Written Answers Nos. 30-49
30. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to examine the pension anomaly which exists in which persons aged 65 years of age are being put on jobseeker's payments at retirement; her further plans for when the pension age increases to 67 years of age in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2062/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of plans to reinstate the State transition pension to prevent persons forced to retire at 65 years of age having to apply for jobseeker's payments for one year until they reach the State pensionable age of 66 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1877/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 37 together.
There are no plans to reinstate the State Pension Transition. 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 was available to people aged 65 who satisfied the qualifying conditions. This measure standardised the State pension age for all at 66 years. This will increase to 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.
In most cases, it is hoped that workers will continue to work up to State pension age. Where this is not possible, there are specific measures which apply to someone claiming Jobseeker’s Benefit from a date after their 65th birthday. Where qualified, these recipients may continue to be eligible for that payment until reaching pension age.
We are all well aware that people are living for much longer. Life expectancy at birth has increased significantly over the years – and is now at 78.4 years for men 82.8 years for women. This is very positive. As a result of this demographic change, the number of State pension recipients is increasing year on year. This has significant implications for the future costs of State pension provision which are currently increasing by close to €1 billion every 5 years. The purpose of changes to the State pension age is to make the pension system more sustainable in the context of increasing life expectancy. This sustainability is vital, if the current workers, who fund State pension payments through their PRSI, are to receive a pension themselves when they reach retirement age.
The Deputies should note that there is no legally mandated retirement age in the State, and the age at which employees retire is a matter for the contract of employment between them and their employers. While such a contract may have been entered into with a retirement date of 65, in the context of the previous State pension arrangements, there is no legal impediment to the employer and employee agreeing to increase the duration of employment for one or more years, if both parties wish to do so.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures she has taken to address the above average unemployment levels which persist in County Wexford; her plans to increase the number of activation case officers in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2026/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe official measure of unemployment is sourced from the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS). The most recent data show that unemployment has fallen from a peak of 15% in 2012 to 6.2% by mid-2017. Numbers at work have increased from just over 1.83 million in Quarter 2, 2012 to 2.06 million in Quarter 2, 2017 – an increase of 227,000 persons. Within the South East region, which includes Wexford, unemployment has fallen from 19.0% to 8.1% over the same period, and numbers in employment have increased by 29,000 to 214,900. While data from the QNHS are not available at the county level, trends in the Live Register can give an indication of underlying trends in local unemployment. Overall, the Live Register in Wexford has fallen by almost 42% in the 5 years to December 2017, close to the reduction of 44% nationally. In the year to December 2017, the Live Register in Wexford has fallen by 1,707 people, or almost 14%, again closely in line with the national trend. The Government’s primary strategy to tackle unemployment since 2012 is twofold:
- Firstly, through policies set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs. This policy now includes a specific regional Action Plan for the South East Region that has seen over 8,000 jobs created in the region in the last two years.
- Secondly, through Pathways to Work, my Department ensures that as many new jobs and vacancies as possible are filled by people taken from the Live Register. Under this policy, employment services and activation supports are heavily concentrated on the areas of highest unemployment, including those in Wexford.
To date, these policies have been effective in reducing unemployment, both nationally and in Wexford and I am confident that they will continue to do so.
Currently, there are 11 Activation Case Officers in Wexford. This is an increase of one in comparison to January 2017, when there were 10. Prior to the roll-out of Intreo, there were 8 Activation Case Officers in Wexford, including former FAS personnel and DSP Jobs Facilitators.
The Case Officer capacity is supplemented by referrals to Turas Nua under the Job Path programme and to Wexford Local Development which operates the Local Employment Service (LES) on behalf of the Department. Wexford Local Development is contracted to provide intensive supports to 960 customers and employs 8 mediators to support LES operations.
A total of 9,114 customer engagements were scheduled by Activation Case Officers in 2017 in addition to their work with employers. Local records indicate that approximately 5,300 referrals to Turas Nua took place over the course of the year.
My Department is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and the focus remains on ensuring that the best use is made of all available resources. Against that background, and a falling Live Register, there are currently no plans to increase the number of Activation Case Officers. However, the matter is kept under constant review in light of changing circumstances.
32. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the directive given from her Department that the circumstances surrounding the need for an exceptional needs payment must be unforeseen as well as exceptional; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level and amount of exceptional needs payments that have been made in County Tipperary over the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1988/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications for exceptional needs payments in each of the past three years and to date in 2018; the number approved, refused or pending respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which funding for exceptional needs payments became exhausted in her Department before the end of 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 38, 217 and 229 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
An urgent needs payment (UNP) is a once-off payment made to persons who may not normally qualify for SWA but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or an alternative is not available at that time. The Government has provided €36.42 million for these payments in 2018.
