Written Answers Nos. 1100-1119
1100. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated in 2020 to each specific State agency under his aegis between current and capital funding in tabular form. [3855/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set out in the following table the funding allocations provided for in the Revised Estimates 2020 in relation to each the following bodies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Agency |
Current (€m) |
Capital (€m) |
|
CHARITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY (C.3) |
4.370 |
- |
|
WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (A.3) |
2.049 |
- |
|
WATER SAFETY IRELAND (B.9) |
1.124 |
- |
1101. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated by current and capital expenditure in 2020 to schemes (details supplied) in tabular form. [3858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set out the respective 2020 allocations to the relevant schemes and programmes operated by my Department in the following table.
|
DRCD Scheme |
Capital (€ million) |
Current (€ million) |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development (RRD) |
53 |
- |
|
LEADER Programme |
40 |
- |
|
Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVR) |
15 |
- |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) |
10 |
- |
|
Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) |
10 |
- |
|
Library Development |
7 |
1.1 |
|
CLÁR |
5 |
- |
|
Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) |
4.5 |
- |
|
PEACE Programme |
0.7 |
6.3 |
|
Supports for Disadvantaged Communities |
1.3 |
5.2 |
|
Walks Scheme |
- |
4 |
1102. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the final capital spend by his Department in 2019, including the capital carry-over from 2018, by subhead; the provision under each subhead including the capital carry-over from 2018 provided for in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3859/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Further Revised Estimates for 2019 in respect of the Department of Rural and Community Development provided for gross capital expenditure of €138 million. These resources were fully utilised, with capital expenditure for the year of €137.9 million. As a full capital spend was also achieved in 2018, capital carryover did not arise in 2019.
The 2019 capital allocations and estimated provisional outturn by subhead are presented in the table. The provisional capital outturn will be confirmed in the Department's annual Appropriation Account which will be submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit in March 2020, with final account published in September 2020.
I am satisfied the mix of policy initiatives, actions and investment put in place in recent years is strengthening both rural and urban communities. Strategic investments are supporting Project Ireland 2040, and are now delivering tangible economic benefits right across the country, while also addressing gaps in meeting the social needs of communities.
Capital Expenditure 2019
|
Subhead |
REV 2019 |
Provisional 2019 Outturn |
|
V42 – GROSS (€’000s) |
138,000 |
137,863 |
|
|
|
|
|
A - REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT & REGIONAL AFFAIRS |
122,882 |
122,549 |
|
A.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
182 |
82 |
|
A.4 - NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES |
15,000 |
18,986 |
|
A.5 - LEADER - RURAL ECONOMY SUB PROGRAMME |
30,000 |
45,188 |
|
A.7 - TOWN AND VILLAGE REGENERATION |
15,000 |
12,999 |
|
A.8 – REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
700 |
380 |
|
A.9. - LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES |
10,000 |
13,629 |
|
A10 - RURAL REGENERATION& DEVELOPMENT FUND |
52,000 |
31,285 |
|
B - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
15,118 |
15,315 |
|
B.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
151 |
58 |
|
B.3 –SUPPORTS FOR COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY SECTOR |
1 |
- |
|
B.6- SUPPORTS FOR DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITES |
1,767 |
1,902 |
|
B.7- DORMANT ACCOUNT MEASURES |
2,500 |
2,656 |
|
B.8- PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION |
650 |
650 |
|
B.10 - LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHIVE SERVICE |
6,049 |
6,049 |
|
B.11 - COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME |
4,000 |
4,000 |
1103. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of rural roads that have received funding under the local improvement scheme, LIS, in each of the years 2018 and 2019, by local authority in tabular form; the projected number of road projects completed in 2019; the number of projects approved under the LIS since it was re-established on an annual basis by county; and the number of projects that were not approved by county. [3860/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI reintroduced the Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, in 2017. Since then, over €48 million has been allocated to the LIS with over 2,000 road projects approved for works.
The LIS is funded by my Department and administered through the Local Authorities. The number and location of roads to benefit from improvement works under the scheme is a matter for the relevant Local Authority.
The table outlines the number of LIS projects approved and the number that have been confirmed as completed under the scheme since it was re-launched in 2017. In a small number of cases, the number of roads completed is greater than the number originally approved, due to necessary substitutions agreed with my Department, as allowed for under the terms of the scheme.
My Department does not hold records of projects that have not been approved at Local Authority level, and any queries or appeals in respect of such projects are a matter for the relevant Local Authority.
