises |
||
|
Crosswood Development t/a Olive Safety |
||
|
CSTDC TRAINING (307) |
||
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DataCamp Inc |
||
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DCM LEARNING |
||
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Dublin City Council Fire Brigade |
||
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Durrow Communications Ltd (CareersPortal) |
||
|
E-Bridge Training Ltd |
||
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Employment For All |
||
|
ERA Academy of European Law |
||
|
Exceltraining & Designs Ltd |
||
|
Exertis Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Fire and Industrial Safety Training |
||
|
Fitzwilliam Institute |
||
|
Fujitsu Services Shared Services Centre |
||
|
G Holland Ltd t/a Holland TCS |
||
|
Gaelchultur |
||
|
Gerard Corrigan & Hugh O'Neill T/A Breakthrough |
||
|
Gerard ODonoghue Training Services |
||
|
Global Knowledge Ireland Ltd |
||
|
Heart Safety Solutions |
||
|
IACT |
||
|
IBEC |
||
|
ICS Skills |
||
|
IIA Training Ltd |
||
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ILM |
||
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INITIAL MEDICAL SERVICES |
||
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Inspire Quality Services Ltd |
||
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Institute of Public Administration |
||
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Institute of Technology Carlow |
||
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Internet interaction Limited |
||
|
Iquest |
||
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Irish Association of Pension Funds |
||
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Irish Management Institute |
||
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Irish Times |
||
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Kelron Health and Safety |
||
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La Touche Training |
||
|
Legal-Island |
||
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Logic Earth Learning Services |
||
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Majih Ltd t/a Insight Statistical Consulting |
||
|
Mental Health Ireland |
||
|
Michael Gerard Farrell |
||
|
Michael O'Brien & Associates |
||
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Munster HR Associates Ltd |
||
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National College of Ireland |
||
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NCU Ltd, (Northside Centre for the Unemployed) |
||
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New Horizons Ireland |
||
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Night Mountain Ltd T/A UX Training |
||
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NSAI |
||
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NUI Maynooth |
||
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O'Dwyer Safety Services |
||
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Olas Software Training & Development Ltd |
||
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PAI (Public Affairs Ireland) Publications Ltd |
||
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PDP |
||
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People Resources |
||
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PFH Tech Group |
||
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Phoenix Minerva Ltd |
||
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS IRELAND |
||
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Public Relations Institute of Ireland |
||
|
Robert Carty |
||
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Rossan College |
||
|
Safetech Consulting & Training |
||
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Safety Ireland First Response Ltd. |
||
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Safety Solutions Swift Ltd |
||
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Servisource Healthcare Ltd |
||
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Speechcamp |
||
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SQT Training Ltd |
||
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Sureskills Ltd |
||
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The Analytics Store |
||
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The Honorable Society of King's Inns |
||
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The Irish College of General Practitioners |
||
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The Marketing Institute Of Ireland |
||
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The Whitepaper Conference Company |
||
|
Tom Ryder |
||
|
Transparency International Ireland |
||
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd |
||
|
Trinity College |
||
|
VX Company Forensic Analytics B.V. |
||
|
Western Management Centre |
||
567. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the social partners or employment policy experts were consulted before the decision was made to transfer labour affairs functions from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation to her Department; if her officials carried out an impact assessment of the transfer of functions; and, if so, whether she will publish it. [48823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transfer of labour affairs and labour law responsibilities to my Department was announced by An Taoiseach on 14 June 2017. The areas that transferred included Employment Rights and Minimum Wage policy, the Low Pay Commission, and lead responsibilities for EU policies around employment and engagement with the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.
This transfer aligns employee-based rights with the activation focus of my Department and is very much in line with how other European countries deal with these issues.
568. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will award a carer's allowance to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48831/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm my department received an application from the person concerned on 28 September 2017. Her application is currently being processed and once completed, she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
569. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to reintroduce child benefit for 18 year olds attending secondary education in view of the unfairness inherent in the current situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48901/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children up to their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability. Child Benefit is currently paid to almost 625,530 families in respect of some 1.2 million children, with an estimated expenditure of more than €2 billion in 2017.
Given the universality of Child Benefit it is not a payment which lends itself to a targeted approach, and the considerable costs associated with any adjustment to the payment can result in benefits being spread very thinly, rather than making a difference where there is most need.
Families on low incomes can avail of a number of social welfare schemes that support children in full-time education up to the age of 18 (and up to the age of 22 under certain circumstances), including:
- qualified child increases (IQCs) with primary social welfare payments;
- the working family payment (formerly Family Income Supplement) for low-paid employees with children;
- the back to school clothing and footwear allowance for low income families (paid at the full-time second-level education rate).