Nearly all of the expenditure incurred by the Department, including that for exceptional payment, is demand-led. Demand for the Department's schemes is driven by demographic trends and economic factors such as developments in the labour market. Where additional moneys are required to meet demand on overall expenditure for the year, the Department may seek a Supplementary Estimate. The Government had provided €31.5 million for ENPs and UNPs in the Revised Estimates for 2017 with an additional €5.7 million made available through the recent Supplementary Estimate giving a total allocation of €37.2 million in 2017.
The legislation does not confer a statutory right or entitlement to ENPs. The guidelines issued to staff administering the ENP scheme assist them in the decision making process. The principle consideration in making a payment under the ENP scheme is to address a particular once-off and exceptional need which is not of an expected or recurring nature and is therefore by its nature generally unforeseen. The guidelines do not affect the discretion available to officers in issuing an ENP to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise, so that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Statistics are maintained relating to payments under the ENP scheme, however they are not maintained on the number of applications or the outcome of those applications. Details of the number of payments and expenditure made under the ENP scheme in County Tipperary for 2014 to 2017 are set out in Table 1 and the total number of payments for the years 2015 to 2018 are set out in Table 2 of the following tabular statement. For reporting purposes this data also includes the numbers of urgent needs payments (UNP).
Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to an ENP should contact my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
Tabular Statement
Table 1 - Number of Exceptional Needs Payments and Exchequer Outturn made in Co. Tipperary by year
|
Year |
Number of Payments |
Outturn (million) |
|
2014 |
5,760 |
€1.6 |
|
2015 |
5,653 |
€1.7 |
|
2016 |
4,602 |
€1.5 |
|
2017* |
4,095 |
€1.4 |
*2017 Outturn is provisional
Table 2 - Number of Payments under the Exceptional Needs Scheme, 2015-2018 (12 January 2018)
|
Year |
Number of Payments |
|
2015 |
101,600 |
|
2016 |
100,100 |
|
2017 |
103,500 |
|
2018* |
3,200 |
34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the attempt by a company (details supplied) to unilaterally alter its workers' defined benefit pension scheme; if proposed legislation to protect such schemes will be forthcoming in order to cease such attempts by employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on issues relating to a particular pension scheme. However, generally speaking, trustees of pension schemes have duties and responsibilities under trust law, under other relevant legislation and under the Pensions Act. They must administer the trust in accordance with the law and the terms of the trust deed and rules. The provisions of the Pensions Act are enforced by the Pensions Authority so any issues or complaints in relation to a particular scheme should be notified to the Authority for action. The Pensions Authority will assess if there has been a breach of any legal obligations and take any necessary action if such a breach is found.
I intend to introduce a number of amendments to the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill at Committee Stage which will ensure that a sponsoring employer cannot “walk away” at short notice from the company pension scheme.
The amendments will provide for a 12 month notification period where an employer is seeking to cease making contributions to a scheme. They will also provide that, where a scheme is in deficit and a funding proposal is not been put in place in a timely manner, the Pensions Authority may direct a funding obligation to be paid by the employer to the scheme.
There was not adequate time to include these technical and complex measures in the text of the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Bill 2017 at Second Stage. I expect to introduce these amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage in the coming weeks.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
35. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the tender recently published by her Department seeking advice and support in relation to the SAFE programme project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2027/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published a tender for the supply of technical support and advice in respect of the SAFE Programme on the 5th of January 2018. My Department requires independent expertise; advice and support in the area of electronic card and chip technology to support work being undertaken under the SAFE / Public Services Card (PSC) Project on behalf of all public bodies. This expertise and advice is required at both the detailed technical level and the strategic level. This expertise is not available within my Department. The tender is for the provision of 175 days service over a five year period.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
36. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the latest SILC data which shows that 40.2% of lone parent households are at risk of poverty, 24.6% are in consistent poverty and 50.1% are experiencing deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1964/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe best way to tackle poverty among lone parents is through employment and the recently published Indecon report echoed this view. The report found that the changes to the one-parent family payment scheme made over the last number of years increased employment and reduced welfare dependency. It also found that the changes increased the probability of employment and higher employment income for lone parents. The report also concluded that assisting lone parents to enhance skills also needs to be seen as a key objective as low paid employment will not, on its own, ensure a reduction in the risk of poverty.The full impact of the economic recovery is not reflected in these 2016 figures.
