Robert Troy
Ceist:2560. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [34741/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (2560)
Freagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that this appeal was registered in that office on 21st June 2018. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27th June 2018 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
Disability Support Services Funding
Ceisteanna (2561)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:2561. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the budget outlay provided to the WALK PEER programme in Walkinstown, Dublin 12; and the estimated cost of rolling out a similar programme to each county. [34839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Providing Equal Employment Routes (PEER) project is run by the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK Ltd). The project provides for customised supports for its participants to access employment. The target group is young people with disabilities aged 16 – 24.
The project was originally one of 14 disability activation projects that were jointly funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the exchequer between 2012 and April 2015. After the ending of ESF funding, as provided for in EU regulations, the WALK PEER project obtained additional funding from both a private sector organisation and the HSE.
Research work by the National Disability Authority and others demonstrated that there is a need for supports to be put in place for young people with disabilities during the transition period from education and other services into the world of work. Arising from these findings, the Ability programme was developed.
The ‘Ability’ programme is a new pre-activation programme for young people with disabilities. The projects to be funded under this programme will provide supports and assistance for young people with disabilities aged between15 to 29 years old during this ‘transition’ period. The programme is being co-funded by the Exchequer and the EU (under the European Social Fund, as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020).
Following representations from WALK Ltd it was decided to provide funding on an interim basis from the Department for the project, pending the introduction of the Ability programme. This for example saw funding being put in place to a maximum of some €75k in 2018 over two three month periods, while the Ability programme was being put in place.
Pobal have been contracted by DEASP to manage the Ability programme including the application and evaluation process for the proposals received: the Ability programme attracted 59 applications. A detailed and independent assessment process was undertaken by Pobal of the applications. Pobal awarded scores for all applications based on a weighted marking system, as below:
- Meeting the programme/ measure priorities (40%)
- Need for the proposal (20%)
- Capacity of the organisation (20%)
- Value for money (20%)
Only projects receiving a score of 60 or above were deemed by Pobal to be of sufficiently high standard to be recommended for funding. On this basis, Pobal recommended 27 projects as being suitable for funding; this represents some 46% of the proposals received.
On the 1st of June this year, the outcomes of the above process were announced. Two applications under the ‘WALK’ umbrella for funding were successful. These were: WALK Ltd and Walkinstown Green Social Enterprise Limited, the latter company is wholly owned by the former. These projects will receive combined funding of more than €1,070,000 over the course of the Ability programme.
If the WALK Ltd funding was to be replicated to an additional 25 counties this would, based on a simplistic calculation, require additional funding in excess of €5m per year, this does not include set up costs or factor in a county by county analysis (an analysis for example of existing service provision and demand factors by county etc.).
At the time of the launch of the ‘Ability’ measure, it was expected that funding for the Ability programme would amount to some €10 million over a three year period. However, given the number and quality of the proposals received, enhanced funding arrangements have been put in place of €16 million to support all 27 projects recommended for funding by Pobal.
It is worth noting that while some of the successful applications came from organisations that are headquartered or based in particular locations, some of the projects will be providing services beyond the location in which they are based.
In addition to the Ability programme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection continues through its nationwide network of Intreo offices and through the EmployAbility service (a specialist service that has been designed to support people with disabilities - which is delivered on behalf of the department by 23 companies located around the country) to offer a full range of supports and services to people with disabilities who wish to pursue their employment ambitions.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the deputy.
Pensions Data
Ceisteanna (2562)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2562. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year cost of reducing the pension age for all to 65 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34998/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011 provided that State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This began in January 2014 with the abolition of the State pension (transition) which was available to people aged 65 who satisfied the qualifying conditions. This measure standardised the State pension age for all at 66 years. This will increase to 67 in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.
