Written Answers Nos. 555-574
555. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which backlogs have been addressed in respect of various headings and payments operated by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53837/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe attached table shows the number of claims pending decision for each of the principal Social Welfare schemes operated by my Department at the end of November 2017 and at the end of November 2018.
I regret that this information is not available for Illness Benefit, due to a recent ICT system change.
The data for the maternity and paternity benefit schemes are being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
Claims pending and percentage variances by scheme at the end of November in each of the years 2017 and 2018.
|
Scheme |
November 17 |
November 18 |
Percentage variance |
|
State Pension (Contributory) - Irish |
2,481 |
4,290 |
72.9% |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
442 |
554 |
25.3% |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
1,891 |
1,623 |
-14.2% |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
5,633 |
4,223 |
-25.0% |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
1,832 |
1,514 |
-17.4% |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
1,027 |
760 |
-26.0% |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Basic |
3,032 |
658 |
-78.3% |
|
Carer's Allowance |
4,962 |
4,806 |
-3.1% |
|
Carer's Benefit |
617 |
837 |
35.7% |
|
Disability Allowance |
5,354 |
5,046 |
-5.8% |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,315 |
2,244 |
70.6% |
|
Child Benefit |
1,711 |
1,425 |
-16.7% |
|
Working Family Payment |
3,330 |
5,211 |
56.5% |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
1,392 |
1,335 |
-4.1% |
|
Household Benefits |
1,951 |
2,409 |
23.5% |
|
Free Travel |
20 |
4 |
-80.0% |
|
Totals |
37,905 |
40,856 |
7.8% |
556. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent of long-term unemployment here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy to reduce unemployment is twofold. First, through policies set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs; and second, through Pathways to Work to ensure that as many of these new jobs and other vacancies that arise in our economy are filled by people taken from the Live Register, and in particular the long-term unemployed.
To date, these policies have been effective in reducing long-term unemployment. For example, the most recent data from the Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of long-term unemployment in Ireland has fallen from a peak of 9.5% in 2012 to 2.1%. by the third quarter of 2018. Ireland has thus already brought the long term unemployment rate below 2.5%, a target set out in Pathways to Work 2016-2020.
Activation policy continues to focus on support measures for the long-term unemployed. The Pathways to Work 2016-2020 strategy prioritises long-term unemployed people, most notably through the roll-out of JobPath to engage more systematically with this group; targeted wage subsidies under JobsPlus; and through reserved places for long-term unemployed jobseekers on employment and training programmes.
The table below shows the most recent end of month statistics on the number of people availing of a range of programmes targeted primarily at the long-term unemployed. Statistics for October 2018 are compared with those for October 2017. Demand for places has fallen in line with a reduction in long-term unemployment levels.
Activation Programmes (October 2017 and October 2018)
|
Activation Schemes |
Oct-17 |
Oct-18 |
|
Back to Work Enterprise allowance scheme – self-employed strand. |
10,017 |
7,004 |
|
Short-term Enterprise Allowance[1] |
423 |
337 |
|
Total - Back to Work schemes |
10,440 |
7,341 |
|
Part-time Job Incentive |
422 |
308 |
|
TÚS - Community Work Placement Initiative |
6,359 |
6,705 |
|
JobBridge -National Internship Scheme[2] |
0 |
0 |
|
Gateway (2013) |
67 |
2 |
|
Other Activation Programmes |
6,848 |
7,015 |
|
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
Back to Education Allowance[3] |
10,840 |
8,892 |
|
Total - Back to Education Courses: |
15,840 |
13,892 |
|
Community Employment Schemes (excluding Supervisors) |
21,763 |
21,243 |
|
FAS (Solas) full time training for the unemployed[4] |
6,085 |
5,844 |
|
TOTAL |
60,976 |
55,335 |
[1] This scheme was introduced from 1st May 2009. It provides immediate support for someone in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit who wants to start a business.
[2] This scheme was closed to new applications from 21 October 2016.
[3] BTEA figures include all schemes but participants from JA & JB are not entitled to BTEA during the summer holidays. Includes Momentum participants from February 2013.
[4] The figure for 2017 excludes those on blended training programmes.
The policy approach to tackle long term unemployment, and continuing economic recovery, will support further reductions in long-term unemployment and add to the substantial improvements in the labour market that have been seen over the last few years.
557. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which community welfare services remain readily accessible in all areas throughout County Kildare with particular reference to meeting out-of-hours and emergency needs in circumstances in which it is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53839/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCounty Kildare is administered by 3 separate departmental divisions, for the purposes of the provision of community welfare services to its customers. Each division has its own arrangements in place for the provision of such services depending upon specific local/area needs, resources and customer requirements. Through the development of an integrated decisions model for jobseeker and one parent family claims, there is significantly reduced dependence for basic income on supplementary welfare allowance by those awaiting decisions for these schemes.
Community Welfare Services in the South Kildare are based in three main centres: Naas, Newbridge and Athy. The service is accessible by telephone call, followed up by appointments and home visits as required. Telephone lines are open at all times and all customers have their call returned within one working day. This eliminates the need to travel to offices/health centres and wait in lengthy queues. Emergencies are prioritised and dealt with in a timely manner.
Contact details for the service are as follows:
|
Area |
Phone Number |
|
Athy - Castledermot |
087 9138246 |
|
Dunlavin – Ballitore - Baltinglass |
086 0202997 |
|
Monasterevin – Rathangan - Kildare |
087 9638588 |
|
Newbridge – Curragh - Suncroft |
086 7810420 |
|
Clane – Kilmeague – Prosperous – Robertstown - Allenwood |
087 2950536 |
|
Naas – Caragh – Sallins – Johnstown – Kill - Kilcullen |
087 7806165 |
Community Welfare Services in North Kildare are based in two main centres: Celbridge and Maynooth. The service is accessible by telephone call and email, followed up by appointments and home visits as required. Telephone lines and email are open at all times and all customers will have their call or email returned within one working day. This eliminates the need to travel to offices/health centres and wait in lengthy queues. Emergencies are prioritised and dealt with in a timely manner.
In reference to out of hours and emergency needs, the North Kildare Community Welfare Services provide 2 mobile telephone numbers to the local Garda Stations in the event of out of hour’s emergencies.
|
Clinic Location/Areas Covered |
Phone |
|
|
Celbridge Health Centre: Celbridge, Kilcock, Ardclough and Newtown |
01 6303196Emergency No. 087 7907657 |
cwscelbridgekilcock@welfare.ie |
|
Maynooth Health Centre:Maynooth, Leixlip, Straffan, Rathcoffey, Clonee and rural areas Maynooth side of Dunboyne (Co. Meath) |
01 6706743Emergency No. 087 0683820 |
cwsmaynoothleixlip@welfare.ie |
Community Welfare Services for North West Kildare (Derrinturn, Carbury, Johnstownbridge, Clogherinkoe, Broadford, Moyvalley & surrounds) are catered for by the Community Welfare Officers based in the Intreo Centre, Carrick Road, Edenderry.
|
Clinic Location/Areas Covered |
Phone |
Clinic Times |
|
Intreo Centre, Carrick Road, Edenderry: (Derrinturn, Carbury, Johnstownbridge, Clogherinkoe, Broadford, Moyvalley and surrounds. Derrinturn Health Centre: Derrinturn, Co Kildare |
076 6285100 046 9733522 Emergencies and out of hours contact no.: 087 2779236 |
By appointment Thursday 10.00am -12.00 noon |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
558. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which due process and natural justice remains paramount in the context of dealing with social welfare recipients whose cases come under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that the principles of due process and natural justice are followed in all claim decisions. This applies equally to decisions at initial claim stage and when claims are subsequently reviewed. The Department’s guidelines on Decision Making and Natural Justice are published on the website - www.welfare.ie. This message is reinforced through guidelines, bulletins and staff training.
As part of the process of finalising a decision, the deciding officer or designated person (in the case of the administration of payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance provisions), is required to engage with the person concerned and offer them the opportunity to provide additional information in support of their claim. In addition, the customer may seek a review or may appeal any decision made under the Social Welfare Acts to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
If there is a particular case that the Deputy is concerned about, he should bring it to my attention and I will ask my officials to examine it.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
559. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the grounds on which non-recognition of foreign divorce can be used to refuse entitlement to widow's and widower's pension when it is clear that such a person could not have remarried here unless their divorce was recognised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53841/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo qualify for a widow/widower’s or surviving civil partner’s (contributory) pension, the surviving spouse must be deemed, under Irish law, to be the legal widow/widower of the deceased.
