Tuesday, 29 May 2018

JobPath Data

Ceisteanna (602)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

602. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of information shared with Seetec. [23351/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Upon referral the JobPath provider receives data that allows them to commence engagement with the customer. This data includes the customer’s name, address, date of birth, PPSN, education and employment history and work skills (e.g. possession of a driving licence) and employment preferences. During the period of the customer’s engagement with the JobPath service the contractors will notify my Department of any change of circumstance (e.g. address) which the customer notifies to the contractor and should the customer not be successful in gaining employment the contractor will provide my Department with an exit update upon completion of the 52 week engagement.

JobPath providers are contractually required to register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

All Contracts in place are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland and the courts of Ireland have exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts. My Department’s contracts with the JobPath providers are in compliance with all relevant legislation and any information shared is contractually based and necessary to provide a service.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

JobPath Data

Ceisteanna (603)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

603. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason it is not sufficient that the employer confirms employment status with her Department only in view of the requirement by Seetec to contact employers to confirm employment status (details supplied). [23352/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

As the Deputy will be aware JobPath is an employment activation service that supports people who are long-term unemployed and those most distant from the labour market to secure and sustain full-time paid employment.

While customers are participating with JobPath they receive intensive individual support to help them address barriers to employment and to assist them in finding jobs. Each person is assigned to a personal advisor who will assess a person’s skills, experience, challenges and work goals. Following the assessment, the jobseeker and their personal advisor will agree a personal progression plan, this document will include a schedule of activities, actions and job focused targets. Participants are also provided with a range of training and development supports including online modules, career advice, CV preparation and interview skills. The person may also be referred for further education and training opportunities.

The JobPath Providers are also required to offer in-work support to the person for up to twelve months while they remain in employment. This includes scheduled contact with the person as well as ad-hoc contact should they need immediate support or advice, this may be particularly important for those in temporary or part-time employment to provide the specific support needed to progress to more sustainable permanent employment.

The person is not under any obligation to provide employment or employer details to the JobPath provider but, if they wish to do so and avail of the in-employment support offered, all information will be treated confidentially.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Maternity Leave

Ceisteanna (604)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

604. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the maternity policy in Intreo offices for jobseekers who are pregnant and after giving birth; if women are required to be available for work or actively seeking employment throughout the duration of pregnancy; the length of time of their maternity leave; if this is in line with the six months maternity leave, with another four months unpaid as an option, granted to women who are in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23358/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for maternity leave which is provided for in the 1994 and 2004 Maternity Protection Acts (as amended). The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has responsibility for the associated social welfare payment of maternity benefit as provided for in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). The 2018 Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure of approximately €264 million on maternity benefit.

Maternity benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to women who are on maternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI). The fundamental qualification criteria for maternity benefit are that a woman must be in insurable employment or self-employment and is contingent on entitlement to statutory maternity leave. The applicant must also satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. A further 16 weeks’ of additional maternity leave is also available from work, which must begin immediately after the end of the paid maternity leave. This period is not covered by maternity benefit, nor is the employer obliged, unless otherwise agreed, to make any payment during this period.

The jobseeker's benefit (JB) and jobseeker’s allowance (JA) schemes provide income support for people who have lost work and who are available for and genuinely seeking full-time employment. In the absence of any complications of pregnancy, a pregnant woman must satisfy these conditions for receipt of payment.

However, on an administrative basis a woman who informs the Department that she is pregnant will not be requested to prove that she is genuinely seeking or available for work in the 4 weeks immediately before the expected date of birth of her child and in the 8 week period following the birth. She will also not be required to attend at the Intreo Centre/Branch Office for signing purposes during this period provided she informs the Intreo Centre/Branch Office of her pregnancy.

The Deputy should also be aware that the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme

is available to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. For instance, new mothers who do not qualify for maternity benefit may be eligible for a payment under the SWA scheme. This scheme is considered the "safety net" within the overall social welfare system for eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Traveller Education

Ceisteanna (605)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

605. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans for a specific Traveller employment strategy in view of the high levels of unemployment in the Traveller community identified by Census 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23416/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

During the years of the financial crisis from which Ireland is emerging, those at the margins of our society frequently, and regrettably, suffered disproportionately from the effects of financial adjustments. Now that Ireland’s economy is back on a firmer footing, it is a moral and societal imperative that we work together to address the real needs of the Traveller community.

In June 2017, my colleague, Mr. David Stanton TD., Minster of State for Justice with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, launched the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy for the years 2017-2021 inclusive. This Inclusion Strategy is a cross-Departmental initiative to improve the lives of the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. The development of the Strategy involved a comprehensive public consultation process, including two rounds of public meetings and engagement with Traveller organisations at national level. Integral to the finalisation of the Inclusion Strategy was the work of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which has members from relevant Government Departments as well as Traveller and Roma representatives and advocates.

Arising from the consultation process, ten key themes were identified as central to the success of the Inclusion strategy, and two of these relate most directly to employment.

