Written Answers Nos. 294-319
294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration will be given to a possible offer of funding to support a community based enterprise at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44128/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of community based organisation referred to by the Deputy depending on the nature of the proposed activity to be funded.
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. To date, over 2,400 projects have been approved under the current LEADER programme for funding in excess of €91 million.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group which administers the programme in each LEADER area.
I understand that the organisation in question submitted two Expressions of Interest to the Kildare Local Action Group. Following assessment, one was deemed ineligible as the proposed project activity did not qualify for financial support under the LEADER 2014-2020 Operating Rules.
The second proposal has been deemed eligible and the Local Action Group has invited the promoter to submit a full application for detailed consideration.
295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which grant aid support can be offered to support a community based organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44129/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of community based organisation referred to by the Deputy, depending on the nature of the proposed activity to be funded.
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. To date, over 2,400 projects have been approved under the current LEADER programme for funding in excess of €91 million.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group which administers the programme in each LEADER area.
I understand that the organisation in question submitted an Expression of Interest to the Kildare Local Action Group in August 2019 and that this is currently under consideration by the Group.
297. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on the review requested of an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) who supplied further medical evidence in August 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43853/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on 8 April 2019. His claim was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. He was notified on 22 July 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review or appeal.
He requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of the review. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision. He was notified on 22 October 2019 of the outcome of the review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
298. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons qualifying under the long-term illness scheme are eligible for workplace programmes and training courses even if they are drawing credits rather than receiving a social welfare payment; the supports available for persons in this category to assist them in returning to the labour market in circumstances in which this is possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43860/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to supporting as many people as possible to participate in employment and to become more self-sufficient by providing supports that address barriers they may encounter in finding and sustaining employment or self-employment. There are a range of supports available to people with long term illness to assist them to enter employment.
Community employment (CE) and Tús are work placement schemes that aim to provide quality work opportunities while also assisting in providing certain services of benefit to communities. The Department’s main focus is on activation and to progress as many participants as possible from Community Employment and Tús into full-time and sustainable employment. These work programmes are available to persons on a qualifying social welfare payment which may include time spent on certain long term illness schemes for example disability allowance, blind pension, illness benefit and invalidity pension.
The back to work enterprise scheme assists people on certain social welfare payments including disability allowance, carer’s allowance, incapacity supplement, invalidity pension, illness benefit and blind pension who wish to become self-employed. The back to work enterprise allowance is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are on social welfare payments to develop a business. Individuals in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance may also receive financial support in the form of the enterprise support grant subject to a maximum amount of €2,500 over the two year period of the back to work enterprise allowance scheme.
The wages subsidy scheme gives financial support to employers who employ people with disabilities. The objective of the wages subsidy scheme is to increase the likelihood of people with disabilities obtaining and sustaining employment in the open labour market by providing financial incentives to private sector employers.
Youth employment support scheme aims to give you the opportunity to learn basic work and social skills in a supportive environment, while on a work placement in a host organisation. The scheme is open to organisations in the private, community and voluntary sectors. People in receipt of disability allowance and blind pension can be supported under this scheme.
The training support grant funded by my Department is designed to facilitate quick access to short-term training that is identified to assist participants in receipt of long term illness schemes such as disability allowance, illness benefit (after 6 months), carer’s allowance, blind pension, invalidity pension. This grant can support someone up to €500 per annum with the costs associated with training or development.
The back to education allowance scheme, operated by my Department, provides people with a second chance education that will improve their prospects of securing employment. It enables eligible people such as those in receipt of disability allowance, incapacity supplement, blind pension, invalidity pension, illness benefit/credits and carer’s allowance to pursue approved education courses and to continue to receive income support for the duration of a course of study, subject to meeting certain conditions.
I would advise the Deputy to advise any one in the situation she has outlined to contact their local intreo centre for information on the options available to them.
299. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the income disregard of €332.50 will be increased for those carers who can work the extra 3.5 hours announced in budget 2020 in view of the fact that there is fear among carers they may be penalised as the income disregard did not increase; and if the issue will be revisited (details supplied). [43862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2020, I announced that recipients of Carer’s Allowance would be allowed to increase the number of hours they can work, study or attend a training course, outside the home, from 15 to 18.5 hours per week. Over 1,200 family carers are expected to benefit from this change at an estimated cost of €11.6 million.
I particularly prioritised this measure in response to the carers I have met who have told me that they found the current number of 15 hours to be too restrictive. An increase to 18.5 will accommodate increased participation by carers in work or training to strengthen their connection with the labour force, while also serving the additional purpose of reducing the social alienation experienced by many carers.
The existing income disregard and means test for Carer’s Allowance is the most generous within the social welfare system, with the amount of weekly earnings disregarded at €332.50 for a single person and €665 for a couple. By comparison, the income disregard applied to applicants for Disability Allowance is €120 per week, with 50% of earnings between €120 and €350 disregarded. For Jobseeker's Allowance, it is €20 per day up to a maximum of €60 for 3 days and the balance is assessed at 60%. For Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, the weekly income disregard if €150 with 50% of the balance assessed as means.
In deliberating measures for Budget 2020 I did include an examination of the disregard for Carer's Allowance. In its pre-Budget submission, Family Carers Ireland looked for an increase in the disregard for Carer's Allowance of €117.50 for a single person and €235.00 for a couple per week. My Department costed this proposal using the ESRI SWITCH model. Allowing for income tax and Working Family Payment offsets, net expenditure is estimated to be approximately €55 million per year.
Changes to schemes are considered in an overall budgetary and policy context and from an evidence based perspective. Some 86% of the current recipients of Carer’s Allowance have no means or means of less than €7.60 per week and would not benefit by an increase in the disregard.
Only 0.1% of current Carer's Allowance recipients have means of between €250 and €300 per week, so, it is highly unlikely that any will have their payment reduced as a result of choosing to work additional hours.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
300. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects the Parent's Leave and Benefit Bill 2019 which has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be enacted; when eligible parents will be able to apply for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43884/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Parent’s Leave and Benefit Bill completed all stages in Houses of the Oireachtas on the 15th of October and has been sent to the President for signature. Following enactment, commencement orders will be made by me in respect of Part 5 of the Act and by the Minister for Justice and Equality in respect of the other provisions. Parent’s leave and benefit will be available to all parents in respect of children born or adopted on or after 1st November 2019.
This new scheme provides two weeks paid leave to both parents and who take parental leave from their employment to care for their child. The scheme will support parents during the first year of the child's life, in line with the Programme for Government commitment and allows parents more flexibility in achieving and managing a work life balance.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
301. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of discussions between her Department and community employment supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43908/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I am currently engaging with representatives of CE supervisors to discuss issues arising following the 2008 Labour Court Recommendation (LCR 19293). All parties to the engagement process have agreed that the detail of the discussions should remain confidential while the engagement is ongoing and I would ask Deputies to respect these wishes and allow the talks to continue free from speculation which might prove unhelpful. I expect that it will take a number of weeks to reach a conclusion.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
302. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of places nationally for the rural social scheme; and the number of places vacant in each county. [43914/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative which provides part-time employment opportunities in community and voluntary organisations for farmers or fishermen who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and underemployed in their primary occupation. The RSS is a supplementary income support scheme which is delivered through 36 Implementing Bodies (IBs) or Local Development Companies and Údarás Na Gaeltachta in the Gaeltacht areas.
There is a total of 3,350 places allocated nationally to the Implementing Bodies (IBs) and Údarás na Gaeltachta who deliver the RSS. As at 21st October, 2019 there are 110 vacancies on the scheme.
Table 1 outlines the number of RSS vacancies in each county.
* Please note there is a category for “Islands” which covers the offshore islands.
Table 1
|
County |
Vacancies |
|
Carlow |
2 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
|
Clare |
1 |
|
Cork |
38 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Dublin |
5 |
|
Galway |
0 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
|
Laois |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
4 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
|
*Islands |
5 |
|
Total |
110 |
303. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number in receipt of the State pension, contributory, in the pre-2012 rate bands by gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43937/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records available to my Department, as at 30 September 2019 there were 222,455 state pension (contributory) claimants in receipt of a state pension (contributory) (SPC) based on the pre-2012 rate bands.