Unemployment has fallen from 7.5% in November 2016 to 6.1% in November 2017, its lowest level in 9 and a half years. The positive impact of recent Budgets on lone parents and the full impact of the increases in employment are also not reflected in these SILC figures. Continued economic recovery, together with these Budget measures, is likely to have impacted positively on poverty rates since 2016 and this improvement is expected to continue over the coming years.
In 2017, further Budget improvements were implemented, and I have continued to emphasise improvements for lone parents in particular. My Department’s social impact assessments of Budgets 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are an indicator of this improvement. These show a cumulative increase of €36.75 in the average weekly household income of employed lone parents and €33.60 for unemployed lone parents. This compares favourably with a weekly increase of €34.45 for the average household.
Budget measures that I announced and that will take effect from 29th March 2018 (specifically the increases to the income disregard, the primary rate and the increase for a qualified child) will see a lone parent on the one-parent family payment and jobseeker’s transitional payment working 15 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage better off by almost €1000 per year.
40. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of invalidity pension and disability allowance applications received in 2015, 2016 and 2017; the number of refusals at first instance; the number granted on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2047/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the tables.
|
Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance claims registered, awarded and rejected on appeal in each year 2015 to 2017. Claims may be decided in a different year from the year of registration. |
|||
|
Invalidity Pension |
|||
|
- |
Registered |
Awarded |
Rejected |
|
2015 |
9,454 |
7,691 |
5,070 |
|
2016 |
9,134 |
7,467 |
3,909 |
|
2017 |
10,458 |
8,976 |
4,579 |
|
Disability Allowance |
|||
|
Registered |
Awarded |
Rejected |
|
|
2015 |
22,538 |
15,814 |
14,800 |
|
2016 |
22,804 |
16,669 |
12,027 |
|
2017 |
23,657 |
17,469 |
12,022 |
|
Outcome of Invalidity Pension Appeals 2015– 2017 |
|||
|
- |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
|
2015 |
511 |
1,135 |
17 |
|
2016 |
642 |
682 |
10 |
|
2017 |
691 |
365 |
7 |
|
Outcome of Disability Allowance Appeals 2015– 2017 |
|||
|
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed |
Appeals Partly Allowed |
|
|
2015 |
1,443 |
3,384 |
85 |
|
2016 |
815 |
2,830 |
88 |
|
2017 |
563 |
2,975 |
70 |
41. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the likelihood of the national social target for poverty reduction being met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1963/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national social target for poverty reduction agreed by Government in 2012 is to reduce consistent poverty from 6.3% in 2010 to 4% by 2016 and to 2% or less by 2020. This was an ambitious target, particularly during a time of economic recession, but one to which the Government has remained committed.Data from the CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) indicate that consistent poverty rose sharply after 2010, to a peak of 9.1% in 2013. The latest SILC 2016 data, released by the CSO in December 2017, indicate that this had reduced to 8.3%. A reduction of 6 percentage points would now be required to meet the 2020 poverty target. The impact of the recovery is not yet fully reflected in these most recent data, which reflect income conditions in 2015-2016. Macro-economic and labour market indicators have shown continued economic and employment growth since then. Unemployment has fallen from 9.4% in mid-2015 to 6.1% towards the end of 2017. The number of people in receipt of working-age income and employment supports has also continued to fall.
In addition, Budget 2018 introduced increases in a range of supports including €5 per week increases in the maximum weekly rate for working-age people and young jobseekers and for pensioners, with proportionate increases for adult dependents and an increase of €2 per child per week for qualified child dependents. These increases will assist those individuals and families who are most in need.
Given the continuing economic recovery and measures introduced in Budgets 2017 and 2018, I expect the figures for 2017 and 2018, when they become available, to show further improvement over the 2016 outcomes. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the economic recovery is experienced in all regions and by all families, households and individuals.
The Government’s strategy for addressing poverty and social exclusion is set out in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. The Plan identifies a wide range of targeted actions and interventions to achieve the overall objective of reducing consistent poverty. My Department is currently reviewing the Plan, with a view to developing an updated plan for future periods. As part of this update, the Department is also reviewing the national social target for poverty reduction. This review will be undertaken in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the commitment to remove the anomalies in the method of calculation of entitlements to the State contributory pension; her plans to bring forward the necessary legislative measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to address the issue of pension equality and to reverse the changes to the bands for the contributory pension which were introduced in 2012 and had an adverse effect on older persons and women in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2031/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 46 together.