Life expectancy at birth has increased significantly over the years - and is now at 78.4 years for men and 82.8 years for women. This is very positive. As a result of this demographic change, the number of State pension recipients is increasing year on year. This has significant implications for the future costs of State pension provision which are currently increasing by approximately €1 billion every 5 years. The purpose of changes to the State pension age is to make the pension system more sustainable in the context of increasing life expectancy. This sustainability is vital, if the current workers, who fund State pension payments through their PRSI, are to receive a pension themselves when they reach retirement age.
In 2013, the cost of the State pension (transition) was €137 million. Its abolition was not expected to save that amount of expenditure in full, as some people who were affected would alternatively claim working age payments such as Jobseeker's Benefit (although at a lower rate than the rate of the State pension), or claim an Increase for a Qualified Adult in respect of their spouse’s pension.
However, it is anticipated that well over half of that cost has been saved each year as a result of this measure, and this would be expected to increase as (a) the number of 65 year olds increases, (b) the change results in a higher percentage of people working while aged 65, and (c) there have been a number of Budget increases in the rate of the State pension since then. It is estimated that the net saving in 2017 was over €80 million, and this is expected to increase over time.
The Deputy should note that there is no legally mandated retirement age in the State, and the age at which employees retire is a matter for the contract of employment between them and their employers. While such a contract may have been entered into with a retirement date of 65, in the context of the previous State pension arrangements, there is no legal impediment to the employer and employee agreeing to increase the duration of employment for one or more years, if both parties wish to do so.
Where this is not possible, there are specific measures which apply to someone claiming Jobseeker’s Benefit from a date after their 65th birthday. Where qualified, these recipients may continue to be eligible for that payment until reaching pension age.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (2563)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2563. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount that would be collected if both current bands of employers' PRSI were increased by 2%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is estimated that a 2% increase in the 8.6% rate of employer’s PRSI would yield €84 million in a full year. A similar 2% increase in the 10.85% higher rate of employer’s PRSI would yield €1,423.6 million in a full year.
These estimates are based on PRSI Class A contributors. They use the latest available data and reflect macro-economic indicators for 2019. It should be noted that these estimates do not take into account any possible changes in employer behaviour arising from changing rates of contribution.
Social Insurance Yield
Ceisteanna (2564)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2564. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount that would be collected if a new PRSI rate of 19.75% was introduced for employers hiring staff who earn more than €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35025/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, Class A employers pay PRSI at the rate of 8.6% where weekly earnings are between €38 and €376. Once weekly earnings exceed €376, the rate of employer PRSI is 10.85%.
The estimated yield from increasing the higher PRSI rate of 10.85% to 19.75% for employees earning over €100,000 per annum (applied only on earnings over €100,000) is €640m.
These estimates are based on the latest available data and reflect macro-economic indicators for 2019. It should be noted that these estimates do not take possible changes in employer behaviour arising from increasing the rates of contributions into account.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (2565)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2565. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year cost for proposals (details supplied). [35067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The costings sought by the Deputy are outlined below:
1. The cost of increasing the fuel season by two weeks, from 27 to 29 weeks, is estimated at €17.2 million.
2. The current weekly rates of payment are in excess of 2008 levels. The full year cost of increasing social welfare payments to the rates payable in 2009 is estimated at €311.4 million in 2019. This includes the cost of increasing the age-related reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance up to the maximum rate payable. It should be noted that this costing includes proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment where relevant.
This costing does not include any increase for maternity benefit recipients – in 2009, different rates of maternity benefit were payable depending on the level of earnings, with a minimum rate of €230.30 and a maximum rate of €280 per week. These rates were standardised at €230 per week in Budget 2014. Approximately 80% of maternity benefit recipients were on the maximum rate of payment. Increasing the rate of maternity and paternity benefit from the current weekly rate of €240 per week to the maximum rate payable in 2008 for all recipients would cost in the region of €43 million in 2019.
3. The full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of the State Pension Contributory, Widow(er)’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension, Death Benefit Contributory Pension and State Pension Non-Contributory to €250 per week is estimated at €269.5 million in 2019. This costing includes proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment where relevant.
