Written Answers Nos. 203-223
203. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the organisations and groups supported by the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector; the funding each has received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15610/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi annual funding to national organisations in respect of core costs associated with the provision of their services. The current scheme commenced on 1 July 2016 and runs until 30 June 2019. The scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector (SSNO) is a key element of my Department's support for the role of the sector in contributing to the development of strong and vibrant civil society and in improving outcomes for those most disadvantaged.
The allocation for the duration of the scheme 2016-2019 is almost €16.7m and the total amount spent in 2018 was €5,909,190. Funding has been allocated to 71 national community and voluntary organisations under the scheme, as set out in the following table.
|
Organisation |
Allocation over 3 year period |
|
Active Retirement Network Ireland |
€262,951 |
|
Age Action Ireland Limited |
€216,265 |
|
Amen Support Services Limited |
€181,707 |
|
Anam Cara Parental and Sibling Bereavement Support Limited |
€269,920 |
|
Arthritis Ireland |
€184,502 |
|
Asthma Society of Ireland |
€208,028 |
|
Autism Spectrum Information Advice And Meeting Point Limited |
€200,707 |
|
Barnardos - Republic of Ireland Limited |
€261,818 |
|
Belong To Youth Services |
€269,990 |
|
Breaking Through Limited |
€214,440 |
|
Care Alliance Ireland |
€253,036 |
|
Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups Limited |
€266,126 |
|
Cherish Limited |
€270,000 |
|
Children In Hospital Ireland |
€269,952 |
|
Children's Rights Alliance-Republic Of Ireland Limited |
€269,844 |
|
Chronic Pain Ireland Limited |
€110,635 |
|
Community Action Network Limited |
€266,224 |
|
Community Creations Limited |
€172,500 |
|
Community Workers Limited |
€269,648 |
|
Co-operative Housing Ireland Society Limited |
€219,426 |
|
Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency Limited |
€270,000 |
|
Disability Federation of Ireland |
€232,338 |
|
Down Syndrome Ireland |
€260,124 |
|
Dyslexia Association of Ireland |
€204,970 |
|
Educate Together Ag Foghlaim le Cheile |
€268,994 |
|
European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland Limited |
€260,503 |
|
European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Ireland Limited |
€225,780 |
|
Family Carers Ireland |
€270,000 |
|
Focus Ireland Limited |
€174,358 |
|
Free Legal Advice Centres Limited |
€270,000 |
|
G.L.E.N. Limited |
€265,788 |
|
Grow in Ireland |
€153,576 |
|
Immigrant Council of Ireland Limited |
€250,358 |
|
Inclusion Ireland - National Association For People With an Intellectual Disability |
€270,000 |
|
INOU Limited |
€268,500 |
|
Irish Association for Palliative Care |
€150,428 |
|
Irish Athletic Boxing Association |
€172,514 |
|
Irish Council For Social Housing |
€84,445 |
|
Irish Deaf Society The National Association of the Deaf Limited |
€269,700 |
|
Irish Foster Care Association Limited |
€166,213 |
|
Irish Penal Reform Trust |
€268,874 |
|
Irish Refugee Council Limited |
€268,752 |
|
Irish Rural Link Co-Operative Society Limited |
€267,058 |
|
Irish Senior Citizens National Parliament Limited |
€265,066 |
|
Irish Stammering Association |
€118,010 |
|
M.O.V.E. Ireland |
€236,500 |
|
Medical Research Charities Limited |
€242,344 |
|
Mental Health Reform |
€269,085 |
|
Migraine Association of Ireland Limited |
€102,996 |
|
Migrant Information Centre Limited |
€267,926 |
|
National Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland Limited |
€204,806 |
|
National Women's Council of Ireland |
€270,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
€253,122 |
|
New Communities Partnership (NCP) Limited |
€194,186 |
|
Parents Plus Limited |
€179,609 |
|
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) Limited |
€269,960 |
|
Rotha Teoranta |
€269,768 |
|
Simon Communities of Ireland |
€269,602 |
|
Social Analysis and Action for Justice Ireland Limited |
€269,870 |
|
Special Olympics Ireland |
€270,000 |
|
Spinal Injuries Ireland |
€265,800 |
|
The Irish Environmental Conservation Organisation for Youth-Unesco Clubs Limited |
€210,894 |
|
The Irish Hospice Foundation |
€265,926 |
|
The Irish Local Development Network Limited |
€262,000 |
|
The Men’s Development Network Limited |
€264,784 |
|
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland |
€270,000 |
|
The National Network of Women's Refuges And Support Services Limited |
€266,528 |
|
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland |
€269,402 |
|
Threshold |
€251,799 |
|
Volunteering Ireland Ltd |
€210,354 |
|
Women's Aid Ireland |
€239,584 |
|
Total |
€16,660,913 |
204. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding funding for volunteer centres with particular reference to underfunded centres (details supplied); the options under consideration at present; when a decision will be reached in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15527/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community and Voluntary Supports and Programmes unit provide a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector. €3.5 million is being provided in 2019 under this programme to support 21 Volunteer Centres, eight Volunteering Information Services and a number of volunteer-supporting organisations, such as Volunteer Ireland.
