Robert Troy
Ceist:716. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [32378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (716)
Freagraí 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.
Full-time care and attention is defined as requiring from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 12 January 2018.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person being cared for must require full-time care and attention.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that this condition was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 3 May 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was sought, the outcome of the review is that the original decision remains unchanged. The person concerned was notified on 23 May 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of appeal.
My department were notified on 28 June 2018 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
A submission in support of the decision has been forwarded along with the file on 10 July 2018 to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Appeals
Ceisteanna (717)
Robert Troy
Ceist:717. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an invalidity appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [32379/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 23rd July 2018. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the 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.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (718)
Robert Troy
Ceist:718. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a carer's allowance review will be expedited. [32380/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 13 March 2018. Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 13 June 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of his application.
This additional information is currently under consideration by a deciding officer of my Department.
Once the review is complete, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (719)
Robert Troy
Ceist:719. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability allowance will be expedited. [32381/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I confirm an application for disability allowance (DA) was received from the person concerned on 28 September 2017.
They currently have means in excess of the statutory limit which means they are not currently entitled to DA. There will be a change in their circumstances from 1 August 2018 which means they will qualify for DA from that date and their first payment of DA will issue on 1 August 2018.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (720)
Robert Troy
Ceist:720. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if applications by a person (details supplied) for a carer's allowance and a carer's support grant will be expedited. [32382/18]
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.
The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) formerly known as the respite care grant is an annual payment made to full-time carers who satisfy certain conditions. The CSG is payable automatically to carers who are in receipt of CA on the first Thursday in June of the relevant year. If an entitlement to CA during this period is established the CSG will issue along with their first CA payment.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 4 May 2018.
At the end of May average processing times for new CA application were 15 weeks.
My Department are committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
This application is currently being processed, once complete the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, if the means of the person are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (721)
Robert Troy
Ceist:721. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability allowance will be expedited. [32384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 21 May 2018. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was disallowed on medical grounds as it was decided that they were not substantially restricted in taking up employment.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 10 July 2018 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (722)
Robert Troy
Ceist:722. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability review will be expedited. [32386/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 29th June 2018. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (723)
Robert Troy
Ceist:723. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a carer's review will be expedited. [32387/18]
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.
My department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 22 November 2016. It is a condition for receipt of CA that every claimant shall furnish such certificates, documents, information and evidence as may be required for the purposes of deciding their claim.
The person was asked to provide bank statements and evidence to support his assertion that he had ceased self-employment, but did not do so. Accordingly the deciding officer decided that he was not entitled to CA.
The person concerned was notified on 3 May 2017 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
Further documents were received on 4 April 2018 and the matter was referred again to the local social welfare inspector (SWI) for investigation.
Following the completion of the SWI investigation, a deciding officer requested further documentary evidence from the person concerned which to date he has failed to supply.
However, as the deciding officer was satisfied that the person concerned had ceased employment and self-employment since January 2018, CA was awarded to him on 6 July 2018 and the first payment issued to his nominated bank account on 12 July 2018.
Arrears of allowance due from to 18 January 2018 to 11 July 2018 have also issued. The person concerned was notified of these details on 6 July 2018.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (724)
Robert Troy
Ceist:724. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a carer's allowance and a domiciliary care allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32389/18]
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.
Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged less than 16 years of age, with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. It is not means tested.
CA can only be paid in respect of children aged less than 16 years where DCA is being paid in respect of the child.
I confirm that my department received an application for CA and DCA from the person concerned on the 24 April 2018.
DCA was awarded to the person concerned on 29 June 2018, arrears for the period 1 March 2018 to 30 June 2018 will issue shortly. The person concerned was notified of this decision the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal on 29 June 2018.
The application for CA is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Nitrates Usage
Ceisteanna (725)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:725. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he is taking to secure the continuation of Ireland's nitrates derogation at 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare after 2021. [32205/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017, as amended, give legal effect in Ireland to the Nitrates Directive and to Ireland's fourth Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) for 2018 -2021 which was agreed with the European Commission in December 2017 after extensive negotiation.