4. The cost of a 110% Christmas Bonus payment is estimated to be circa €282.7 million in 2018. As was the case in previous years where a Bonus was subsequently paid (2014 to 2017 inclusive), there is no provision in the 2018 Revised Estimates for the payment (at any rate) of a Christmas Bonus in 2018. Any decision taken regarding the payment of a Bonus in 2018 will have to be consistent with the legal requirements set out in the domestic Fiscal Responsibility Acts 2012 and 2013 and the targets set for Ireland by the EU Stability and Growth Pact.
5. The full year cost of increasing all weekly social assistance and social insurance payments by €10 per week is estimated to be €695.63 million. This costing includes proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment where relevant.
6. The cost of increasing the Working Family Payment multiplier from 60% to 75% is estimated to be in the region of €100 million.
7. Based on figures from the Department of Education and Skills, the current estimated annual cost of extending the upper age limit for payment of Child Benefit for those persons who are 18 years and under 19 years of age and in secondary school, is over €62 million.
8. The full year cost of increasing the age of the youngest child from 7 to 18 for the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is difficult to estimate with any accuracy.
Firstly, this change could result in a cohort of lone parents that are currently not in receipt of a social welfare payment becoming eligible and therefore moving onto a social welfare payment. As members of this cohort are not currently in receipt of a social welfare payment it is difficult to estimate the numbers involved. Secondly, some customers could seek to move from alternative payments such as Jobseekers Allowance (JA), the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) and the Back to Work Family Dividend (BTWFD) back to the OFP. Again, it would be difficult to estimate the magnitude of this flow between schemes with any degree of accuracy. Finally, such a change to the One-Parent Family payment scheme would also increase the incidence of dual payments of OFP and the Working Family Payment (formerly FIS). It is not possible to predict the impact on payments as a result of the interaction between both schemes without having detailed knowledge of individuals’ working patterns and the degree to which these might change. These factors are critical to providing a reliable costing. The Department is therefore not in a position to provide the costing requested at this time.
9. Based on 2017 recipient numbers, the annual cost of increasing the Back to School Clothing and Footwear rates by €50 per child, from €125 to €175 per child in respect of children aged 4 to 11 and from €250 to €300 per child for children aged 12 years and over in second level education, is estimated at €13.75 million.
10. Each additional week of maternity benefit would cost approximately €9.6m. To increase the duration of paid maternity leave from 26 weeks to 52 weeks would cost approximately €250 million in a full year. It should also be noted that there are additional costs to the Exchequer as these estimates do not include the costs of salary top-ups for public/civil servants.
It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated numbers of recipients for 2019.
Rent Supplement Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (2566, 2567)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2566. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount that was paid out annually in rent allowance in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and the projected amount in 2018 and 2019. [35068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2567. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to the transfer of rent allowance recipients to HAP, leasing arrangements and RAS, if the moneys saved have then been transferred to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; the organisation responsible for the payments; if so, the amount in each of the years since the beginning of these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35069/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2566 and 2567 together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 29,000 recipients for which the Government has provided €180 million for in 2018.
Details of the number of rent supplement recipients and expenditure for the years 2013 to 2017 and for the six months ending June 2018 are provided in the attached tabular statement.
Rent supplement’s outturn forecast is calculated based on its expected level of activity taking into account transfers to, and the impact of, the housing assistance payment scheme (HAP) for the period under review. Rent supplement forecast outturn for 2019 will be determined as part of the budgetary process in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government which has responsibility for HAP and other social housing solutions.
Rent supplement customer numbers have declined during the period commencing December 2013 (c.79,800) to June, 2018 (c. 29,000). The strategic initiative of returning rent supplement to its original purpose, that of a short-term income support, facilitated by the introduction of the HAP scheme has been the main driver in rent supplement’s base decline. There are currently over 38,000 HAP tenancies in place of which c.9,900 (c.26%) are transfers from rent supplement.
