Tuesday, 18 Sep 2018

Written Answers Nos. 694-719

LEADER Programmes Data

Ceisteanna (694)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

694. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local action groups that have been asked to pay back moneys or the number of projects that were approved funding under the LEADER programme but did not carry out the works as approved and funding had to be recouped in previous LEADER programmes; the amount refunded; the action his Department is taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37036/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department does not hold data in respect of ineligible expenditure incurred under LEADER prior to the 2007-2013 Programme.

Under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme, a total of 36 Local Action Groups (LAGs) were requested to reimburse monies under the programme where administration costs claimed were deemed to be ineligible.

139 projects in receipt of funding under that programme did not carry out all of the works as approved, or in accordance with the operating rules governing the programme.

The total amount refunded in respect of ineligible expenditure on projects and LAG administration since the commencement of the 2007-2013 Programme is €731,736. The total amount of debt still outstanding, not including interest, is €3,087,305. Almost all of the outstanding debt relates to project expenditure.

Under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme, a total of 6 LAGs have been requested to reimburse funding where administration costs claimed under the programme were deemed to be ineligible. The amount associated with the debt incurred by these 6 LAGs is €1,078 and is in the process of being recouped.

No project expenditure has yet been deemed ineligible under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme.

Where ineligible administration or project expenditure is identified by my Department, the relevant beneficiaries are, where possible, afforded an opportunity to rectify the issue identified. The findings can also be appealed through a specific LEADER Appeals process.

My Department maintains a robust system of monitoring debts incurred and engages on an ongoing basis with Local Action Groups and project promoters in an effort to recover monies owed. In addition, my Department notifies the European Commission on an annual basis of debts incurred and reimbursements received.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (695)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

695. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on producing the Action Plan for Rural Development; the breakdown of costs, in tabular form; the number of times the monitoring committee overseeing the plan has met; the milestones and key deliverables that have been met and not met to date, respectively; and the payment ambassadors of the Action Plan for Rural Development receive on a yearly basis. [37053/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Action Plan for Rural Development was launched in January 2017. The costs associated with the design and printing of the Action Plan are set out in the following table.

Item	Cost
Design and typesetting	€6,831.60
Printing	€11,332.00
Total	€18,163.60

The Monitoring Committee which oversees the implementation of the Action Plan has met on four occasions since the Plan was published, and is scheduled to meet again in Q3 2018. In addition to monitoring progress on measures contained in the Action Plan, the Committee has examined a number of specific themes of particular relevance to rural Ireland, including mental well-being, job creation, the LEADER programme and the work of the Fisheries Local Area Action Groups (FLAGs).

Progress Reports on the implementation of the Action Plan are published on my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie. The first Progress Report was published in August 2017, while the second Progress Report was published in May 2018. The reports outline the status of each of the actions due for delivery in the Plan over the reporting period. The latest report shows that 254 of the 270 actions to be reported on were either completed on schedule or substantially advanced, representing an implementation rate of 93%.

Work is under way on compiling the third Progress Report, which will outline the status of actions due for delivery in the first half of 2018. The draft report will be considered at the next meeting of the Monitoring Committee and will be published on my Department's website thereafter.

Mr. Pat Spillane, the former Chair of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) was appointed as an ambassador for the Action Plan for Rural Development when the Plan was launched in 2017. The role of the ambassador is to assist in communicating the key messages of the Plan to people in rural communities across Ireland and to encourage engagement in the implementation of the Plan. The role also involves identifying the impact the Action Plan is having in practice on rural Ireland, in particular by identifying and reporting to the Monitoring Committee on best practice which could be replicated across rural communities in Ireland.

A fee of €20,000 plus travel and subsistence expenses was paid in respect of this role in 2017, while a fee of €10,000 plus travel and subsistence expenses is due to be paid for 2018.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (696)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

696. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37111/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The action referred to by the Deputy is just one of a number of measures in the Action Plan for Rural Development designed to revitalise town and village centres in rural Ireland.

A Steering Group was established by my Department to progress the action and oversee the design and delivery of a pilot model to encourage increased residential occupancy of available properties in rural towns and villages. The Steering Group is chaired by my Department and involves a number of other key Departments and agencies, including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of Finance, and the County and City Management Association which provides representation from the Local Authority sector.