As part of measures under Budget 2018, the weekly payment for each qualified child will increase from €29.80 to €31.80. This is an increase of 6.7%, and will benefit over 400,000 children.
Also in Budget 2018 earnings thresholds for Family Income Supplement, to be re-designated as the Working Family Payment, were increased by €10 per week for families with up to three children. This measure will particularly benefit low-income working families.
All of the schemes described above provide targeted assistance directly linked to household income and thereby support low-income families with older children participating in full-time education.
570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a disability allowance or, in its absence, invalidity pension will be considered in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case can be examined with a view to alternatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48926/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of the entitlement of the person concerned to disability allowance (DA) his claim was disallowed as he was deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit. A further review of entitlement was requested by the person concerned. The Deciding Officer reviewing this case upheld the decision to disallow payment as means are still in excess of the statutory limit. He was notified of this decision on the 2 November 2017, the reasons for it and of his right to appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP from the person concerned on the 14 November 2017. The claim will be processed as quickly as possible and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
571. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer’s allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48932/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer's allowance from the person concerned on 26 October 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.
572. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the domain names registered to or owned by her Department or through a third party company. [48948/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe domain names owned by my Department are:
combatpoverty.ie
euresireland.ie (aliases: euresireland.com)
feadireland.ie
gov-id.ie
government-id.ie
governmentid.ie
govid.gov.ie
govid.ie
gro.ie
groireland.ie
intreo.ie
jobsireland.ie
labourmarketcouncil.ie
myaccount.gov.ie
mygov-id.ie
mygovid-nonprod.ie
mygovid.gov.ie
mygovid.ie
mywelfare-nonprod.ie
mywelfare.ie
onedsp.ie (aliases: 1-dsp.ie, 1dsp.ie, communitywelfare-service.ie, communitywelfareservice.ie, login-dsp.ie, logindsp.ie, my-dsp.ie, my-socialwelfare.ie, my-welfare.ie, mydsp.ie, mysocialwelfare.ie, one-dsp.ie, register-dsp.ie, register-welfare.ie, registerdsp.ie, registerwelfare.ie)
socialprotection.gov.ie
socialprotection.ie
watergrant.ie (aliases: water-grant.ie)
welfare.gov.ie
welfare.ie (aliases: dsfa.ie)
welfarepartners-nonprod.ie
jobpath.ie (aliases: jobpath.eu)
jobsplus.ie
573. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an adopted person must supply their adoption certificate when applying for a public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48952/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Public Services Card may be issued to a person who has successfully completed a SAFE 2 identity registration. The person’s Public Service Identity Dataset is verified as part of this process. Adopted people are treated in the same way as other individuals in terms of verification of identity. Name, date of birth, place of birth and mother’s birth surname are generally verified from the birth certificate or, in the case of an adopted person, from an adoption certificate.
Generally, in the case of an adopted person, the details on the birth register will be different to those on the adoption register and not consistent with their current identity.
As my Department has access to the Irish Birth Register the above details can be verified without the need for the individual to physically present a birth certificate, providing that the record can be located on the Register.
However, in contrast, my Department does not have access to the Irish Adoption Register. Accordingly, staff would not be aware of a customer’s adoption status. In such circumstances the individual is asked to bring a copy of their adoption certificate. This requirement is stated clearly in SAFE 2 registration invitation letters and on my Department’s website.
When a person presents for a SAFE 2 appointment without a birth certificate, and their birth registration details cannot be located on the Register, they are asked to contact the General Register Office to obtain same. This could be a birth certificate or an adoption certificate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
574. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which her Department is addressing the shortfall in pension payments to women retiring since 2012 after changes were made in calculating pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current rate bands applying to the State pension contributory were introduced from September 2012, replacing previous rates introduced in 2000. The rate bands prior to 2000 were less generous, and the improved rate bands introduced in 2000 were a feature of the economic and political environment at that time. The economic crash changed the focus and while other payments were reduced as a result, the core rates of the pension, which many pensioners were solely dependent on, were maintained. Instead, the rates for people who had additional means and lesser PRSI contribution records were reduced.
The post-2012 rate bands more closely reflect the social insurance contributions history of a person than those in place between 2000 and 2012. The current rate bands still provide pensions to people which are not proportionate with their level of contribution. A person with only 20 years of contributions over nearly 50 years will still get an 85% contributory pension. Had all pensions been cut, regardless of means and contribution records, the hardest hit would have been pensioners with no additional income, those paid a State pension non-contributory, and widows and widowers living alone on only one pension payment.
