Written Answers Nos. 246-265
246. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the establishment of the renewable heat support scheme further to the publication of the draft terms and conditions of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40190/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat has been developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System.
The first phase of the scheme, an installation grant for heat pumps, opened for applications on 12 September 2018. This phase of the scheme will support ground, air and water source electric heat pump installations providing grant-aid of up to 30% of the installation cost.
The scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Further details, including the terms and conditions and how to apply, are available on the SEAI website.
The second phase of the scheme, an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems, is expected to open for applications later this year, subject to state aid approval from the European Commission.
247. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to carry out a strategic overview of the energy impact of data centres; and if so, when it will be published. [40202/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recognition of the economic benefits that data centres can bring to Ireland, the Government published a national policy statement on the strategic importance of data centres as part of Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy in July 2018. The Policy Statement strengthens the Strategic Policy Framework around the development of data centres in Ireland while taking account of wider energy policy developments including growth in renewable electricity capacity.
The Policy Statement makes it clear that planning and development of the electricity transmission system, including network investment needs and long term scenario planning, should be guided by Project Ireland 2040 in terms of more balanced regional development and a plan-led approach. This has been reflected in EirGrid’s recent Tomorrow Energy Scenarios Locations Report which includes a scenario with a greater regional spread of data centres which was published in August 2018. As a next step, EirGrid's forthcoming Transmission System Needs Assessment Report will identify any future needs on the transmission system brought about by changes in electricity generation, demand, storage or interconnection.
248. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans regarding the use of renewable energy for small operators to allow them produce electricity through small wind turbines or solar panels and the arrangements whereby small producers who use the electricity for their own business purposes can get connection to the grid through the smart metering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40245/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2018, I announced details of a new pilot scheme to support micro generation, initially targeting solar PV, homeowners and self-consumption. The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro-generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition and requirements of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED) that recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers.
Last year, my Department assessed micro generation, across a number of renewable electricity generating technologies, as part of the economic analysis to underpin the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The assessment identified technical and financial challenges, which may need to be addressed before a broader support scheme for micro generation can be introduced. This is in line with international and EU experience, where many member states who have introduced supports for micro generation have had to reform them or cancel them altogether.
The reality is that bringing micro generation onto a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department is continuing to work closely with the micro-generation sector and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to better understand how to validate and further develop these policies in a fair and cost effective manner.
In September 2017, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced its delivery plan for smart meters in Ireland. The plan provides for the phased rollout of smart meters to every home and business in the country over a six-year period from 2019. The rollout will occur in a structured and phased basis, commencing with an initial delivery of 250,000 meters across 2019-2020 and approximately 500,000 meters in each of the four subsequent years. The initial priority is to respond to consumers who request a smart meter and to replace older meters, which are approaching the end of their life expectancy.
In the interim period until smart meters have been rolled out to customers, ESB Networks will provide import/export metering to the grid where required for domestic and commercial premises. Details are available at www.esbnetworks.ie.
249. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that when a person's driving ban expires the person's driver licence is only posted on the day the ban is officially ended and consequently the ban is de facto extended by the length of time it takes for the licence to arrive in the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40328/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
250. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce a women's refuge in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40193/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, whether in the context of the family or otherwise. Accordingly, Tusla has provided funding for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services since its foundation in 2014. This includes services in Counties Cavan and Monaghan.
As part of Tusla's commissioning approach to the development of services, Tusla carried out a number of needs analysis projects in 2017 to identify gaps in service provision and to prioritise service developments. All future service developments, whether based in the North East region or elsewhere, will be informed by Tusla’s commissioning approach.
I have requested that Tusla respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
251. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an element of Tusla is moving its operation to a location (details supplied); the number of staff who will be relocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40195/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
252. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if worker, consumer and member co-operatives can avail of the €50 million Social Innovation Fund Ireland. [40218/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) was established in 2013 following on from the recommendations of a 2012 report of the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising. Its mission is to provide growth capital to Ireland's best social innovations, investing in solutions to social problems and creating jobs. SIFI finds and backs innovative solutions to critical social issues in Ireland and is charged with establishing a philanthropic fund of significant size and impact to aid the development of social innovation.
My Department has recently agreed a three-year contract with SIFI which will include a continued commitment to match philanthropic funding raised by SIFI with State funding. Since 2016, SIFI has opened 15 public calls for applications and supported 47 innovations to date.
The Fund will accept applications from eligible non-for-profit legal forms, including companies limited by guarantee, charities, trusts or foundations and some co-operatives. Projects applying for any fund created by SIFI must also meet the following standard SIFI core criteria:
- the project must address a critical social issue;
- the solution proposed by the applicant must be innovative in an Irish context;
- the applicant’s solution must have potential and a desire to scale or replicate in Ireland (it may also have potential internationally, but this is not a requirement);
- the project must provide evidence that it is up and running, or has been tested at least in a minimal way;
- the project must be based on the island of Ireland and make its main impact in the Republic of Ireland.