Ireland's NAP contains enhanced measures for the protection of waters based on scientific research findings and a collaborative approach to improving our water quality. The NAP is designed to prevent pollution of surface waters and ground water from agricultural sources and to protect and improve water quality. Member States are required to review their NAP at least every four years.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, spent much of 2017 working on a review of the third NAP and on the development of the fourth programme, including negotiations with the European Commission. A similar review process will be undertaken for the current 2018 - 2021 Nitrates Action Programme, probably commencing in 2020. In the meantime, full and correct implementation of the current Action Programme is important. Implementation of the actions set out in the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 - 2021 to target pressures on water quality from agricultural diffuse and point-source pollution will also be important to demonstrate Ireland's capacity to maintain its nitrates derogation while also improving water quality.
Home Loan Scheme
Ceisteanna (726)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:726. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of single person applications and combined person applications that have been made, accepted as valid and granted to date for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As with the previous local authority home loan offerings, loan applications under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan are made directly to the local authority in whose area the property proposed for purchase is situated. My Department does not directly collect information on the number of enquiries to local authorities regarding the loan or the number of loan applications received by local authorities.
However, as is currently the case, my Department will continue to publish information on the overall number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Information up to Q4 2017 is available on the Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-prices-loans-and-profile-borrowers/local-authority-loan-activity, and this information will be updated on a quarterly basis as additional data is compiled.
The Housing Agency provide a central support service for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan by assessing loan applications that are made to the local authorities and make recommendations to the authorities as to whether loans should be offered to applicants.
I have asked the Agency to centrally compile figures on the number of applications that it has assessed from single and joint applicants. The most recent figures available, as at the end of June, indicate that the Agency had received a total of 1,963 applications for assessment from local authorities. Of these, 815 or 42% were from single applicants, while 1,148 or 58% were from joint applicants.
|
Application Type |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Total |
|
Single |
114 |
150 |
154 |
208 |
189 |
815 |
|
Joint |
152 |
224 |
202 |
295 |
275 |
1,148 |
|
Grand Total |
266 |
374 |
356 |
503 |
464 |
1,963 |
Of the 1,963 applications received, 1,510 (or 77%) were deemed to be valid. Of these valid applications, 1,326 had been assessed and 696 of these (52%) had been recommended for approval. Of the 696 valid applications that have been recommended for approval by the Housing Agency, the figures for both single and joint applicants are detailed in the following table:
|
Application Type |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Total |
|
Single |
34 |
41 |
61 |
111 |
50 |
297 |
|
Joint |
43 |
60 |
81 |
150 |
65 |
399 |
|
Total |
77 |
101 |
142 |
261 |
115 |
696 |
As some applications received in May and June may still be under consideration, the figures for these months may be subject to change.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (727)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:727. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the ratio of men and women at each Civil Service grade within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table sets out the percentage of men and women at each grade in my Department.
|
GENERAL ADMIN GRADES |
Equiv grade |
% Male |
% Female |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL |
|
100 |
0 |
|
ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
|
40 |
60 |
|
PRINCIPAL |
|
72 |
28 |
|
ASST PRINCIPAL |
|
49 |
51 |
|
AO |
|
48 |
52 |
|
HEO |
|
49 |
51 |
|
EO |
|
50 |
50 |
|
CLERICAL OFFICER |
|
23 |
77 |
|
TEMP CLERICAL OFFICER |
|
67 |
33 |
|
VISUALLY IMPAIRED TELEPHON |
CO |
0 |
100 |
|
CIVILIAN DRIVER |
CO |
100 |
0 |
|
SERVICES OFFICER |
|
74 |
26 |
|
PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL GRADES |
|
|
|
|
DIRECTOR OF AUDIT |
A/Sec |
0 |
100 |
|
Parliamentary counsel |
A/Sec |
100 |
0 |
|
PRINCIPAL ADV |
PO |
75 |
25 |
|
SENIOR ADVISER |
PO |
100 |
0 |
|
PRINCIPAL AUDITOR |
PO |
83 |
17 |
|
SENIOR ASSISTANT FIRE ADVISOR |
PO |
100 |
0 |
|
SENIOR STATISTICIAN |
PO |
100 |
0 |
|
ADVISORY COUNSEL GRADE 3 |
AP |
0 |
100 |
|
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT GR 1 |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISOR |
AP |
33 |
67 |
|
ARCHITECTURAL/ENG INSPECTOR |
AP |
83 |
17 |
|
QUANTITY SURVEYOR GRADE 1 |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
SUPERVISING HOUSING INSP |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
INSPECTOR PLANNING |
AP |
50 |
50 |
|
INSPECTOR GRADE 1 |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
ASST STAFF ENGINEER |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