Other contributory factors include the continuing improvement in the economy leading to fewer people seeking support due to retaining and securing long-term employment allied with more people exiting rent supplement through activation and securing job opportunities. The strategic goal is to transfer all long-term tenancies from rent supplement to HAP by 2020.
Details of rent supplement recipient numbers transferring to HAP as at December 2015 to mid July 2018 is provided in the attached tabular statement. In addition to the ongoing transfer of long-term rent supplement recipients to HAP, the majority of new applicants seeking State support towards their rent are being supported by the local authorities under HAP rather than rent supplement.
The rental accommodation scheme (RAS) also has continued its operations in the transfer of rent supplement customers. At the end of April 2018, local authorities had transferred a cumulative total of 60,935 households from rent supplement to RAS and other social housing supports.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement:
Table 1: Rent Supplement: Recipient Numbers & Expenditure 2013 to June 2018
|
Year |
Total Expenditure€000 |
Total Recipients |
|
2013 |
372,909 |
79,788 |
|
2014 |
338,208 |
71,533 |
|
2015 |
311,059 |
61,247 |
|
2016 |
275,294 |
48,041 |
|
2017 |
231,221 |
34,378 |
|
6 Months to June 2018 |
94,442 |
28,978 |
Table 2: Rent Supplement: Recipient Numbers transferred to HAP
|
Year |
Transferred from RS to HAP |
|
2013 |
N/A |
|
2014 |
N/A |
|
2015 |
2,100 |
|
2016 |
3,943 |
|
2017 |
3,185 |
|
Mid July 2018 |
1,989 |
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2568)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2568. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year cost of increasing the back-to-school allowance by €10. [35070/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. The Government has provided €49.5 million for the scheme in 2018 which will operate from June to September.
The rate of payment in 2017 was increased by 25% to €125 in respect of children aged 4 to 11 and €250 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education. These rates are payable in 2018 for eligible children. End of year records show that under the 2017 BSCFA scheme, payments were made to 151,000 families in respect of over 275,000 children at a cost of €49 million.
Using the total number of children covered by the scheme in 2017 as a basis, the additional cost to increase the BSCFA rates by €10 per child would be €2.75 million. Changes to increase the rate of payment of any scheme administered by my Department would have to be considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2569)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:2569. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year cost of reintroducing a concurrent payment of half-rate illness benefit and jobseeker's benefit in addition to one-parent family payment and widow's and widower's pensions. [35071/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to cost this proposal, it would be necessary to establish the potential number of one-parent family payment and widow(er)’s and surviving civil partner pension recipients that would be likely to qualify for half-rate illness benefit and jobseeker’s benefit payments. This information is not readily available and, accordingly, it is not possible to provide an up-to-date costing for this proposal at this time. However, at the time the payment of these concurrent payments were abolished (Budget 2012), full-year savings of €22.6 million were estimated.
Any proposed changes to the current legislation in relation to concurrent payments would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (2570)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:2570. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35112/18]
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.
A claim for IP was received from the lady concerned on the 04 May 2018. Following the completion of a social welfare inspector’s report on her circumstances, two medical report forms have been issued to the lady concerned for completion. On receipt of the completed forms, her application will be processed as quickly as possible and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
In the meantime, she is in receipt of a weekly illness benefit payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Regulatory Impact Assessment Data
Ceisteanna (2571)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:2571. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of proposals (details supplied) over the 2011 to 2018 period on an annual basis in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35141/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIAs) are undertaken by my Department in accordance with the relevant Department of the Taoiseach guidelines on significant legislative, policy and other changes.