Following the publication in 2017 of a report by Dermot McLaughlin entitled "Developing Funding Criteria for Volunteer Centres in Ireland", my Department secured additional funding of €300,000 which was allocated to all Volunteer Centres in 2017 on a proportionate basis. This increased funding level has been maintained in 2018 and 2019.
The Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2018 included the provision of €1.2 million to upgrade the eight Volunteering Information Services to full Volunteer Centres in order to provide a consistent level of volunteering service nationwide. My Department is currently engaging with stakeholders in the roll-out of this initiative. As part of this exercise, my Department is also examining options with regard to a number of existing Volunteer Centres which are currently receiving less funding than the minimum amount recommended in the McLaughlin report.
My Department is also currently collating information received from a recent call for input exercise that was designed as a first step towards developing a draft national volunteering strategy. Among the topics under consideration in this context is the issue of volunteering support infrastructure and how best this can be structured to support volunteering.
205. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will address a matter regarding an indemnity scheme for landowners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15550/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been working for some time to develop an indemnity scheme to indemnify private land owners who allow their lands to be used for recreational purposes.
This is a complex issue and the legal rights of landowners must be respected, while trying to facilitate access to their lands for recreational users on a permissive basis.
My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as the one envisaged will require legislative provision. My officials have been in contact with the State Claims Agency and have sought advice from the Attorney General's Office on the proposed scope, roll-out, and the legal processes required to give effect to such a scheme. Further contact between officials is likely to take place over the coming weeks on the matter.
It is envisaged that this scheme, once introduced, will come into effect in upland areas on a phased basis.
206. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the feedback he is receiving from the community and voluntary sector during the ongoing roadshow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently running a series of Rural Opportunity briefings which seek to highlight the opportunities available to those in rural communities through the funding programmes provided across Government and to showcase some of the best examples of how funding has been used in order to inspire individuals and communities to take their own ideas or projects forward.
Two briefings have taken place to date, in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny on March 22nd and Granard, Co. Longford on March 27th, with a further two events currently scheduled for Corofin in Clare on April 10th and Donegal town on April 12th.
The two events staged to date have been attended by a total of well over 200 people representing key rural, voluntary, community and sectoral stakeholders. Attendees have heard from individuals and organisations who have successfully delivered projects in rural areas, having successfully leveraged Government supports, which have helped to foster enterprise, tourism, quality of life, culture and promote the Irish language. In addition, officials from my Department and and other key funding agencies have been present to provide guidance and assistance to attendees interested in accessing funding for rural projects.
The response to the briefings to date has been overwhelmingly positive, both at the events and through our associated social media outreach, and I am looking forward to hearing from and engaging with communities and other organisations at future events.
207. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the work being conducted by the Public Participation Network, PPN, Advisory Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15552/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2014 Working Group Report on Citizen Engagement with Local Government recommended that a Public Participation Network (PPN) be set up in each local authority area in order to enable the public to take an active formal role in relevant policy making and oversight committees of the local authority. It also recommended that the work of the PPNs should be monitored and evaluated regularly in line with best practice.
In line with this recommendation, the first National PPN Advisory Group was established in 2016 and ran until September 2017. Members of this Advisory Group, although representative of the various stakeholder groups, were invited by the Department and were not elected or nominated to their positions from within their respective stakeholder groups.