Table 1: LIS-Number of Roads Approved and Completed
|
Local Authority |
Roads Approved in 2017 |
Number of Roads Confirmed Complete under the 2017 Scheme |
Roads Approved in 2018 |
Number of Roads Confirmed Complete under the 2018 Scheme |
Roads Approved in 2019 |
Number of Roads Confirmed Complete under the 2019 Scheme |
|
Carlow |
20 |
20 |
28 |
28 |
14 |
14 |
|
Cavan |
10 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
4 |
4 |
|
Clare |
28 |
28 |
30 |
30 |
12 |
12 |
|
Cork |
21 |
21 |
61 |
62 |
20 |
20 |
|
Donegal |
164 |
164 |
106 |
107 |
34 |
35 |
|
Galway |
57 |
57 |
66 |
69 |
37 |
36 |
|
Kerry |
41 |
41 |
58 |
61 |
26 |
21 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
12 |
12 |
8 |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
16 |
16 |
15 |
16 |
12 |
9 |
|
Laois |
21 |
20 |
19 |
15 |
6 |
7 |
|
Leitrim |
18 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
10 |
11 |
|
Limerick |
18 |
17 |
21 |
22 |
13 |
13 |
|
Longford |
18 |
17 |
25 |
25 |
15 |
15 |
|
Louth |
8 |
8 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
|
Mayo |
89 |
86 |
139 |
144 |
73 |
74 |
|
Meath |
22 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
12 |
12 |
|
Monaghan |
21 |
21 |
31 |
28 |
10 |
14 |
|
Offaly |
20 |
20 |
31 |
31 |
11 |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
41 |
41 |
92 |
91 |
21 |
21 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
16 |
22 |
22 |
7 |
7 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
9 |
25 |
32 |
21 |
21 |
|
Waterford |
17 |
17 |
19 |
20 |
4 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
12 |
12 |
|
Wexford |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
11 |
11 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
7 |
15 |
15 |
11 |
10 |
|
TOTAL |
723 |
717 |
912 |
932 |
411 |
405 |
1104. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority under the town and village renewal scheme in 2018 and 2019; the amount paid to each local authority to date based on latest information for each allocation in question in tabular form; the total amount as a percentage paid out to date out of the amount allocated to each local authority in each such year based on latest data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3861/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one of a number of measures to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration and Development Programme. The Scheme is administered by the Local Authorities on behalf of my Department.
Under the 2018 Town and Village Scheme, 224 projects were selected for funding of €21.3 million in October 2018. On 31st October 2019, I announced details of a further 156 projects which I approved for funding of almost €15 million under the 2019 Scheme.
Tables 1 and 2 at the link outline the funding that was approved for each Local Authority in 2018 and 2019 respectively under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the amount that has been paid out to date as a percentage of the amount allocated. Payments are made when projects meet certain milestones.
Given the nature of the projects delivered under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, it is expected that the projects approved in 2019 will not be completed, in the main, until 2021. The remaining projects approved under the 2018 scheme are expected to be finalised during 2020.
1105. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local action group, LAG, under the LEADER programme 2014-2020 in tabular form; the amount expended annually under the programme in each LAG; the total spend as a percentage to date out of the amount allocated to each LAG for the programme period; the amount expended to date in each LAG on project costs, administrative costs and any other costs by each LAG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3862/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme with a total budget of €250 million over the period 2014-2020. €225 million of this funding has been allocated as core funding to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country who deliver the LEADER programme. This funding is allocated to the LAGs for the full period of the programme.
The remaining €25 million is available for thematic schemes to be delivered at a national level and is allocated as projects are approved.
Table 1 provides details of all payments made to the LAGs on an annual basis.
Table 2 provides details of:
- The budget allocations to the LAGs under the LEADER 2014-2020 programme, and
- The total spend by the LAGs broken down by:
- the cost of developing their Local Development Strategies at the outset of the programme (preparatory support);
- expenditure incurred on administration and on supporting the development of LEADER projects (administration & animation);
- funding provided to LEADER projects; and
- total spend expressed as a percentage of each LAG's budget allocation.
While the overall spend to date is 38% of the total allocation available to the LAGs, there continues to be a consistent increase in project payments over previous years. Over 1,000 project promoters, or 40%, have now received a Final Payment in respect of their project.
Project approvals have also steadily increased, with 2,771 projects approved to date to a value of over €107 million. A further 317 projects, requesting funding of almost €26 million, are at earlier stages in the approvals process. Project payments under the programme will continue to increase as approved works are completed and claims for payment submitted.
The figures provided do not include payments made under thematic schemes which are funded outside of the core budget allocated to each LAG.