A Regulatory Impact Analysis is not ordinarily undertaken on the package of tax, welfare and other measures announced in the annual Budget Day Statements. As most of the Social Welfare Bills provide for the implementation of various budgetary measures, RIAs are not considered necessary in relation to these measures. Social Welfare Bills also provide for a range of other miscellaneous and technical amendments to the social welfare code and these types of amendments are not considered amenable to the undertaking of a RIA.
All measures proposed by my Department, and RIAs undertaken are available at:
Details of all RIAs are available on my Department’s website at: www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Regulatory-Impact-Assessment_holder.aspx.
Social Welfare Appeals Delays
Ceisteanna (2572)
Mary Butler
Ceist:2572. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied that processing time limits for appeals in respect of social welfare payments is at an acceptable level; her plans to reduce the time delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35153/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The average appeal processing times for all appeals determined this year to the end of June broken down by social welfare scheme type are outlined in the table below.
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.
All claim decisions taken by the Department’s Deciding Officers and Designated Persons 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 in respect of all schemes 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 Appeals 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 and this has led to somewhat longer processing times during this period. The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that appeal processing times will continue to be a priority for her office.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Appeal Processing Times by Scheme 01 January 2018 – 30 June 2018
|
- |
Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks)Oral Hearings |
|
Blind Pension |
27.4 |
- |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
24.2 |
28.1 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
21.7 |
26.2 |
|
Child Benefit |
36.2 |
50.3 |
|
Disability Allowance |
18.0 |
25.5 |
|
Illness Benefit |
33.4 |
37.6 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
29.2 |
20.3 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
31.1 |
35.2 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
- |
30.5 |
|
Farm Assist |
42.0 |
42.6 |
|
Working Family Payment * |
28.4 |
33.5 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
23.2 |
24.1 |
|
Liable Relatives |
- |
30.7 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
26.1 |
38.8 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
27.7 |
20.6 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
26.1 |
37.5 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
39.8 |
46.2 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
31.3 |
42.2 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
36.4 |
60.8 |
|
Disablement Pension |
34.7 |
29.4 |
|
OIB-Medical Care |
17.5 |
- |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
- |
29.0 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
30.5 |
32.4 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
10.4 |
37.3 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
31.9 |
34.8 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Payments) |
24.9 |
30.6 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
33.8 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
38.8 |
30.5 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
46.6 |
- |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
64.0 |
29.9 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
25.5 |
26.9 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant |
28.5 |
28.8 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
46.5 |
86.4 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
22.8 |
28.2 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Contributory) |
37.9 |
22.4 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Non- Contributory) |
34.6 |
19.9 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
35.8 |
- |
|
All Appeals |
24.9 |
29.9 |
* Previously called Family Income Supplement
Working Family Payment Data
Ceisteanna (2573)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:2573. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the working family payment in 2017 and to date in 2018; and the budget for the working family payment in 2017 and 2018. [35183/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Working Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work support, which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependants and to offer a financial incentive to take-up employment.
As of December 2017 there were some 57,700 families with almost 130,000 children in receipt of WFP. Estimated expenditure on the Working Family Payment for 2017 was over €422 million.
There are currently over 56,000 families with 126,000 children in receipt of WFP. The estimated spend on WFP for 2018 is approximately €431 million, following the increase in the thresholds provided for in last year’s Budget.
Fuel Allowance Data
Ceisteanna (2574)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:2574. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons and households in receipt of fuel allowance in 2017 and to date in 2018, respectively; the projected number in 2019; the breakdown of recipients by payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There was an average of 381,270 households receiving Fuel Allowance during 2017. The 2018 REV estimates provided for an average of 373,910 recipients.
It will take some time to assemble the breakdown of Fuel Allowance recipients by primary scheme. The information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Fuel Allowance Data
Ceisteanna (2575)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:2575. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the projected cost of increasing the weekly fuel allowance by €5; the history of changes to the payment since 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35232/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The cost of increasing the rate of fuel allowance by €5 per week, from €22.50 to €27.50 per week, for the duration of the fuel season is estimated at €51.5 million. It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2019.