A second National PPN Advisory Group was established in late 2017, and is fully representative of all stakeholders. To date the group has delivered a number of important initiatives to support the operation of PPNs, including the organisation of two annual conferences for PPN stakeholders in 2017 and 2018 respectively and the publication of two Annual Reports highlighting the work of the PPNs around the country. Work on the preparation of the 2019 Annual Conference and the 2018 Annual Report is underway.
The Advisory Group is also progressing a number of new initiatives to support the ongoing development of PPNs, including an update of the PPN User Handbook in respect of which a public call for input was launched last month. The development of a National PPN Communications Strategy and the ongoing provision of targeted PPN-related training are also being progressed.
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which the various programmes run by his Department have benefited individual rural communities on a county basis nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15625/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons in urban and rural communities who have accessed the support schemes operated by his Department in 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15630/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 213 together.
As Minister with responsibility for Rural and Community Development, I am leading a Department whose mission is to help build vibrant, sustainable communities across the country.
We are progressing this objective through the implementation of programmes and initiatives that facilitate and encourage economic development and support our communities to become and remain desirable places to live, work and raise families.
Improving the quality of life of those who live and work in rural communities is another key objective of the Action Plan for Rural Development, which is the most comprehensive Government plan ever produced to support economic and social development in rural areas.
The current Action Plan runs to the end of 2019 and consideration is now being given to future rural development policy. An implementation plan for the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, published in 2016, is also currently at an advanced stage,
My Department is currently finalising an implementation plan for the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development and I am confident that this plan will propose actions that will support the local and community development sectors to continue providing valuable services to rural communities.
In addition, Project Ireland 2040 will help breathe new life into communities across the country, providing access to recreational and leisure facilities, by increasing the attractiveness of communities to visitors and, most importantly, by supporting job creation and employment for people in both urban and rural areas. This includes the €1 billion being invested through my Department in towns and villages across Ireland through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Some €86million has already been allocated to projects across the country, with a further call for applications to the Fund due in the coming weeks.
My Department is also committed to the successful delivery of a range of other schemes and programmes which are greatly benefiting rural communities. Programmes such as LEADER, CLÁR, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Scheme, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme and the Community Enhancement Programme have delivered funding and supports to numerous small and large-scale projects, many of which are identified and driven by local community organisations.
In respect of the communities that have accessed my Department's support schemes, given the volume of data, I will arrange for funding allocation information for 2018, on a county basis, to be forwarded to the Deputy separately.
In the case of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, I can confirm that 31,967 individuals were supported by the scheme in 2018, with a target of 27,313 set for 2019. This is in addition to the thousands of community groups supported by SICAP.
The Seniors Alert Scheme approved 19,228 participants for the provision of personal monitored alarms in 2018 and 3,848 in 2019 to the end of February.
Question No. 209 answered with Question No. 85.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to support applications from County Kildare for assistance under the various schemes operated by his Department in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15627/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications received in his Department from County Kildare in respect of the various support schemes applicable to urban and rural communities directly or through the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15628/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
My Department is committed to the successful delivery of the following programmes which have provided financial and other supports to organisations in County Kildare.
Funding is being made available under each of these schemes in 2019 and I look forward to providing further supports to rural and urban communities in the county moving forward:
- The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which I launched in 2018 as part of Project Ireland 2040, supports ambitious and strategic projects which have the potential to transform rural economies and communities. Three projects located in County Kildare were awarded funding of €2,865,500 from the first call to the Fund.
- The new five-year Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, which commenced at the start of 2018, is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a €190m national programme that is delivered locally, to help those in the greatest need. The funding allocation to Kildare for 2019 is €1,061,036.00.
- The Community Enhancement Programme, which I launched in 2018, has provided funding of €468,671 to projects in Kildare, including more than €26,000 to Men's Sheds groups, which provide a safe space where men can gather and participate in their communities, develop social networks and potentially gain new skills and access information. I launched the 2019 Community Enhancement Programme last week with an allocation of €4.5million nationally. The funding allocation to Kildare for 2019 is €148,013.00.
- The LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) in Kildare has been allocated €5,261,600 to invest in the economic and social development of County Kildare over the period of the programme to 2020. In 2019, €238,716 has so far been approved for three LEADER projects in Kildare. The LAG received funding of €127,369 in 2019 for individual projects and the administration costs of the LAG itself.