First, the Strategy recognises that “there is a very large disparity between Travellers and non-Travellers in the level of education completed” and that “the labour market disadvantage of Travellers is largely linked to that educational disadvantage.” Accordingly, the Strategy identifies 14 different actions aimed at improving access, participation and outcomes for Travellers and Roma in education in order to achieve outcomes that are equal to those for the majority population.

Employment and the Traveller Economy is also identified as a specific key theme in the strategy and it includes a range of relevant actions. Within this range of actions, my Department has committed to delivering and supporting a range of assistive and targeted measures to increase employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities for Travellers and Roma over the long term by:

- Promoting the availability of existing employment and training services to the Roma and Traveller communities and continuing to ensure promotional and information materials on its schemes are available and accessible via the Department’s website;

- Providing tailored supports for the long-term unemployed and for young people to build their confidence and prepare them for the workplace;

- Developing targeted initiatives to increase Traveller and Roma engagement with employment and training services;

Ceist:

613. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23472/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Based on the evidence supplied in support of their application for disability allowance (DA), this person’s application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied.

On 18 May 2018 the person in question has lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). All the relevant papers requested by that Office are being prepared and will be submitted by the Department shortly. The SWAO will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.

Disability Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (614)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

614. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23473/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

This gentleman’s application for disability allowance (DA) was disallowed on 3 May 2018 as he was deemed to have means in excess of the statutory limit for his circumstances.

Further information was supplied by the person in question with a request for a review of his entitlement on 9 May 2018.

The person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on his eligibility. On receipt of this information a decision will be made on his DA application and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (615)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

615. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23474/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for 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.

Disability Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (616)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

616. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23475/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Based on the evidence supplied in support of their application for disability allowance (DA), this person’s application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied.

The person concerned appealed this decision and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). Following due consideration, the appeal of the person in question was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO). He was notified of this decision in writing by the SWAO on the same date. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Jobseeker's Allowance Eligibility

Ceisteanna (617)

John Brady

Ceist:

617. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when jobseeker's allowance was extended to the self-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23588/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The 2018 Revised Estimates for the Department provide for expenditure this year on the jobseekers’ allowance (JA) scheme of €1.83 billion.

The JA scheme offers income support for people who have lost work and who are available for and genuinely seeking full-time employment. This scheme is a means tested payment which has always been available to all jobseekers including employees and those in self-employment.

A person may qualify for JA if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. Where self-employed people satisfy the appropriate means test and any other specific qualifying conditions, they have eligibility in the same way as employees.

In assessing means from self-employment, income from the previous twelve months is used as an indicator of likely future earnings. Given the variety of self-employment situations, the means assessment procedures are applied in a flexible manner to ensure that any circumstances that would be likely to lead to a significant variation, either upward or downward, in the level of a person’s income from one year to the next are taken into consideration.

People who were previously self-employed and are now in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance have access to the full range of activation measures and supports available to other jobseeker’s allowance recipients. This includes referral to group information sessions, one to one interviews and subsequent caseworker support. It also includes access to training, temporary employment, work-experience and recruitment subsidy programmes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Treatment Benefit Scheme Applications

Ceisteanna (618)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

618. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an optical treatment benefit claim by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23599/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The current eligibility checking process for treatment benefit allows contracted dentists and opticians to check the eligibility of the customer on-line, via the Departments new on-line portal “WelfarePartners”. This facility can approve customers, in over 80% of cases, normally within 20 seconds of the enquiry being submitted. Over 1 million such enquiries have successfully been dealt with since last November, with the result instantly relayed to the submitting optician or dentist.

However, if the customers insurance record indicates that they have insufficient contributions to qualify, a “pending” status is returned to the optician and the eligibility enquiry falls out to be examined by an officer in case there are additional contributions/credits due to the customer that have not been recorded. These enquiries can take some time to finalise due to the possible need to contact other areas in the Department or other EU member states to confirm contributions due. The volume of enquiries generated since the available treatments were extended last November is over three times the norm and has taken time to process. However, technical changes have recently been introduced to reduce the delays in advising of the outcome of such enquiries.

In the case of the person concerned, the optician who submitted the enquiry was advised in April 2018 that the customer did not qualify for treatment benefits. Two subsequent enquires have been submitted by the same optician in the last 2 weeks. However, unfortunately the person concerned still does not qualify for treatment benefit as the PRSI contributions paid in the relevant contribution years are not reckonable for treatment benefits.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Parental Leave Expenditure

Ceisteanna (619)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

619. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing maternity, paternity and adoptive benefit by €10, €25 and €50 per week in tabular form; and the cost of extending maternity benefit by 26 weeks. [23660/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The costs of these measures are presented in the table below. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2019.

-Measure	Maternity Benefit Cost	Adoptive Benefit Cost	Paternity Benefit Cost	Total Cost
€10 rate increase	€10.7m	€0.01m	€0.62m	€11.33m
€25 rate increase	€26.75m	€0.02m	€1.56m	€28.33m
€50 rate increase	€53.51m	€0.04m	€3.11m	€56.66m
26 week maternity benefit extension	€249.6m	n/a	n/a	€249.6m