Under social welfare legislation, there are a number of ways to qualify for a State pension (contributory). In the majority of cases, the rate of pension entitlement is determined by the ‘yearly average’ of social insurance contributions a person achieves over their working life. In order to qualify for a maximum rate of pension, an applicant should have a yearly average of 48 paid and/or credited contributions from 1979, or from their date of entry into insurable employment, to the end of the last complete tax year preceding the year they turn pension age.
The following table provides a breakdown by gender of the current State pension (contributory) personal payments based on pre-September 2012 rate bands.
|
Yearly Average Rate Bands |
Male |
Female |
Total |
% of Max SPC rate |
|
48+ |
81,488 |
23,833 |
105,321 |
100% |
|
20 to 47 |
34,475 |
27,935 |
62,410 |
98% |
|
15 to 19 |
4,757 |
5,603 |
10,360 |
75% |
|
10 to 14 |
5,658 |
6,019 |
11,677 |
50% |
In other SPC cases, pension entitlement is determined using other eligibility criteria. For example, a person who is in receipt of Invalidity Pension at maximum rate immediately prior to their 66th birthday will automatically transfer to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) on reaching pension age.
The following table shows the breakdown of such cases by gender.
|
Rate Calculation not based on Yearly Average |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Invalidity 'saver' cases |
10,262 |
10,808 |
21,070 |
|
Other, including pre-53 SPC, half-rate self-employed, etc. |
5,214 |
6,403 |
11,617 |
|
Total |
15,476 |
17,211 |
32,687 |
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
304. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of civil servants and public servants, respectively, in receipt of the working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44020/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is an in-work weekly payment, which provides additional income support to employees on low earnings with children, relative to family size. WFP is designed to prevent in work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents and to provide a financial incentive to take up employment.
There are currently 3,237 (combined total) civil and public servants in receipt of WFP. I am advised that the information available to the Department does not permit a distinction between these two groups of employees for further analysis.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
305. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 2 April 2019 and taking into account any proposed changes announced in budget 2020, the latest costings regarding the scheme in question over a full calendar year; and the first year costs arising. [44043/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe farm assist scheme is a means-tested payment for farmers on low incomes and is similar to jobseekers allowance. Recipients retain the advantages of jobseekers allowance such as keeping secondary benefits and access to activation programmes.
The estimated cost of farm assist over a full year for 2020 is almost €61 million and is based on the average number of recipients. The scheme is demand led and the average number of recipients for 2020 is 5,480. This estimated costing also includes increases in the rates for qualified children which I announced in Budget 2020. Recipients with qualified children aged 12 and over will receive a weekly increase of €3 and those with qualified children under 12 will receive an increase of €2 per week with effect from 6 January 2020.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
306. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide the insurance contribution record of a person (details supplied); the level and amount of arrears that would be payable to the person due to their mistake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44052/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for State pension (contributory) has not been received from the person concerned. Once an application is received, their eligibility for pension will be determined and they will be notified of a decision without delay. Further, I am advised that the address provided by the Deputy for the person concerned is different to their address held by my Department.
Under social welfare legislation late claims for the State pension (contributory) may only be backdated for a maximum period of 6 months. Backdating of a late claim beyond 6 months will be considered in circumstances where the failure to claim arose as the result of either incorrect information having been supplied by my Department, or the claimant’s serious incapacity by illness or infirmity.
Contact details for the Mullingar Intreo Office are as follows:
Address: Blackhall Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Telephone: (076) 6285100.