The legislative provisions pertaining to the recognition of divorces outside the State are set out in Section 5 of the Domicile and Recognition of Foreign Divorces Act, 1986.
In order for a foreign divorce to be recognised in this State, one of the parties to the divorce must be domiciled in the country granting the divorce when proceedings were initiated. One of the criteria in establishing a domicile choice would be that the person intended to reside permanently, or at least indefinitely, in the jurisdiction of the state granting the divorce. Responsibility for this legislation lies with the Minister for Justice and Equality.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
560. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department will facilitate an extension of employment for participants in community employment schemes in which sponsors are anxious that they continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53842/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) programme is a community centred labour market initiative the aim of which is to help long-term unemployed people and other vulnerable groups to enter the workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a short term return-to-work routine. The programme assists participants to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills, which can then be used in the workplace. Participation on CE is intended to be for a temporary fixed-term. There are participation time limits in place to ensure that as many unemployed people as possible are able to benefit from the scheme.
The Deputy will appreciate that the welcome increase in the number of people at work and the continued reduction in Live Register numbers is a factor in recruitment to all work programmes.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that I have implemented a number of changes to the terms and conditions of participation on CE. The main purpose of these changes is to broaden the availability to a greater number of people on the Live Register and to standardise other conditions around the length of time a person can participate on a programme.
The general qualifying age for CE for those on the Live Register was reduced from 25 to 21 years. It is now easier for previous participants, who have exhausted their CE entitlement, to re-qualify as participation prior to the year 2007 is disregarded. There is an overall limit of 6 years participation from 2007 (7 years if on a disability payment). While participants between 21 and 55 years on CE are entitled to one year on the programme, this can be extended by up to 2 more years if they are engaged in a recognised training or education award that is helping them progress towards employment. All CE participants age 55 and over can avail of 3 consecutive years on a CE scheme. Since 1st June, I am also facilitating persons to take up a placement on CE while also attending their JobPath provider.
Participants over age 62 are allowed to participate on a continuous basis up to the State Pension age on the CE Service Support Stream (SSS), subject to availability of places on the SSS, satisfactory performance on the scheme and to annual approval by the Department. The places allocated for these participants within each individual CE scheme are subject to limitation criteria.
The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services around the country. In this regard if any scheme is experiencing particular recruitment difficulties, they should contact their local Department Intreo Centre for assistance.
561. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which youth unemployment continues to be specifically targeted by way of ensuring the availability of maximum number of training places, internships, apprenticeships or temporary employment opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy to reduce unemployment is twofold. First, through policies set out in the Action Plan for Jobs, to create an environment in which business can succeed and create jobs; and second, through the Pathways to Work Strategy 2016-2020, to ensure that as many of these new jobs and other vacancies that arise in our economy are filled by people taken from the Live Register, including young people.
To date, these policies have been effective in increasing the numbers of young people at work and reducing youth unemployment.
The number of young people at work rose from an average of 197,000 in 2012 to 262,200 by the third quarter of 2018.
Latest available data from the CSO shows that Irish youth unemployment has fallen from a peak of 31.2% in 2012 to 12.3% in November 2018 and now lies below the EU average of 15%. Ireland is on course to bring youth unemployment below 12% in accordance with Pathways to Work targets for 2020.
Many of the elements of a Youth Guarantee were already in place in Ireland prior to the EU Recommendation, so the implementation of the Irish Youth Guarantee focuses on enhancing processes and policies for assisting young unemployed people to secure sustainable jobs. Under the Youth Guarantee process case officers engage with unemployed young people, on a monthly basis, to prepare and implement personal progression plans for employment. Where young people do not find work quickly, additional supports are offered through places on employment and training schemes, which are closely aligned to the needs of the labour market.
For those who do not find employment, through the process just described, further education or training programmes such as; in existing community-based employment programmes/workplace based interventions such as Community Employment and Tús; or in subsidies to employers, through JobsPlus Youth. Long-term unemployed jobseekers under-25 are also referred to JobPath, a contracted, payment-by-results employment services that provides additional resources and supports to the long-term unemployed.
