Written Answers Nos. 207-227
207. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which the pensions of pre-2020 entrants will be affected by the move to a total contributions approach in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9782/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2010, it has been Government policy to replace the Yearly Average system with a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing the level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020).
In January 2018, I announced the Government Decision to introduce a new interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to the calculation of State Pension (Contributory) for pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946, who were awarded state pension (contributory) under the post 2012 rate bands. This approach, which includes generous provision for homecaring periods, will benefit many such pensioners, especially those who took time out of the workplace for caring purposes. The required primary legislative provisions are contained in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registration Act 2018, enacted on 24 December 2018. All the necessary regulatory and system changes have now been made to allow the increased payments to begin.
My Department is now reviewing the pension payments of approximately 91,000 pensioners who were awarded less than the maximum rate of pension since September 2012. Given the number of pensioners involved, this work will take a number of months to complete. The increased payments will also include arrears to the 30th March 2018, or the pensioner’s 66th birthday if later. The Department is using information it already has to complete these reviews. However, in quite a number of cases, additional information is required from the pensioners concerned about gap periods in their social insurance records and my Department will be in touch with each of those pensioners individually to get that information.
As regards the TCA model that will apply for all new pensioners post-2020, I launched a public consultation on the design of the full scheme on the 28th of May to which a wide variety of stakeholder groups were invited. A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback. All Oireachtas members were invited to a detailed briefing in Leinster House by my officials shortly afterwards. The consultation was open for over 3 months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations. Those submissions outlined the views of respondents on a number of issues, including the number of years required for a full pension, as intended as part of the consultation process.
I have recently been provided with an analysis of the views submitted in the consultation. Having considered this analysis, I intend bringing a proposal to Government shortly, setting out the proposed details of the scheme. When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
208. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a calculator for the total contributions pension will be in place via the Pensions Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9783/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation and supervision of State Pensions does not come under the remit of the Pension Authority. Therefore it has no role in the provision of information in relation to the State pension. The Pensions Authority regulates occupational pension and private pensions.
The Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establishing the level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020).
I launched a public consultation on the design of the full TCA to be introduced from 2020 on the 28th of May to which a wide variety of stakeholder groups were invited. A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback. All Oireachtas members were invited to a detailed briefing in Leinster House by my officials shortly afterwards. The consultation was open for over 3 months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations.
I have recently been provided with an analysis of the views submitted in the consultation. I intend to bring a proposal to Government shortly, setting out the details of the scheme. When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform, including the necessary legislation and systems development. People will be informed of the details of the scheme as soon as possible, following the Government decision.
Following the replacement of the existing Yearly Average approach with the Total Contributions Approach, the calculation of benefit levels under the State pension (contributory) should become significantly less complex, and it is intended to review, at that stage, the provision of information regarding future entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
209. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to create a clear and easy-to-read page on www.welfare.ie outlining the persons who will be affected by the changes and the meaning of those changes for their expected pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9784/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government intends to introduce a Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to establish the level of entitlement for all new state pension contributory claims from 2020 onwards (TCA2020).
I launched a public consultation on the design of the full TCA to be introduced from 2020 on the 28th of May 2018 to which a wide variety of stakeholder groups were invited. A number of workshops were also held on the day to elicit views and feedback. All Oireachtas members were invited to a detailed briefing in Leinster House by my officials shortly afterwards. The consultation was open for over 3 months and the Department received almost 300 responses from individuals and organisations. Those submissions outlined the views of respondents on a number of issues, including the number of years required for a full pension, as intended as part of the consultation process.
I have recently been provided with an analysis of the views submitted in the consultation. I intend to bring a proposal to Government shortly, setting out the details of the scheme. When the Government has agreed the approach to be taken, I will initiate the work required to introduce this reform, including the necessary legislation and systems development.
People will be informed of the details of the scheme as soon as possible, following the Government decision. Arrangements will be put in place for appropriate communications at that time.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a review can be facilitated in the case of the refusal of carer’s allowance to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 22nd February 2019, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
211. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the three-month delay in sending the carer’s allowance application file of a person (details supplied) to the Social Welfare Appeals Office upon request in early November 2018; the average time it takes to forward carer's allowance application files from the date requested by the Social Welfare Appeals Office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9905/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a person is unhappy with the decision of one of the Department's Deciding Officers, they can appeal that decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
As part of the appeal process all evidence submitted is reviewed by a different Deciding Officer to see if a revised decision is warranted. This can take some time in the case of carer's allowance (CA) applications, primarily due to the nature of the scheme but also in cases where additional medical evidence has been submitted in support of the appeal.