- The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is an initiative under the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and is part of a package of national and local support measures to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. I announced details of 224 projects that were approved for €21.3 million of funding under the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, including eight projects totalling €520,000 for Kildare. The scheme is not yet launched in 2019.
- The Digital Innovation Programme in Kildare was awarded €41,250 in 2018.
- The Seniors Alert Scheme facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people. A total of 1,364 installations have been approved for elderly persons in Kildare since September 2015.
- The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities. The funding allocated to Kildare is €250,000 for 2019.
- €85,684 was announced in January 2019 for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure scheme in Kildare.
- The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions. In 2019, the CSP provided funding of some €440,628 towards the cost of employing approximately 17.5 full-time equivalents and three managers in five community based organisations and social enterprises based in Kildare. Two of the five have received an additional support through the support fund which assists approved organisations in meeting current minimum wage requirements in 2019.
In respect of applications received from organisations or groups in County Kildare, including the local authority, the following table provides totals for 2018 and to date in 2019.
|
Programme/Scheme |
2018 Number of applications received |
2019 Number of applications received |
|
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) |
n/a (funding provided to delivery bodies on basis of contract terms and conditions for full term of programme, subject to review) |
n/a |
|
Community Enhancement Programme (including Men’s Shed Fund) |
92 |
n/a |
|
Local Improvement Scheme |
12 |
n/a |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme |
2 |
n/a |
|
Town and Village Renewal Scheme |
8 |
n/a |
|
Community Services Programme |
3 |
2 (1 under appraisal) |
|
Seniors Alert Scheme (participants) |
403 (1 Jan – 31 Aug 18) |
n/a |
|
LEADER |
18 |
3(to date) |
|
Digital Innovation Programme |
1 |
n/a |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. |
13 |
n/a |
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for the development of the various community support schemes operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15629/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister with responsibility for Rural and Community Development, I am leading a Department whose mission it is to help build vibrant, sustainable communities across the country, both in rural and urban areas.
To do this requires a mix of policy initiatives and actions focused on enabling economic growth and development and addressing gaps in meeting the social needs in these areas, thus supporting our communities to become and remain desirable places to live, work and raise families.
Many of these initiatives form part of the Government's published Action Plan for Rural Development and Framework Policy for Local and Community Development which include a range of measures which will contribute significantly to addressing issues in local communities, including financial assistance and other direct and indirect supports.
The current Action Plan for Rural Development, runs to the end of 2019 and consideration is now being given to future rural development policy. A key deliverable for my Department during 2019 will be the design of a rural development policy to follow on from the Action Plan for Rural Development.
The implementation plan for the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, published in 2016, as well as Ireland’s first National Policy on Social Enterprise, are also currently at an advanced stage of development.
My Department delivers a coherent package of supports to strengthen rural and urban communities. These supports enable economic growth and development and also support communities to address gaps in meeting social needs, including those caused by higher levels of deprivation.
My Department will continue to support our communities to become and remain sustainable and desirable places to live, work and raise families and we are committed to reviewing funding priorities on an ongoing basis to ensure supports remain targeted at those most in need.
In 2018, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was launched as part of Project Ireland 2040 and this fund will provide €1 billion over the next 10 years, while the Town Centre Living Initiative, a pilot programme aimed at testing approaches to the revitalisation of towns and villages, was rolled out in six towns across the country.
The Community Enhancement Programme, born out of a review of the RAPID and Communities Facilities Scheme, was launched in 2018 to address disadvantage in urban and rural communities and allocated €13million to more than 3,000 projects in its first year. The 2019 Scheme was launched last week with an allocation of €4.5million.
In addition, since its establishment, my Department has also relaunched the Local Improvement Scheme for private rural roads and laneways and broadened the measures under which funding can be applied for under the CLÁR Programme, and a new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, worth €190 million over five years to the end of 2022, was commenced.
I have just commenced a review of the Community Services Programme, which provides funding to organisations delivering services in disadvantaged communities. This review will help inform decisions on the future shape and structure of the programme. More than €46 million is available to support community organisations under the programme in 2019.