The table below displays the number of new participants (aged 18-24) on Youth Guarantee Programmes for the period 2016 and 2017. Demand for places has fallen in line with a reduction in the level of youth employment. Figures for 2018 are currently being finalised.
New Participants on Youth Guarantee Programmes (2016 and 2017)
|
Programme |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Youthreach/Community Training Centres |
3,216 |
2,457 |
|
FET for unemployed people |
||
|
Momentum* |
122 |
0 |
|
BTEA |
2,158 |
1,698 |
|
VTOS |
843 |
311 |
|
SOLAS (Former FÁS) training for unemployed |
5,875 |
2,230 |
|
Total FET for unemployed people |
8,998 |
4,239 |
|
Work Experience |
||
|
JobBridge** |
928 |
222 |
|
International Work Experience and Training |
9 |
11 |
|
Total Work Experience |
937 |
233 |
|
Temporary Employment |
||
|
TÚS |
1,280 |
975 |
|
Gateway |
6 |
3 |
|
Community Employment |
855 |
600 |
|
Total Temporary Employment |
2,141 |
1,578 |
|
Subsidised Private-Sector Employment |
||
|
BTWEA (Self-employment) |
123 |
86 |
|
JobsPlus, including JobsPlus Youth |
732 |
565 |
|
Total Subsidised Private-Sector Employment |
855 |
651 |
|
Total New Participants on YG Programmes |
16,147 |
9,158 |
* Momentum ceased taking new entrants in 2016
**JobBridge scheme ceased in mid-2016.
The Government is committed to more than doubling the number of new apprentices registered to 9,000 by 2020 and expanding further into new areas. Budget 2018 allocated €122m for apprenticeship training, an increase of almost 25% on the previous year. This allows for the delivery of 10 more apprenticeship programmes and over 6,000 new apprenticeship registrations in 2018. Budget 2019 provides for an additional €29m funding to continue the expansion of apprenticeship training to ensure close alignment with labour market skill requirements.
Government policy measures to reduce youth joblessness, together with the continuing economic recovery, will continue to support further reductions in youth unemployment.
562. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she continues to take to ensure against the occurrence of overpayments that result in recovery and consequent hardship with particular reference to cases in which the overpayment was not as a result of an oversight or negligence on the part of the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53845/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA social welfare overpayment occurs when a person is paid in excess of their entitlement to a social welfare payment. A deciding officer of the Department will usually determine the period and the amount of the excess payment. Customers have a legal right to seek a review of any decision and can appeal any decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if dissatisfied by the determination of the deciding officer.
Section 338 of the 2005 Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act requires a person to repay the amount paid in excess of their entitlement. It is Departmental policy to seek recovery of monies overpaid.
Practice and procedural safeguards to designed to ensure that all customers receive fair and equitable treatment. All customers are afforded opportunities to make his or her case in determining the sum to be recovered and the method of recovery. Where information is provided, an agreed repayment schedule can be put in place.
Overpayments may be recovered through regular periodic payments, deduction from on-going benefit or assistance payments, or by way of lump sum payments or regular instalments. Where a customer fails to engage, the Department has powers to serve notice of attachments on sums held in financial institutions or on wages.
When determining the rate of recovery, consideration is given to:
- finding an agreed arrangement reflective of the personal and family circumstances of the person concerned;
- affordability and the avoidance of hardship; and
- ensuring the debt is repaid as early as possible.
The general approach is that the amount proposed in any recovery arrangements is the sum that the person can afford and which reflects their circumstances. The department exercises care to avoid imposing financial hardship by engaging with the person concerned and agreeing a repayment plan that reflects their ability to repay.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
563. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which the number of persons in receipt of family income supplement has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53846/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) formerly Family Income Supplement is a weekly tax-free payment which provides additional income support to 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. There are currently over 54,000 families in receipt of WFP.
To qualify for WFP a person must be in full time remunerative employment as an employee for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. It is also possible to combine hours worked with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to meet this condition. The average family income must not exceed a prescribed amount which varies according to the number of qualified children.