If the person concerned is not in a position to use the online facility they can request a statement by contacting the Department’s customer service team for assistance on (01) 4715898. Customers who wish to use a LoCall option can call from a landline on 1890 690 690. The customer service team is available to assist from 9am to 5pm; and is also open during lunchtime.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
307. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of financial settlements reached by her Department and statutory bodies within her remit nationally; the number which included confidentiality clauses in each of the past five years by organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44061/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) provides litigation, advisory and conveyancing services to Government Departments and Offices. Generally, the CSSO provides legal representation in relation to court cases taken against the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Where it is considered appropriate to do so, the CSSO may enter compromise agreements with the legal representatives of individuals who have applied to the Courts seeking, for instance, a Judicial Review of an executive decision, typically related to their entitlements under Social Welfare legislation, and/or damages arising from such decisions. The terms of settlement in those instances may include a clause setting out that the applicant and their legal representatives agree not to disclose or reveal the contents of the settlement. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a routine practice in litigation and many factors are taken into consideration when settling a case, including the opportunity cost of defending the case further, the plaintiff's wish for confidentiality, etc.
The CSSO, rather than my Department, would retain the records of Court cases settled.
308. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the allowance for adults in direct provision from €38.80 per week to €40, €41, €42, €43, €44 and €45, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44070/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra309. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the allowance for children in direct provision from €29.80 to €31, €32, €33, €34 and €35, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44071/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection administers the daily expenses allowance which is paid to applicants for international protection who live in the direct provision system where they are provided with full board, accommodation and other services by the Department of Justice and Equality.
The Government has provided €9.38 million for the allowance in 2019. The weekly rates of payment were increased in Budget 2019 from €21.60 per adult and per child to €38.80 per adult and to €29.80 per child.
There are approximately 4,490 adults and 1,883 children residing in the system of direct provision in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid. The full-year costs, based on the current numbers, to increase adult rate from €38.80 to amount €40.00, €41.00, €42.00, €43.00, €44.00 and €45.00; and of increasing the weekly child rate from €29.80 to €31.00, €32.00, €33.00, €34.00 and €35.00 are provided in the tabular statements.
Any increases to the rate of daily expenses allowance would have to be approved by Government and considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement 1: Cost of increasing Adult Rate of Daily Expenses Allowance
|
Proposed Rate |
Additional full year cost to increase adult rate from €38.80 to amount shown |
|
Increase to €40 |
€280,200 |
|
Increase to €41 |
€513,700 |
|
Increase to €42 |
€747,100 |
|
Increase to €43 |
€980,700 |
|
Increase to €44 |
€1,214,000 |
|
Increase to €45 |
€1,447,600 |
Tabular Statement 2: Cost of increasing Child Rate of Daily Expenses Allowance
|
Proposed Rate |
Additional full year cost to increase child rate from €29.80 to amount shown |
|
Increase to €31 |
€117,500 |
|
Increase to €32 |
€215,400 |
|
Increase to €33 |
€313,300 |
|
Increase to €34 |
€411,200 |
|
Increase to €35 |
€509,200 |
310. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing payments (details supplied) by €5, €10, €15 and €20, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44072/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the State pensions by €5, €10, €15 and €20, respectively, taking into account changes announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44098/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing each social assistance payment by €5, €10, €15, €20, €25 and €30, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44099/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing all social insurance payments by €5, €10, €15, €25 and €30, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44100/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 335 to 337, inclusive, together.
The costings sought by the Deputy are detailed in the following table.