I am confident that these plans will propose actions that will support rural economic development and the local and community development sectors to continue providing valuable needed services and community supports throughout the country.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next tranche of grant aid to be awarded by his Department will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15631/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the various headings under which applications for grant aid under the various schemes operated by his Department can be made; the opening and closing dates in respect of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
My Department delivers a variety of schemes that provide supports for groups in rural and urban communities, they include the following:
LEADER
LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020 which is delivered through Local Action Groups in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. Funding can be provided under a broad range of defined themes, which include enterprise development and social inclusion.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) which administer the programme in each LEADER area. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partners to discuss the funding that may be available. Contact details for all LAGs are available on my Department's website at http://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/list-of-LAGs.pdf.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) Supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with funding provided as a fixed annual contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. Some €46m is available under the programme in 2019. Expressions of Interest are accepted on an ongoing basis with new organisations funded subject to fit with the programme and the availability of funding in any given year.
Community Enhancement Programme
The Community Enhancement Programme provides capital grants to community groups to help them to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2019 programme was launched last week and applications should be made to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in the relevant area. The exact closing date for receipt of applications will be set following consultation with the LCDCs that administer the programme on behalf of the Department.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016 and, to date, almost €53 million has been approved under the scheme for more than 670 projects across the country. These projects cover a range of activities, from improving the public realm to making towns and villages more attractive for locals and visitors alike, to job-creation initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and digital hubs. Details of the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme are currently being finalised by my officials and I anticipate that the scheme will be announced shortly.
CLÁR
The CLÁR programme has, in the past, provided funding for the items referred to by the Deputy, to established organisations that operate on a voluntary basis and are involved in emergency rescue or first response efforts in the community. CLÁR operates in specific designated rural areas that have experienced high levels of depopulation. I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on 28 February last. The measures being funded under the programme this year include a Community Wellbeing Supports measure, comprising:
(a) First Response Support
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
(c) Sensory Gardens
The deadline for applications is 25 April 2019
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. I launched the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for 2019 on Friday 29 March last, to continue investment in projects that will benefit visitors and locals alike in rural areas.
The Walks Scheme
The Walks Scheme currently covers 39 trails, with payments made to approximately 1,900 private land-holders to maintain those trails. The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase the number of walks covered by the scheme. In line with this commitment, funding for the scheme was doubled in Budget 2019 - from €2 million to €4 million - to allow this expansion to proceed. Expression of Interest Forms are available on my Department's website.
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
The first call for applications for the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed at the end of September. I have allocated €86 million in support for 84 projects worth €117m under the first call. A further call for applications to the Fund will be announced in the coming weeks.
All application windows for these and other programmes funded by my Department will be published on my Department's website. Funding announcements will be made in each case when applications have been processed and evaluated.
Similarly, the next tranches of grant aid will be allocated throughout the year. Information on grant-aid under the various schemes will be made known to eligible parties through Press Releases on the Department's website.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department continues to address issues such as rural and urban isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15633/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of isolation, whether in urban or rural areas, is one which requires a response containing a combination of policy initiatives and actions delivered across a number of Government Departments.
For my part, I am committed to continuing my Department's response to the issue, which includes ongoing contact with local and community groups and other stakeholders where appropriate to identify potential measures to assist communities affected.
The publication on 7 December 2018 of the Call for Input Paper on Volunteering is the first step in developing a national volunteering policy. Volunteering plays a critical part in empowering individuals to become more involved in their communities and is proven to assist with the development of mental health wellbeing.
The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and Framework Policy for Local and Community Development include a range of measures which will contribute significantly to addressing isolation and social inclusion in both rural and urban areas and as Minister for Rural and Community Development I will continue to advocate for a cross government approach to ensuring the rural and community voice is heard in relation to matters of policy.
The current Action Plan runs to the end of 2019 and consideration is now being given to future rural development policy. An implementation plan for the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, published in 2016, is also currently at an advanced stage, and I am confident that these plans will propose further actions that will address isolation issues in our communities.
Specific examples of actions being delivered by my Department which are helping those who feel isolated or vulnerable in communities include:
- Significant investment in the Seniors Alert Scheme, which facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people living alone. During 2018, spend on the Scheme amounted to almost €7 million, with over 19,200 applications for personal alarms approved. This is an important programme which enables older persons of limited means to continue to live in their own homes at the heart of their communities with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
- The new five-year Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, which commenced at the start of 2018, is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered locally with funding of €190 million over a five-year period to help those in the greatest need.