The numbers of WFP recipients for years 2013 to 2018 (to date) are as follows:
|
Year |
Recipients |
|
2013 |
44,159 |
|
2014 |
50,306 |
|
2015 |
55,913 |
|
2016 |
57,567 |
|
2017 |
57,745 |
|
*2018 |
*53,384 |
It should be noted that the above figures refer to the number of families in receipt of WFP at week 52 of the relevant year. The figures may fluctuate from week to week.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
564. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the options available to those on reduced contributory pensions pre-2012 that spent time caring for families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA policy to introduce the Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pensions calculation was adopted by Government in the National Pensions Framework in 2010, as was the decision to base the entitlements of all new pensioners on this approach from around 2020.
In advance of this, on the 23rd January this year, the Government agreed to a proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated by an interim “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) which will include up to 20 years of new HomeCaring Periods.
People whose pensions were decided under the 2000-2012 ratebands were subject to a significantly more generous regime than those who qualified before or afterwards, as a Yearly Average of only 20 contributions per year (out of a maximum of 52) could attract a 98% pension, compared to 85% for post-2012 pensioners.
For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), whether they reached State pension age before or after 2012, they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €232 (over 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension). Approximately 70% of such pensioners are paid at this rate> It is important to note that this payment does not include other payments such as rent allowance, household benefits or fuel allowance that may also accrue.
Alternatively, if their spouse is a State pensioner and they have significant household means, their most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on their personal means, and amounting up to 90% of a full contributory pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
565. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average processing times for all applications under her remit; the way in which these waiting times compare to the same period in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53896/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProcessing times for the principal Social Welfare schemes operated by my Department are shown in the attached table.
I regret that this information is temporarily unavailable for Illness Benefit, Occupational Injury Benefit, and Treatment Benefit, due to the impact of recent ICT system changes but will be shared with the Deputy as soon as they become available.
Average time to award claims at the end of November in each of the years 2017 and 2018.
|
Scheme |
Average Weeks to Award – November 2017 |
Average Weeks to Award – November 2018 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
5 |
6 |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
2 |
2 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
13 |
9 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
2 |
2 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
1 |
1 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
6 |
5 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Basic |
1 |
1 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
6 |
6 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
6 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
16 |
16 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
11 |
13 |
|
Disability Allowance |
12 |
12 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
6 |
8 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1 |
N/avail |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
1 |
N/avail |
|
Child Benefit |
3 |
3 |
|
Working Family Payment |
2 |
6 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
14 |
10 |
|
Household Benefits |
1 |
1 |
|
Free Travel |
1 |
2 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
4 |
N/avail |
566. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average processing times for all appeals under her remit by category of payment under appeal; the way in which these waiting times compare to the same period in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53897/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average appeal processing times for all appeals determined to the end of November 2017 and to the end of November 2018 broken down by all social welfare scheme types is 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 by the Department 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 corresponding processing times for the period January to November 2018 are 30.1 weeks for an oral hearing and 25.1 weeks for a summary decision.
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 High Court 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 12-18 months, 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 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Appeal Processing Times by Scheme 01 January 2017- 30 November 2017
|
- |
Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
13.4 |
- |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
20.2 |
24.4 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
21.5 |
23.9 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
16.9 |
21.3 |
|
Child Benefit |
22.7 |
32.2 |
|
Disability Allowance |
17.4 |
24.0 |
|
Illness Benefit |
28.1 |
30.3 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
34.8 |
34.3 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
26.5 |
33.6 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
13.1 |
27.7 |
|
Farm Assist |
20.7 |
25.7 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
15.1 |
- |
|
Working Family Payment |
21.7 |
32.8 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
16.6 |
23.6 |
|
Liable Relatives |
20.6 |
24.1 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
18.8 |
20.1 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
19.4 |
- |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
24.0 |
34.9 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
31.9 |
46.4 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
25.9 |
35.5 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
81.1 (1 case) |
- |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
19.8 |
26.4 |
|
Disablement Pension |
24.6 |
28.8 |
|
OIB-Medical Care |
- |
27.3 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
54.2 (1 case) |
37.2 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
24.4 |
26.1 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