The 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 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 very favourable in comparison with their level of contribution over their working lives. A person with only 20 years of contributions over nearly 50 years will still get an 85% pension. Where they have limited additional means, they may instead be paid a non-contributory pension of up to 95% the maximum contributory rate, and over 70% of such pensioners are paid that pension at that rate.
It is estimated that to revert to the previous bands from January 2018 would result in an annual cost of well over €70 million extra in 2018, and this annual cost would increase by an estimated €10 to €12 million extra each following year.
I committed to examine in depth various options that may provide some relief to those who would have a higher contributory pension had the rate bands not been amended in 2012. Officials in my Department have completed a report on this matter, which I intend to bring to a cabinet committee later this week. Following that meeting, and subject to any necessary amendment or further discussions, I will bring the report to Government for consideration.
The National Pensions Framework proposed that a total contribution approach should replace the yearly average approach to the calculation of the State Pension (contributory). It is intended to introduce a total contributions approach for new pensioners from 2020. This will make the rate of contributory pension more closely match contributions made by a person. It will also have significant homemakers provisions that will assist those pensioners who spent significant periods caring for their children, or adults with a caring need.
A discussion paper is being drafted by my Department and it is hoped to start the consultation process with relevant stakeholders including interest groups, representative bodies and the Oireachtas shortly. Following the consultation period, a proposal to Government will be submitted seeking approval of the new approach.
The main aim of Government policy on pensions is to make sure that pensions are affordable, sustainable and keep their value in the coming years. The reforms that are planned will result in a more inclusive and fairer pension system for all citizens.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if extra staff are required to facilitate a more rapid process of appeals having particular regard to the hardship and stress caused by delays which appear to affect the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2033/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average appeal processing times for all appeals determined from 2015 to 2017 broken down by all social welfare scheme types is outlined in the tables. My Department, like all Government departments and agencies is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which for this Department has involved reductions in staff. The staffing needs for all areas within the Department, including the Social Welfare Appeals Office and all areas involved in the processing of appeals, are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the ongoing need to respond to new increasing demands in a wide range of services. This is 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.
Appeal processing times are kept under constant scrutiny by the Chief Appeals Officer. The Deputy will be aware that significant effort and resources have been devoted in recent years to reducing the length of the time taken to finalise an appeal and that as a consequence processing times have improved quite considerably.
The overall average processing time, across all schemes, for appeals requiring an oral hearing reduced from 52.5 weeks in 2011 to 25.5 weeks in 2015, and 24.1 weeks in 2016. The overall average time taken to finalise appeals decided by way of a summary decision has also improved in recent years from a peak of 25.1 weeks in 2011 to 18.1 weeks in 2015, and 17.6 weeks in 2016.
I understand from the Chief Appeals Officer that there has been a slight increase in overall appeal processing times to date in 2017 with appeals requiring an oral hearing taking an average of 26.4 weeks and summary decisions taking 19.8 weeks to finalise. However she is hopeful that this will be addressed in the coming months as a number of newly appointed Appeals Officers become more experienced in their roles.
The time taken to process an appeal reflects all aspects of the appeal process including time spent in the Department preparing the appeal submission. The quasi-judicial nature of the appeals system means that there are inevitable time-lags involved. The time taken is proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal which require a high level of judgement, and the need to ensure due process and natural justice. The system is designed to be flexible and fair and allows for review and submission of further information at all stages which is to the benefit of the appellant.