The reasons why properties are not being used in town centres for residential purposes are complex, and this has contributed to the delay in the introduction of the pilot scheme. As the Deputy will be aware, the factors which attract people to live in particular settlements can be many and varied, including the availability of schools, shops, transport and other services. These issues needed to be properly considered in order to ensure, insofar as is possible, that any pilot scheme put in place would be successful and result in increased numbers of people living in town and village centres.

The Steering Group has considered a number of options for a pilot scheme based on its discussions and a specific proposal has been presented to me for consideration. I hope to be in a position to provide further details of the preferred approach very shortly.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (697)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

697. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; the quarter and year in which the policy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37119/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

To progress this initiative under the Action Plan for Rural Development, my Department established a research partnership with the Social Finance Foundation in the second half of 2017. This partnership was for purpose of carrying out targeted research and stakeholder engagement with the social enterprise sector to inform the development of the National Policy on Social Enterprise.

A Steering Group, chaired by my Department, was established to oversee the conduct of the research. This Group comprised representatives of the social enterprise sector, social enterprise practitioners and relevant Government Departments. As part of the research work, a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process took place involving regional workshops and an online survey. Over 100 people representing a diverse range of organisations attended the workshops and 376 submissions were received as part of the online consultation.

The research work has been completed, and the outputs of this research, along with the consultative aspect of the work and other recent developments in relation to the sector, are informing the drafting of the policy. It is now planned to publish a draft Social Enterprise Policy in Q4 2018 for public consultation.

The responses to the public consultation process will be considered and the policy will be refined, as required. This process will ensure that all stakeholders can actively engage with the policy development process and inform the final policy.

I would therefore expect the final policy to be published in early 2019. While this timeframe is longer than originally envisaged, I am satisfied that the additional level of consultation will ensure that a robust policy is developed which has the support and engagement of the social enterprise sector and other stakeholders.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (698)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

698. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37124/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

This action involves the development of a scheme which potentially involves changes to legislation to enable the scheme.

In order to progress the action, my Department has been working with the State Claims Agency in relation to the development of a pilot scheme, with a view to a wider rollout over time, to strengthen the protection for landowners in respect of recreational users of private lands. My Department has also recently been in touch with the Attorney General's Office with a view to progressing the matter.

I have asked my officials to prioritise the finalisation of the work on the pilot scheme and I anticipate that progress will be made by the end this year in relation to identifying the precise legislative requirements and/or processes which might be required give effect to the scheme.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (699)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

699. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; the local authorities that have and have not developed a local digital strategy, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37131/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

The development of Local Digital Strategies will ensure that Local Authorities are primed to take best advantage of high-speed broadband coverage over the coming years to support both economic and social development in their respective areas.

Following a tendering process last year, my Department has engaged a consultancy firm to provide support for the development of a Local Digital Strategy in each Local Authority area.

As part of the development of the strategies, a Digital Readiness Assessments tool was developed to help the Local Authorities to identify their strengths, weaknesses and level of preparedness when planning their Digital Strategies. While some Local Authorities, such as Clare and Limerick, already have Digital Strategies in place, these Authorities were given the opportunity to have their strategies reviewed using the Digital Readiness Assessment tool.

Work is also now progressing on preparing a suite of guidelines that will assist Local Authorities to produce comprehensive, appropriate and effective Digital Strategies. Workshops and other supports are being provided to Local Authorities as they research and prepare their strategies, which are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (700)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

700. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37132/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The action in question falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, T.D.

However, an update on this action was included in the Second Progress Report on the Action Plan for Rural Development which was published in May 2018 and which is available on my Department's website at: https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/APRD-Second-Progress-Report-Final-PDF.pdf.

A further update will be provided in the next Progress Report on the Action Plan which will be published shortly.

Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation

Ceisteanna (701)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

701. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development was not delivered by the timeline committed to; the revised timeline by quarter and year for delivery of this action; if no revised timeline has been set to date, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37133/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The action in question was for delivery by ComReg, as set out in the Action Plan for Rural Development.

While the regulator does not fall under my Department's remit, I understand that the action in question has now been completed and that ComReg published a decision in relation to the matter on its website on 27th June 2018.

The delivery of this action has the potential to improve the experience of mobile phone users in households in rural areas.

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (702)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

702. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if unsuccessful applications under CLÁR must resubmit a full fresh application; if unsuccessful applications will roll over and be considered in the next round of funding; the person or body that makes the application for the new applications, including schools; and if the school or sports club makes the application on behalf of the school. [37192/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of designated areas which have suffered significant levels of depopulation in the past, with the aim of encouraging people to continue to live and work in those areas. The programme has funded a number of measures over the last two years which support this objective.