|
Scheme |
Full year cost of a €5 increase |
Full year cost of a €10 increase |
Full year cost of a €15 increase |
Full year cost of a €20 increase |
Full year cost of a €25 increase |
Full year cost of a €30 increase |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
Social Insurance Schemes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
116.9 |
233.6 |
350.3 |
467.0 |
583.9 |
700.6 |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Con) Pension |
33.0 |
66.0 |
99.0 |
132.0 |
165.0 |
198.0 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
2.3 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
9.1 |
11.4 |
13.6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
16.3 |
32.5 |
48.8 |
65.1 |
81.4 |
97.6 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
0.5 |
1.0 |
1.6 |
2.1 |
2.6 |
3.1 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
0.3 |
0.6 |
1.0 |
1.3 |
1.6 |
1.9 |
|
Death Benefit Pension |
0.2 |
0.4 |
0.6 |
0.8 |
1.0 |
1.2 |
|
Disablement Pension |
1.3 |
2.5 |
3.8 |
5.1 |
6.3 |
7.6 |
|
Illness Benefit |
13.4 |
26.7 |
40.1 |
53.5 |
66.8 |
80.2 |
|
Injury Benefit |
0.2 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
0.9 |
1.1 |
1.3 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
0.2 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
1.2 |
1.5 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
8.9 |
17.9 |
26.8 |
35.7 |
44.6 |
53.6 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
0.7 |
1.5 |
2.2 |
3.0 |
3.7 |
4.5 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
|
Maternity & Adoptive Benefit |
5.4 |
10.9 |
16.3 |
21.8 |
27.2 |
32.7 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.8 |
1.1 |
1.4 |
1.7 |
|
Total Social Insurance Schemes |
200.0 |
399.8 |
599.6 |
799.4 |
999.4 |
1,199.2 |
|
Social Assistance Schemes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State Pension (Non Con) |
25.3 |
50.6 |
75.9 |
101.2 |
126.5 |
151.8 |
|
Blind Person's Pension |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.3 |
1.6 |
1.9 |
|
Widow/ers or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Con) Pension |
0.3 |
0.7 |
1.0 |
1.3 |
1.7 |
2.0 |
|
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
10.2 |
20.5 |
30.7 |
40.9 |
51.2 |
61.4 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
12.4 |
24.8 |
37.1 |
49.5 |
61.9 |
74.3 |
|
Half Rate Carer's Allowance |
5.0 |
10.0 |
15.0 |
20.0 |
25.0 |
30.0 |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.6 |
0.7 |
0.8 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance Max Rate €203 |
38.7 |
77.4 |
116.3 |
155.0 |
193.8 |
232.5 |
|
JA age 18 to 24 on €112.70 rate |
2.9 |
5.9 |
8.8 |
11.7 |
14.7 |
17.6 |
|
Disability Allowance |
40.8 |
81.5 |
122.4 |
163.2 |
203.9 |
244.7 |
|
Farm Assist |
1.8 |
3.6 |
5.5 |
7.3 |
9.1 |
10.9 |
|
Employment Support Schemes (BTWA & BTEA) |
2.3 |
4.5 |
6.8 |
9.0 |
11.3 |
13.5 |
|
Employment / Internship Schemes (CE, Tús, RSS etc.) |
9.7 |
19.4 |
29.2 |
38.9 |
48.6 |
58.3 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
4.7 |
9.4 |
14.1 |
18.8 |
23.5 |
28.2 |
|
Total Social Assistance Schemes |
154.6 |
309.2 |
464.2 |
618.8 |
773.4 |
928.0 |
|
Grand total Social Insurance & Social Assistance Schemes |
354.6 |
709.0 |
1,063.8 |
1,418.1 |
1,772.8 |
2,127.2 |
It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2020.
311. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the fuel allowance by one, two, three and four weeks, respectively, in tabular form taking into account increases announced in budget 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44073/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of increasing the fuel allowance season by the periods sought by the Deputy are detailed in the following table.
|
|
1 week increase |
2 week increase |
3 week increase |
4 week increase |
|
Fuel Allowance |
€9.2m |
€18.3m |
€27.5m |
€36.6m |
It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2020. Any decision to extend the fuel season would need to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
312. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the living alone allowance by €2, €3, €4, €5 and €6, respectively, taking into account budget 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44074/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated full year cost of increasing the living alone allowance by €2, €3, €4, €5 and €6 per week is as follows:
|
Increase |
Cost of Increase |
|
€2 |
€22.4m |
|
€3 |
€33.6m |
|
€4 |
€44.8m |
|
€5 |
€56.0m |
|
€6 |
€67.1m |
It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of beneficiaries for 2020.
313. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the full-year expenditure on the household benefits package by benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44075/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package comprises a choice of either Electricity or Gas Allowance, and Free Television Licence. These allowances provide a contribution towards electricity or gas, as well the cost of the annual Television Licence. Only one household package is paid per household. Household Benefits Package may be funded from either Vote 37 or the Social Insurance Fund, depending on the origin of the primary scheme entitlement of the recipient (e.g. State Pension (Non-Contributory) from the Vote or State Pension (Contributory) from the Fund).