Table 1: LEADER payments to LAGs for the period 2015-2020
|
Local Action Group |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Carlow |
€20,000 |
€0 |
€256,148 |
€955,702 |
€1,325,592 |
€186,988 |
|
Cavan |
€50,000 |
€62,741 |
€264,138 |
€676,779 |
€2,100,254 |
€400,211 |
|
Clare |
€71,000 |
€202,336 |
€525,000 |
€937,913 |
€1,613,675 |
€125,724 |
|
Cork North |
€15,000 |
€19,456 |
€422,197 |
€836,795 |
€985,750 |
€314,282 |
|
Cork South |
€65,000 |
€0 |
€261,234 |
€465,774 |
€500,358 |
€113,292 |
|
Cork West |
€135,240 |
€0 |
€362,953 |
€485,804 |
€726,069 |
€285,403 |
|
Donegal |
€57,594 |
€35,362 |
€778,328 |
€2,353,037 |
€2,492,873 |
€301,038 |
|
Dublin Rural |
€55,000 |
€0 |
€290,992 |
€714,709 |
€794,581 |
€73,403 |
|
Galway East |
€0 |
€58,214 |
€427,142 |
€426,367 |
€1,332,857 |
€407,733 |
|
Galway West |
€75,000 |
€60,000 |
€180,000 |
€292,284 |
€586,906 |
€34,898 |
|
Kerry |
€15,000 |
€1,344 |
€811,249 |
€1,299,208 |
€2,867,905 |
€610,924 |
|
Kildare |
€50,000 |
€0 |
€163,910 |
€314,922 |
€770,304 |
€180,214 |
|
Kilkenny |
€54,725 |
€182,570 |
€600,559 |
€922,011 |
€929,727 |
€69,612 |
|
Laois |
€25,000 |
€35,242 |
€282,636 |
€674,237 |
€994,508 |
€96,044 |
|
Leitrim |
€25,000 |
€32,134 |
€298,277 |
€551,744 |
€1,155,333 |
€206,333 |
|
Limerick |
€22,187 |
€26,267 |
€670,442 |
€1,245,753 |
€2,144,543 |
€342,888 |
|
Longford |
€30,000 |
€0 |
€266,711 |
€394,024 |
€1,183,596 |
€187,513 |
|
Louth |
€28,000 |
€21,913 |
€340,184 |
€455,037 |
€1,271,500 |
€399,378 |
|
Mayo |
€107,000 |
€43,722 |
€896,552 |
€870,727 |
€3,035,308 |
€543,426 |
|
Meath |
€40,000 |
€99,961 |
€317,904 |
€376,275 |
€916,318 |
€170,174 |
|
Monaghan |
€58,296 |
€45,042 |
€260,822 |
€592,452 |
€1,378,475 |
€212,209 |
|
Offaly |
€30,000 |
€43,481 |
€478,068 |
€1,288,187 |
€1,845,216 |
€383,073 |
|
Roscommon |
€58,213 |
€70,559 |
€325,968 |
€588,565 |
€1,632,704 |
€190,398 |
|
Sligo |
€15,000 |
€57,268 |
€502,405 |
€686,025 |
€1,222,544 |
€200,854 |
|
Tipperary |
€20,000 |
€16,443 |
€525,103 |
€901,658 |
€2,627,304 |
€248,320 |
|
Waterford |
€63,430 |
€55,779 |
€496,858 |
€1,824,877 |
€1,456,234 |
€106,775 |
|
Westmeath |
€25,500 |
€26,872 |
€345,928 |
€611,855 |
€867,346 |
€267,529 |
|
Wexford |
€15,000 |
€21,129 |
€443,303 |
€820,151 |
€2,034,838 |
€358,240 |
|
Wicklow |
€25,000 |
€43,088 |
€328,839 |
€417,879 |
€913,483 |
€90,090 |
|
Total |
€1,251,185 |
€1,260,921 |
€12,123,851 |
€22,980,756 |
€41,706,099 |
€7,106,967 |
Table 2: LEADER expenditure data as of 1st March 2020
|
Local Action Group |
Total Allocation |
Prep Support spend |
Admin & Animation spend |
Project spend |
Total Spend |
% spend |
|
Carlow |
€6,416,803 |
€20,000 |
€878,765 |
€1,845,666 |
€2,744,430 |
43% |
|
Cavan |
€9,022,286 |
€50,000 |
€962,571 |
€2,541,552 |
€3,554,123 |
39% |
|
Clare |
€8,920,225 |
€83,336 |
€1,746,000 |
€1,646,312 |
€3,475,648 |
39% |
|
Cork North |
€5,591,846 |
€15,000 |
€1,133,286 |
€1,445,194 |
€2,593,480 |
46% |
|
Cork South |
€3,831,303 |
€65,000 |
€781,216 |
€559,442 |
€1,405,658 |
37% |
|
Cork West |
€5,015,674 |
€135,240 |
€1,025,485 |
€834,744 |
€1,995,469 |
40% |
|
Donegal |
€13,413,878 |
€57,594 |
€2,218,085 |
€3,742,553 |
€6,018,232 |
45% |
|
Dublin Rural |
€6,370,438 |
€55,000 |
€1,066,079 |
€807,607 |
€1,928,686 |
30% |
|
Galway East |
€7,655,851 |
€159,488 |
€1,141,700 |
€1,351,125 |
€2,652,313 |
35% |
|
Galway West |
€4,540,033 |
€75,000 |
€660,000 |
€494,088 |
€1,229,088 |
27% |
|
Kerry |
€10,719,868 |
€16,344 |
€2,150,497 |
€3,438,789 |
€5,605,630 |
52% |
|
Kildare |
€5,261,600 |
€50,000 |
€755,257 |
€674,093 |
€1,479,350 |
28% |
|
Kilkenny |
€7,791,573 |
€57,295 |
€1,587,750 |
€1,114,159 |
€2,759,204 |
35% |
|
Laois |
€7,124,587 |
€35,191 |
€943,361 |
€1,129,114 |
€2,107,666 |
30% |
|
Leitrim |
€6,498,475 |
€25,000 |
€951,752 |
€1,292,068 |
€2,268,821 |
35% |
|
Limerick |
€9,776,594 |
€22,187 |
€1,939,429 |
€2,490,465 |
€4,452,081 |
46% |
|
Longford |
€7,597,623 |
€30,000 |
€1,023,364 |
€1,008,480 |
€2,061,844 |
27% |
|
Louth |
€6,101,862 |
€28,000 |
€971,764 |
€1,516,249 |
€2,516,013 |
41% |
|
Mayo |
€11,621,432 |
€119,238 |
€2,135,093 |
€3,242,405 |
€5,496,736 |
47% |
|
Meath |
€6,903,124 |
€40,000 |
€1,208,128 |
€672,504 |
€1,920,632 |
28% |
|
Monaghan |
€7,592,720 |
€58,296 |
€958,360 |
€1,530,640 |
€2,547,296 |
34% |
|
Offaly |
€8,536,764 |
€30,000 |
€1,296,427 |
€2,741,598 |
€4,068,025 |
48% |
|
Roscommon |
€8,852,659 |
€58,213 |
€1,191,446 |
€1,616,748 |
€2,866,406 |
32% |
|
Sligo |
€7,655,648 |
€15,000 |
€893,164 |
€1,775,932 |
€2,684,096 |
35% |
|
Tipperary |
€10,603,443 |
€20,000 |
€1,589,837 |
€2,728,991 |
€4,338,828 |
41% |
|
Waterford |
€8,022,796 |
€75,427 |
€1,158,445 |
€2,770,082 |
€4,003,954 |
50% |
|
Westmeath |
€7,384,206 |
€25,602 |
€1,110,969 |
€1,008,459 |
€2,145,030 |
29% |
|
Wexford |
€9,840,141 |
€15,000 |
€1,290,970 |
€2,386,691 |
€3,692,661 |
38% |
|
Wicklow |
€6,336,549 |
€35,794 |
€1,014,057 |
€768,529 |
€1,818,380 |
29% |
|
Total |
€225,000,000 |
€1,472,244 |
€35,783,255 |
€49,174,280 |
€86,429,779 |
38% |
1106. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of projects approved to date by each local action group, LAG, under the LEADER programme 2014-2020; the number of approved projects that have received project funding; and the number that have not in tabular form. [3863/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme which has a total budget of €250 million over the period to 2020. €225 million of this funding has been allocated as core funding to each of the individual Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver LEADER. The remaining €25 million is available for schemes to be delivered at a national level and is allocated as projects are approved.