The changes to the fuel allowance scheme since 2005 are listed below:
- In 2008, the duration of fuel season increased from 29 week to 30 weeks;
- In 2009, the duration of the fuel season increased from 30 week to 32 weeks;
- In 2012, the duration of the fuel season reduced to 26 weeks and the smokeless fuel allowance was abolished;
- In 2016, the rate of Fuel Allowance increased from €20 per week to €22.50 per week;
- In 2017, Fuel Allowance recipients were given the option of receiving fuel allowance in two lump sums or weekly;
- In 2018, the duration of the fuel season increased from 26 weeks to 27 weeks. An additional week of Fuel Allowance was also paid in March 2018 due to the severe weather conditions.
Fuel Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (2576)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:2576. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered the introduction of a cold weather payment scheme similar to that of the UK in which if the temperature is forecast at zero or below for seven days an additional payment is made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35233/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 27 weeks (a total of €607.50 each year) from October to April, to over 368,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €227 million in 2018. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The UK Winter Fuel system is not as valuable or as comprehensive as our system. I understand that the UK has a Winter Fuel Payment, which amounts to between £100 and £300 pounds each winter (about €112 to €366). In addition to this amount, Cold Weather Payments may be awarded to provide help to people in meeting their additional heating costs during periods of extreme cold. Payment is made automatically when the average temperature at the weather station linked to an eligible customer’s postcode has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0 degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. This payment, when it is made, amounts to £25 for a seven day period of extreme cold.
The introduction of a similar scheme in Ireland would result in very significant administrative and technical overheads and could also result in unfair situations where customers in one county receive the payment while customers in neighbouring counties do not.
During the exceptionally cold weather last winter, people in receipt of the Fuel Allowance received an extra payment of €22.50, regardless of the temperature in their local area.
I believe that this was the fairest and best way of ensuring that those in most need received an extra supplement for their heating costs and therefore I have no plans to introduce a cold weather payment scheme similar to the one in the UK at this time.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Fuel Allowance Expenditure
Ceisteanna (2577)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:2577. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance scheme by an extra week in 2018; the projected cost for same in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35234/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Based on 2018 average recipient numbers, the estimated cost of extending fuel allowance by one week is €8.4 million. Based on current 2019 projections, the estimated cost of an additional week of fuel allowance in 2019 is €8.6 million.
It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2019. Any extension of the Fuel Allowance season would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
Question No. 2578 answered with Question No. 2428.
Rent Supplement Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (2579, 2580, 2581, 2582)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:2579. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number in receipt of rent supplement in 2017 and 2018, respectively; the cost in 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of new awards of rent supplement to date in 2018; the projected number in 2019; the number expected to transition to HAP in 2018 and 2019 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35236/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:2580. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to review the rent limits for rent supplement; the estimated cost of increasing limits by 20% and 10%, respectively; the estimated cost of benchmarking the maximum rent at the 35th percentile of those rents registered with the Residential Tenancies Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35237/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:2581. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of rent supplement tenancies by county in which the payment was increased above prescribed limits; the cost of same in 2017; the projected cost in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35238/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Howlin
Ceist:2582. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on rent supplement in each year since 2000, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35239/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2579 to 2582, inclusively, together.
Rent supplement plays a vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 29,000 recipients for which the Government has provided €180 million for in 2018.
Details of the numbers of rent supplement recipients and expenditure for 2017 and for the six months ending June 2018 are provided in the attached tabular statement along with statistics in relation to new rent supplement awards from 2017 to the end of May 2018.
As the Deputy will be aware, the strategic policy direction of the Department is to return rent supplement to its original purpose of being a short-term income support scheme and this has been facilitated by the introduction of the Housing Assistance Scheme (HAP).