The allocation for the Household Benefits scheme in 2020 is €254,462 as published in the 2020 Budget Estimates on Budget Day, details of which are in the following table.
|
|
Vote 37 |
Social Insurance Fund |
Total |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
Electricity Allowance |
51,453 |
121,520 |
172,973 |
|
Gas Allowance |
4,877 |
16,442 |
21,319 |
|
Free Television License |
15,149 |
45,021 |
60,170 |
|
Total |
71,479 |
182,983 |
254,462 |
314. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing rent supplement limits by an average of 10%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44076/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement continues its important role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 18,300 recipients for which the Government has provided €132.4 million for 2019.
Based on the current customer volumes and the spread of recipients across all counties, the forecast full year cost of increasing rent limits by 10% would be approximately €14.1 million.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
315. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the expenditure on the free travel scheme taking into account changes announced as part of budget 2020; the estimated cost of increasing expenditure by 10%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44077/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allocation for the Free Travel scheme in 2020 is €95m, as published in the 2020 Budget Estimates on Budget Day.
The cost of increasing expenditure by 10% would be €9.5 million.
316. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing the telephone support allowance by €1, €2, €2.50, €3, €4 and €5, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44078/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated full year cost of increasing the telephone support allowance by €1, €2, €2.50, €3, €4, and €5 per week is as follows:
|
Weekly increase |
Cost of increase |
|
€1.00 |
€6.9m |
|
€2.00 |
€13.8m |
|
€2.50 |
€17.3m |
|
€3.00 |
€20.8m |
|
€4.00 |
€27.7m |
|
€5.00 |
€34.6m |
It should be noted that this costing is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of beneficiaries for 2020.
317. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of increasing the qualified child increase in each age bracket by €2, €3, €4 and €5, respectively, taking into account increases announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44079/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe costings sought by the Deputy are detailed in the following table:
|
Qualified Child Increase |
€2 increase |
€3 increase |
€4 increase |
€5 increase |
|
Children under 12 years cost of increase |
€20.2m |
€30.2m |
€40.3m |
€50.4m |
|
Children aged 12 and over cost of increase |
€11.8m |
€17.7m |
€23.5m |
€29.4m |
|
Total cost of increase |
€32.0m |
€47.9m |
€63.8m |
€79.8m |
It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of beneficiaries for 2020.
318. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing expenditure on the school meals programme by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, respectively, taking into account changes announced in budget 2020 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44080/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2020 increased funding for the School Meals Programme by €4 million, from €57.6 million in 2019 to €61.6 million in 2020. The Budget measure provides funding for an additional 35,000 primary school pupils to receive hot meals in place of the cold lunches they currently receive under the School Meals Programme.
The estimated cost of increasing expenditure on the School Meals Programme by 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% is detailed in the following table:
|
2020 Budget |
+5% |
+10% |
+15% |
+20% |
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|
61,600 |
3,080 |
6,160 |
9,240 |
12,320 |
319. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the annual expenditure on the living wage commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44081/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Act 2015 established the Low Pay Commission, which makes recommendations regarding the National Minimum Wage to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
The annual expenditure of the Low Pay Commission, as outlined in the Commission's three year report published in January 2019 is as follows:
|
Expenditure Item |
2015* |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Salaries |
€94,000 |
€150,000 |
€112,000 |
€149,200 |
|
Fees |
€61,400 |
€81,000 |
€60,000 |
€75,300 |
|
Research |
€75,000 |
€55,000 |
€84,000 |
€55,000 |
|
Administration* |
€20,300 |
€21,000 |
€15,000 |
€27,600 |
|
Total |
€250,700 |
€307,000 |
€271,000 |
€307,100 |
|
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
Pay |
€155,400 |
€231,000 |
€172,000 |
€224,500 |
|
Non-Pay |
€95,300 |
€76,000 |
€99,000 |
€82,600 |
* This includes payments during the Commission’s interim period of operations from February 2015. The first full year of operation was 2016.
Further information regarding the Commission's three year report, and othe reports can be found at www.lowpaycommission.ie