Where the original decision is confirmed, a submission is prepared to explain the Deciding Officer's decisions and this submission is forwarded to the SWAO.
At all times every effort is made to complete reviews and ensure, where necessary, that appeals proceed as quickly as possible.
In the case mentioned by the Deputy, the evidence submitted in support of the application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full time care and attention was satisfied. The person concerned appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and submitted additional information in support of same.
The evidence was reviewed and the outcome of that review was that an appeal is not required as it was decided that the requirement for full-time care and attention was satisfied.
Carer's allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 25 February 2019 and the first payment will issue to their nominated bank account/post office on 7 March 2019
Arrears of allowance due from 2 August 2018 to 25 February 2019 will also issue on 7 March 2019.
The person concerned was notified on 25 February 2019 of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
212. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a farm assist application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9928/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for Farm Assist on 29th March 2017 and was awarded a reduced rate of payment due to means. An appeal regarding the means assessment was ruled on in June 2018 and the assessment remained unchanged.
The person concerned sought a review of his entitlement on 20th June 2018 and a revised decision was issued on 3rd December 2018. Arising from the review, his means were reduced and this decision was backdated to 21st September 2018 and all arrears due were issued.
This decision has also been appealed and notification of this was received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th February 2019, requesting the relevant departmental papers from the Department. A written submission is being prepared by the Deciding Officer and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
213. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the funding available to a person (details supplied) to obtain the required training to qualify for a licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9983/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of the activation services provided by my Department, including the JobPath service, is to assist and support jobseekers to look for and sustain full time employment.
My Department refers long-term jobseeking customers to the JobPath service to receive one-to-one intensive and regular engagement with a personal adviser who will assess their skills, experience, challenges and work goals. A personal progression plan is agreed with each client, this plan includes a schedule of activities, including relevant training and educational programmes to assist them in finding full-time sustainable employment.
Both JobPath service providers have their own discretionary funds available to pay for training or other appropriate interventions; the decision to approve or reject any request for funding is solely at the discretion of the JobPath provider.
In regard to the individual case raised by the Deputy, the person concerned was referred to the JobPath Service on 20/10/18. He found part time employment in January 2019. The client indicated to his personal advisor that he would be able to get additional employment with his current employer if he had specific skills, an appropriate training course was identified, the JobPath contractor agreed to provide 50% of the funding and the client was agreeable to paying the balance. The course was due to commence on Monday 22nd February, however, the person concerned did not confirm to the JobPath contractor he was available to attend. At their next meeting his personal advisor will discuss the matter with the client for the purposes of agreeing another date for the training requested.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
214. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will publish the credit policy in relation to applications for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan fixed rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9773/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Credit Policy document for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme provides detailed guidance to the Housing Agency and local authorities for assessing and approving applications for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL). It includes guidance on assessing an applicant’s income, their ability to repay a loan, and other factors in determining whether a loan should be approved or the amount that should be approved, in each case. This is similar to credit assessments undertaken by commercial mortgage providers.
Given the nature of some of the material in the Credit Policy it is considered that publication of the Policy in full could prejudice the effectiveness of the credit committee in reaching a balanced decision on the merits of an individual mortgage application under this scheme. Therefore a redacted version of the Policy has been published, which is available on the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan website at the following link:
http://rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie/uploads/files/RIHL%20Redacted%20Credit%20Policy%20-%20Final.pdf .
215. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the Rebuilding Ireland target for new house construction is as detailed in page 47 of the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness (details supplied) and which is repeated on the Rebuilding Ireland website in the pillar 3 section of the site; and the reason he claimed during Other Questions on 20 February 2019 that the target in Rebuilding Ireland is for housing supply to increase to 25,000 in 2020. [9787/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRebuilding Ireland provides for the doubling of housing output to 25,000 per annum over the period 2017-2021 and also seeks to reach the 25,000 annual figure by 2020 at latest. I am confident, on the basis of the progress made to date and the range of indicators of housing activity, that the target will be achieved.
216. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if social welfare payments received by a tenant in respect of a child can be assessed as income for differential rents by a local authority (details supplied); if a national framework exists which governs local authorities to ensure consistency in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9806/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe right of local authorities to set and collect rents on their dwellings is laid down in section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such schemes is an executive function and is subject to broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Different approaches are taken to rent charging and setting across the country. Local authorities define income as the "assessable income of the principal earner, reduced by statutory deductions and pension contributions on such income" and detail a list of sources of income (including social welfare payments of the type referred to) considered assessable. It should be noted that rent schemes are consistent with the definition of income for the purposes of assessment of eligibility set out in the Household Means Policy under the Social Housing (Assessment) Regulations 2011.