In addition, some further criteria are tailored to specific funds operated by SIFI.
253. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will address the diminution of services such as banking and post office services in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40254/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my role as Minister for Rural and Community Development I am absolutely clear on the importance of ensuring that rural communities can access the services they need so that they remain vibrant places in which to live and work.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Finance has responsibility for banking and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has policy responsibility for the postal sector.
However, I am acutely aware of the value placed by rural communities on services such as those provided by banks and post offices. Ensuring access to services for rural communities is an issue that cuts across almost all Government Departments. It also relates to services provided by the private sector.
The Deputy will no doubt appreciate that the provision of services by banks, including the location of branches, is a commercial decision for the boards and management of those institutions.
That said, I expect that any bank closing branches will do everything that it can to mitigate the impacts of the branch closures on local communities, including use of technology and the use of alternative means of service delivery.
In relation to postal services, I am providing €80,000 to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment in order to support the establishment of 10 ‘Digital Assist’ Post Offices. This initiative, which was launched this week, will see these post offices act as pilots for the provision of new services. By creating a network of connected post offices I hope to help make the post office central to the community and local business and help sustain the viability of the post office network into the future.
My Department is supporting the many vibrant towns and villages across rural Ireland through a range of schemes and supports. The evidence of impact can be seen in growing opportunities for employment and improved quality of life across rural Ireland.
Project Ireland 2040 laid out the Government’s plans for the country’s long-term development, and a key commitment within it regarding rural Ireland is the provision of €1 billion for the new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is an unprecedented commitment by Government to strengthen our rural economies and, in turn, support stronger local communities.
Initially, €315 million has been allocated for the period 2019-2022 and the first call for applications to the Fund closed last Thursday.
My Department administers a range of other funding programmes that support local communities throughout Ireland. Of particular importance for those towns and villages most disadvantaged in terms of access to services are:
The CLÁR programme, which is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects and other initiatives in areas that have experienced significant levels of population decline.
The Community Enhancement Programme, which was launched by my Department in May 2018 and provides small capital grants to community groups across the country. I was delighted to announce a further €8 million in funding for this programme last Friday, bringing the total for 2018 to €12.5 million.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports the revitalisation of rural towns and villages, with particular focus on projects which have a clear positive economic impact on local communities. Since its launch in 2016, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has invested €31.6 million in more than 450 projects across the country.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022, with funding of €38m in 2018, provides capacity at local level to respond to the particular needs in each area. It helps those seeking employment or starting their own business.
LEADER funding, administered by Local Action Groups, delivers the €250 million programme funding in accordance with the specific objectives and needs identified by the LAGs themselves as part of the development of Local Development Strategies. Therefore the supports are tailored to the specific needs of each individual area.
Libraries will also work with local partners to reach disadvantaged, marginalised and new communities, increasing these communities’ awareness of services available and firmly establishing the library as a resource for all. Some €150m is expected to be invested by local authorities in library services in 2018.
In terms of directly facilitating access to services in rural Ireland, the Department of Transport has provided a funding allocation of €14.9 million for local link services in 2018. Such funding facilitated 1.9 million passenger journeys last year – providing a vital service for rural communities.
254. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address matters raised by an organisation (details supplied) relating to budget 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40129/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Budget 2018 measures that took effect from 29 March this year, specifically the increases to the income disregard, the primary rate and the increase for a qualified child, assisted a lone parent in receipt of the one-parent family payment or jobseeker’s transitional payment, working 15 hours a week on the National Minimum Wage, to be better off by almost €1,000 per year.
The income disregard on the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) scheme has increased from €60 to €130 across Budgets 2016 to 2018. The One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) income disregard increased from €90 to €130 across Budgets 2017 and 2018.
In relation to the working hours requirement associated with qualification for payment of the Working Family Payment (WFP), a person must be engaged in full-time insurable employment which is expected to last for at least 3 months and be working for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week.
This has reduced from 30 hours when the scheme was initially introduced in 1984. It is important that the WFP does not inadvertently subsidise unsustainably low earnings or encourage employers to offer minimal hours of employment.
If a person cannot meet the 19 hours WFP threshold, or if their hours vary significantly from week to week, the Department offers a number of other schemes that can provide income support that can be combined with earnings from employment, subject to each individual’s circumstances. These include the jobseeker schemes, disability allowance, carer’s allowance, the one-parent family payment, jobseeker’s transitional payment and the part-time job incentive scheme. Combined, the Department provides an extensive system of social welfare supports which facilitate recipients taking up some employment while maintaining their social welfare payment.
Any changes to the rules of eligibility of the SUSI maintenance grant and the cost implications of such changes are a matter for the Department for Education and Skills.
Any changes to OFP and JST in Budget 2019 will have to be considered in the overall budgetary context, in light of available resources and other priorities.
255. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 19 June 2018. The application 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.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for family income supplement in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40144/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children.
An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 11th August 2018.
The applicant has been awarded WFP for 52 weeks with effect from 9th August 2018 to 7th August 2019.
