Written Answers Nos. 68-88
68. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of uptake on the new option to receive the fuel allowance in two lump sums, which was announced in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8399/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel allowance is a seasonal means tested payment of €22.50 per week payable from October to April. In 2018, the payment is expected to provide financial assistance to over 338,000 low income households towards their winter energy costs, at an estimated cost of €227.15 million. Only one allowance is paid per household. In October 2017, I was pleased to introduce the option for qualified households to receive their fuel allowance payment in two lump sums; the first at the start of the fuel season in October and the second in January. This allows people to buy fuel in bulk and potentially avail of special offers or discounts on the purchase of the particular fuel that meets their specific needs. In Budget 2018, I was pleased to extend the fuel allowance season by one week, bringing it to 27 weeks in total. This measure results in an increase in the value of fuel allowance payments from €585 to €607.50 per household. This extra week will commence with immediate effect, extending the current fuel allowance season to 6th April 2018.
Based on the most recent information available, 58,284 people representing approx. 17% of recipients have opted to receive fuel allowance in two lump sums.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. A breakdown by county is set out in the table.
|
CO CARLOW |
1258 |
|
CO CAVAN |
1081 |
|
CO CLARE |
1628 |
|
CO CORK |
5260 |
|
CO DONEGAL |
2789 |
|
CO DUBLIN |
7157 |
|
CO GALWAY |
2650 |
|
CO KERRY |
2131 |
|
CO KILDARE |
2256 |
|
CO KILKENNY |
1508 |
|
CO LAOIS |
1162 |
|
CO LEITRIM |
580 |
|
CO LIMERICK |
3279 |
|
CO LONGFORD |
946 |
|
CO LOUTH |
2014 |
|
CO MAYO |
2428 |
|
CO MEATH |
1928 |
|
CO MONAGHAN |
808 |
|
CO OFFALY |
1770 |
|
CO ROSCOMMON |
971 |
|
CO SLIGO |
1174 |
|
CO TIPPERARY |
3938 |
|
CO WATERFORD |
2430 |
|
CO WESTMEATH |
1769 |
|
CO WEXFORD |
3495 |
|
CO WICKLOW |
1874 |
|
TOTAL |
58284 |
69. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to introduce flexibility and support in the social welfare system for persons with mental health difficulties. [8302/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecent research by the ESRI and the OECD has drawn attention to the prevalence of mental health conditions in the working-age population. Through the operation of the income support system managed by my Department and the health service managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Government recognises the need for flexible and effective support for persons who encounter mental health difficulties. Both an effective income support system and health services are key to addressing these difficulties but the research has also demonstrated that work can be an important factor in recovery, in particular for people with mental health issues. The Make Work Pay report for People with Disabilities, published last year, identified the need for flexibility in both the income support and the health (medical card) systems. This is particularly the case where a person with a disability takes up a job but that job does not work out. Anxiety in such circumstances can be particularly pronounced amongst those with mental health issues, given the episodic nature of such conditions.
One of the recommendations of the Make Work Pay report was to put in place and promote a system for fast-track reinstatement of income support payments to people with disabilities who have returned to work, and have subsequently had to leave their job within one year.
As a first step in implementing this recommendation a fast-track return to disability allowance protocol has now been put in place. In addition to this initiative, people who are participating on the partial capacity benefit scheme may return to illness benefit or invalidity pension if they find that they cannot continue to work.
My Department also provides a wide range of work related supports for people with disabilities, including people with mental health difficulties, which they or their employers, where appropriate, can access while in receipt of income support payments. These include the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the EmployAbility service and employment support grants for people with disabilities.
Most recently, the Department participated as a partner organisation in the Integrating Employment and Mental Health Service project, which ran between 2015 and 2017. The aim of this project was to demonstrate how existing employment services (specifically the EmployAbility service) could practice the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment for clients with severe and enduring mental health issues. An evaluation report, Steps into Work, was published on the 8th February last and found that through improved integration between mental health services and employment support services, improvements can be achieved in the employment outcomes of people with mental health difficulties.
My Department is now collaborating with the Department of Health and the HSE to extend the availability of IPS to all Mental Health Services in each Community Healthcare Organisation. This will see funding from the HSE Service Reform Fund (SRF) and funding from the HSE’s Clinical Programmes for 27.5 IPS employment specialists for a three year period.