In 2018, four CLÁR measures were announced:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures

Measure 2: Play Areas/Multi-Use Games Areas

Measure 3: First Response Support Measure

Measure 4: Mobility and Cancer Care Transport Measure

Applications under Measures 1 and 2 were made through the Local Authorities, in consultation with local communities. Any schools or sports clubs with an interest in these measures should therefore have engaged with their Local Authority on the matter. It should be noted that, due to budgetary constraints, each relevant Local Authority was invited to submit a maximum of 15 applications in respect of Measures 1 and 2 combined.

Details of Measures 3 and 4 under the 2018 CLAR programme are on the CLAR pages of my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie. Eligible applicants under these Measures are voluntary organisations operating in the relevant sectoral areas targeted by the Measures.

The closing date for applications under the 2018 CLAR programme has now passed. Successful applicants have been announced under Measures 1, 2 and 3, and I expect to announce the successful applicants under Measure 4 shortly.

I anticipate that a new round of the CLAR programme will be announced in 2019 and I will decide in due course the Measures that might form part of that programme. Unsuccessful applications in respect of the 2018 scheme will not be rolled over, but could be updated and resubmitted under the 2019 programme, subject to them meeting the scheme requirements.

CLÁR Programme

Ceisteanna (703)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

703. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application by a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37217/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of designated areas which have suffered significant levels of depopulation in the past, with the aim of encouraging people to continue to live and work in those areas. The programme has funded a number of measures over the last two years which support this objective.

On 8 August last, I announced details of funding for mobility and cancer care transport services under Measure 4 of the Department’s 2018 CLÁR Programme. This new Measure will support the purchase of vehicles by voluntary organisations in CLÁR areas that provide:

- transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme, or

- transport for people with significant mobility issues to day care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles.

The Measure will support applications of up to €50,000 for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and up to €100,000 for a bus. CLÁR will provide up to 85% of the total cost of such vehicles, including fit-out. Matching funding of at least 15% is required from other sources. The closing date for applications under the Measure was 31st August 2018.

I can confirm that an application was received in respect of the group referred to by the Deputy. My officials are currently assessing all applications received and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applications shortly.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (704)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

704. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital allocation for the rural regeneration and development fund in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the projects this fund will contribute towards; the location of each; and the function, commencement, completion dates and annual costs of each. [37238/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The National Development Plan provides for an allocation of €1 billion for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to enable towns, villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably and support delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Planning Framework. Initial funding of €315 million is being allocated to the Fund over the period 2019 to 2022 on a scaled basis.

On July 4th, I announced a first call for proposals under the Fund and invited submissions under two categories:

Category 1: “Ready-to-Go” proposals, or initial phases of projects which can be commenced in 2019, which have the necessary consents (e.g., planning) in place, are at an advanced stage of design, are in a position to satisfy value-for-money requirements in accordance with the Public Spending Code, and are procurement-ready.

Category 2: Proposals that have clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be potentially submitted as Category 1 proposals in subsequent funding calls.

The deadline for the receipt of applications under the first call for proposals is 27 September 2018.

The initial announcement of approved projects will be made in November 2018 following the assessment process, and approved projects will commence in early 2019. A further call for proposals will be announced in mid-2019.

Further details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available on my Department's website.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (705)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

705. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will adress matters regarding programmes (details supplied); the capital allocation for these projects in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the projects this fund will contribute towards; and the location, function, commencement and completion date and annual costs of each. [37239/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

One of the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 is to bring about strengthened rural economies and communities. To facilitate this, €1bn is committed to a Rural Regeneration and Development Fund between 2018 and 2027 to promote rural renewal. This will enable towns, villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably and support delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Planning Framework.

Funding of €315 million is being allocated over the period 2019 to 2022, which will allow both further activity under existing initiatives in this area as well as the introduction of new investment initiatives under the Fund to be supported during this period.

Over the period 2018-2022, capital investment of €706m is proposed by my Department to strengthen rural economies and communities as follows:

2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
88m	141m	150m	152m	175m

Details on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available online at https://drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/rural-regeneration-development-fund/.

There are no specific projects assigned to this Fund in the NDP; instead the Plan makes clear that allocations from the Fund will be made on a competitive bid based approach.