There are currently over 38,000 HAP tenancies in place of which c 9,900 (c.26%) are transfers from rent supplement. The HAP tenancy target for 2018 and 2019 is 17,000 and 16,760 respectively. If the transfer rate from rent supplement to HAP continues in line with forecasts, the number of rent supplement tenancies at end December 2018 will be approximately 22,000 customers. As of 23rd July, 2018 some 10,130 new HAP tenancies have been set up during 2018. Under the targets outlined in the Action plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland, the aim is to complete the transfers from rent supplement to HAP by 2020.
The Department completed a review of the maximum rent limits in line with the commitments contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government in 2016. The review increased limits for all areas of the country with effect from 1 July 2016 resulting in an estimated additional cost of €12 million in 2016, €55 million in 2017 and €60m in 2018.
The current cost of increasing rent limits by 20% and 10% generally or benchmarking rent limits against the 35th percentile of rental rates held by the Residential Tenancies Board is not currently available. Any further review of prescribed rent limits would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government
An increase in rent limits at this time will not increase the level of availability of rental housing stock due to the acute levels of available supply but may impact negatively on those currently renting, in particular low income working families renting in urban areas.
In the last year, approximately 1,000 recipients have been supported with increased rent payments, receiving support in excess of their prescribed limits. The average uplift in excess of the prevailing rent limits for the National Framework for Tenancy Sustainment for the 12 month’s ended May 2018 is c. €190. The average increase in rent for the protocol operated by Threshold operating for counties: Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow is €220.
Approximately, 12,800 cases have been provided additional flexible payment arrangements to date; with approximately 7,700 tenancies (c. 26% of total current recipients) that have received an intervention still being actively supported by the rent supplement scheme. The additional marginal costs associated for these flexible payments is c. €18m for the 2018 (10% of the total cost provided).
A breakdown by county of the number of Rent Supplement recipients receiving support where rents are in excess of the prescribed rent limits in 2017 is provided in the attached tabular statement. Details of the cost of these increased payments are not currently available but will be forward to the Deputy shortly.
Any changes to the rent supplement scheme can only be considered in a budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1: Rent Supplement – New Awards 2017 to end June 2018
|
Year |
No. of New Awards |
|
2017 |
6,680 |
|
End May 2018 |
1,746 |
Table 2: Rent Supplement Numbers & Expenditure: 2000 to Present
|
Year |
Recipients |
Cost €000 |
|
2000 |
42,683 |
150,590 |
|
2001 |
45,028 |
179,438 |
|
2002 |
54,213 |
252,203 |
|
2003 |
59,976 |
331,471 |
|
2004 |
57,874 |
353,762 |
|
2005 |
60,176 |
368,705 |
|
2006 |
59,861 |
388,339 |
|
2007 |
59,726 |
391,466 |
|
2008 |
74,038 |
440,548 |
|
2009 |
93,030 |
510,751 |
|
2010 |
97,260 |
516,538 |
|
2011 |
96,803 |
502,747 |
|
2012 |
87,684 |
422,536 |
|
2013 |
79,788 |
372,909 |
|
2014 |
71,533 |
338,208 |
|
2015 |
61,247 |
311,059 |
|
2016 |
48,041 |
275,294 |
|
2017 |
34,378 |
231,2211 |
|
June 2018 |
29,8252 |
94,442 |
1 Provisional Outturn 2017
2 As at end June 2018
Table 3: County analysis of increased payments awarded in 2017
|
County |
Total No. of increased by payments by county in 2017 |
|
Carlow |
19 |
|
Cavan |
19 |
|
Clare |
0 |
|
Cork |
8 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
|
Dublin |
939 |
|
Galway |
16 |
|
Kerry |
118 |
|
Kildare |
146 |
|
Kilkenny |
5 |
|
Laois |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
11 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
Longford |
25 |
|
Louth |
43 |
|
Mayo |
14 |
|
Meath |
47 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
|
Roscommon |
37 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
45 |
|
Waterford |
8 |
|
Westmeath |
36 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
138 |
|
Total |
1,697 |