16.0 |
23.4 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
19.4 |
26.8 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
17.7 |
25.0 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
19.7 |
27.5 |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
23.2 |
23.2 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
27.4 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
20.3 |
24.0 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant |
17.8 |
25.7 |
|
Treatment Benefit |
14.0 |
- |
|
Insurability of Employment |
43.3 |
91.3 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
16.6 |
25.2 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Contributory) |
22.0 |
34.1 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Non-Contributory) |
20.6 |
24.1 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
19.5 |
- |
|
All Appeals |
19.7 |
26.2 |
Appeal Processing Times by Scheme 1 January 2018 – 30 November 2018
|
- |
Average processing times (weeks) Summary Decisions |
Average processing times (weeks) Oral Hearings |
|
Blind Person’s Pension |
34.2 |
24.1 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
24.2 |
28.5 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
22.3 |
25.5 |
|
Child Benefit |
36.0 |
43.1 |
|
Disability Allowance |
17.4 |
23.9 |
|
Illness Benefit |
30.7 |
36.5 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
32.6 |
29.7 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
31.7 |
36.4 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Allowance |
70.6 (1 case) |
- |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
- |
69.1 (5 cases) |
|
Farm Assist |
42.0 |
41.6 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
36.1 |
- |
|
Working Family Payment |
29.7 |
40.1 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
24.4 |
30.1 |
|
Liable Relatives |
44.0 |
30.7 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
30.4 |
30.7 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
32.7 |
23.0 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
32.0 |
36.8 |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
39.3 |
50.8 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
31.8 |
43.2 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
36.4 |
50.7 |
|
Disablement Pension |
34.3 |
33.1 |
|
OIB-Medical Care |
17.5 |
- |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
38.7 |
29.7 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
29.8 |
28.9 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Con) |
17.2 |
29.6 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Means) |
32.1 |
37.2 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance (Payments) |
25.2 |
31.3 |
|
BTW Family Dividend |
30.8 |
- |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional |
30.7 |
30.8 |
|
Recoverable Benefits & Assistance |
34.9 |
- |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
64.0 (1 case) |
29.9 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
25.1 |
28.9 |
|
Carer’s Support Grant |
28.3 |
32.8 |
|
Insurability of Employment |
53.8 |
65.0 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
21.2 |
29.5 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Contributory) |
35.0 |
33.3 |
|
Widow/Widower's Pension (Non-Contributory) |
29.9 |
25.7 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
45.1 |
43.7 |
|
All Appeals |
25.1 |
30.1 |
567. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the stage plans are at to publish definite proposals regarding the new auto-enrolment pension scheme following on from the consultation process that was to feed into the decision making process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53919/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPensions reform is a Government priority. The ‘Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023', which I launched in February 2018, details specific time-lined actions Government will take to reform our pension system. This includes the introduction, from 2022, of an ‘Automatic Enrolment’ retirement savings system, for those without personal retirement savings. This project timeframe reflects the scale of such a programme and its importance as being the most fundamental reform of the Irish supplementary pension system in generations.
A new ‘Automatic Enrolment Programme Management Office’ within my Department has started the work required to establish the evidence base which will inform future Government decisions regarding the design of the system. An Interdepartmental Programme Board has also been established to provide strategic direction to automatic enrolment.
In August, I launched a national consultation process and a ‘Strawman Proposal for Automatic Enrolment’. This is intended to help the Government in considering the operational structure and design decisions that it will need to be make. The Strawman is a high level draft intended to generate and prompt discussion and improve ideas and should not, in any way, be construed as a confirmation of what form AE will ultimately take.
More than 100 submissions were received by the 4th November closing date from employer and employee representative organisations, industry bodies, advocacy groups and interested individuals. My officials have met with many of these groups. I also chaired a number of public consultation seminars held in Dublin, Galway and Cork.
In addition, officials have provided a dedicated briefing session for members of the Oireachtas and also attended a special meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection to discuss Automatic Enrolment.
My Department is now assessing the submissions made during the public consultation process. In addition it is building further evidence through ongoing consultations, and it is sponsoring impact assessments. These need to be completed and conclusions drawn before Government can make definitive decisions regarding the operational and design characteristics for automatic enrolment so that the first members would be enrolled in the new system in 2022.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
568. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made to base the pension review for those impacted by the 2012 changes on a 40 year contribution record in order to gain a full State pension (contributory); if this decision has been made for the TCA model; if so, the reason 40 years has been chosen; if consultations on this decision took place with trade unions and key stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53920/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA policy to introduce the Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pensions calculation was adopted by Government in the National Pensions Framework in 2010, as was the decision to base the entitlements of all new pensioners on this approach from 2020.