Table 1 provides a breakdown of the number of core projects approved by each Local Action Group to date, as well as the number of approved projects which have received at least one payment, and the number of projects where no payment has yet issued.
Funding is drawn down as the projects start to incur expenditure and the project promoter submits claims for payment to the LAGs. The approved works, or phases of works, must be completed by the project promoter prior to any final or phased payments being made. A project promoter can opt to receive payment in one full final payment or up to five phased payments.
Over 1,000, or 40%, of project promoters have now received a Final Payment in respect of their project.
The level of project activity under the LEADER programme continues to increase and, to date, 2,771 core projects have been approved for funding of over €107 million. A further 317 project applications, with a value of almost €26 million, are at various stages in the approval process.
In addition to the figures provided in the table, over 100 Food and Co-operation projects have been approved at national level under the thematic schemes referred to above.
Table 1: LEADER core project approvals and payments issued as of 1 March 2020, by LAG
|
Local Action Group |
No. of Projects Approved |
No. of Projects where a payment has been made |
No. of Projects where no payment has issued |
|
Carlow |
41 |
32 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
80 |
49 |
31 |
|
Clare |
164 |
90 |
74 |
|
Cork North |
75 |
41 |
34 |
|
Cork South |
33 |
15 |
18 |
|
Cork West |
34 |
20 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
157 |
101 |
56 |
|
Dublin Rural |
61 |
37 |
24 |
|
Galway East |
81 |
41 |
40 |
|
Galway West |
56 |
29 |
27 |
|
Kerry |
306 |
167 |
139 |
|
Kildare |
37 |
18 |
19 |
|
Kilkenny |
89 |
55 |
34 |
|
Laois |
84 |
50 |
34 |
|
Leitrim |
95 |
47 |
48 |
|
Limerick |
98 |
59 |
39 |
|
Longford |
76 |
46 |
30 |
|
Louth |
103 |
69 |
34 |
|
Mayo |
155 |
104 |
51 |
|
Meath |
74 |
35 |
39 |
|
Monaghan |
54 |
34 |
20 |
|
Offaly |
144 |
109 |
35 |
|
Roscommon |
70 |
35 |
35 |
|
Sligo |
114 |
62 |
52 |
|
Tipperary |
161 |
85 |
76 |
|
Waterford |
65 |
46 |
19 |
|
Westmeath |
80 |
41 |
39 |
|
Wexford |
123 |
73 |
50 |
|
Wicklow |
61 |
28 |
33 |
|
Grand Total |
2,771 |
1,618 |
1,153 |
1107. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding to be allocated to the rural regeneration and development fund over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; the amount allocated in each year over the 2018 to 2020 period to the fund; the amount of funding allocated for each approved project in 2018 and 2019; and the amount issued in payments to date in tabular form. [3864/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed €1 billion to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities. The Fund has been allocated €315m over the period 2019 to 2022 and the various allocations over that period will be confirmed as part of the annual budgetary process. €52 million was allocated to the Fund for 2019 and €53 million is allocated for 2020.
Following the conclusion of the first call under the Fund in February 2019, a total of 84 successful projects had been announced, with funding of €86m provided from the Fund to support projects worth a total of €117m. Under the second call concluded in November 2019, another 26 projects were allocated funding of €62 million from the Fund. These 26 projects will deliver total investment of €97 million. Table 1 sets out the list of projects and the amount of funding which were approved under both calls.
Significant progress is being made on the implementation of the successful projects. To date, €31.4 million has been drawn down from the Fund by 66 separate projects. I look forward to further progress in the implementation of projects over the coming weeks and months.
The second call for Category 2 projects relating to project development and enabling initiatives closed on 28 February 2020. My Department is currently engaged in collating the applications received.