- Support for approximately 447 Men’s Sheds across Ireland, with sheds present in all 32 counties, which provide a safe space where men can gather and participate in their communities, develop social networks and potentially gain new skills and access information. Ireland continues to enjoy the highest per capita concentration of Men’s Sheds in the world. Last year, I provided funding of €500,000 to support the work of Men’s Sheds throughout Ireland.
- The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which will provide €250 million in financial resources to address the challenges facing rural areas over the course of the programme period, particularly under the themes of economic development and social inclusion.
In addition, other actions in the current Action Plan for Rural Development being delivered by Departments across government that will help those who feel isolated or vulnerable include:
- Investment of €46 million in Garda fleet to ensure that Gardaí are mobile, visible and responsive to prevent and tackle crime.
- Maintaining the network of senior helplines in operation throughout the country, which offer a listening service for older people to help address issues such as loneliness and isolation in rural areas.
- Continued support and prioritisation of community crime prevention through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Text Alert. Since its launch in September 2013, community Text Alert has grown quickly with a total of 164,000 subscribers and in the order of 3 million text messages sent annually.
- Continued improvements in the Rural Transport Programme, including the provision of new routes. A total of 65 new evening/night time Local Link services were approved for funding in 2018, with the majority of approved services commencing operation in July 2018. Funding was provided for services operating up to 31 December 2018 (six month pilot). New regular scheduled Local Link services were launched in 2018 in Donegal, Sligo, Waterford, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Offaly and Kerry.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department addresses such issues as local connectivity in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15634/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of a high quality, high speed broadband network and of reliable mobile phone coverage are essential components underpinning the connectivity and development of rural communities in Ireland.
In this context, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was established in July 2016 to identify solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to full rollout of the National Broadband Plan.
The Taskforce published its report in December 2016, which set out 40 actions aimed at addressing the issues associated with mobile phone and broadband connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
A cross-Departmental Implementation Group, which I chair, was established in early 2017 to ensure that the actions identified by the Taskforce are implemented in a timely manner. The Implementation Group publishes regular progress reports which are available on my Department’s website, www.drcd.gov.ie.
One of the key ways in which my Department supports the preparations for the roll out of the National Broadband Plan – and other telecommunications infrastructure – is through the network of Broadband Officers located in each Local Authority. The Broadband Officers, who are co-funded by my Department, engage with the telecoms industry on a regular basis in identifying and addressing barriers to the roll out of telecommunications infrastructure. This has seen a tangible increase in broadband connections and the resolution of a number of mobile phone blackspots in rural Ireland.
My Department also co-ordinated and supported Local Authority applications for the European Commission's WiFi4EU initiative. This programme will see EU funds made available for the provision of free, publically accessible WiFi. In the inaugural round of funding, 21 Irish Local Authorities secured 59 vouchers under the scheme, worth €885,000 in total. My Department will provide match funds of up to €15,000 for each of these vouchers, to support Local Authorities as they make free internet connectivity available to the public.
218. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when pensioners in receipt of semi-State company pensions will receive a cost of living pension increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15544/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no role in setting the level of pensions increases received by members of occupational pension schemes, irrespective of whether those schemes operate in the public or private sector.
In this regard, pension increases for occupational pensions are entirely a matter for the scheme trustees and the sponsoring employer to whom enquiries should be addressed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
219. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision will be made on a disability application for assistance in view of the medical condition of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15548/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance from this gentleman on 28 February 2019. 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.
220. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of pensioners to date that have been contacted in relation to pension changes applied in 2012; the number that have received arrears; the number of that have seen their pensions increased; the number of that have seen no increase in their payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15574/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.
Reviews commenced from 13 February 2019, the day after I signed the necessary regulations which together with provisions in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registrations Act 2018, which allows the increased payments to be made. As of 28 March 2019, 11,646 of reviews have been completed. Of these, over 8,850 resulted in an increase in payment for the pensioners concerned. The pensioners who did not qualify for an increase in payments will continue to receive their existing weekly rate.