The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that appeal processing times will continue to be a priority for her office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Appeals Processing Times by Scheme 01/01/2015 – 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 |
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- 31 December 2017
|
Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
13.4 |
- |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
20.1 |
24.4 |
|
Carers Allowance |
21.7 |
24.0 |
|
Carers Benefit |
17.8 |
21.3 |
|
Child Benefit |
22.8 |
32.4 |
|
Disability Allowance |
17.3 |
24.1 |
|
Illness Benefit |
28.0 |
30.6 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
33.3 |
35.7 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
27.2 |
34.4 |
|
Deserted Wifes Benefit |
13.1 |
27.7 |
|
Farm Assist |
20.7 |
25.8 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
15.1 |
- |
|
Family Income Supplement |
22.9 |
34.6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
16.9 |
23.7 |
|
Liable Relatives |
25.3 |
24.0 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
18.8 |
19.3 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
18.3 |
- |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
26.1 |
34.7 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
32.1 |
45.7 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
25.9 |
35.3 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
60.4 |
- |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
20.0 |
26.4 |
|
Disablement Pension |
25.0 |
28.3 |
|
OIB-Medical Care |
- |
27.3 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
47.8 |
37.2 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
23.7 |
27.0 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
16.0 |
23.1 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
19.6 |
27.3 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
18.3 |
24.8 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
19.8 |
27.5 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
22.1 |
23.2 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
27.4 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
20.6 |
24.2 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant * |
18.5 |
25.6 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
14.0 |
- |
|
Insurability of Employment |
42.8 |
90.4 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
16.4 |
25.8 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
23.0 |
44.7 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
23.3 |
24.7 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
19.5 |
- |
|
All Appeals |
19.8 |
26.4 |
* Previously called Respite Care Grant
44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which her attention has been drawn to the impact of cessation of a means tested payment for any reason affecting in particular persons dependent on rent support while on local authority housing lists which, in many cases, can lead to accumulated arrears of rent and as a consequence homelessness; if the issue can be reviewed with the objective of ensuring that payment is continued while under investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2034/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that interruptions in respect of payment of rent support will almost certainly lead to homelessness in view of the fact that persons in receipt of rent support have no other means of providing themselves with a home and that incurring arrears makes it virtually impossible for them to obtain a rental property; if measures can be taken to ensure that the equivalent of a rent support payment continues to be paid to recipients during the course of other investigations such as means testing into their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos 44 and 226 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting 34,400 recipients for which the Government has provided €180 million for in 2018. 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 Department’s officer in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) will engage with the customer to establish continued eligibility as quickly as possible and limit any delay to payments, including the issue of any outstanding arrears payments.
Every effort is made so that rent supplement tenants are supported by my Department and any person in the situation referred to by the Deputy is encouraged to contact the CWS office responsible for their claim at the earliest opportunity.
I have no plans to introduce a further payment for rent supplement recipients. The Deputy will be aware that the strategic policy direction of my Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support with the introduction of the HAP scheme. There are currently over 31,500 HAP cases in payment and officials in my Department continue to support the transfer of cases from long term rent supplement to this scheme.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
45. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the report into seasonal and part time workers' rights and entitlements to social welfare payments drafted by her Department; her plans regarding the problems experienced by those persons in obtaining social welfare payments once their part time work ceases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2016/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s main social welfare schemes for unemployed persons are the jobseeker’s allowance and the jobseekers benefit schemes. Both schemes provide significant support to individuals so that they can work up to 3 days a week and still retain access to a reduced jobseeker’s payment. The 2018 Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseeker’s schemes of €2.17 billion.At present an individual can earn a little over €19,760 per year and still retain a small jobseeker's allowance payment, while the equivalent threshold for an individual with a qualified adult is almost €33,975 if they are both working. Where a person’s part time employment ceases they can apply for jobseekers allowance which is a means tested payment or if they have the required number of contributions they may have an entitlement to jobseekers benefit. An Taoiseach, in his previous role as Minister for Social Protection, gave a commitment at Dáil report stage of the Social Welfare Bill 2016 that he would ask officials to examine the issue of jobseeker’s benefit and the treatment of part-time and seasonal workers, including those categorised as having subsidiary employment. My officials have recently completed this report on these issues which I will consider in detail.
My Department is currently collating data in relation to those who qualify for Jobseekers Benefit and who are in subsidiary employment. We will have 12 months of data gathered by May 2018 at which point I will be in a better position to make an informed decision on this issue.
47. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied that sufficient support exists for the development and growth of community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1987/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Community Employment (CE) schemes are typically sponsored by voluntary and community organisations wishing to benefit their community. My Department’s priority in supporting CE is to ensure access to good quality work experience and training qualifications on schemes for jobseekers and other vulnerable groups in order to support their progression into employment. In the context of the economic recovery, my Department undertook a review of the work programmes in 2016. While the primary focus was on CE, the review also looked at other employment programmes such as Tús. Arising from the review, the Government agreed to implement changes to the qualifying conditions for CE in order to broaden access to a wider range of people. These new rules were implemented from July 2017. The qualifying age was reduced to 21 years. In addition, while in general all placements will now be for one year only, if a CE participant is undertaking training to achieve a major award, their time can be extended by up to 2 year to allow them to complete the training which will enhance their overall employment prospects. This allows for 3 years continuous participation on CE. Those over 55 years of age can also remain on CE for three years. In addition, the reference year for CE participation was moved from 2000 to 2007 which ensures that more people can re-qualify for the programme. Overall, these changes improve the way the schemes operate and will allow more people who are long-term unemployed to access them.