I look forward to seeing better health and employment outcomes delivered as a result of this good example of interagency collaboration.
70. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied that the public service identity database and the public services card fully comply with EU standards and the general data protection regulation due to take effect in May 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8440/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSAFE2 identity verification processes, the Public Services Card (PSC) and the Public Service Identity (PSI) dataset are all underpinned by primary legislation. Section 263 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 (as amended) provides that:
(a) the following information is inscribed on the Public Services Card (PSC): forename, surname, Personal Public Service (PPS) Number, photograph, signature, card issue number and expiry date; and
(b) the following information is encoded on the chip of the PSC: forename, surname, date of birth, place of birth, sex, nationality, former surnames (if any), mother’s former surnames (if any), photograph, signature, issue number of the PSC, and expiry date of the PSC.
The above data (apart from the issue number and expiry date of the PSC) are part of the Public Service Identity (PSI) dataset as set out in section 262 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 (as amended).
Section 262 also sets out how the sharing and use of the PSI data is restricted to public service bodies specified in law or their agents. Designation as a specified body requires primary legislation and as such can only be done by an Act of the Oireachtas.
Section 262 also provides that PSI data can only be used by a specified body for authenticating the identity of an individual with whom it has a transaction and in performing its public functions insofar as those functions relate to the person concerned. In addition, where a specified body collects any element of PSI data from a person, that information shall also be collected for the purpose of maintaining the person’s public service identity. The Data Protection Acts as amended, Subsection 1 c iii of Section 2A, also provide for personal data to be processed on condition that “the processing is necessary for the performance of a function of the Government or a Minister of the Government”.
The Department provides extensive information on SAFE2, the PSC and PSI on its website, including on the range of bodies using the PSI and details on this usage. As part of this, the Department has also published a Comprehensive Guide to SAFE Registration and the PSC on its website.
The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on the 25th May 2018. This is the one of most significant developments in European data protection law in over 30 years. The GDPR strengthens the rights of data subjects and will have many implications for my Department. Given its wide range of schemes, services and payments, the Department collects and holds large volumes of personal data on customers and is very aware of the need to have adequate data protection policies, procedures and structures in place in line with the GDPR. Accordingly, the Department has established a dedicated GDPR implementation team which is undertaking a major programme of work to ensure compliance with the GDPR. Additionally, specific GDPR training and awareness is being provided by the GDPR implementation team and a specialist external training company to staff and senior managers across the Department. All of this work is being overseen by a senior level Data Management Programme Board.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
71. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the level of bureaucracy involved in the annual forms that persons applying for farm assist payments are required to fill out and return will be reviewed; if the level of information that is required on an annual basis will be reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8299/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of farm assist payments nationally; the reduction in numbers over the past three years; if she will review the level of bureaucracy involved in the annual application process for farm assist recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8298/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 84 together.
The number of persons in receipt of farm assist at year end was 7,234 in 2017, 7,828 in 2016 and 8,790 in 2015.
Farm assist is a means-tested income support scheme for farmers. To qualify for the payment, a customer must be a farmer, farming land in the State, aged between 18 and 66 and satisfy a means test. The annual farm assist review form is a necessary part of the normal review process for these customers.
The means test for farm assist takes account of all income sources with certain disregards applicable to specific income sources. Different rules apply to income from farming and other forms of self-employment. Income from certain schemes such as the Green Low Carbon Agri Environment Scheme (GLAS), income from employment and income from property and capital are taken into account. An examination of farm outgoings is also included in the assessment process.
Income and expenditure figures for the preceding year are generally used as an indicator of the expected position in the following year. Details of any exceptional circumstances are also taken into account so as to ensure that the assessment accurately reflects the current situation.
The information provided by the customer on the review form covers both the income generated and the operating costs associated with the farm, all of which are required as part of the annual review process.