Table 1. List of projects which were approved for RRDF Funding under the first and second calls.
|
Project Title |
Category |
Location |
County |
Lead Applicant |
RRDF Funding |
|
Great Southern Greenway Limerick |
1 |
Abbeyfeale, Newcastlewest, Rathkeale, Ardagh |
Limerick |
Limerick City and County Council |
€2,724,657.00 |
|
gteic Hub An Spidéal |
1 |
An Spidéal |
Galway |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€548,887.00 |
|
Ardee Castle |
1 |
Ardee Castle |
Louth |
Louth County Council |
€2,147,000.00 |
|
Athenry / Bia Innovator |
1 |
Athenry |
Galway |
Galway County Council |
€3,554,000.00 |
|
An Bealach Project |
1 |
Ballaghdarreen |
Roscommon |
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Ltd |
€1,656,750.00 |
|
Ballinrobe Regeneration |
1 |
Ballinrobe |
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
€825,000.00 |
|
International Mountain Biking Project |
1 |
Ballyhoura, Coolaney, Ticknock, Ballinastoe, Slieve Blooms |
Limerick, Cork, Sligo, Dublin, Wicklow, Offaly, Laois |
Coillte |
€10,262,900.00 |
|
Banteer Amenity Project |
1 |
Banteer |
Cork |
IRD Duhallow CLG |
€1,128,000.00 |
|
gteic Hubs |
1 |
Béal a' Mhuirthead |
Mayo |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€795,062.00 |
|
Borris Railway Viaduct |
1 |
Borris |
Carlow |
Carlow County Council |
€654,820.00 |
|
Boyle Regeneration |
1 |
Boyle Town |
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
€1,705,705.00 |
|
Callan Town Regeneration |
1 |
Callan Town |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny County Council |
€561,750.00 |
|
Castlebayney Enterprise Centre |
1 |
Castleblayney |
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
€2,138,560.00 |
|
An Chistin Project |
1 |
Castlerea |
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
€1,545,000.00 |
|
Claremorris Indoor Sports Facility |
1 |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG |
€2,100,000.00 |
|
Cootehill Industrial Estate |
1 |
Cootehill |
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
€867,174.00 |
|
Edgeworthstown Regeneration |
1 |
Edgeworthstown |
Longford |
Longford County Council |
€1,269,019.00 |
|
Athy / Ernest Shackleton Project |
1 |
Emily Square, Athy |
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
€2,707,500.00 |
|
Emo Court |
1 |
Emo, Emo Court |
Laois |
Office of Public Works |
€1,200,000.00 |
|
Ennistymon Innovation Centre |
1 |
Ennistymon |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€1,023,300.00 |
|
gteic Gaoth Dobhair |
1 |
Gaoth Dobhair |
Donegal |
Udaras na Gaeltachta |
€1,500,000.00 |
|
Glenbrohane Local Hub |
1 |
Glenbrohane |
Limerick |
Ballyhoura Development CLG |
€626,369.00 |
|
Historic Granard Motte Project |
1 |
Granard |
Longford |
Longford County Council |
€2,872,434.00 |
|
Johnstown Castle & Gardens |
1 |
Johnstown Castle |
Wexford |
TEAGASC |
€658,696.00 |
|
Vandeleur Estate |
1 |
Kilrush |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€1,720,000.00 |
|
Kinsale Library Project |
1 |
Kinsale |
Cork |
Cork County Council |
€2,157,375.00 |
|
The Seaworld Project |
1 |
Lahinch |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€2,860,000.00 |
|
Loophead Visitor Attraction |
1 |
Loophead |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€868,500.00 |
|
Murroe Community Hub |
1 |
Murroe |
Limerick |
Ballyhoura Development CLG |
€3,816,451.00 |
|
National Parks |
1 |
National Parks (multiple) |
(6) Clare; Donegal; Galway; Kerry; Mayo; Wicklow |
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
€3,915,000.00 |
|
National Centre of Excellent for Surfing |
1 |
Strandhill |
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
€615,752.00 |
|
Swan Park |
1 |
Swan Park, Buncrana |
Donegal |
Donegal County Council |
€1,728,042.00 |
|
Thomastown Regeneration |
1 |
Thomastown |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny County Council |
€2,080,486.00 |
|
Tipperary Town Regeneration |
1 |
Tipperary Town |
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
€600,000.00 |
|
Tullycross Residential Education Centre |
1 |
Tullycross, Renvyle |
Galway |
Western Development Commission |
€1,728,000.00 |
|
Valentia Trans-Atlantic Cable Station |
1 |
Valentia Island |
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
€1,270,000.00 |
|
DigiWest |
1 |
Various |
Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon |
Western Development Commission |
€644,734.00 |
|
The Yeats Trail |
1 |
Yeats Trail |
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
€500,000.00 |
|
Virginia Civic Centre |
1 |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
€3,963,525.00 |
|
Virginia Civic Centre |
1 |
Virginia |
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
€3,963,525.00 |
|
Multifunctional Performance Auditorium at Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre, Tulla |
1 |
Tulla |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€900,000.00 |
|
Briery Gap Theater and Library |
1 |
Macroom |
Cork |
Cork County Council |
€2,000,000.00 |
|
Kanturk Regeneration - Phase 1 |
1 |
Kanturk |
Cork |
Cork County Council |
€619,500.00 |
|
Killybegs 2040 - Town Centre Regeneration Project |
1 |
Killybegs |
Donegal |
Donegal County Council |
€3,631,758.00 |
|
Ailt an Chorráin (Burtonport)/ Oilean Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island) - Harbour to Island Regeneration |
1 |
Burtonport/Arranmore Island |
Donegal |
Donegal County Council |
€3,089,199.00 |
|
Regeneration Loughrea, Breaking through |
1 |
Loughrea |
Galway |
Galway County Council |
€1,628,879.00 |
|
Listowel Food Hub |
1 |
Listowel |
Kerry |
North East West Kerry Development NEWKD |
€1,365,226.00 |