ENG GR 2 MECH/HEATING/ELECL - |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
ENGINEER GRADE 1 CIVIL |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
ASSISTANT FIRE ADVISOR |
AP |
100 |
0 |
|
AUDITOR ENV |
AP |
54 |
46 |
|
HOUSING INSPECTOR |
AO |
100 |
0 |
|
ENGINEER GRADE 3 CIVIL |
AO |
80 |
20 |
|
STATISTICIAN |
AO |
0 |
100 |
|
ASST AUDITOR ENVIRONMENT |
HEO |
82 |
18 |
|
MET EIREANN SPECIFIC GRADES |
|
|
|
|
DIRECTOR METEORLOGICAL SRVS |
A/Sec |
100 |
0 |
|
ASST DIRECTOR MET SERVICES |
PO |
0 |
100 |
|
SENIOR METEOROLOGIST |
PO |
67 |
33 |
|
METEOROLOGIST |
AP |
48 |
52 |
|
PRINCIPAL METEOROLOGICAL OFF |
AP |
82 |
18 |
|
SENIOR MET OFFICER HIGH SCL |
HEO |
76 |
24 |
|
METEOROLOGICAL OFF |
EO |
65 |
35 |
|
Met Eireann - college placements |
EO |
33 |
67 |
|
CLEANER |
|
39 |
61 |
|
Rural General Operative Band 3 |
|
100 |
0 |
Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (728)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:728. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons on the housing wait list in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31819/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each housing authority area are provided in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recent SSHA carried out in 2017, details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 28 June 2017. The results of the SSHA include breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories.
The 2017 report also includes the results of the 2016 summary for comparative purpose. Full details in relation to the 2017 assessment are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/sha_summary_2017.pdf.
The SSHA for 2018 is currently in progress and I will publish the results when finalised.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (729)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:729. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 604 of 22 May 2018, if his comments in relation to Part IV of the Housing Act 1966 apply to privately rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31856/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that Part IV of the Housing Act 1966 applies to privately rented accommodation.
Rural Resettlement Scheme
Ceisteanna (730)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:730. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if progress has been made in formulating a rural re-settlement scheme; and if so, the details of same. [31860/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development: Realising our Potential, has a clear objective of working across Government Departments to deliver a co-ordinated group of strategies and actions to ensure the success of vibrant rural communities across Ireland.
My Department works closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development on rural housing issues. In relation to social housing, it is already possible for households to move and relocate between local authority areas, including relocating from an urban to a rural location, under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme.
My Department is currently examining additional ways to facilitate households, who are qualified for social housing, and who may wish to relocate to rural areas.
Urban Development
Ceisteanna (731)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:731. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be made available through the urban regeneration fund or another viable funding stream to progress the port access northern cross route project in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31910/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 9 July 2018, I launched the new Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of Project Ireland 2040 to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities, regional drivers and other large urban centres, including Drogheda. The URDF is designed to leverage a greater proportion of residential and commercial development, supported by infrastructure, services and amenities, within the existing built-up areas of our larger urban settlements.
My Department has responsibility for implementing the URDF, which has an allocation of €2 billion over the 10-year period of the National Development Plan (NDP) to 2027, with €100 million available for expenditure in 2019 and an overall Exchequer allocation of €550 million earmarked for the Fund up to the end of 2022.
The first call for proposals under the URDF is therefore now live and will run until end-September 2018. Proposals, including transport and services infrastructure are invited under this Fund, which will operate on a competitive, bid-based Exchequer grant basis, with proposals being required to demonstrate that they will be:
- Innovative and transformational urban regeneration projects;
- Public-sector led and with the option of community and/or private sector partners;
- Matched by at least 25% direct funding from other public and/or private sources;
- Involve a minimum bid of €2m;
- A catalyst for development that would not otherwise occur; and
- Likely to leverage significant further public and private sector investment.
Detailed information on the URDF and the application process can be viewed at the following links: www.gov.ie/urdf and www.npf.ie.
I would encourage relevant sectors to adopt a collaborative approach to ensure that the potential of this fund can be maximised and I look forward to seeing many innovative and ambitious proposals from all around the country submitted for consideration under this initial call for proposals by the end of September.