The annual farm assist review form is kept under ongoing review by my officials and there are no plans to change the current review criteria.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
72. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 to reduce the look-back reference period to 13 months or less and narrow the bands of hours into which persons can be placed; and her further plans to provide a definition in law for casual employment. [8349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the Second Stage debate on the Bill, many Deputies expressed the view in relation to the banded hours provision, that the bands are too wide and the 18 month reference period is too long. I indicated that I would consider these matters in the context of possible Committee Stage amendments. However, I would like to make a number of points. There will be an administrative burden on employers in implementing the banded hours provision so therefore it is desirable that an ‘easy’ divisor is used. I am open to discussing a reference period of 13 months or less and in this respect I note that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in their report on the Banded Hour Contracts Bill 2016 recommended a reference period of 12 months. In relation to the width of the bands, I am open to discussing the option of narrower bands at Committee Stage once the bands allow a reasonable degree of flexibility. This can benefit both employers and employees. A greater number of bands but with more narrow ranges of hours will be more difficult to operate.
We know that banded hours arrangements are operating successfully in the retail sector but we must acknowledge that what is appropriate to individual employments in the retail sector might not work as well in other sectors. This legislation will apply to all employers in all sectors of the economy and not just the retail sector. Therefore, we must be careful to introduce banded hours provisions that work more generally across the economy, rather than imposing on all, a particular banded hours model that is adapted to the retail sector.
Regarding a definition of casual work, the Organisation of Working Time Act was enacted in 1997. Section 18 of that Act refers to ‘work of a casual nature’ but does not define it. This has not led to a regulatory problem of employers incorrectly categorising employees as ‘casual’ in the 20 years since enactment. It is not good practice to put definitions in legislation when the plain, ordinary meaning of a word is capable of being understood by the bodies adjudicating on it.
The WRC and the Labour Court are capable of examining all of the circumstances of a particular case and then making an appropriate judgement as to whether or not a particular arrangement is genuinely casual. The Bill introduces a new requirement on employers to provide in writing shortly after the commencement of employment what the employer reasonably expects the normal length of the working day and the normal length of the working week will be. Furthermore, deliberately misrepresenting this will become an offence under the Government’s proposals and I am sure that employers will not want to fall foul of this provision in the Bill.
73. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person with less than 520 contributions will benefit from the new rules on contributory pensions and the revamped homemaker's scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8435/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA policy to introduce the Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pensions calculation was adopted by Government in the National Pensions Framework in 2010, as was the decision to base the entitlements of all new pensioners on this approach from around 2020. In advance of this, on the 23rd January, the Government agreed to a proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated by a new “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) which will include up to 20 years of a new HomeCaring credit. This approach is expected to significantly benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. It will make it easier for pensioners assessed under the yearly average model, to qualify for a higher rate of the State Pension (contributory). The TCA will ensure that the totality of a person’s social insurance contributions - as opposed to the timing of them - determines their final pension outcome. Under this new arrangement, a person who reached pension age after 1st September 2012 and has a 40 year record of paid and credited social insurance contributions, subject to a maximum of 20 years of the new HomeCaring credits, will qualify for a maximum contributory pension where they satisfy the other qualifying conditions for the scheme. Up to 10 years of other credits, for example when unemployed or ill, may also be used, subject to the total number of credits not exceeding 20 years. So, for example, a person might receive a maximum pension based on 20 years paid PRSI contributions, 5 years jobseeker credits, and 15 years HomeCaring Credits, over a 50 year period.
As with the Yearly Average approach and the pre-existing homemakers disregard scheme, these measures only determine the rate of payment for those with an entitlement to a State pension (contributory). They do not remove the requirement to be entitled to such a pension in the first place. Entitlement to a State pension is based on a number of criteria, including that a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions are paid.
There are currently no plans to remove the requirement to have 520 contributions paid to qualify for the State Pension (contributory). It is reasonable to require people who seek a contributory pension to have made at least 10 years paid contributions into the Social Insurance Fund which finances it, over 50 years of working age life. While it was lower in the past when PRSI coverage was less widespread, legislation was introduced in 1997 to increase this threshold to 520 weeks, or 10 years of contributions. A fifteen year period was allowed pass between that legislation being enacted and the threshold being raised to this level, which would have been sufficient for most people to achieve the required contributions.
For those who do not qualify for the State Pension (contributory) (SPC), there are other state pension payments available. Notably, they may qualify for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC. If their spouse has a contributory pension, they may qualify for an increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension. Consequently, if a person doesn’t receive a State pension after pension age, they have both significant means and have made little or no contribution to the Social Insurance Fund. Introducing a new pension entitlement for such people would reduce the resources available for other pensioners, most of whom have less means than they do, and have contributed significantly more to the Social Insurance Fund.