|
Barrow Blueway, 46km |
1 |
Barrow Blueway |
Kildare, Laois |
Kildare County Council |
€5,067,941.00 |
|
The Junction, Ballinamore - Regeneration of Ballinamore |
1 |
Ballinamore |
Leitrim |
Leitrim County Council |
€1,728,075.00 |
|
Manorhamilton Public Realm improvement works including re-imagining employment and Enterprise Lands |
1 |
Manorhamilton |
Leitrim |
Leitrim County Council |
€1,613,250.00 |
|
The Yard, Abbeyshrule - Community and Economic Hub |
1 |
Abbeyshrule |
Longford |
Longford County Council |
€522,265.71 |
|
Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh - Visitor Centre and Tourism Hub |
1 |
Aghleam |
Mayo |
Udaras na Gaeltachta |
€1,879,350.00 |
|
Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre |
1 |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
€2,677,352.00 |
|
Clew Bay Greenway Project |
1 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
€1,924,800.00 |
|
Trim Library and Cultural Centre |
1 |
Trim |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
€3,718,670.00 |
|
Kells Creative Placemaking (Phase 1) - Kells Courthouse Cultural Hub and Kells Printworks and Topgraphy Centre |
1 |
Kells |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
€992,834.00 |
|
Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration |
1 |
Castleblaney |
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
€2,611,150.00 |
|
Edenderry Regeneration - Phase 1 |
1 |
Edenderry |
Offaly |
Offaly County Council |
€522,207.00 |
|
Life Sciences Innovation Hub and Soft Landing Space |
1 |
Athlone |
Roscommon |
Roscommon County Council |
€2,751,544.16 |
|
Roscrea Enterprise, Digital and Social Impact Hub |
1 |
Roscrea |
Tipperary |
North Tipperary Development Company |
€1,925,546.00 |
|
Fetherd Town Park |
1 |
Fethard |
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
€2,600,000.00 |
|
Templemore Town Hall: Enterprise and Cultutal Centre, with associated Civic Plaza |
1 |
Templemore |
Tipperary |
Tipperary County Council |
€2,107,500.00 |
|
Ireland's Global Garden - Mount Congreve Estate |
1 |
Kilmeaden |
Waterford |
Waterford City and County Council |
€3,726,000.00 |
|
Wexfordia - the New Ross Tourism Transformation |
1 |
New Ross |
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
€5,560,000.00 |
|
Making Baltinglass the Hub for South West Wicklow |
1 |
Baltinglass |
Wicklow |
Wicklow County Council |
€2,675,226.00 |
|
Anne’s Grove |
2 |
Anne’s Grove |
Cork |
OPW |
€375,000.00 |
|
Ardee Regeneration |
2 |
Ardee |
Louth |
Louth County Council |
€526,743.75 |
|
Kildare Town Centre Regeneration |
2 |
Athy |
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
€80,000.00 |
|
Coláiste Íosagáin Campus |
2 |
Baile Bhuirne/Coláiste Íosagáin |
Cork |
Udaras na Gaeltachta |
€180,000.00 |
|
Baile na Fheirtéaraigh Development |
2 |
Baile na Fheirtéaraigh |
Kerry |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€292,500.00 |
|
Creative Studios Ballaghdarreen |
2 |
Ballaghdarreen |
Roscommon |
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Ltd |
€20,250.00 |
|
Altmont House and Gardens |
2 |
Ballon |
Carlow |
OPW |
€450,000.00 |
|
Ballybay Regeneration |
2 |
Ballybay |
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
€410,400.00 |
|
Kenmare |
2 |
Kenmare |
Kerry |
Kerry County Council |
€275,000* * Project cancelled |
|
Ballydesmond |
2 |
Ballydesmond |
Cork |
Cork County Council |
€56,250.00 |
|
Ballyjamesduff Regeneration Strategy |
2 |
Ballyjamesduff |
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
€90,000.00 |
|
Blackwater River Valley |
2 |
Blackwater Valley |
Waterford |
Waterford Leader Partnership |
€128,842.00 |
|
Boyne Navigation and Greenway |
2 |
Boyne Navigation and Greenway |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
€845,250.00 |
|
Carrickmacross Town Centre Renewal |
2 |
Carrickmacross |
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
€632,000.00 |
|
The Clones Terminus |
2 |
Cavan to Monaghan |
Cavan to Monaghan |
Waterways Ireland |
€325,000.00 |
|
Clones Regeneration |
2 |
Clones |
Monaghan |
Monaghan County Council |
€377,250.00 |
|
Cootehill Technology Park |
2 |
Cootehill |
Cavan |
Cavan County Council |
€56,000.00 |
|
Digital Innovation Hub Strategy |
2 |
Cork County |
Cork |
Cork County Council |
€206,168.00 |
|
Dingle Workhouse Masterplan |
2 |
Dingle Workhouse |
Kerry |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€415,000.00 |
|
Ireland’s National Parks |
2 |
Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow |
Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Wicklow |
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht - NPWS |
€1,466,250.00 |
|
Doolin Pier |
2 |
Doolin |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€465,571.00 |
|
Dunmore Regeneration |
2 |
Dunmore |
Galway |
Galway County Council |
€960,909.00 |
|
Edenderry Masterplan |
2 |
Edenderry |
Offaly |
Offaly County Council |
€75,000.00 |
|
Community Facilities Enfield |
2 |
Enfield |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
€726,000.00 |
|
The Cliff Bath House |
2 |
Enniscrone |
Sligo |
Sligo County Council |
€131,250.00 |
|
Esmonde Street Gorey |
2 |
Ferrycarraig and the Hook Peninsuala |
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
€1,087,340.00 |
|
Úibh Ráthach Action Plan |
2 |
Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthach/Iveragh Taskforce |
Kerry |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€174,351.00 |
|
Market House Gorey |
2 |
Gorey |
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
€429,145.37 |
|
Ferrycarraig and the Hook Peninsuala |
2 |
Gorey |
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