In advance of this, on 23 January, the Government agreed to a proposal that will allow pensioners affected by the 2012 changes in rate bands to have their pension entitlement calculated using an interim “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) which will include up to 20 years of a new HomeCaring periods. This approach is expected to significantly benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. It will make it easier for pensioners assessed under the current yearly average model, to qualify for a higher rate of the State Pension (contributory). No-one will lose as a result of this option, and people will be paid whichever model produces the higher payment.
It was announced at that time, in January 2018, that the number of years required under this approach ("TCA2012") would be 40, and this was set out in the legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas this month. While it will not become law until enactment, is has been clearly planned that it be based on 40 years since it was announced, and that position has not changed.
40 years was chosen based upon it being a reasonable figure, commonly used in other pension schemes and systems, and with an allowance of up to 20 years of HomeCaring periods, it means a maximum pension can be earned with just 20 years of paid contributions, which would be generous by international standards. The balance between years required and homecaring periods allowed for was decided by Government in the context of representations that had been made by various stakeholders, the Exchequer funds available, the sustainability of the pension system, and the principles of fairness and gender equality. An alternative balance - for example, 30 years required, but only 10 years of homecaring periods, all post-1994, as originally proposed in the National Pensions Framework - would have been more advantageous for some pensioners, but would have been of limited benefit for women who were most affected by the 2012 rateband changes.
I launched a public consultation on the design of the full TCA to be introduced from 2020 on the 28th of May to which stakeholder groups were invited including the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback. All Oireachtas members were also invited to a briefing in Leinster House. The consultation was open for over 3 months and we received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations including open written submissions. Those submissions outlined the views of respondents upon a number of issues, including the number of years required for a full pension, as intended as part of the consultation process.
There has been no decision on the number of years required to qualify for a maximum rate pension under the Total Contributions Approach that will apply from 2020. Analysis of the views submitted is being finalised, and I understand will be submitted to me in the coming months. When I have considered this analysis, I will bring a proposal to Government in due course. The scheme will be introduced through the standard democratic process, and the balance of the proposal will, I believe, be broadly debated by members of the Oireachtas.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
569. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance from this lady on 8 November 2018. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
570. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on social media by her Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53989/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department administers over 70 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. The Department is fully committed to ensuring that members of the general public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available, as well as ensuring key changes are communicated to them. Public information campaigns are therefore an important part of the Department’s work.
The Department’s public information and advertising campaigns span national and regional print media and radio, outdoor and social media advertising channels. Expenditure on these channels will vary from year to year depending on the range and number of new initiatives or required messaging. As such, it is not possible to supply a figure for projected social media advertising spend in 2019.
Details of spend on social media advertising in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 are detailed below:
|
Year |
Total Social Media Advertising Costs (Ex. VAT) |
|
2016 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
€15,500 |
|
2018 |
€4,528.52* |
* Social media advertising costs until 17 December 2018
571. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount spent on marketing and media by her Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54006/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purpose of this response, I have interpreted “the amount spent on marketing and media” as media buying costs incurred from public information campaigns, announcements and senior management vacancy notices.
My Department is committed to ensuring that members of the general public are aware of the welfare supports and services that are available to them and that they are notified of any scheme changes, which may affect them. Public information campaigns are targeted using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department’s messages reach target customers effectively.
The Department’s public information campaigns span national and regional print media, radio, outdoor formats, and social media advertising channels. Expenditure on these channels will vary from year to year depending on the range and number of new initiatives or required messaging. As such, it is not possible to supply a figure for projected spend in 2019.
All advertising expenditure undertaken by the Department is tendered for in accordance with Government and EU procurement guidelines, including use of framework agreements from the Office of Government Procurement.
Total advertising expenditure in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date are set out in the table which follows.
|
Year |
Total Advertising Costs |
|
2016 |
€87,642.92 |
|
2017 |
€839,102.66 |
|
2018 |
€304,586.20* |
*Invoiced to 14 December 2018
572. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason for the delay in the registration of land (details supplied) with the Property Registration Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaced the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
A service for Oireachtas members was introduced in 2006 through which information can be obtained on the current status of applications to the PRA, such as the case referred to. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system through which the PRA can address queries of this kind.