The final model of TCA which will be in place for all new pensioners from 2020 will be decided upon following a public consultation later this year, and I do not wish to pre-empt this process, nor the Government decision and legislation which will follow it.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
76. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to introduce employment activation measures targeted at young persons that are long-term unemployed or that face barriers to employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8404/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish youth unemployment has fallen from a peak of 31.2% in 2012 to 13.7% in January 2018. Irish youth unemployment has thus fallen from well above the EU average in 2012 (23%) to well below the current figure EU figure of 19.1%. The long-term unemployment rate for young people has fallen from over 15% at peak to below 4% in the third quarter of 2017. Youth unemployment figures can be expected to fall further this year in line with the continuing forecast fall in overall unemployment. Additionally, Ireland is on course to bring youth unemployment below 12% and long-term unemployment below 2.5% in accordance with Pathways to Work targets for 2020.
Under the Youth Guarantee process case officers engage with unemployed young people, on a monthly basis, to prepare and implement personal progression plans for employment. Where young people do not find work quickly, additional supports are offered through places on employment and training schemes.
As part of this range of opportunities, later this year I will be introducing a new work experience programme targeted exclusively at young jobseekers who are long-term unemployed and face a significant barrier to gaining employment.
The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) will provide young jobseekers with the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment while on a work placement. Young people, like other groups, vary in terms of skills, aptitude and background so will be offered a wide variety of work experience options to meet their particular needs while enhancing their employment prospects. A Learning and Development Plan will be at the core of each placement, and progress will be supported and monitored by a case worker on an ongoing basis.
The scheme will complement and sit alongside other opportunities developed by the Department of Education and Skills, such as the new Career Traineeships and Apprenticeships, and will broaden the options available to young people. It will be open to employers across the private, community and voluntary sectors who meet the eligibility criteria. Public sector organisations will not be included. Host Organisations will complete an assessment for the participant at the end of the placement. Employers will be encouraged to hire participants who have performed well, and will qualify for a financial subsidy under JobsPlus Youth.
The qualifying payments are Jobseekers’ Payments, One Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker Transition Payment, Disability Allowance, Blind Person’s Pension or Supplementary Welfare Allowance. In some cases, candidates who have been in receipt of a payment for less than 12 months, but who are considered by a case worker to face significant barriers to work will be granted access to the scheme.
Operational details are currently being finalised and I hope to launch the Scheme in Q.2, 2018. I am confident that these planned measures, together with the continuing strong performance of the economy, will support further reductions in long term and youth unemployment.
78. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the restructuring of MABS and the CIS; her views on this restructuring process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8308/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body established by the Oireachtas. In addition to its own statutory responsibilities in relation to information and advocacy service provision, it has statutory responsibility for the countrywide networks of Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). In February 2017 the statutory Board of the Citizens Information Board decided to restructure the governance arrangements of the CIS and MABS networks, from the current structure of ninety three individual local companies to a sixteen regional company model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies. The CIB Executive is currently implementing the decision taken by the Board, as it is required to do. An Implementation Group, with cross sectoral representation has been set up, to assist with the transition to the new governance model.
CIB has, and will continue to, provide the necessary information and support to each of the local companies and their chairpersons and boards, throughout the transitional period.
Information sessions have already been held for chairpersons of the 38 companies transitioning to the regional companies in Phase 1. Earlier this week, consultation sessions were held with CIS Development Managers and MABS Money Advice Co-ordinators regarding the preparations needed to transfer to the new companies and to address any queries they had. Further information sessions will be held for the companies transitioning in the remaining phases.
It is expected that full transition to the 16 new companies will take up to two years to complete.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
79. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to address the long wait for persons that are awaiting social welfare appeals; and the way in which she plans to reduce the waiting period. [8437/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll claim decisions taken by the Department’s deciding officers are appealable to the Chief Appeals Officer. In any year about 85% of all claims are awarded and just 1% are appealed. Nevertheless, the Department is concerned that these cases are dealt with as quickly as possible. Accordingly, 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 2017 from 52.5 weeks for an oral hearing in 2011 to 26.4 weeks in 2017 and from 25.1 weeks for a summary decision in 2011 to 19.8 weeks in 2017.