€95,224.00 |
|
Inis Cealtra Island |
2 |
Inis Cealtra |
Clare |
Clare County Council |
€920,500.00 |
|
Kell’s Heritage Development |
2 |
Kells |
Meath |
Meath County Council |
€210,000.00 |
|
Community Shops Kilkenny |
2 |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
€60,000.00 |
|
Ocean Innovation Centre Ireland |
2 |
Killybegs |
Donegal |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
€293,436.00 |
|
Kinnegad Regeneration |
2 |
Kinnegad |
Westmeath |
Westmeath County Council |
€600,000.00 |
|
Kinvara Boardwalk and Walkway |
2 |
Kinvara |
Galway |
Galway County Council |
€124,781.25 |
|
Smart Green Mohill |
2 |
Mohill |
Leitrim |
Leitrim County Council |
€37,500.00 |
|
Monasterevin Town Centre Regeneration |
2 |
Monasterevin |
Kildare |
Kildare County Council |
€78,000.00 |
|
Geopark Development |
2 |
Multi Location |
Mayo, Galway |
Geological Survey Ireland |
€969,387.00 |
|
Cycle Network |
2 |
Multi Location |
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
€75,000.00 |
|
Wild Atlantic Way |
2 |
Multiple |
Clare / Kerry |
Fáilte Ireland |
€666,300.00 |
|
Enterprise Hub New Ross |
2 |
New Ross |
Wexford |
Wexford County Council |
€328,407.00 |
|
West Limerick Tourism Gateway |
2 |
Newcastle West |
Limerick |
Limerick City and County Council |
€330,000.00 |
|
Rathcormac Strategy for Development |
2 |
Rathormac |
Cork |
Avondhu Blackwater partnership CLG |
€122,025.00 |
|
Trim Castle |
2 |
Trim |
Meath |
OPW |
€262,500.00 |
|
Tuam Regeneration Strategy |
2 |
Tuam |
Galway |
Galway County Council |
€175,000.00 |
|
Tourism Experiences |
2 |
Westport and Cong |
Mayo |
Mayo County Council |
€56,000.00 |
1108. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial allocations on an annual basis under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 per measure 19 support for LEADER local development; the annual amount expended on the programme in each year of the programme up to 31 December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3902/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER, which is referred to at EU level as Measure 19 of the Rural Development Programme, has a total budget of €250 million over the period 2014-2020.
€225 million of this budget is allocated as core funding to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This includes €5 million in additional funding I allocated to the top 10 performing LAGs in 2019. The balance of €25 million is provided for thematic projects which are approved at national level.
The funding which has been allocated to the LAGs is provided for the duration of the LEADER programme, rather than on an annual basis. This provides greater flexibility to the LAGs in managing their resources.
Table 1 outlines the overall expenditure incurred each year to date under the programme. The figures reflect expenditure from the LAGs' core funding as well as expenditure under the national thematic schemes. Expenditure includes the initial costs incurred by the LAGs in developing their Local Development Strategies in the early years of the programme, LAG administration costs and the cost of their engagement with communities to generate projects, as well as project expenditure itself.
Expenditure and project approvals under LEADER have increased significantly in recent years. At the start of March 2020, a total of 2,771 projects were approved by the LAGs for core funding of over €107 million. A further 317 core projects with a combined value of almost €26 million were at earlier stages of the approvals process.
In addition, over 100 Food and Co-operation projects have been approved at national level under the thematic schemes referred to above.
Over 40% of approved projects are now complete and have received a Final Payment in respect of their project.
Table 1: LEADER 2014-2020 Expenditure broken down per year as of 2 March 2020
|
Total Programme Expenditure per year |
|
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2015 |
€1,251,185 |
|
2016 |
€1,260,921 |
|
2017 |
€12,123,851 |
|
2018 |
€22,983,713 |
|
2019 |
€42,307,596 |
|
2020 |
€7,519,975 |
|
Total |
€87,447,240 |
1109. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans in respect of the stillbirth register and stillbirth certification to be replaced with a birth certificate and death certificate in order that stillborn babies can receive State records of their existence in the same way as others; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2743/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like the Deputy to know that I appreciate the sensitivities relating to significant personal impacts in individual cases in this area. It is important that should any changes be made, we must ensure the continued integrity and robustness of the civil registration system, including the registers maintained under that system.
The registers that record vital life events are maintained in a manner consistent with international norms and ensure that the State’s obligations to keep proper population and public health statistics are fulfilled.
Should a child die, either shortly after birth, or at a later period, their death can be registered and a death certificate can be issued. Along with this the Oireachtas has also recognised the need for a separate register of stillbirths. This register was established to record the stillbirth of a child who had reached a gestational term of 24 weeks or weighs no less than 500 grammes and shows no signs of life at birth. This approach is in line with international practice.
Any further changes to the register would require consideration and approval from the Government.