The first weekly payment and all arrears owing issued to the applicant's nominated bank account on Friday 28th September 2018.
The person concerned was notified on 26th September 2018 of this decision and of their right of review & appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the relevant forms for a review of a disability allowance entitlement will be furnished to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40165/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded a reduced rate of disability allowance (DA) with effect from 11 November 2015 by an Appeals Officer.
A review can be requested by the person concerned by writing directly to the DA section outlining the reasons for the request. On submission of this request, her means will be re-examined. There are no formal application forms for requesting such a review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
258. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for illness benefit will be processed. [40212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned made an application for Illness Benefit for the period from 28th August 2018.
The claim could not be paid as the person concerned was receiving Jobseeker's Benefit and has been paid up to 26th September on this claim.
The Jobseeker's Benefit claim is now closed and it is expected that payment of Illness Benefit will issue this week.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
259. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to improve the State pension, contributory, for persons who left the workforce to rear families and are now on a reduced State pension due to same; her further plans to rectify this unfair situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40219/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 23 January last, I proposed and Government agreed to my proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated on a Total Contributions basis, including a new provision for up to 20 years of home-caring periods to be recognised in the calculation of payment rates.
A number of elements have to be put in place to facilitate the implementation of these changes. Legislation has to be enacted to enable implementation of these arrangements and an information technology system has to be developed and tested. My Department is currently working on these projects and both are at a very advanced stage. In addition, my Department is currently designing procedures and assigning staff to process reviews of pensions.
My Department will be writing to impacted customers in the next two months to explain to them what is happening and how the process of review will work. As I have stated previously, it is still planned to commence these reviews before the end of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019, backdated, where relevant, to the end of March 2018, or later where a person attained their 66th birthday since that date.
It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter. Once the legislation is enacted and the systems and processes are ready, my Department will then write again to the people impacted and provide them with the opportunity to have their pension calculation reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
260. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's benefit application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40258/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based 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.
An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 22 June 2018.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 1 October 2018. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
261. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures she is introducing to reverse pension cuts which affect workers who left the workforce for a time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 23 January last, I proposed and Government agreed to my proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated on a Total Contributions basis, including provision for up to 20 years of home caring in the calculation of that entitlement.
A number of elements have to be put in place to facilitate the implementation of these changes. Legislation has to be enacted to enable implementation of these arrangements and an information technology system has to be developed and tested. My Department is currently working on these components which are at a very advanced stage. In addition, my Department is currently designing procedures and assigning staff to process reviews of pensions.
My Department will be writing to impacted customers in the next two months to explain to them what is happening and how the process of review will work. As I have stated previously, it is still planned to commence these reviews before the end of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019, backdated, where relevant, to the end of March 2018, or later where a person attained their 66th birthday since that date.
It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter. Once the legislation is enacted and the systems and processes are ready, my Department will then write again to the people impacted and provide them with the opportunity to have their pension calculation reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
262. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address concerns raised regarding reports that the Christmas bonus is to be cut in 2018; if she will clarify the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Christmas Bonus was abolished in the 2009 Supplementary Budget and was partially reinstated as a 25% payment in 2014. This increased to 75% in 2015 and the Bonus was paid at 85% in 2016 and 2017.
The decision to pay a Christmas Bonus, and the rate of payment, is usually made as part of the Budget process. The cost of paying an 85% bonus, as in 2016 and 2017, is estimated at €220.3 million.
As in previous years when a Bonus was subsequently paid, the Department's estimates do not include the cost of a Bonus payment. However, I recently announced that a Christmas Bonus will be paid this year.
The decision regarding the payment of a Bonus in 2018, including the rate at which it is to be paid, has 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.
263. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of social welfare payments paid out by type of payment in a post office in tabular form (details supplied); the amount of each payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40285/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not available currently in the format requested by the Deputy. My officials will write to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
264. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue on a working family payment appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal by the person concerned took place on 2 August 2018 and that the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. It is expected that a decision will issue to the person concerned within the next week.
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.
265. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann to legislate for the proposed total contributions approach to calculating pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40290/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 23 January last, I proposed and Government agreed to my proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated on a Total Contributions basis, including provision for up to 20 years of home caring in the calculation of that entitlement.
Legislation has to be enacted to enable implementation of these arrangements and an information technology system has to be developed and tested. My Department is currently working on both of these projects and both are at a very advanced stage. In addition, my Department is currently designing procedures and assigning staff to process reviews of pensions.
My Department will be writing to impacted customers in the next two months to explain to them what is happening and how the process of review will work. As I have stated previously, it is still planned to commence these reviews before the end of this year, with the first payments being made in the first quarter of 2019, backdated, where relevant, to the end of March 2018, or later where a person attained their 66th birthday since that date.
It is not necessary for people to contact the Department on this matter. Once the legislation is enacted and the systems and processes are ready, my Department will then write again to the people impacted and provide them with the opportunity to have their pension calculation reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