Considerable work has been carried out by my Department in developing a draft national differential rents framework for the purposes of section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Such a framework has as its main aim the harmonisation of local authority rents, including a set of standardised income disregards, whilst retaining the general principle of rents related to household income. Under section 31, the making and revocation of a rent scheme would become reserved functions, while the charging of rents would remain an executive function.
In line with Rebuilding Ireland, work is advancing on the review of the disparate systems of differential rent for social housing in place across local authorities. The overall objective is to ensure that housing supports are fair and sustainable and prioritise those on lowest incomes. The issue of what types of income would be assessable for rent purposes will be examined in this context. I expect that the review will be completed in the near future.
217. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the level and value of funding provided to local councils in gross terms as a percentage of GNI; the level as a percentage of GDP; and the EU 15 and EU 28 averages of state funding to local councils as a percentage of GDP. [9862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Comptroller and Auditor General publishes a report on the central government funding of local government. The most recent report refers to 2017 and is available at the following link:
https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/Find-Report/Publications/2018/2017-Annual-Report-Chapter-04-Central-government-funding-of-local-authorities1.pdf.
The report outlines that in 2017 local authorities received a total of €2.66bn in transfers from central government.
The CSO publishes GDP and GNI statistics on its website and figures for 2017 are available at the following link:
https://cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-nie/nie2017/mainaggregates.
Figures from the CSO indicate that in 2017 Irish GDP was €293Bn and GNI was €233Bn. On that basis, central government funding of local government equated to 0.91% of GDP and 1.14% of GNI in 2017.
Details in relation the funding provided to local councils in other EU member states is not routinely collated in my Department but may be available from Eurostat at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat.
218. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the foreshore lease requested by a group (details supplied) in respect of the upgrading of the existing pier, reclamation, construction of a marina and the installation of pontoons at Schull harbour, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9878/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a foreshore lease application in 2012 from Schull Community Harbour Development Company Limited to facilitate works on the foreshore in Schull Harbour, Co. Cork.
The works proposed are the development in the inner harbour area, with a 235 berth marina extending in area from Schull Pier to the North Shore of the harbour. The proposed works are substantial and include land reclamation, construction of an armored breakwater extending from the pier, two floating pontoons/breakwaters, a car park and access road and other associated structures. The proposed development is within a designated Special Area of Conservation.
Progression of this case was delayed due to the requirement for the applicant to provide an Updated Natura Impact Statement which was received in January 2016. The application is currently undergoing a technical assessment by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC). Once the report of the MLVC is available I expect that the matter will come before me for determination.
219. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding made available to date for the decade of centenaries programme; the amount that will be allocated and-or provided for in the remaining years; and if supplementary funds will be made available to the National Archive in the context of the large number of records it received on 1 February 2019 and in view of the fact this body is under-resourced to deal with this body of work. [9794/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Decade of Centenaries programme commenced in 2012 and has to date commemorated major events including the 1916 Rising, the First World War, the introduction of voting rights for women and their right to stand as candidates in parliamentary elections. The objective of the State centenary commemoration programme for the remaining years from 2019 – 2023 is to ensure that this complex period in our history, including the Struggle for Independence, Partition, the Foundation of the State and the Civil War, is remembered appropriately, proportionately, respectfully and with sensitivity.
To date, total funding of €76m (current and capital) has been allocated to my Department for the programme. The programme will be appropriately and adequately resourced by Government for the remaining years out to 2023. Further information regarding the programme is available on my Department's website and on www.decadeofcentenaries.com.
I am advised that the National Archives did not receive a large number of records on 1 February 2019. The National Archives is currently undertaking a project to decant archives from the Bishop Street warehouse in preparation for very significant capital works to deliver the Archives Repository Project. The repository project involves the construction of new storage facilities that will meet international standards for archival storage for the National Archives on the warehouse site. This is a key component of the €460m programme of investment in our National Cultural Institutions under the Government's National Development Plan.
220. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has investigated whether there are remains of a mass famine grave site at a location (details supplied) on Coillte land in view of the fact that there is a granite memorial stone with the inscription of 1,847 there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9793/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to PQ 274 of 27th June 2018 and PQ 762 of 12th July 2018, copies of which are below.
PQ 274 of 27th June 2018.
I am advised that a granite pillar was brought to the attention of my Department's National Monuments Service as possible evidence of the existence of a famine graveyard at the location in question. However, I understand that the Department's view is the origins and associations of the pillar are unlikely to relate to burials.