I have stated from the outset that it will take a number of months to complete all of the reviews due to the numbers involved and the individual nature of social insurance records. In some cases it is necessary to engage in correspondence with the pensioner in order to clarify periods of caring, work and contribution histories. To date, over 34,000 requests for information have issued to pensioners. In order to process these reviews over 100 temporary staff have been recruited to the Departments offices in the north- west.
Regardless of when a review is conducted, where an increase in payment is due, the person's rate of payment will be adjusted without delay and arrears issued backdated to 30 March 2018, or the pensioner’s 66th birthday if later. Where a person's rate does not increase following a review, the person will continue to receive their existing rate of payment.
Given the scale (90,000 pensioners) involved, the fact that each case requires close individual examination and that some cases are more complex than others, it would not be reasonable to expect all to be processed immediately. While this work will take a number of months to complete, it will continue until all pensioners have been notified of the outcome of their review in writing.
I would urge anyone who has yet to provide additional requested information to the Department to do so as soon as possible so that their review can be processed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
221. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for a companion pass by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15618/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application for a Companion Free Travel pass from the person concerned was medically assessed by the Chief Medical Assessor on 29 March 2019. The medical opinion has been conveyed to Household Benefits Section in Sligo and the applicant will be contacted shortly regarding the decision on their application.
222. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if proposals brought to Cabinet to protect persons trapped in bogus self-employment will include new legislation and stronger enforcement regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15620/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployers are required to maintain accurate records of employees and contractors who they engage and to pay the appropriate class of PRSI. There are already legislative provisions within the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 prohibiting the practice of misclassifying employment in order to avoid paying the correct social insurance contributions.
Workers who have concerns in relation to their employment status have recourse to the Department’s Scope section. This section determines employment status and the correct class of pay-related social insurance (PRSI). Where misclassification of workers as self-employed is detected, the correct status and class is determined and social insurance arrears are collected as required. Depending on the length of time involved, this collection of arrears due in itself can impose a significant penalty on employers.
Given the concerns expressed in this House and elsewhere regarding a perceived increase in the incidence of self-employment, and to ensure that people are aware of their rights and the protections available, my Department conducted a communications campaign covering radio, print and social media, in relation to the issue of false self-employment during 2018 and will repeat aspects of this campaign again during 2019.
My Department has also increased the number of employer inspections in recent months with a specific focus on detecting cases of false/bogus self-employment. It is also implementing more intensive training for inspectors. Inspections are also undertaken jointly with other agencies including the Revenue Commissioners and Workplace Relations Commission. Where evidence of non-compliance is detected, it is pursued.
Recognising that that there is a particular challenge when dealing with large companies I have tasked my Department with establishing a dedicated team to deal with the work involved in such employer inspections and determinations and I expect to have proposals for this team by the end of April.
In addition, I intend to implement a number of new legislative measures.
Firstly, I will seek to put the Code of Practice for Determining Employment Status on a statutory basis. It is currently being reviewed and updated by an interdepartmental group from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Finance, Revenue and the Workplace Relations Commission.
Secondly, I intend to bring forward measures to address victimisation of workers who seek a determination of their employment status.
Furthermore, I’m exploring the possibility of providing for Deciding Officers in Scope Section in my Department to make determinations on the employment status of groups or classes of workers who are engaged and operate on the same terms and conditions without having to investigate each individual worker separately. This would go a long way to ensure consistency of status decisions and their timely determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
223. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons can be refunded the cost of a taxi to and from a JobPath appointment in cases in which public transport is not available in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15622/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe JobPath providers are obliged to provide a baseline level of support to each participant but are free to adapt that support in individual cases, provided that it is not unduly onerous. The JobPath contracts provide that a person should not have to travel more than 60 minutes in normal circumstances to attend an appointment. Where a person has transport difficulties, the JobPath Company can assist the person with travel arrangements tailoring the service around their particular travel requirements.
JobPath providers give an immediate reimbursement for travel expenses upon production of a ticket / evidence of travel. Fares are covered for the cheapest travel method available and taxi fares are generally not refunded.
Any person who is experiencing difficulties with transport which is affecting their ability to engage with the JobPath service should discuss the matter with their JobPath provider so that a solution can be found.
