Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:324. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the households in receipt of subsidies under the affordable childcare scheme by gross income bracket (details supplied). [17203/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordable Childcare Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (324)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Affordable Childcare Scheme, a family will be able to benefit from either a universal or a targeted subsidy. The basis for determining the level of targeted subsidy will be a family's net income, rather than gross income. Given the variation in tax situations between families, it is therefore not possible to state definitively the subsidy that will be awarded to a family with a given gross income, nor is it possible to provide detailed forecasts of the number of families that will receive subsidies under the Scheme by gross income bracket.
Basing the level of subsidy on a family's net income rather than their gross income provides a fairer reflection of the resources available to a family, as well as ensuring an equitable approach as regards the assessment of income that is taxable and income that is not taxable. Basing the income assessment on net income also reduces the risk of high effective marginal tax rates as subsidies are withdrawn in line with increasing income. As such, the approach is supportive of equity and labour market activation policy objectives and should ensure that the scheme is helpful to working families on low to moderate incomes.
The Regulatory Impact Assessment of the scheme included analysis by the ESRI of the impact of the scheme on families at different points in the income distribution. The table, which is extracted from the Regulatory Impact Assessment and attached as part of this answer, shows the impact of the scheme by income decile, demonstrating that the benefits of the scheme will primarily go to those in the lower half of the income distribution, but that the universal element of the scheme will give some benefits to families at all levels of the distribution. (Please refer to the attached document.)
Finally, some examples of the targeted subsidies for which different families on different net incomes will qualify are set out below.
Affordable Childcare Scheme Case Studies
(all based on illustrative example fees of €4.80 per hour for 1 year olds, €4.60 per hour for 2 year olds, and €4.40 per hour for school-age children)
A. A lone parent on net annual income of €22,700, with one child aged 2 years and in need of 40 hours of childcare per week, will qualify for a weekly subsidy of €167 and might be expected to have a corresponding co-payment of €17.
B. A family with a net annual income of €25,000, with two children aged 1 and 2.5 years and in need of 25 hours of childcare per week, will qualify for a weekly subsidy of €214 and might be expected to have a co-payment of €21.
C. A family with a net annual income of €35,000, with two children aged 1 and 2.5 years and in need of 25 hours of childcare per week, will qualify for a weekly subsidy of €149 and might be expected to have a co-payment of €86.
D. A family with a net annual income of €47,500, with two children aged 2 years (40 hours childcare per week) and 5 years (17 hours out-of-school care per week) will qualify for a weekly subsidy of €52 and may have a co-payment of €207.
Library Services Funding
Ceisteanna (325, 326)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:325. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to library services for Galway County Council in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the funding allocated to each branch library in County Galway for 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17163/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEugene Murphy
Ceist:326. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated for a part-time library service in Ballygar, County Galway, in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The delivery of public library services is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, funding for the management and development of library services in Galway City and Galway County is primarily a matter for those local authorities. Details of the funding invested in the library service in Galway, including funding for individual library branches, can be obtained directly from Galway City and County Councils.
That said, my Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided, for example, as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and resources, book-stock and other areas of activity that enhance local library services.
Details of funding provided by my Department to Galway City and Galway County library services from 2016 to 2018 is set out in the table below - the figures reflect the combined funding provided to Galway City and Galway County library services as these are managed as a single library authority by Galway County Council.
|
Category of Spend |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Library Lease Contribution |
€136,606 |
€123,030 |
- |
|
1916 Book-fund |
€6,255 |
- |
- |
|
My Open Library (service technology and infrastructure - Oranmore and Ballinasloe libraries) |
€98,688 |
- |
- |
|
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) (tagging for Book-stock) |
- |
€13,952 |
- |
|
Our Public Libraries Strategy Funding (ICT/RFID, book-stock, hot-desk facilities) |
- |
€141,805 |
- |
|
Total Payments |
€241,549 |
€278,787 |
- |
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (327)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:327. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of grant aid or funding that is available for voluntary or community groups that wish to establish a community and-or sports hall in their area; the level of funding available to enable such a project to proceed to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Funding may be available through my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the LEADER Programme to voluntary or community groups who wish to establish a community or sports hall in their area.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in 2016, with funding of €10 million allocated for that year. An enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme was announced in 2017, with an emphasis on projects that would have a sustainable and visible impact on towns or villages and their environs and could demonstrate economic impact or potential. In October 2017, I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland under the scheme.
Under Budget 2018, I have secured an allocation of €15 million for this year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Details of the scheme are currently being finalised and I am planning to launch the 2018 scheme shortly. I will again be placing an emphasis on projects that can demonstrate strong economic benefits for towns, villages and their environs.
It is anticipated that as in previous years Local Authorities will be invited to submit applications to the Department for consideration.
Local Authorities will be required to advertise for expressions of interest from towns and villages in their area and proposals to develop a community or sports hall may be considered if the application displays a strong economic benefit to the community and falls within the criteria of the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Local Authorities will select a number of projects for development into detailed applications to be submitted to the Department.
Capital funding may also be available under my Department's LEADER Programme to develop or renovate community centres or sports halls. LEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme over the period 2014-2020, including both national and EU funding. LEADER is delivered through Local Action Groups in 28 rural areas around the country.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group in the relevant area.
Applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant Local Action Groups. Contact details for all Local Action Groups are available on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie/rural/development/leader
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (328)
John McGuinness
Ceist:328. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied). [17158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 18 January 2018.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 17 April 2018. Once the information is received the application will be processed and he will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (329)
John McGuinness
Ceist:329. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied). [17160/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from this lady on the 28th August 2017. This application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on the 23rd November 2017 outlining the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance.
An appeal of the decision was requested on the 28th December 2017. As part of the appeal process the DCA claim was reviewed by a deciding officer who determined that a revised decision was not warranted. The lady concerned was notified of this decision on the 26th March 2018. The application has now been forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (330)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:330. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17185/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 6 April 2018, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Free Travel Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (331)
Robert Troy
Ceist:331. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount of funding her Department has provided to each transport company that participates in the free travel scheme since 2011, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The free travel scheme permits free travel on most CIE public transport services, Luas and a range of services offered by some 80 private operators in various parts of the country for those eligible under the scheme. The free travel scheme is available to all people aged over 66 living permanently in the State. Applicants who are under age 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and permanently living in the State in order to qualify for the scheme. There are currently 908,675 customers in receipt of Free Travel.
The table details expenditure by my Department in respect of the free travel scheme in the period 2011 - 2017.
|
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
|
|
CIE |
61,549,082.83 |
€61,400,861.94 |
€60,951,683.05 |
€61,211,880.11 |
€61,290,112.66 |
€61,201,721 |
€61,358,000 |
|
Private Operators |
€8,804,859.89 |
€8,521,233.43 |
€7,055,713.71 |
€6,760,076.49 |
€7,166,056.38 |
€7,411,480 |
€7,675,000 |
|
NTA / POBAL |
€1,500,000.00 |
€1,500,000.00 |
€1,500,000.00 |
€1,500,000.00 |
€1,500,000 |
€1,500,000 |
€1,500,000 |
|
Luas / Transdev |
€3,907,500.00 |
3,907,499.64 |
€3,747,235.23 |
€4,067,764.77 |
€3,907,500.00 |
€3,862,457 |
€3,907,500 |
|
Cross Border |
€1,686,933.32 |
€1,708,423.27 |
€1,852,983.28 |
€1,824,193.04 |
€1,487,936.11 |
€1,419,412 |
€1,072,500 |
|
AIFT |
€97,783.57 |
€73,937.91 |
€114,183.51 |
€123,407.57 |
€125,728.93 |
€122,732 |
€84,000 |
Until the end of 2017, my Department paid the CIE Group centrally and the apportionment of payment between its three constituent companies – Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail – was a matter for the CIE Group to determine itself. However, since Jan 2018, a separate block payment is made to the CIE Group in respect Bus Éireann - Expressway.
The Department does not provide information on the amount of money paid to individual private operators participating in the Free Travel Scheme as this information is considered commercially sensitive.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (332)
John McGuinness
Ceist:332. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [17283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 6 April 2018 who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the 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.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (333)
John McGuinness
Ceist:333. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not on the full rate of payment of invalidity pension; and if the claim will be re-examined with a view to paying the maximum benefit and back dating same. [17289/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim.
The department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on the 15 April 2011. He was ineligible for IP under national legislation on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.
EU Regulations provide that insurance contributions made in any other EU Member State may be aggregated with Irish contributions in order to satisfy the contribution conditions for payment of a pro-rata IP. A request was sent to the Polish social security authorities requesting his Polish insurance record. Receipt of this information confirmed that he satisfied the contribution criteria for IP under EU Regulations and as he satisfied all other qualifying conditions the person concerned was awarded a pro-rata IP from the 21 April 2011. He qualified for pro-rata IP at 35.99% of the basic rate thus entitling him a reduced rate and he receives an increase for a qualified child payable at half rate.
Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test. Full details of the qualifying criteria for the scheme are available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie. An application form for DA has issued to the gentleman concerned should he wish to apply.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (334)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:334. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the age for progress to disability allowance will remain at 18 years in view of the fact changes would have a significant financial impact on families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to recommendations made in the “Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities” report. Following a commitment made in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities 2015 -2024, the “Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities” report was published in April 2017. The report undertook to better identify how people with disabilities could be supported to achieve their employment ambitions.
A national consultation process has recently concluded which was organised to engage people with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and sectoral representatives to seek their views on specific recommendations in the report.
The consultation reflects a commitment made at the time of the publication of the MWP report to consult widely with persons with disabilities and their families in relation to the recommendations about the principle of early engagement and a proposed reconfiguration of the Disability Allowance payment. One MWP recommendation is to support young adults through education, training and social inclusion according to their capacity, and to change the qualifying age for disability allowance from 16 to 18 years of age while leaving Domiciliary Care allowance in payment where applicable to 18 years of age.
The national consultation process concluded on April 13th and now will be followed by further consideration of the results with a stakeholder focus group. This group comprises of persons with experience of disability issues and was established last September and has helped my Department with the design of the national consultation process.
I together with my Government colleagues, look forward to learning the outcome of the consultation process in due course.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the deputy.