The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country. In this regard, if any scheme is experiencing particular recruitment difficulties, they should contact their local Department Intreo Centre for assistance
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
48. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to establish a child maintenance service such as in Northern Ireland to support and assist lone parents in seeking child maintenance payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2058/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of a child maintenance service such as one that currently exists in Northern Ireland would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.In cases where the family unit has broken down obligations regarding child maintenance continue to apply and relevant maintenance payments can be arranged either directly between the couple themselves or through supports like the Family Mediation Service, the Legal Aid Board and the Courts. The arrangement of maintenance is therefore a matter between both parents regardless of whether or not either parent is in receipt of a social welfare payment. My Department has previously indicated its intention to review the current maintenance and liable relative procedures in light of the changes to the one-parent family payment scheme, and work had commenced on this review. Since April 2017, however, work on the review of the one-parent family payment, which was required to be completed over a short timeframe, took priority given the statutory nature of the review.
That review (the Indecon Report) was completed in October 2017and the Report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Work has now re-commenced on the review of maintenance as it relates to my Department. This review will necessitate my Department liaising with the Department of Justice and Equality as the Family Law Acts, which place a legal obligation on parents to maintain their children, are under the remit of that Department.
This is a complex area however I expect to have a paper from my officials on this shortly.
49. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on appeal processing times for essential social protection payments in view of the fact that the average waiting time on appeal at the end of 2017 for an oral hearing was 26.2 weeks and 19.7 weeks to finalise a summary decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average appeal processing times for all appeals determined from 2015 to 2017 broken down by all social welfare scheme types is outlined in the tables. Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeal process in recent years. As a result, appeal processing times improved between 2011 and 2016 from 52.5 weeks for an oral hearing in 2011 to 24.1 weeks in 2016 and from 25.1 weeks for a summary decision in 2011 to 17.6 weeks in 2016. I understand from the Chief Appeals Officer that there has been a slight increase in processing times in 2017 with oral hearings taking, on average, 26.4 weeks and summary decisions taking 19.8 weeks to finalise. A number of factors have contributed to the increase including the retirement of six experienced Appeals Officers during the first half of 2017. However, she is hopeful that processing times will improve as a number of newly appointed Officers gain experience in their roles.
Specific actions taken to reduce processing times include: liaising with HR to ensure that vacancies are filled quickly; ensuring that training is given to new Appeals Officers as early as possible; working with the Department to reduce time in submitting appeal files.
It is open to an appellant to claim supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of their appeal if their means are insufficient to meet their needs.
The Chief Appeals Officer assures me that processing times are a priority. However, the drive for efficiency must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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- 31 December 2017
|
Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings |
|
|
Adoptive Benefit |
13.4 |
- |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
20.1 |
24.4 |
|
Carers Allowance |
21.7 |
24.0 |
|
Carers Benefit |
17.8 |
21.3 |
|
Child Benefit |
22.8 |
32.4 |
|
Disability Allowance |
17.3 |
24.1 |
|
Illness Benefit |
28.0 |
30.6 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
33.3 |
35.7 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
27.2 |
34.4 |
|
Deserted Wifes Benefit |
13.1 |
27.7 |
|
Farm Assist |
20.7 |
25.8 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
15.1 |
- |
|
Family Income Supplement |
22.9 |
34.6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
16.9 |
23.7 |
|
Liable Relatives |
25.3 |
24.0 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
18.8 |
19.3 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
18.3 |
- |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
26.1 |
34.7 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
32.1 |
45.7 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
25.9 |
35.3 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
60.4 |
- |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
20.0 |
26.4 |
|
Disablement Pension |
25.0 |
28.3 |
|
OIB-Medical Care |
- |
27.3 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
47.8 |
37.2 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Con) |
23.7 |
27.0 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
16.0 |
23.1 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
19.6 |
27.3 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
18.3 |
24.8 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
19.8 |
27.5 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
22.1 |
23.2 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
27.4 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
20.6 |
24.2 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant * |
18.5 |
25.6 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
14.0 |
- |
|
Insurability of Employment |
42.8 |
90.4 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
16.4 |
25.8 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Con) |
23.0 |
44.7 |
|
Survivor's Pension (Non-con) |
23.3 |
24.7 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
19.5 |
- |
|
All Appeals |
19.8 |
26.4 |
* Previously called Respite Care Grant