The time taken to process an appeal reflects a number of factors including that the appeals process is a quasi-judicial process with appeal officers being required to decide all appeals on a ‘de-novo’ basis. In addition, appeals decisions are themselves subject to review by the higher courts and decisions have to be formally written up to quasi-judicial standards.
Other factors that influence appeals processing times include the quality of the initial decision – in this respect the Department has changed the decisions process in respect of medical schemes, in order to provide more information to the claimant. I expect that this will help to reduce the number of appeals over time.
In addition, a number of new appeals officers have joined the appeals office over the past year, to replace staff leaving on retirement. Given the complexity of the appeals process it takes some time for new staff to be trained up and develop expertise. This changeover in staff led to a slightly longer time to conclude appeals in 2017. However, the Chief Appeals Officer has advised that she is hopeful that processing times will improve in 2018.
Finally, it should be noted that an appellant can claim supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of their appeal and that any favourable decisions are backdated to the original date of the claim.
80. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason long-term unemployed persons are advised that they can retain their benefits when they return to work through JobPath; the difference between jobseeker's allowance and a casual jobseeker’s allowance payment which is preventing persons from retaining benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8396/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware JobPath is one of a range of activation services provided by my Department to support and assist long term unemployed jobseekers to find full time sustainable employment. All of the activation services available, either directly from Intreo Case Officers or the external contractors such as the JobPath and Local Employment Service companies provide information and assistance to their clients regarding the financial benefits of finding sustainable employment. This includes advice on departmental and other income supports that may be available to those who move from a dependence on jobseeker payments into either full time or part time employment. There are a number of in-work income supports available from my Department including Working Family Payment (formerly known as Family Income Supplement) and Back to Work Family Dividend. In addition the person may retain entitlement to other supports provided by other Government Departments and Agencies such as Medical Cards and Housing Assistance Payments.
For those who find casual employment, they may retain an entitlement to a reduced jobseeker's payment, this is dependent on the number of days worked and the level of income which will be subject to a means assessment. All decisions regarding a person’s welfare entitlements are taken only by Department Officials.
81. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied with the operation of the humanitarian assistance scheme; the number of persons that applied for assistance following storm Eleanor; the amount awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. My Department has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events. My Department immediately activated the humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), to assist householders affected by flooding following storm Eleanor. I am satisfied that the local CWS is best placed to work with householders in response to emergency events.
The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to prevent hardship by providing income tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair. The Government has not set a limit on the amount that can be paid under this scheme.
In dealing with emergency events, my Department adopts the following approach:
- Stage 1 is to provide emergency income support payments (including food, clothing and personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event.
- Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential items.
- Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support or works are required, including plastering, painting and relaying of floors.
The scheme is demand led and in the aftermath of storm Eleanor, officials have provided financial support to a small number of affected households (15 in total) primarily in the Galway area, who have engaged with the Department. Latest figures show that over €23,000 has been paid to these households. A further four households have recently sought financial assistance and these applications are being considered. This particular storm impacted mainly business rather than residential properties. Humanitarian support is provided to those businesses affected by the Department of Defence.
Householders seeking assistance under the humanitarian assistance scheme should contact my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
82. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to re-examine the requirement that persons that signed up to JobPath may not participate in a community employment scheme for up to one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8441/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra95. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons on JobPath cannot transfer to social employment or community employment schemes, such as community employment or rural social schemes, when such vacancies arise while they are on JobPath; the status of the review of the rights of persons that work seasonal and part-time in view of the report submitted to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 95 together.
JobPath is one of a range of activation supports, including employment schemes such as Community Employment (CE) and Tús, catering for unemployed jobseekers. Long term unemployed jobseekers who are not engaged with any other activation scheme or service are referred by my Department to the JobPath service to receive intensive individual support, including relevant training and educational programmes which will assist them in finding full-time sustainable employment.
Jobseekers can only participate with one activation scheme or service at a time, this is necessary to enable the scheme and service providers’ have sufficient time to work with them in order to develop their skills and competencies so they are in a better position pursue suitable work opportunities which may result in sustainable full time job.
However, if on the date of their referral to JobPath, a person has a written offer with a start date within four weeks for CE, they will be facilitated to take up the placement.
While schemes such as CE provide long-term unemployed people with part-time experience as a stepping stone back to employment, they are not full-time sustainable jobs. Referral to JobPath is generally for a 52 week period, participation on an employment scheme remains an option for each person if they continue to be fully unemployed at the end of their engagement with the JobPath service.