While there is insufficient evidence at this point for the marker to be recorded as an archaeological monument, I understand that my Department has given guidance to help local investigations to find out more about it and will be happy to advise on any such further information that may come to light.
PQ 762 of 12th July 2018
The advice given in response to the enquiries received by my Department in this case was that, by establishing the identity of local landowners in the nineteenth century and by clarifying the proximity of the granite pillar to any former demesnes/estates, related historical documents might provide information that would be helpful in establishing the origins of the pillar. That guidance also took account of data from the First Edition Ordnance Survey maps that is indicative of such historical land use in the area.
221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will visit a location (details supplied); if she will meet with this Deputy regarding the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9808/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners. The property in question is, I understand, owned by the local authority and it remains first and foremost a matter for it.
In terms of the support that I can offer as Minister, my role in relation to protected structures is mainly advisory. My officials remain available, however, to assist the County Council, who own the structure, in any way possible with its efforts to manage the building and see it returned to a sustainable use that is consistent with its significant history and position in the town.
My Department also provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which are administered by local authorities. This year I have allocated €4.3m in total to these schemes. I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned would mean that the levels of grant funding available under these schemes might not be sufficient, and that the local authority intend to seek funding from other sources.
I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage at a local level and I would also be happy for the Deputy to meet with officials from my Department to discuss the location in question. My Department will make contact with the Deputy to make the necessary arrangements.
222. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the fact that the wild deer population of Ireland has dramatically increased and that they are causing devastating damage to farmland and crops and causing a dangerous hazard on rural and national roads particularly in areas of County Tipperary; the status of the Irish Deer Management Forum; when a chairperson will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9883/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider establishing with local stakeholders, including farmers and local gun clubs county management committees, to implement policies and best practice to deal with the issue of deer management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9885/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will examine issues affecting sustainable management of wild deer, having regard for human economic interest and farmers in addition to the best interests of deer; if, arising from such examination, she will formulate recommendations to the relevant Departments charged with responsibility for wildlife, agriculture and forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9887/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if culling will be introduced according to best practice guidelines adopted internationally and carried out by licensed hunters and local gun club members who are themselves certified as competent in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9889/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if Coillte has a deer management plan in place; if not, if one will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9892/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 226, inclusive, together.
Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual Open Season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The current hunting season or open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer.
My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out in National Parks to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage. My Department does not have powers to carry out any such culls.
In 2015 my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action , which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum was established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments. The Report provides for a review of the workings of the Irish Deer Management Forum after three years. Both my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are currently examining the future direction of the Forum and its aims in the context of representation on the Forum, agreed work plans, funding mechanisms etc.
My Department has no role in relation to a deer management plan for Coillte.
227. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address matters in relation to a plot of land designated for turf cutting (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9931/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, published in December 2017, sets out how the raised bog special areas of conservation are to be managed, conserved and restored and how the needs of turf cutters are to be addressed, including exploring the options in terms of certain provisions of article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive.
In certain areas where there is a difficulty in finding relocation solutions for turf cutters, my Department, in consultation with turf cutter interests and within the framework of the National Plan, is considering whether the provisions of article 6.3 of the Directive could be utilised to provide for domestic turf cutting within areas of a number of special areas of conservation. Under article 6.3 of the Directive consent by the relevant public authority could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation where it can be shown by rigorous scientific investigations that such cutting will not have an adverse effect on the (ecological) integrity of a European site (special area of conservation or special protection area).
As set out in the National Plan , the site referred to in the Deputy's Question is one of the sites being examined as regards the potential for domestic turf cutting on the site in accordance with the provisions of the Directive. Detailed scientific investigations carried out on this site indicate that domestic turf cutting could take place on the smaller plot of land, referred to in the Deputy's Question, without impacting on the integrity of the special area of conservation site, subject to consent from the relevant public authority. Consultations would also have to take place with the landowners and turbary right holders, if any.
For the larger plot of land, referred to in the Deputy's Question, a further phase of concentrated geophysical and hydrological investigations is required to assess the level of risk of peat failure (bog burst) if domestic turf cutting would take place in this area. I understand that contractors, engaged by my Department, would be available to commence those investigations from next month.
I am advised that these two areas would appear to have sufficient capacity to accommodate those who would still wish to cut turf for domestic purposes within the special area of conservation.
Officals from my Department as well as contractors engaged by it are willing to continue to liaise with the Deputy and local turf cutter representatives in relation to this issue.