People on the lower rate bands with other income, which meant they did not qualify for a non-contributory pension which is paid at a rate of over 95% of the contributory pension, are generally in a better financial position than those solely dependent on the non-contributory pension, as otherwise they could claim that payment instead. Changing these bands would give additional money to people who already have means. It is estimated that to revert to the previous bands from January 2018 would result in an annual cost of well over €70 million in 2018, and this annual cost would increase by an estimated €10-12 million each following year.
It is my intention to introduce a Total Contributions Approach to the calculation of the State Pension (Contributory) from 2020 onwards and I will bring forward proposals in this regard in the near future.
In the meantime, I have asked my officials to carefully examine approaches that may help to address the issue in relation to the averaging approach as it affects people with a short work period early in their career followed by a significant break to raise children, who retired after the 2012 changes but before the Total Contributions Approach has been implemented. We need to ensure that any proposed approach would not cause further anomalies or disadvantages to arise, or hinder the move to a Total Contributions Approach. We also need to determine, as best we can, the cost of any such approach and how that cost could be financed in the future. I would like to re-emphasise that any change with a significant cost is unlikely to be viable before the provisions of Budget 2019 are in place.
Spending on State pensions has increased rapidly in recent decades. This year, the cost is €7.3 billion. This is estimated to increase by €1 billion every five years due to the increased number of pensioners. These projections mean that there are considerable sustainability and affordability challenges in the years ahead and we must start to address them now.
Accordingly, I want to ensure that any approach taken is fair and sustainable in the long term.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
575. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance application by a person (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48983/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 10 April 2017. Carer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to people who have a disability such that they require that level of care and who satisfy a means test.
A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.
The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week and that full-time care and attention was not being provided.
The person concerned was notified on 24 July 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application. Following this and subsequent reviews the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned requested a further review and submitted more detailed information on her hours of employment. Following a review of this information, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 17 November 2017, with effect from 13 April 2017 and the first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 23 November 2017.
Arrears for the period 13 April 2017 to 22 November 2017 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 17 November 2017 of the revised decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
576. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the recent finding (details supplied) that the minimum essential standard of living cost for a single adult with vision impairment is €44.54 more than the cost for a member of the general fully sighted population; her plans with regard to reflecting this additional expenditure in disability payments for the visually impaired; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48987/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent report by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) and Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (VPSJ) on a minimum essential standard of living (MESL) for a single adult with vision impairment has been made available to my Department.
The research provides a useful addition to ongoing analysis by the Vincentian Partnership using their minimum essential budgets methodology. This broad approach estimates the level of income needed to meet an individual's / household's physical, psychological and social needs, and which is calculated by identifying the goods and services required by different household types in order to meet these minimum needs. The report’s findings show that the cost of an MESL is estimated to be higher for a person with vision impairment than for members of the general population. Overall, it was estimated that the additional cost in 2016 for an individual with vision impairment was €44.54 more than the cost for a single adult in the main MESL (€241. 22). I understand that the authors are conducting further work in this area in relation to the income and other supports available to persons with a vision impairment and it would be expected that this analysis would contribute further to the information available.
The Department provides a range of income support for people with a disability and their dependants. People with vision impairment who require income support can apply to my Department for a blind person’s pension. There are currently some 1,280 people in receipt of a blind person’s pension at a cost of some €13.5 million in 2017. Alternatively, the disability allowance payment can be claimed by a person with vision impairment which substantially restricts them in undertaking suitable employment. The current rate of payment for both the blind person’s pension and the disability allowance is €193 per week for a single person. Budget 2018 provides an additional €5 per week for each of these payments, bringing the rate up to €198 per week next year.
Primary weekly social welfare payments are intended to enable recipients to meet their basic day-to-day income needs. While these payments make a very significant contribution to broader poverty and social inclusion goals, they are not designed to address some of the wider issues associated with the cost of disability. One of the difficulties of providing a cost of disability payment is that people with disabilities are not a homogeneous group and as such would have widely differing needs with the result that the extra costs of disability would not arise to the same extent in all cases.
However, some of these additional costs are addressed across schemes provided by a number of agencies such as the Health Service Executive and also the Revenue Commissioners through certain tax reliefs and other supports. For example, I understand that a person who is blind or who has impaired vision can claim from the Revenue Commissioners the blind tax credit potentially worth €1,650 per year for a single person. I also understand that the Health Service Executive operates a supplement scheme which is means-tested – the blind welfare allowance – for blind people receiving certain welfare payments, including the blind pension. The current rate of payment is €58.50 per week for a single person.
While my Department keeps all its schemes and supports under review, there are no specific plans to change income support payments for the visually impaired. Any further increases in the rates of payments to people with disabilities, including those with vision impairment, would have to be considered in the context of the annual budgetary process.