The rural social scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for low income farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.
The current selection process for JobPath excludes those jobseekers categorised as self-employed including those actively farming or fishing. However a person who is currently engaged with the JobPath service is eligible to apply for a placement with RSS once the relevant qualifying conditions are satisfied and a suitable opportunity is available to the client.
With regard to people engaged in Seasonal or Part-time employment, 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
83. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the report on the working family payment to replace family income supplement will be published. [8347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment (formerly known as the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme) is an in-work support which provides an income top-up for low-earning employees with children and offers a financial incentive to take-up employment. It currently benefits over 58,000 families with almost 129,000 children, with an estimated spend in 2018 of approximately €431 million. I agreed during the debate on the Social Welfare Act 2017, enacted in December, to bring forward a report to the Committee on Social Protection reviewing the operation of the Working Family Payment, including the requirement to work 19 hours per week, or 38 hours per fortnight to qualify for the payment, within 6 months of the Bill being enacted. My officials are currently working on the review and I anticipate that this will be completed within the time agreed.
Budget 2018 increased the income thresholds by €10 for families with up to three children. This change will come into effect from 29 March 2018. My Department also intends to encourage families to see if they are eligible for the payment by way of a promotion and information campaign. The campaign should start towards the end of February.
The report on the Working Family Payment will reflect, to the extent that is possible given the timeframe, any effects that the promotion campaign and the impact of the threshold increase may have. It will also utilise the extensive analysis carried out in the development of the Working Family Payment.
85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to amend legislation regarding the State pension (contributory) with particular reference to persons whose insurance contribution records were interrupted due to periods in receipt of farm assist (details supplied); if the periods that persons were on farm assist can be credited for insurance purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8392/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the contributory pension entitlements of persons whose insurance contribution records were interrupted while in receipt of farm assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8393/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 87 together.
The farm assist scheme was introduced in 1999 to provide income support for low income farmers. It replaced the former smallholders’ unemployment assistance payment. In line with the then existing arrangements for unemployment assistance (including smallholders) and pre-retirement allowance, the income of farm assist recipients was exempt from class S PRSI for self-employed workers.
Recipients of farm assist who had previously paid Class S social insurance had the option of paying voluntary contributions to maintain their social insurance record, provided they satisfied the qualifying conditions. Since 1st January 2007, the exemption from class S PRSI has been removed and those receiving jobseeker’s allowance and farm assist are subject to Class S PRSI as self-employed contributors on their self-employed income, provided their annual income is €5,000 or more.
There are currently no plans to amend legislation regarding the State pension (contributory), to award a maximum rate payment to pensioners who had such a period during 1999-2006 when they were exempt from PRSI.
However, a person aged over 66 with limited PRSI contributions over the course of their life may claim a State pension (non-contributory) if they have an income need, and this entitlement is not based on payment of social insurance contributions. The maximum weekly rate is €227, i.e. over 95% of the maximum contributory pension rate. While it is means-tested, there are very significant disregards which are to the benefit of claimants, and a significant majority of such pensioners are paid at the full rate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
88. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a clear and simple process for professional actors requiring financial support from her Department will be established in view of the variable nature of the work and income of the acting profession. [8285/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main social welfare schemes for unemployed persons are the jobseeker’s allowance and benefit schemes which provide income support for people who have lost work and are unable to find alternative full-time employment. Both schemes already 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. It is accepted that periods of unemployment are a normal feature of the acting and artistic professions and people in these professions can qualify for a jobseeker payment when they are unemployed. For instance, actors including self-employed actors, who satisfy the scheme’s conditionality and the means test can qualify for a jobseeker’s allowance payment. Actors who are working part-time and are categorised as casual jobseeker’s allowance recipients or those who are self-employed and in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance are not currently activated by my Department.
My Department also operates a fast-tracking process for customers who sign-off on their jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit claim to take up work for a period of up to 12 weeks. In these cases, the claim is not closed. Rather, payment is suspended temporarily for the duration of the work or training course. When the person signs on again after the period of work or training, the claim can be reactivated without delay and payment restored.
In addition, my Department’s Intreo service now provides a more focussed service to those in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment, including actors.