1110. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount paid annually through the daily expenses allowance since 2000, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3292/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants for International Protection accommodated under the system of Direct Provision operated by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of the Department of Justice and Equality are provided with full board accommodation and other facilities/services.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection administers the daily expenses allowance (DEA) which is paid to protection applicants who live in the direct provision system. The payment was previously known as direct provision allowance (DPA).
The Government has provided €13.1 million for the allowance in 2020. 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.
The tabular statement provides details of expenditure on daily expenses allowance since 2009. Expenditure figures for previous years are not available (as the allowance was accounted for as part of the basic supplementary welfare allowance scheme).
Tabular Statement - Expenditure on Daily Expenses Allowance, 2009 – 2020
|
Year |
DEA Expenditure |
|
2009 |
€7.34m |
|
2010 |
€6.62m |
|
2011 |
€5.55m |
|
2012 |
€3.80m |
|
2013 |
€3.78m |
|
2014 |
€3.63m |
|
2015 |
€3.85m |
|
2016 |
€3.99m |
|
2017 |
€4.91m |
|
2018 |
€6.36m |
|
2019 |
€11.2m (provisional) |
|
2020 |
€13.1m (estimate) |
1111. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures being taken to implement a Labour Court recommendation issued in 2008 that a pension scheme be put in place for community employment scheme supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3874/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1133. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a matter (details supplied); if further discussions have taken place with unions on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2877/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to address the issues regarding the pension and gratuity status of community employment supervisors; her further plans to implement the Labour Court recommendation issued in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3539/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1111, 1133 and 1172 together.
I wish to acknowledge the valuable and dedicated service that Community Employment (CE) sponsor organisations provide in running CE Schemes all over the country. CE supervisors, as employees of these organisations, are an integral part of that good work. We simply could not sustain a lot of our local community services without their work and it is, of course, a concern to me that the Supervisors feel compelled to take industrial action.
The industrial action relates to a claim by CE supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking for a number of years, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
Last year my officials and I met with the unions to establish a process for the related discussions and to agree on the terms of reference. During the meetings that followed, the parties undertook a detailed analysis of each of a number of potential solutions tabled, mindful of the broader environment in which any solution found would need to operate.
Related discussions have also been taken place between officials from my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) and I have asked that my officials continue these discussions.
1112. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State pension, contributory; the amount received; the number of persons in receipt of the State pension, non-contributory; the amount received in each of the years 2010 to 2019; the projections for the growth in the number of pensioners and the amount likely to be issued in pensions in the next number of years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2576/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe expenditure and recipient numbers for the State Pension Contributory (SPC) and State Pension non-Contributory (SPNC) are detailed in Table 1. Expenditure for 2019 is provisional and is subject to audit.
The projected number of pensioners and the associated expenditure for these pensioners is contingent on policy decisions regarding qualification criteria. A number of potential scenarios were examined in Appendix 7 of the Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund (2015). The Actuarial Review can be downloaded at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bc2427-minister-doherty-welcomes-publication-of-the-actuarial-review-of-the/
Table 2 and Table 3 outline the projected population growth for selected years, and people at or above State Pension Age (SPA) as a proportion of the total projected population.
1113. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2582/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 14 November 2019.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied for the care recipient.
The person concerned was notified on 8 January 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
According to the records of the Department, he has not exercised either right.
If the person concerned wishes to request an appeal or a review and has further evidence to support his request, this request and evidence should be submitted.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1114. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) was reduced from €184 to €152 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2586/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
For the purposes of the means-test, it is necessary at the outset for applicants to provide full details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments they hold. Following the award of pension, a reporting obligation continues to apply whereby the pension recipient (and, where relevant, their qualified adult dependant, personal representative or agent) must notify the Department in a timely manner of any change in their circumstances that may impact on their pension entitlement.
The person concerned requested a review of their state pension non-contributory on 4 March 2019. On review of the person's weekly means at that time, the Deciding Officer established that their weekly means had increased, resulting in a reduction in their weekly pension entitlement effective from 26 July 2019.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 9 July 2019, together with the reasons for the decision and notified of their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned subsequently appealed the decision. The decision was upheld on appeal and the person was notified of this by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 23 January 2020.
It is open to the person concerned to notify any change in their circumstances and request a further review of their state pension by writing to: State pension (non-contributory) section, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo F91 T384.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1115. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2588/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 January 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. On 6 February 2020 the case was referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
1116. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 January 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6 February 2020 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
1117. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer’s allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 16 November 2019.
It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
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 was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 22 January 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of this decision on 13 February 2020. This request was referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 13 February 2020 for their attention.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1118. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a domiciliary care allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2592/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 21 February 2020.
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.
1119. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a life pension awarded to coal miners who suffered loss of faculty passes to the spouse after their death as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2597/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeath Benefit Pension/Widow’s Occupational Injury Pension is payable in cases when a person dies as a result of an occupational accident or prescribed occupational disease, or if immediately before death they were in receipt of a Disablement Pension for a loss of faculty of 50% or higher, their widow, widower or surviving civil partner may be entitled to a Death Benefit Pension. A Death Benefit Pension is payable at a higher rate than a standard Widow/er’s/Surviving Civil Partner Contributory Pension.
They would also qualify for a Death Benefit Funeral Grant of €850.00. Fuel Allowance, Living Alone Allowance and Free Schemes are also payable provided the conditions pertaining to the different schemes are satisfied.
I am advised that there is no record of an application having being received from the spouse of the person concerned. I have therefore arranged for an application form for Death Benefits under the Occupational Injuries Scheme to issue to the person's spouse on 28/02/2020.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