On July 4th, I announced a first call for proposals under the Fund and invited submissions under two categories:

Category 1: “Ready-to-Go” proposals, or initial phases of projects which can be commenced in 2019, which have the necessary consents (e.g., planning) in place, are at an advanced stage of design, are in a position to satisfy value-for-money requirements in accordance with the Public Spending Code, and are procurement-ready.

Category 2: Proposals that have clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be potentially submitted as Category 1 proposals in subsequent funding calls.

The deadline for the receipt of applications under the first call for proposals is 27 September 2018.

It is envisaged that an initial announcement of approved projects will be made in November 2018 following the assessment process, and that projects (or project development in the case of Category 2 proposals) will commence in early 2019. It is expected a further call for proposals will be announced in 2019 and that subsequent calls will be announced on an annual basis thereafter.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

Ceisteanna (706)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

706. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated to each county under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [37476/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (previously known as the Rural Recreation Scheme) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.

€7.4 million was allocated to 117 projects nationally under the scheme in 2016 and a total of €13.6 million was allocated to 251 projects under the 2017 scheme.

I launched the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme on the 1st June last, with an indicative allocation of €12 million under three measures.

Details of final projects approved under the scheme since its inception are available on the Rural Development pages of my Department’s website at: www.drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/rural-development/rural-recreation. It should be noted that due to the nature of the Scheme, funding may be allocated to organisations which operate across county boundaries, such as Coillte, the Heritage Council and the Local Development Companies, as well as to the Local Authorities.

The final closing date for applications under the 2018 scheme was 27 July 2018. Details of further approvals made during 2018 will also be published on the website in due course.

Voluntary Sector Funding

Ceisteanna (707)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

707. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding for an organisation (details supplied) will be issued to County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37786/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

My Department's Community and Voluntary Supports and Programmes provide a framework of supports for the community and voluntary sector. €3.5m is being provided in 2018 to support 21 Volunteer Centres, 8 Volunteer Information Services and a number of national volunteer-support organisations, such as Volunteer Ireland.

Last July, I announced the new Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2018 which includes the provision of funding of €1.2m to upgrade the 8 Volunteer information Services, including Cavan Volunteer Information Service, to full Volunteer Centres in order to provide a consistent level of volunteering service nationwide.

The legislation governing the Dormant Accounts Fund sets out how money is to be disbursed from the fund to Departments which have a measure approved under the Action Plan. Measures approved for funding in any Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan require that a voted allocation is available within the relevant Department's budget. Discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard are ongoing in the context of the 2019 Estimates process.

Social Welfare Payments Administration

Ceisteanna (708)

Michael Harty

Ceist:

708. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a stated long-term commitment relating to the delivery of the social welfare contract via the post offices. [37548/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

While responsibility for An Post rests with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is an important customer of the company. The Department makes approximately 80 million social welfare payments per annum of which nearly 42% are by cash via the post office network.

These cash payments are governed by the Department’s Cash Services Contract with An Post which was signed in December 2013 and came into effect in January 2014. This agreement allows me, as Minister, to extend the term of the contract on an annual basis up to the end of 2019. Earlier this year I renewed this contract for another year to provide pensions, Child Benefit and other social welfare payments in cash at Post Offices. Last year’s contract amounted to €51 million for 33.6 million payments, and the value of the 2018 contract is expected to match that.

The Department is required by law to go to public tender for the provision of cash services from 1 January 2020. The award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to various EU Directives. Public procurement rules ensure that the taxpayer receives value for money and ensures that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward the most efficient, effective and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation.

As far as is possible, the Department remains committed to giving social welfare recipients a choice of payment method. Its consistent position has been that it will respect customer choice as appropriate and make payments in line with customer preference where choice is available.

Social Insurance

Ceisteanna (709)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

709. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated amount that would be generated if the minimum payment for class S PRSI increased from €500 to €610; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37830/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

It is estimated that an increase in the minimum payment for class S PRSI from €500 to €610 would yield €7.4m in a full year and affect some 75,800 class S contributors.

This estimate is based on the latest available data and reflects macro-economic indicators for 2019. It should be noted that this estimate does not take account of possible changes in contributor behaviour arising from changing minimum payments.