The Deputy's query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
573. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to invite proposals for the forthcoming national taking-in-charge scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53491/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra579. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the review report on the 2016 NTICI due to be published; the way in which it will impact on the taking in charge of estates with developer led water services infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53764/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 579 together.
My Department launched the National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) in April 2016 to trial new approaches and working methods in supporting and accelerating overall national and local action on the taking-in-charge process of housing estates, including estates with developer-provided water services infrastructure (DPI). Under the terms of the NTICI, which was underpinned by €10 million in funding, developments subject to valid taking-in-charge applications were eligible for inclusion in the associated call for funding proposals. Ultimately, €7.5 million of the allocated funding was paid to local authorities in respect of 330 developments, containing some 13,400 homes.
Findings and recommendations from the NTICI process were included in a report on the initiative that my Department published on Monday 17 December. The report can be found at the following link -
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/national_taking_in_charge_initiative_report_dec2018.pdf.
The publication of the NTICI report is of value to local authorities and other stakeholders in applying the lessons from the pilot authorities, in a more general roll-out of a streamlined approach to taking-in-charge, including through coordination with capital works by Irish Water.
In addition, the National Development Plan includes provision of €31 million for the period 2018-2021 for DPI, demonstrating the Government's commitment to transition from the pilot phase under NTICI to a programme phase.
My Department will shortly write to local authorities to advise them of the future funding arrangements for DPI-type housing estates that are not taken in charge, following the publication of this report.
574. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which businesses can, as a collective, appeal their rateable valuation in cases in which the problem is with the methodology for calculating the new rates under the revaluation programme 2018-19; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that petrol forecourts are seeing increases of up to 400% in rateable value; his views on whether the effect of the programme is inequitable; the way in which the calculation methodology can be challenged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53521/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The Deputy may be aware that, under the relevant legislation, there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by the Commissioner of Valuation, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority.
Having a modern valuation base is very important for the levying of commercial rates on a fair and equitable basis across all economic sectors. The Valuation Acts provide for the revaluation of all rateable property within a rating authority area so as to reflect changes in value due to economic factors such as business turnover, differential movements in property values or other external factors and changes in the local business environment.
A valuation for commercial rates purposes is arrived at by estimating the Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property in question, at a specified valuation date. The term “net annual value” has a legal definition and is set out in section 48 of the Valuation Act 2001 as “the rent for which, one year with another, the property might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes payable in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant”. This definition of Net Annual Value is applied to all rateable properties and on a nationwide basis.
Estimating the NAV of a rateable property is an evidence-based exercise. During a revaluation, the Valuation Office analyses relevant market rental transactions for all rateable properties, including service stations, in accordance with the legislation, best practice internationally as set out in published Practice Guidance Notes, well-established valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher Courts. The conclusion drawn from that analysis is applied to similarly circumstanced property using the “comparative” method of valuation which, as the name implies, employs direct comparison with other similar properties.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2015. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law. Appeals are made on an individual case basis. However, the decision in one case can have relevance in other similar cases.
There is no provision in the legislation for taking a “class” or group appeal before the Tribunal, as each case is considered on its individual merits and by reference to the specific circumstances of the property. However, individual appellants can make arguments to the Valuation Tribunal in relation to their concerns about the overall valuation methodology adopted by the Valuation Office for a specific category of rateable property.
Notwithstanding this, I am informed that it is possible for a Test case to be heard by the Valuation Tribunal. In order to proceed with a Test case all parties involved must agree that such an approach is appropriate. In addition, such a process must be entered into on the clear understanding that the determination of the Valuation Tribunal in the test case would set a precedent which would without exception apply to the remaining cases identified as being part of the test case series and only these cases. All cases involved would have to be similarly circumstanced. A test case would be identified and nominated through mutual agreement. This particular case would then be heard by the Valuation Tribunal.
The need for attention to detail and confirmation of such cannot be underestimated in the use of a test case. The determination of the Valuation Tribunal would be applied to the nominated test case and all other cases identified as being part of the test case series and only these cases. The Valuation Tribunal would be advised in advance that the case being heard was a test case and would be relevant for these other cases. The right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law for either the appellant or respondent still applies in a test case situation.