Ministerial Advisers

Ceisteanna (710)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

710. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the political advisers being used by Ministers and Ministers of State in her Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36697/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

The following are the political advisers who have been employed in my Department since the commencement of this Government:

Ms. Denise Duffy - 3rd October, 2016 to date

Mr. Gerry Mullins - 2nd October, 2017 to 13th July, 2018.

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Ceisteanna (711)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

711. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not entitled to claim for illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37011/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department has no record of an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned. If person concerned wishes to apply now, he should complete and forward an application to the Illness Benefit Section. He needs to also be certified as ill by his doctor.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Applications

Ceisteanna (712)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

712. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the refusal of a disability allowance application in the case of a person (details supplied); if this parliamentary question will be accepted as notice of appeal in this instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37028/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 23 August 2017. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was disallowed on medical grounds as it was not found that this lady was substantially restricted in taking up employment. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 23 October 2017.

They requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration on 03 April 2018. On review the original decision was upheld and this lady was notified in writing of this decision on 05 July 2018.

A parliamentary question cannot be accepted as notice of appeal. An appeal can be lodged in writing by the person concerned to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO) clearly stating the grounds of their appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit Payments

Ceisteanna (713)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

713. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who was eligible for illness benefit on the basis of documentation submitted was not granted the payment but was subsequently means tested for supplementary welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37040/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department experienced some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.

However the claim form for the person concerned is now processed and he is in receipt of their full entitlements under the Illness Benefit Scheme and any/all arrears owing to him has been paid.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit Payments

Ceisteanna (714)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

714. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when payment will issue on an illness benefit claim in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37041/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department experienced some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.

However the claim form for the person concerned is now processed and is in receipt of her full entitlements under the Illness Benefit Scheme and any/all arrears owing to her has been paid.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Ceisteanna (715)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

715. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rationale for not providing illness benefit to eligible applicants and means testing claimants under the supplementary welfare guidelines despite illness benefit not being a means tested payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37042/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department experienced some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.

Regarding the processing delays that the Department was experiencing, we can confirm that the backlog on claims has been cleared and application processing times have returned to normal. New applications are dealt with on the day they are received, however, the continued use of old application forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems. Applications received on the old forms are dealt with within 7 days of receipt.

Customers affected by a delay in their payment, and who were in need of financial assistance, where asked to contact their local Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centres. Community Welfare staff were made aware of the payment delays and available to assist those customers affected.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Ceisteanna (716)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

716. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the impact that changes to the illness benefit form are having on persons' entitlement to illness benefit; the steps she has taken to resolve this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37043/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department experienced some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.

Regarding the processing delays that the Department was experiencing, we can confirm that the backlog on claims has been cleared and application processing times have returned to normal. New applications are dealt with on the day they are received, however, the continued use of old application forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems. Applications received on the old forms are dealt with within 7 days of receipt.

Customers affected by a delay in their payment, and who were in need of financial assistance, were asked to contact their local Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centres. Community Welfare staff were made aware of the payment delays and available to assist those customers affected.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit Eligibility

Ceisteanna (717)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

717. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to reports that due to the ongoing dispute relating to illness benefit forms that persons are being denied their entitlement to illness benefit which is based on their contributions and are instead being means tested for supplementary welfare allowance which is based on their means and are subsequently denied this payment thereby denying them financial support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37044/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Department experience some delay following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department’s Illness Benefit section which took effect from Monday, 6 August. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers. However, the continued use of old forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems.

"Regarding the processing delays that the Department was experiencing, we can confirm that the backlog on claims has been cleared and application processing times have returned to normal.

New applications are dealt with on the day they are received, however, the continued use of old application forms by some GPs is causing significant delays to our processing times, as the old forms are not compatible with the new system, with each one requiring manual inputting into the Department's payment systems. Applications received on the old forms are dealt with within 7 days of receipt."

Customers affected by a delay in their payment, and who were in need of financial assistance, were asked to contact their local Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centres. Community Welfare staff were made aware of the payment delays and were available to assist those customers affected.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Payments

Ceisteanna (718)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

718. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for an increase in their rate of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37064/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate of disability allowance (DA) with effect from 11 November 2015 by an Appeals Officer.

To date no request for a review of her DA entitlement has been received. She may request a review and on submission of up to date information her means will be re-examined.

I trust 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 a disability allowance review in the case of a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [37092/18]

Freagraí scríofa

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

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.

Further medical evidence was received and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified in writing on 12 September 2018.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.